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Colombian leftist President Gustavo Petro announced on social media platform X on the 9th that he has requested multiple ministers and heads of administrative departments to submit their resignations. Petro wrote: "There will be some adjustments in the cabinet to better implement the plans demanded by the people. The government will focus on executing these projects."

On the 4th, Petro hosted a televised cabinet meeting, during which he publicly reprimanded his ministers for five hours. He expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress of key reforms in taxation, land, and education, criticizing several officials, including the ministers of trade, education, and health, for delays in implementing major initiatives. This has led to heightened tensions within the government.

As of tonight, three ministers and two senior officials have resigned, including Foreign Minister Laura Sarabia, Culture Minister Juan David Correa, Labor Minister Gloria Ramirez, and Environment Minister Susana Muhamad. Jorge Rojas, the head of the Administrative Department of the Presidency (DAPRE), which manages substantial national funds, has also submitted his resignation.

The Baltic States of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia officially disconnected from the Russian energy system on the 9th and fully integrated into the European Union (EU) power grid, marking a significant milestone in the region’s energy independence. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that this means "Moscow can no longer use energy as a weapon against the Baltic countries."

To celebrate this historic moment, the presidents of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Poland gathered at the Lithuanian Presidential Palace today and held a joint press conference with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, highlighting the importance of this move for regional energy security.

According to reports from AFP and Reuters, as former Soviet republics, the three Baltic nations are now members of both the EU and NATO and have long sought to end their reliance on the Russian power grid. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, this process has accelerated significantly to strengthen energy integration with the EU and ensure regional energy security.

The Baltic states, strong supporters of Ukraine, have long feared they could be Russia’s next target and were concerned that Moscow might use the power grid as leverage. However, concerns about potential Russian interference during the transition did not materialize. Baltic electricity transmission operators stated that Russia remained cooperative throughout the process, with Latvia’s transmission system operator AST telling AFP that the most surprising part was that "there were no surprises at all."
In his nightly address, Zelensky noted that Kyiv had already taken similar measures in 2022. Now, with the Baltic states successfully freeing themselves from dependence on Russian energy, "Moscow can no longer use energy as a weapon to threaten these countries."

For Russia, the disconnection means its exclave of Kaliningrad, located between Lithuania, Poland, and the Baltic Sea, has been completely cut off from the Russian mainland power grid and must now operate its electricity system independently. The Kremlin stated that it has taken necessary measures to ensure stable power supply in the region, including constructing new natural gas power plants to address the challenge.

On Friday, July 7, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told Reuters that he is prepared to reach an agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump, allowing the United States to participate in the development of Ukraine’s abundant rare earth elements and other critical mineral resources. This comes in response to Trump’s earlier suggestion of exchanging rare earth minerals for U.S. assistance. “Let’s make a deal!” Zelensky declared.

To support his proposal, Zelensky presented a formerly classified map detailing the locations of Ukraine’s rare earth elements and other important mineral deposits. He emphasized that Kyiv is not simply handing over its resources but is instead proposing a mutually beneficial partnership to develop them together.

Speaking to Reuters, Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine requires security guarantees from its allies in any peace plan. Last fall, Ukraine proposed opening access to its critical mineral resources to its allies as part of a "Victory Plan" designed to strengthen its negotiating position and pressure Moscow to come to the table. The initiative also aims to prevent Russia from seizing these rare mineral resources and supplying them to adversaries of the U.S., such as North Korea. These rare earth minerals are widely used in high-performance magnets, motors, and consumer electronics. Additionally, Zelensky highlighted that Ukraine possesses the largest titanium reserves in Europe, a crucial material for the aerospace industry, as well as uranium, which can be used for nuclear energy and weaponry.

Since the war began, Ukraine has been facing multiple challenges, including manpower shortages, insufficient aid, unfavorable battlefield conditions, and economic pressures. Although Western countries have provided military equipment and financial assistance, Russia’s recent advances in eastern Ukraine, bolstered by its military superiority, have led Ukrainian leadership to conclude that conventional aid models alone will not be enough to resolve the crisis. As a result, Ukraine has introduced this controversial new strategy, aiming to leverage its natural resources to break the current deadlock.

The Ukrainian government has clarified that this proposal is just one component of a broader diplomatic strategy aimed at addressing national defense needs while also diversifying the country's economic structure. Regardless of the outcome, this move undoubtedly introduces a new perspective on international resource diplomacy and strategic negotiations.

U.S. President Donald Trump, who has actively worked to reduce government spending since taking office, has decided to overhaul the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), which focuses on overseas humanitarian aid. The plan involves reducing the agency's workforce from over 10,000 employees to fewer than 300.

According to the Congressional Research Service (CRS), USAID currently employs more than 11,000 people worldwide, with about 67% working outside the U.S. As part of the reduction plan, the remaining personnel will be kept only in regional offices, while the rest will be laid off. For instance, the Africa office will retain 12 employees, the Asia, Latin America, and Caribbean offices will keep 8 each, and the Middle East office will keep 21. In addition, 800 grants and contracts managed by USAID will be canceled. Some employees have already received layoff notices, and starting February 7, employees globally will enter administrative leave.

Furthermore, media reports suggest that the White House is drafting an executive order to lay off thousands of employees from the Department of Health and Human Services, including staff from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Its affiliated agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, may also be affected.

The reports indicate that after the USAID restructuring, it will merge with the State Department. President Trump has appointed Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the acting USAID Administrator. Since USAID was established by law and its funding is governed by regulations, the potential merger cannot be finalized until Congress approves it. The American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the American Foreign Service Association (AFSA) argue that this plan will lead to a global humanitarian crisis, calling it unconstitutional and illegal, and they will seek legal means to prevent its implementation.

On February 6, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba visited the United States to meet with President Donald Trump. This marks the second meeting Trump has had with a foreign leader since taking office. As America’s closest ally in Asia, Japan shares concerns over Trump’s "America First" approach and whether Japan might face similar treatment as Canada, Mexico, and Europe. According to Nikkei News, during this visit, Japan is expected to propose purchasing more U.S. natural gas to align with Trump’s "drill, baby, drill" plan. The two nations are set to release a joint statement, aiming to usher in a "golden era" and elevate the U.S.-Japan alliance to a new level.

Sheila Smith, a senior fellow at the U.S. think tank Council on Foreign Relations (CFR), told AFP that unlike Trump's meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu, which sparked global debate over the "takeover of the Gaza Strip," the meeting with Ishiba is expected to be calm and composed. Japan has reduced its imports of liquefied natural gas from Russia and will use this opportunity to purchase more U.S. gas, strengthening the U.S.-Japan alliance. However, with Trump’s meticulous approach to finances, the issue of how the U.S. and Japan share defense costs will be another headache for Ishiba, especially considering the 54,000 U.S. troops currently stationed in Japan.

Greece, located at the junction of the African and Eurasian tectonic plates, is one of the most earthquake-prone areas in Europe. Over the past three days, about 550 earthquakes with a magnitude of 3 or higher have been recorded between the Aegean Sea's Santorini Island and the nearby Amorgos and Ios Islands, with one reaching a magnitude of 4.9. The atmosphere has been highly tense.

Santorini Island has a population of about 15,000 people, and the series of earthquakes have already led 9,000 people, including tourists and locals, to leave the island. Large crowds have gathered at the port waiting to board ships to leave. Flights to Athens are also fully booked, and schools on the island will be closed for a week. Greek authorities have sent emergency rescue teams to the area and are urging residents to move to safer zones. Additionally, coastal area monitoring has been intensified, with warnings to avoid areas at risk of landslides.

Seismologists estimate that the earthquake activity could continue for several more days or even weeks. In response, authorities have ordered the temporary closure of schools on nearby islands and have advised coastal residents to evacuate. Plans for emergency accommodation and food distribution are also being prepared. The last major earthquake in Santorini occurred in 1956, with a magnitude of over 7, resulting in at least 53 deaths and over 100 injuries.

On the 3rd, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that after speaking with U.S. President Donald Trump, the U.S. would suspend tariffs on Canada for 30 days. Trudeau stated on social media platform X that during this period of U.S.-Canada cooperation, Canada would deploy nearly 10,000 personnel to assist in law enforcement and protect the Canada-U.S. border, while designating drug trafficking organizations as terrorists. He also mentioned the appointment of an official to oversee the opioid fentanyl crisis and combat money laundering activities.

Trump later confirmed the news on his social media platform, Truth Social, posting that Canada had agreed to enhance law enforcement at the northern U.S. border to stop fentanyl and other drugs from entering the U.S. He expressed satisfaction with the preliminary results and announced that tariffs on Canada would be suspended for 30 days to allow time to assess whether a broader agreement could be reached.

Trump described illegal immigration and drug flows into the U.S. as a "major threat." Tariffs were initially set to be imposed starting on the 4th, with a 25% tariff on goods imported from Canada and Mexico, and a 10% tariff on China. Trudeau quickly stated that Canada would impose a 25% tariff on U.S. goods if the tariffs were implemented.

After negotiations with Mexico, Trump and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also announced a one-month delay on tariffs on Mexican goods.

On the 3rd, Trump mentioned that Washington and Beijing might hold final talks on the tariff issue within the next 24 hours.

Eastern Australia has been hit by extreme weather in recent days, with continuous heavy rainfall causing severe flooding. Many areas are submerged, roads have been closed, and authorities have issued emergency evacuation orders. According to local meteorological agencies, some regions have recorded over 1,000 millimeters of rainfall in just two days, setting a historic record as the disaster continues to escalate.

The heavy rainfall has primarily impacted Queensland and New South Wales, where several rivers have overflowed, leading to severe flooding in low-lying areas. Authorities have issued flood warnings for multiple towns and have urgently evacuated affected residents. Some areas have experienced road closures, power outages, and communication disruptions, while rescue teams are working tirelessly to help evacuate people to safety.

In parts of Queensland, rainfall has exceeded 1,000 millimeters within 48 hours, turning town streets into vast floodwaters. Vehicles and houses have been submerged, and some residents have been stranded on rooftops awaiting rescue. The local government has deployed helicopters and rescue teams to conduct emergency operations.

Experts believe that this extreme rainfall is closely linked to climate change. Eastern Australia has experienced increasingly frequent extreme weather events in recent years, including floods, heatwaves, and wildfires, raising concerns about future climate challenges. The Bureau of Meteorology has warned that rainfall may continue in the coming days, potentially worsening the flooding situation. Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow evacuation instructions.

Currently, authorities are intensifying rescue and disaster recovery efforts while advising affected residents to avoid dangerous areas for their safety. The local government has also announced emergency relief funds to help affected families rebuild their lives as soon as possible.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced on the 1st that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will travel to Washington on the 3rd (Eastern Time) to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, and launch the second phase of Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiations.

According to Reuters, Netanyahu is expected to depart from Israel on the 2nd and meet with Trump at the White House on the 4th (Eastern Time) to discuss the situation in Gaza and the issue of Israeli hostages still held in the region.

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated that Netanyahu will also meet with Witkoff to discuss Israel’s stance in the ceasefire agreement. Over the past 15 months, Egypt and Qatar, with U.S. support, have acted as mediators to facilitate dialogue between Israel and Hamas. As a result, Witkoff also plans to hold talks with officials from Egypt and Qatar.

Last month, Israel and Hamas reached a complex ceasefire agreement to be implemented in three phases, temporarily halting fighting in Gaza. So far, Hamas has released 18 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. However, more than 70 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza.

According to Agence France-Presse (AFP), the official negotiation date between representatives from Egypt, Qatar, Hamas, and Israel has yet to be determined. The first phase of the ceasefire agreement, lasting 42 days, is set to end in March. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office stated that Witkoff will first negotiate with Qatari and Egyptian representatives before meeting with Netanyahu to discuss ways to accelerate the negotiation process, including setting a concrete date for the delegation to begin talks.

The second phase of the ceasefire agreement is expected to involve the release of the remaining hostages and discussions on permanently ending the war.

White House Announces: Trump Signs Executive Order Imposing Tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China, On the 1st, the White House spokesperson announced that President Trump had signed an executive order imposing a 25% tariff on Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, effective immediately. According to CNBC, the energy tariff on Canada will be reduced to 10% to mitigate the impact on gasoline and other energy prices. Additionally, under the new order, if these countries retaliate against the U.S. in any way, the tariffs will escalate, sending shockwaves across the globe.

President Trump previously posted on the X platform, citing the powers granted to the president under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) to justify tariff retaliation against the three countries. He stated that the tariffs were implemented “because illegal immigration and deadly drugs like fentanyl pose a major threat to the lives of our citizens.” He added, “We need to protect Americans. As president, I have a responsibility to ensure everyone’s safety.” Furthermore, Trump announced on X: “On February 18, we will finally impose tariffs on chips, oil, and natural gas, as well as steel, aluminum, and copper.”

Following Trump’s announcement, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau declared that Canada would take strong countermeasures immediately and announced a 25% retaliatory tariff on U.S. goods. Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed strong opposition and ordered her Minister of Economy to implement both tariff and non-tariff measures to defend Mexico’s interests. However, she also stated on X that her government does not seek confrontation with the U.S. but instead aims for cooperation and dialogue.

The move has sparked mixed reactions. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce released a statement saying: “The president is right to focus on critical issues such as border security and fentanyl, but imposing tariffs under IEEPA is unprecedented. Tariffs will not solve these problems—they will only raise costs for American families and disrupt supply chains.” Experts are now evaluating the economic impact of these tariffs. Economists warn that full implementation could lead to rising prices, but the Trump administration argues that tariffs will bring manufacturing back to the U.S., boost employment and wages, and counter inflation by easing energy regulations to lower oil prices.

The U.S. trades approximately $1.6 trillion annually with these three nations. CNBC believes that Trump is using tariffs as a diplomatic tool, particularly regarding immigration and drug trafficking issues. Previously, Colombia had refused to accept deported migrants, but after Trump threatened tariffs, the Colombian government reversed its stance, demonstrating the political power of tariffs. Tariffs have long been a key component of Trump’s economic policy. During his campaign, he famously declared that "tariffs are the fourth most beautiful word in the dictionary, after ‘God,’ ‘love,’ and ‘religion.’” In his first term, Trump imposed heavy tariffs on China, leading to a major shift in the global economic landscape. In 2023, Mexico surpassed China as the United States' largest source of imports. This new trade war is expected to further reshape the global economy.