Weekly Brief

Welcome to the tut0ugh Weekly Brief. This past week, global diplomacy and unrest took centre stage — Trump announced plans for peace talks with Putin, Afghanistan and Pakistan agreed to a fragile ceasefire, and NATO ministers convened to strengthen deterrence amid Russian activity. Protests spread from anti-Trump rallies in the US to digital ID demonstrations in London, while China’s crackdown widened and Venezuela condemned US strikes at the UN. Leadership shifts and policy divides marked Europe, Africa, and Asia, from Portugal’s veil ban to Mongolia’s prime minister’s resignation.

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

Feel free to send us feedback at [email protected]

Trump plans peace talks with Putin in Hungary

Donald Trump has announced plans to meet Vladimir Putin in Hungary to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, following what he called a “very productive” phone call.

Speaking after talks at the White House Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy backed Trump’s proposal for both sides to “stop where we are” and begin negotiations, calling the idea “important.” He also confirmed productive discussions with the US on air defence and weapons production, including long-range systems and a proposed drone-for-missile exchange.

Afghanistan and Pakistan agree ceasefire after deadly border clashes

Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to an immediate ceasefire after a week of heavy cross-border clashes that killed dozens. The deal, brokered in Doha by Qatar and Turkiye, aims to de-escalate tensions along the disputed frontier. According to Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, both nations will create mechanisms to maintain the truce and hold follow-up talks soon.

The negotiations were led by Afghan Defence Minister Mullah Muhammad Yaqoob and Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif. Islamabad accused Kabul of sheltering militants behind recent attacks, while the Taliban denied the claims. A suicide bombing near the border last week killed seven Pakistani soldiers. The truce marks a tentative step toward restoring regional stability.

Thousands rally against Trump administration in ‘No Kings’ events

Thousands joined “No Kings” protests across the United States, opposing what organisers call President Donald Trump’s overreach of executive power. Major rallies took place in New York, Washington DC, Atlanta, and Boston, with police estimating over 20,000 attendees in New York alone.

Protesters carried signs reading “Democracy not Monarchy” and “The Constitution is not optional,” while organisers stressed nonviolence. Some claimed participation exceeded 100,000 nationwide. Critics, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, dismissed the demonstrations as “hate America” rallies linked to Antifa.

Solidarity protests also occurred in London, Madrid, Rome, and other cities, reflecting growing global attention to the political divide in the US.

UK spying case collapse sparks political fallout over China policy

The UK government faced scrutiny after prosecutors dropped espionage charges against two men accused of spying for China, weeks before trial. Christopher Cash, a former parliamentary researcher, and Christopher Berry, an academic, were charged under the Official Secrets Act in 2024 but denied passing information to Chinese intelligence. Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson said the case collapsed due to a lack of government evidence confirming China was formally classified as a national security threat at the time.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer blamed the previous Conservative government, while Kemi Badenochaccused Labour of shielding Beijing. The government denied interference, and China’s embassy dismissed the allegations as “pure fabrication.”

NATO defence ministers gather to bolster deterrence amid Russian incursions

NATO Defence Ministers met for the first time since the Hague Summit, focusing on strengthening deterrence amid renewed Russian drone and jet incursions. Secretary General Mark Rutte reaffirmed NATO’s defensive stance, saying the Alliance remains committed to protecting “one billion people.” Ministers approved expanded counter-drone measures under Eastern Sentry, incorporating EU and private sectorinnovation.

Through the NATO–Ukraine Council and Ukraine Defence Contact Group, allies pledged continued military and economic support as Russia escalates strikes on civilian infrastructure. Rutte emphasised NATO’s scale and resilience, noting its collective economy is 25 times larger than Russia’s, urging against overstating Moscow’s capabilities.

Thousands protest UK government’s digital ID plan in London

Thousands marched through central London to protest government plans to introduce mandatory digital IDs by 2029 on Saturday (Oct. 18). The rally, organised by Mass Non-Compliance, ended at Whitehallunder tight police supervision.

The proposal, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in September 2025, would require all UK workers to hold a digital ID to combat illegal migration. Critics including David Davis, Kemi Badenoch, Nigel Farage, and the Liberal Democrats warned it threatens privacy and civil liberties.

Meanwhile, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said governments have “lost control” of borders and must restore order to maintain public trust. Her comments followed talks at Lancaster House with EU and western Balkan officials on tackling human smuggling and expanding NCA cooperation.

Venezuela urges UN to condemn US strikes as illegal

Venezuela has urged the UN Security Council to declare recent US military strikes near its coastline illegal, warning they threaten regional peace. UN envoy Samuel Moncada said the attacks, which killed 27 people, amounted to “illegal executions” and cited Donald Trump’s admission of authorised CIA operations inside Venezuela. Five civilian vessels have reportedly been targeted since early October. The Security Council discussed the issue but is unlikely to act due to the US veto.

Meanwhile, thousands rallied in Havana in solidarity with Venezuela. Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel condemned US interference, while Cuba’s Foreign Ministry called for global opposition to Washington’s actions and reaffirmed support for Nicolás Maduro.

Madagascar swears in new president; Mongolia’s prime minister resigns

Army Colonel Michael Randrianirina has been sworn in as Madagascar’s new president, formalising his rule after a military takeover. The 51-year-old pledged to uphold the constitution and protect human rights, denying his rise was a coup and citing the High Constitutional Court’s ruling as legitimate. He replaces Andry Rajoelina, who fled amid Gen Z-led protests over corruption and poor services. Elections are required within 60 days, though the process remains disorganised.

Meanwhile, Mongolia’s Prime Minister Gombojav Zandanshatar has resigned after losing a parliamentary confidence vote, the second such exit in under a year. The move underscores political instability and economic frustration, with growth forecasts downgraded to 5.9% for 2025.

Portugal passes face veil ban; Uruguay legalises euthanasia

Portugal’s parliament has approved a bill banning face coverings for gender or religious reasons, seen as targeting Islamic veils such as the burqa and niqab. Proposed by the ‘far-right’ Chega party, it passed with backing from the centre-right PSD, Liberal Initiative, and CDS-PP, while left-wing parties opposed it.

The law prohibits face coverings in public spaces, with exceptions for health, professional, artistic, and religious purposes. Offenders face fines between €200 and €4,000. President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa must still approve the bill or refer it to the Constitutional Court.

Meanwhile, Uruguay has legalised euthanasia, joining a small group of nations allowing assisted suicide for terminally ill adults, following strong public support and years of debate.

Côte d’Ivoire bans rallies ahead of election; Tunisians protest pollution

Côte d’Ivoire has suspended all political gatherings for two months ahead of the 25 October presidential election, citing public order and national security. The decree, signed by Interior Minister Vagondo Diomande and Defence Minister Tene Birahima Ouattara, allows only events linked to the electoral process. Security forces will enforce the ban, with violators facing prosecution.

The move follows protests in Abidjan and sporadic unrest nationwide. President Alassane Ouattara, 83, seeks re-election against four challengers.

Meanwhile, thousands in Tunisia’s Gabes region protested against pollution from the Chemical Group of Tunisia, demanding the plant’s closure. President Kais Saied called the crisis an “environmental assassination” as public anger over health and economic decline deepens.

China’s military crackdown widens; Netherlands–China dispute deepens over Nexperia

China has dismissed General He Weidong, a Politburo member and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission, over corruption and abuse of power, marking a major escalation in Xi Jinping’s anti-graft campaign within the PLA. He and eight other senior officers, including Admiral Miao Hua and General Lin Xiangyang, were expelled ahead of a key Central Committee meeting. Analysts warn the purge could impact military cohesion, though Beijing insists it will strengthen discipline.

Meanwhile, Dutch chipmaker Nexperia has suspended salaries and blocked access for staff in China following the Dutch government’s takeover of its management on security grounds. Wingtech Technology, its Chinese parent, denounced the move as “ruthless suppression,” deepening EU–China tech tensions.

French PM Lecornu survives no-confidence votes; Greece approves 13-hour workday

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has narrowly survived two no-confidence votes in the National Assembly, preserving his government after days of political strain. The first motion gained 271 votes, short of the 289 needed, while a second far-right motion also failed. Lecornu’s move to freeze France’s retirement age reform until the 2027 election secured Socialist backing, stabilising his position. Parliament now shifts to budget debates, where Lecornu pledged to avoid using constitutional bypasses that could trigger new challenges.

Meanwhile, Greece’s parliament approved a labour bill allowing 13-hour workdays, sparking strikes and backlash. The government insists the changes are voluntary and align with EU labour rules, while unions warn they erode workers’ rights.

Thanks for reading the tut0ugh Weekly Brief.

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

See you next week!