Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, Trump and Putin meet in inconclusive Ukraine talks, UN plastics treaty talks stall, Lithuania strengthens border defences, Mali foils alleged coup, France confronts colonial past, and protests continue in Serbia.

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Trump, Putin hold ‘productive’ but inconclusive Ukraine talks

Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin met in Alaska to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, but talks concluded without an agreement. Putin emphasised that Russia seeks resolution but insisted key issues must be addressed first, reportedly demanding Ukraine withdraw from Donetsk and Luhansk in exchange for freezing the southern front line. Trump described the discussions as “extremely productive” and said he would brief NATO and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. 

Zelenskyy rejected ceding territory but remains open to further talks, including a possible trilateral meeting with Putin and US security guarantees. European leaders expressed scepticism over Putin’s reliability, while the “Coalition of the Willing” plans to review Ukraine’s security guarantees.

UN talks on global plastics treaty end without agreement 

Talks on the world’s first legally binding treaty on plastic pollution ended in Geneva on 15 August without agreement, despite three years of negotiations. Delegates from over 170 countries failed to bridge divides on key issues, including plastic production limits, toxic chemical controls, and funding for clean-up efforts. 

The US opposed mandatory measures, preferring voluntary action, while Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and other oil producers resisted production curbs. Around 100 countries had pushed for stricter rules. The EU said many were ready to compromise, but some refused to shift their positions. Over 460 million tonnes of plastic are produced annually, with about 20 million tonnes entering the environment.

Lithuania unveils three-tier border defence system

Lithuania has unveiled a new three-tier defensive system along its borders to slow or prevent hostile advances. The 50 km-long framework, integrated with NATO and EU security planning, consolidates existing measures. 

The first tier, five kilometres from the frontier, includes anti-tank ditches, minefields, fortified positions, and trenches. The second, extending 15 km inland, adds drainage ditches, pre-planned bridge demolitions, and blocked access points. The third mirrors these features, with roadside trees ready to be felled to hinder movement in forests. 

Lithuania shares borders with Russia’s Kaliningrad region (275 km) and Belarus (679 km). Officials say the system represents a shift from isolated measures to a unified defensive line.

Mali claims foreign-backed coup attempt foiled

Mali’s military government says it has foiled a coup attempt, arresting two generals, a French national, and others. Security Minister General Daoud Aly Mohammedine alleged the group had foreign backing and aimed to destabilise the country. The French national is accused of working for France’s intelligence services, mobilising political, civil, and military figures. France has not commented. 

One detainee, General Abass Dembele, was dismissed in May after calling for a probe into alleged army killings. The arrests follow Mali’s first pro-democracy rally since the 2020–21 coups and come amid a broader crackdown. Military leader Assimi Goita has extended his rule, dissolved parties, and withdrawn Mali from ECOWAS.

France acknowledges colonial-era repression in Cameroon

French President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged France’s role in the violent repression during Cameroon’s independence struggle, in a letter to President Paul Biya made public on 12 August. The admission follows a joint Franco-Cameroonian commission’s review of events from 1945–1971, which confirmed a war took place and that French colonial authorities and forces committed violence before and after independence in 1960. 

Macron recognised France’s responsibility for the deaths of leaders Ruben Um Nyobè, Paul Momo, Isaac Nyobè Pandjock, and Jérémie Ndéléné. France will open archives, support further historical research, and work with Cameroon to implement the commission’s recommendations.

Serbia protests continue amid political tensions

Thousands have protested in Belgrade for a fourth night, following a deadly railway station roof collapse in November that killed 16. Initially focused on demands for a transparent investigation, the movement has grown into calls for early elections. While most rallies have been peaceful, recent days saw clashes between anti-government demonstrators and pro-government groups, with reports of masked individuals carrying batons and fireworks. 

Riot police used tear gas and stun grenades, with authorities reporting over 120 injured officers. Interior Minister Ivica Dacic accused protesters of attacking police, while President Aleksandar Vucic blamed the anti-corruption movement. Protesters allege police protect government loyalists. The unrest has led to the prime minister’s resignation, but Vucic remains in power.

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