Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, Trump and Xi reach trade deal, the APEC 2025 Summit, Caribbean devastation, Darfur atrocities, Putin’s new weapon, Egypt’s $1.2bn museum, and shifting alliances from Europe to Asia.

First time reading? Stay ahead of current events. Sign up here.

Feel free to send us feedback at [email protected]

Trump and Xi strike trade deal; APEC adopts AI and population frameworks

The APEC 2025 Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, concluded with leaders adopting joint frameworks on Artificial Intelligence and population challenges. President Lee Jae Myung urged major powers to stabilise the Korean Peninsula, while President Xi Jinping announced Shenzhen will host APEC 2026 and proposed a global AI cooperation body.

On the sidelines of the APEC Summit US President Donald Trump hailed his talks with Xi as a “great success,” announcing a one-year trade deal cutting US tariffs on Chinese goods from 57% to 47% in exchange for renewed soybean purchases and fentanyl controls. Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Lee Jae Myung pledged “future-oriented cooperation,” reaffirming trilateral coordination with the US.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and US President Donald Trump also announced a new framework to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals and rare earths

Hurricane Melissa devastates the Caribbean

Hurricane Melissa, one of the strongest storms to hit the Caribbean, has killed 28 people in Jamaica, the government confirmed. With winds reaching 185 mph, Melissa tore through Jamaica, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, and Cuba, destroying homes and blocking roads. The Red Cross called it a “disaster of unprecedented catastrophe.”

The UK government has announced an additional £5 million in humanitarian aid, bringing total support to £7.5 million, to provide shelter kits and solar lanterns in coordination with the World Food Programme and Red Cross. In Haiti, at least 25 people were killed in Petit-Goâve after severe flooding. Relief operations are underway across affected regions.

RSF seizes El-Fasher as UN condemns massacre and atrocities in Darfur

The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have seized control of El-Fasher, capital of North Darfur, where the Sudan Doctors’ Union accused them of committing “a horrifying massacre” against civilians. Reports indicate nearly 2,000 civilians were killed within hours, with cases of sexual violence and ethnically targeted executions. The World Health Organization has verified 185 RSF attacks on healthcare since 2023.

The UN Security Council, led by the UK, held an emergency session condemning the atrocities. UN officials Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee and Tom Fletcher warned of “genocide” and a worsening humanitarian crisis. Allegations of UAE arms support to the RSF have prompted calls for sanctions from Human Rights Watch and US lawmakers.

D66 wins Dutch election; Tanzania’s Samia claims disputed landslide

Rob Jetten’s centrist-liberal D66 party has narrowly won the Dutch election, defeating Geert Wilders’ Party for Freedom (PVV) by just over 15,000 votes, according to the ANP news agency. With both securing 26 seats, D66 is set to lead coalition talks that could make Jetten, 38, the youngest prime minister in Dutch history. He called the result “historic” and urged rival parties to “work together in the centre.” Wilders disputed the count and vowed to “resist a D66-led government.”

Meanwhile, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has been re-elected in Tanzania with 97.66% of the vote, amid unrest and opposition claims of repression. The UN and several Western states voiced concern over reports of killings during the election.

Egypt opens $1.2bn Grand Egyptian Museum after two-decade build

Egypt has officially opened the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza, a $1.2 billion complex described as the world’s largest archaeological museum. Spanning 500,000 m², the museum showcases more than 100,000 artefacts across 7,000 years of history, marking a milestone in Egypt’s cultural and tourism ambitions.

Key highlights include the complete Tutankhamun collection, a 4,500-year-old funerary boat of King Khufu, and an 11-metre statue of Ramesses II. Scholars Dr Zahi Hawass and Dr Tarek Tawfik say the museum strengthens Egypt’s case for the repatriation of artefacts such as the Rosetta Stone and Nefertiti Bust. Officials hope it will boost tourism and symbolise national pride and cultural sovereignty.

Trump ends US nuclear moratorium; Washington and Delhi seal 10-year defence pact

President Donald Trump has announced plans to resume US nuclear weapons testing, ending a moratorium in place since 1992. Trump said the move was needed to “keep pace” with Russia and China, citing rapid expansion of their arsenals. The US last tested a nuclear weapon under President George H. W. Bush, while Russia’s recent Poseidon drone trial and China’s growing stockpile have raised strategic concerns.

Meanwhile, India and the United States have signed a 10-year defence framework to strengthen cooperation on technology, intelligence, and regional security. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the pact reflects “strategic convergence” and supports stability in the Indo-Pacific.

Putin unveils new ‘superweapon’; Ukraine braces for Donetsk advance

President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia has successfully tested its Poseidon nuclear-powered underwater drone, capable of travelling at 100 knots and designed to evade defences. The test, following the Burevestnik missile trial, highlights Moscow’s renewed focus on strategic weapons. Putin said there was “nothing like this in the world” and that it could not be intercepted.

Meanwhile, Russian forces are close to capturing Pokrovsk in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, a key logistics hub now nearly encircled. President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed “fierce fighting” as Ukraine rushes reinforcements. Putin later offered to pause operations briefly to allow journalists to access frontline areas, claiming it would prevent “provocations.”

UN backs Morocco’s autonomy plan; Brazil probes deadly Rio raid

The UN Security Council has passed a US-drafted resolution backing Western Sahara’s autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty, calling it the most realistic path to resolve the long-running dispute with the Polisario Front.

The measure extends the MINURSO mandate for a year, with Russia, China, and Pakistan abstaining. US Ambassador Mike Waltz said peace could be achieved “this year,” while King Mohammed VI hailed the decision as a “victorious chapter.” The Polisario Front said it will review its response.

Meanwhile, Brazil has opened an inquiry after Rio de Janeiro’s deadliest police raid killed over 130 people in operations against the Red Command cartel. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva pledged federal support, though experts condemned the scale of force.

US expands Caribbean buildup; Venezuela seeks military aid amid tensions

The United States has expanded its military presence in the Caribbean, signalling potential escalation with Venezuela. The USS Gerald R. Ford carrier group is set to arrive with three warships and over 4,000 personnel.

The buildup includes eight Navy vessels, a nuclear submarine, and advanced aircraft such as F-35s, B-52s, and AC-130s. The Pentagon confirmed 12 airstrikes on alleged drug boats since September, killing 61 people. President Donald Trump denied plans for strikes inside Venezuela but vowed “increased operations.” The UN Human Rights Office condemned the attacks as unlawful.

Meanwhile, Washington Post released an exclusive report this past week claiming President Nicolás Maduro has sought military aid from Russia, China, and Iran, requesting radar upgrades and drone support amid rising US pressure. Analysts warn Moscow’s help may be symbolic given its commitments in Ukraine.

Germany backs Türkiye’s EU path; UK and Vietnam tighten migration deal

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reaffirmed support for Türkiye’s EU ambitions during his first visit to Ankara, calling for a “renewed strategic dialogue” with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on regional security and cooperation.

Merz praised Türkiye’s role in Gaza ceasefire talks, discussed Eurofighter Typhoon defence deals, and highlighted collaboration on migration and sanctions enforcement. Erdogan criticised Western silence over Gaza, while Merz reiterated support for Israel’s security.

Meanwhile, Britain and Vietnam signed their strongest-ever deal on illegal migration, enabling faster returns of Vietnamese nationals. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said crossings have halved but urged continued cooperation. The agreement also expands ties in trade, energy, and education.

Syria recognises Kosovo; Bangladesh and Pakistan seek to revive economic ties

Syria has recognised Kosovo as an independent and sovereign state following a trilateral meeting in Riyadh between President Ahmad al-Sharaa, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and President Vjosa Osmani.

Damascus said the decision supports “the right of peoples to self-determination” and aims to foster stability in the Balkans. Syria thanked Saudi Arabia for facilitating dialogue and announced plans to establish diplomatic and economic ties with Pristina, signalling a shift towards broader international engagement.

Meanwhile, Bangladesh and Pakistan have agreed to strengthen cooperation in trade, energy, education, and tourism after their first Joint Economic Commission meeting since 2005, led by Salehuddin Ahmed and Ali Pervaiz Malik — a step towards rebuilding trust after decades of strained relations.

Thanks for reading the tut0ugh Weekly Brief.

Stay informed—follow us on social media for daily updates on global events.

See you next week!