While You Were Sleeping: 5 stories you might have missed, Feb 25, 2025
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Vote results are displayed during the 11th Emergency Special Session draft resolution meeting at the UN headquarters in New York.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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UN assembly backs resolution condemning Russia’s war in Ukraine
The United Nations on Feb 24 rejected a US bid to tone down the General Assembly’s stance on Russia’s war in Ukraine as President Donald Trump seeks to broker peace, giving Kyiv and European allies a diplomatic victory at the world body.
The 193-member General Assembly voted on rival draft resolutions - one from Washington and one written by Ukraine and European states - to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of its neighbour.
The United States was forced to abstain in the vote on its own resolution after European countries successfully amended Washington’s draft to add language reflecting long-held UN support for Kyiv during the war, including Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity.
“This war has never been about Ukraine only. It is about a fundamental right of any country to exist, to choose its own path and to live free from aggression,” Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa told the assembly before the vote.
Macron, Trump vow to work together on Ukraine, despite differences
PHOTO: REUTERS
French President Emmanuel Macron and Donald Trump sought to smooth over a transatlantic rift on Ukraine on Feb 24, with the US president eyeing a deal to end Russia’s invasion “within weeks” backed by European peacekeepers.
Hosting Mr Macron at the White House on the third anniversary of the Russian invasion, Mr Trump also said he expected Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky to visit this week or next, to sign a deal giving Washington access to Kyiv’s minerals.
Mr Trump hailed Mr Macron as a “very special man” as they shared one of their trademark macho handshakes in the Oval Office – with the French president seeking to use his ties with Mr Trump to shore up support for Ukraine.
Global security arrangements ‘unravelling’, UN chief warns
PHOTO: REUTERS
Security arrangements that have supported global peace for decades are unravelling, the head of the United Nations warned on Feb 24 as he urged countries to work together towards a nuclear free world.
“The bilateral and regional security arrangements that underwrote global peace and stability for decades are unravelling before our eyes,” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Conference on Disarmament that gathered in Geneva.
“Trust is sinking, while uncertainty, insecurity, impunity and military spending are all rising,” Mr Guterres added.
Roberta Flack, R&B singer behind Killing Me Softly, dies at 88
PHOTO: AFP
Roberta Flack, the Grammy-winning singer behind the classic Killing Me Softly With His Song and one of the most recognisable voices of the 1970s, died Feb 24 at age 88.
Flack’s publicist announced her death without citing a cause.
The influential pop and R&B star in recent years had lost her ability to sing because of ALS, known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, which she was diagnosed with in 2022.
Manchester United announce up to 200 fresh job cuts
PHOTO: REUTERS
Manchester United said on Feb 24 they expect to make up to 200 fresh job cuts as part of a “transformation plan” to improve the club’s financial sustainability.
Around 250 employees were made redundant in 2024 in a first wave of cost-cutting measures after Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe bought a stake in the Premier League club.
United have also increased ticket prices despite a backlash from supporters.
