In the wake of a Supreme Court-triggered crisis in Rivers State —masterminded by Nyesom Wike, whose outsize influence over the judiciary has earned him the fittingly dubious distinction of being the de facto head of Nigeria’s “judiciary” — President Bola Tinubu has, with a stroke of imperial presidential pronouncement, declared a state of emergency and suspended democracy.

In a twist as darkly ironic as it is emblematic, he has chosen to replace elected officials with a retired military officer by the name of Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, effectively reviving the tired and dangerous fallacy (actively nurtured and propagated by Nigeria’s past military dictators) that when civilians falter, only soldiers can "restore order."

This move reinforces the infantilization of civilian governance and reduces democracy to something that must be periodically "rescued" by the men in fatigues.

Interestingly, in May 2013, Tinubu himself condemned the declaration of a state of emergency in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa as a dangerous assault on democracy and a ploy to rig the 2015 election.

“The body language of the Jonathan administration leads any keen watcher of events to the unmistakable conclusion of the existence of a surreptitious but barely disguised intention to muzzle the elected governments of these states for what is clearly a display of unpardonable mediocrity and diabolic partisanship geared towards 2015,” he said.

Now, with his own state of emergency in Rivers, two years before the 2027 election in which he will seek a second term, the question writes itself: Is this, too, a “display of unpardonable mediocrity and diabolic partisanship geared towards 2027”?

Or do the rules of democracy shift when the emperor changes robes?

One hopes Tinubu has fully considered the ramifications of his decision. He based his suspension of democracy in Rivers on the Supreme Court’s tendentious declaration that “there is no government in Rivers State.”

Well, for the millions of Nigerians already struggling under the weight of his government’s reckless economic policies, “there is no government in Nigeria” right now. Governance, for most, is an abstraction at best and an illusion long shattered at worst.

Should the military intervene to restore governance?

William Arruda

Soft skills have always been a career superpower, but with the rapid rise of technology—especially generative AI—they’re more essential than ever. No matter how much automation gets integrated into work processes, there are things AI simply can’t do (at least not yet). The skills that set you apart? The human ones—the ability to build relationships, inspire others, and think creatively.

Soft Skills: Your Secret Weapon in the Modern Workplace

Technology is evolving fast and that’s great news. Tech can tackle tasks that are repetitive and mundane, freeing you up to focus on the most meaningful aspects of work. This shift makes soft skills (also known as social skills) more valuable than ever.

In today’s workplace—and in the future—these six soft skills will not only make you indispensable but also help you grow your personal brand and professional success. The best part? They’re all connected, so improving one will naturally enhance the others.

1. Emotional Intelligence Is The Soft Skill That Makes You A Leader

Many brilliant professionals unknowingly limit their careers because they lack emotional intelligence (EQ)—the secret ingredient that turns managers into leaders and coworkers into collaboration champions. It’s the foundation of authentic leadership – the style of leadership that is most effective today. Focusing on being a great listener, demonstrating empathy and managing your emotions allows you to connect deeply with the people you seek to impact, impress and inspire.

Think about the best leader you’ve ever had. Chance are, they were highly emotionally intelligent—able to read the room, inspire confidence, and make everyone feel valued. That’s the kind of leader people want to follow.

2. Creativity Can Be Your AI-Proof Superpower

Sure, AI can analyze data much faster than any human, but true creativity? That’s all you. Creativity is about connecting seemingly unrelated ideas, challenging the status quo, and asking “What if?”

The most innovative solutions—from Fortune 100 teams to solo entrepreneurs—didn’t come from following a formula. They came from thinking differently and daring to explore new possibilities. Leadersip communication and creativity expert Janine MacLachlan suggests, “To be truly creative, you need to have a deep understanding of your audience and your goals. From there look at provocative questions that will challenge your thinking. Starting from a point human connection is what will deliver the creativity that innovation requires today.” To gain your competitive edge at work, train yourself to think differently. The vast and rapid changes in the workplace call for innovative solutions and at the foundation of those solutions is creative thinking. AI can’t replace your unique perspective and human intuition.

3. Virtual Teamwork Is The New Normal

Remember when we thought remote work was just a phase brough on by an unexpected global epidemic? Now, it’s just... work. Even with return-to-office (RTO) mandates, virtual collaboration isn’t going anywhere. Employees are demanding it and inspired leaders are allowing it. Although 46% of businesses have increased the number of in-office days required for staff, 72% of business leaders have granted exceptions to their RTO policy, according to Tech.co’s 2025 Impact of Technology on the Workplace Report. Virtual, or at least some sort of hybrid, work is here to stay. That means you need to build the skills to stand out and succeed. Top-performing teams know how to:

• Recreate random connection opportunities (watercooler moments) online—creating interactions that go beyond emails and Slack messages
• Read digital body language—picking up on engagement cues in a virtual setting
• Make everyone feel heard—ensuring all voices are included, no matter the time zone

Mastering virtual teamwork isn’t optional anymore—it’s a must-have skill that will help you make your mark.

4. Relationship Building Is Your Career Currency

We hear it all the time: Your network is your net worth. But being an effective networker is not collecting LinkedIn connections like Pokémon cards. Successful networking means building and nurturing real, meaningful relationships in the real and virtual worlds.

Workplace superstars spend at least as much time nurturing relationships as they do sharpening technical skills they know that:

• The strongest opportunities come from authentic connections
• People do business with those they know, like, and trust
• A solid network opens doors that no résumé or brochure ever will

To stand out, be the person who checks in with others without an agenda and actively celebrates others’ wins. Those relationships will fuel your career more than any technical expertise ever could.

5. Adaptability Will Future-Proof Your Career

AI, automation, hybrid work models, multigenerational workplaces—change is happening fast. The people who thrive in this dynamic environment are not necessarily the smartest or the most experienced. They’re the people who are most adaptable. Being adaptable means:

• Embracing–and even initiating–change instead of resisting it
• Staying ahead of industry trends
• Viewing challenges not as roadblocks, but as building blocks to the future

The most future-proof professionals don’t just react to change; they inspire and enact it. Stay curious. Stay open. Stay ready.

6. Virtual Presentation Skills Help You Own The Virtual Stage

I’ve watched too many brilliant ideas fall flat because they weren’t presented well. In a world where virtual communication is king, the ability to own the virtual stage is differentiating and powerful.

The best virtual presenters understand that delivering presentations online requires a different mindset and different skills than presenting in conference room A They:

• Treat the camera like a person, not a lens – doubling their humanity and emotion
• Design presentation materials that are riveting and designed for the small screen
• Create a captivating experience and don’t just talk through slides

It’s not just what you say—it’s how you make people feel. And in the virtual world, that makes all the difference.

The Synergy Of Soft Skills

Here’s the magic of these social skills is that they work together. When you boost your emotional intelligence, you become a better team player. When you’re a better team player, you build stronger relationships. Stronger relationships lead to more creative collaborations. And when you can present your ideas effectively, you win more opportunities.

Soft skills aren’t just important—they’re essential. As technology evolves, your ability to connect, communicate, and create will set you apart. Invest in these skills now. They’re what make you uniquely human. In an increasingly digital world, that is your biggest advantage.

Forbes

President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State and the subsequent suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly have sparked a heated debate about the constitutionality of his actions. The president cited Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended) as the legal basis for his decision. To determine whether his actions were constitutional, it is necessary to analyze Section 305 and other relevant provisions of the Constitution.

Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution: State of Emergency Provisions

Section 305 outlines the conditions under which the president can declare a state of emergency in a state or the entire federation. The key provisions are as follows:

1. Grounds for Declaration (Section 305(1)):

   - A state of emergency can be declared if the federation or any part of it is threatened by war or actual breakdown of public order and safety, to the extent that the government cannot function.

   - It can also be declared in cases of natural disasters or public danger that threaten the existence of the federation or any part of it.

2. Procedure for Declaration (Section 305(2)):

   - The president must publish a proclamation in the Official Gazette declaring the state of emergency.

   - The president must immediately transmit copies of the proclamation to the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

   - The National Assembly must convene within two days to consider the proclamation and decide whether to approve it by a simple majority vote in both chambers.

3. Duration of Emergency (Section 305(3)):

   - A state of emergency initially lasts for six months, but it can be extended by the National Assembly for periods not exceeding six months at a time.

4. Governor’s Role (Section 305(5)):

   - If the emergency affects only a state, the governor of that state must request the president to issue the proclamation, except in cases where the governor is unable to make such a request.

Key Issues in Tinubu’s Declaration

1. Was the Threshold for a State of Emergency Met?

   - Section 305 requires a threat to public order and safety or a breakdown of governance that prevents the government from functioning. While Rivers State has been embroiled in a political crisis, including clashes between pro-Wike and pro-Fubara factions, it is debatable whether the situation meets the threshold of a "breakdown of public order" as envisaged by the Constitution. The crisis, though severe, has not escalated to the level of widespread violence or anarchy that would justify a state of emergency.

2. Did the President Follow the Correct Procedure?

   - Section 305(2) requires the president to transmit the proclamation to the National Assembly for approval. While President Tinubu stated that the declaration had been published in the Federal Gazette and that it has been forwarded to the National Assembly

3. Was the Governor’s Consent Sought?

   - Section 305(5) requires the governor of the affected state to request the proclamation unless the governor is unable to do so. In this case, Governor Fubara did not request the state of emergency, and there is no evidence to suggest that he was unable to make such a request. This raises questions about the legality of the president’s unilateral action.

4. Suspension of Elected Officials:

   - Section 305 does not explicitly grant the president the power to suspend elected officials, such as a governor, deputy governor, or state legislators. The suspension of these officials appears to be an extra-constitutional measure not supported by the text of the Constitution.

   - The Constitution provides specific procedures for the removal of a governor, such as impeachment by the state House of Assembly (Section 188) or judicial intervention. The president’s suspension of Governor Fubara and other officials bypasses these constitutional processes and undermines the principle of federalism and the autonomy of state governments.

Other Relevant Constitutional Provisions

1. Section 5: Executive Powers of the President:

   - The president’s executive powers are limited to matters within the exclusive legislative list (federal jurisdiction). The suspension of state officials falls under the residual legislative list, which is within the purview of state governments. Therefore, the president’s actions exceed his constitutional authority.

2. Section 11: Federal Intervention in State Affairs:

   - Section 11 allows the National Assembly to make laws for the peace, order, and good governance of a state in cases of emergency. However, this provision does not grant the president the power to suspend state officials or take over the functions of a state government.

3. Section 188: Impeachment of a Governor:

   - The Constitution provides a clear process for the removal of a governor through impeachment by the state House of Assembly. The president’s suspension of Governor Fubara bypasses this process and violates the principle of separation of powers.

Conclusion: Was President Tinubu’s Action Constitutional?

Based on the analysis of Section 305 and other relevant provisions of the 1999 Constitution, President Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency and suspension of elected officials in Rivers State appear to be unconstitutional for the following reasons:

1. The threshold for declaring a state of emergency under Section 305 was not met, as the political crisis in Rivers State, while concerning, does not constitute a breakdown of public order that prevents the government from functioning.

2. The president’s suspension of elected officials, including the governor, deputy governor, and state legislators, has no basis in the Constitution. The Constitution provides specific procedures for the removal of state officials, which were not followed in this case.

3. The president’s actions undermine the principles of federalism and separation of powers, as they encroach on the autonomy of state governments and bypass constitutional processes for resolving political disputes.

In summary, while the political crisis in Rivers State requires urgent resolution, President Tinubu’s actions appear to overstep the constitutional limits of his powers. The suspension of elected officials and the unilateral declaration of a state of emergency without following due process raise serious legal and constitutional concerns. The matter is likely to be challenged in court, and the judiciary will play a critical role in determining the legality of the president’s actions.

My dear Rivers People,

I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and calm, as we navigate this unfortunate moment in our state’s political history.

Since assuming office as your Governor, all my actions and decisions have been guided by my constitutional oath of office and a great sense of duty.

We prioritized the protection of lives and property and ensured the continuous progress of our dear State.

Even in the face of the political impasse, we have remained committed to constitutional order and the rule of law, putting the interest of our people above all else.

This was why, immediately after Mr. President’s intervention to broker peace, we did not hesitate to implement the agreed terms in good faith, including welcoming back commissioners who had previously resigned on their own volition.

Furthermore, we moved swiftly to comply with the Supreme Court’s judgement immediately we received the certified true copy of the judgement to return the state to normalcy.

These steps were taken not for personal gains but to foster peace, unity and stability in our dear State.

Unfortunately, at every turn, members of the Rivers State House of Assembly frustrated our efforts, thus making genuine peace and progress difficult.

Our priorities remained the security of lives and property and advancing the well-being and prosperity of Rivers people.

Yes, we have political disagreements, but good governance had continued, salaries have been paid, and great projects were being executed to move the State forward. Above all, Rivers State is safe, secure and peaceful under our watch.

At this critical time, I urge all Rivers people to remain peaceful and law-abiding. We will engage with all relevant institutions to ensure that our democracy remains strong and that Rivers State continues to thrive.

We have always been a resilient people, and we will face this situation with wisdom, patience, and unwavering faith in the democratic process.

God bless Rivers State. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS

On March 18, 2025, President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State, suspending Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months in the first instance. The decision, announced in a national broadcast, was justified by the president as a necessary measure to address the prolonged political crisis, breakdown of law and order, and threats to national security in the oil-rich state. Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (Rtd) was appointed as Administrator to oversee the state during the emergency period.

Tinubu cited the governor’s alleged unconstitutional actions, including the demolition of the Rivers State House of Assembly in December 2023 and failure to rebuild it, as well as the Supreme Court’s ruling that declared the state effectively without a functional government. He also highlighted recent pipeline vandalism by militants and the inability of the executive and legislative arms to work together as reasons for the declaration. Tinubu emphasized that the move was aimed at restoring peace, order, and democratic governance in the state.

However, the declaration has been met with widespread condemnation from political leaders, legal experts, civil society groups, and ordinary Nigerians, who argue that the president’s actions are unconstitutional and politically motivated.

Political Opposition and Legal Challenges

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to which Governor Fubara belongs, rejected the declaration, calling it an “utter violation” of the 1999 Constitution. PDP National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba stated that the president lacks the power to suspend a democratically elected governor and described the move as an attempt to impose undemocratic rule and undermine the will of Rivers State voters. He also accused Tinubu of seeking to advance the interests of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, criticized Tinubu for being a “vested partisan actor” in the crisis. Atiku accused the president of enabling the chaos and failing to prevent the destruction of national infrastructure in Rivers State. He described the declaration as “political manipulation” and an assault on democracy.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) also condemned the move, with its president, Afam Osigwe, stating that the suspension of elected officials under a state of emergency is unconstitutional. The NBA warned that the action sets a dangerous precedent and undermines democratic governance. Legal experts, including human rights lawyer Morakinyo Olasupo, argued that the president cannot suspend a democratically elected governor without following due legal processes, such as impeachment by the state House of Assembly or a court order.

South-South Leaders and Civil Society React

South-South leaders and stakeholders, including the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), criticized the declaration as ill-advised and politically motivated. Former Akwa Ibom Attorney General Uwemedimo Nwoko described the move as part of a “script” to take control of Rivers State, while former Ijaw Youth Council president Eric Omare accused Tinubu of bias in favor of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, a key figure in the crisis.

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) condemned the declaration as an act of oppression against the Ijaw people, while former MOSIEND spokesman Amaebi Clarkson called it a “well-oiled script” aimed at influencing the 2027 elections.

Public Outcry and Mixed Reactions

Nigerians on social media expressed mixed reactions to the declaration. While some supported the move as necessary to restore order, others criticized it as an overreach and a threat to democracy. Many questioned the legality of suspending elected officials and accused Tinubu of double standards, noting that other regions facing severe security challenges, such as the North-East and South-East, have not been subjected to similar measures.

Users like Ebovi Wali Global highlighted the perceived inconsistency, stating, “IPOB and UGM ravaged the East, no state of emergency. Boko Haram and herdsmen ravaged the North, no state of emergency.” Others, such as Jamilu Sufi, questioned the democratic legitimacy of the move, asking, “How can you suspend a democratically elected governor? Is this a democracy or a one-man dictatorship?”

Rivers State, already embroiled in a deepening political crisis, faced further turmoil this week as two separate explosions rocked oil facilities in the state, raising concerns about the security of critical infrastructure and the potential economic fallout. The incidents come amid a bitter feud between Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the current Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which has plunged the state into political instability.

First Explosion: Trans-Niger Pipeline Blown Up

On Monday night, an explosion struck the Trans-Niger pipeline near the Bodo-Bonny Road in Gokana Local Government Area, a key route for exporting Nigerian crude oil to international markets. The pipeline, operated by Shell, transports crude from oil fields in Rivers and Bayelsa states to the Bonny export terminal. Footage shared by Channels Television showed thick black smoke billowing into the sky, highlighting the severity of the blast.

The cause of the explosion remains unclear, but it occurred against the backdrop of heightened political tensions in the state. Just days earlier, the Ijaw National Congress had threatened to shut down crude oil exploration in the Niger Delta if Governor Fubara was impeached. The explosion also followed a move by pro-Wike lawmakers to serve Fubara and his deputy with a notice of gross misconduct, further escalating the political standoff.

Second Explosion: Pipeline Manifold in Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni

Just hours after the first explosion, a second blast occurred on Tuesday at a pipeline manifold in the Omwawriwa axis of Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Area. The manifold connects to a federal pipeline that transports crude oil to Brass in Bayelsa State. Community sources reported seeing massive flames and thick smoke rising from the remote forest location, though the incident has yet to be officially confirmed by authorities.

The Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Grace Iringe-Koko, stated that she would verify the incident but had not provided further details at the time of reporting. A video obtained by journalists showed a large fire burning in the forest, underscoring the severity of the situation.

Analysis: Dire Consequences for Nigeria’s Struggling Economy

The explosions at these critical oil facilities could not have come at a worse time for Nigeria’s economy, which has been grappling with consistently low oil production in recent years. Oil exports account for over 90% of Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings and a significant portion of government revenue. Any disruption to oil production and exports, such as the one caused by these explosions, has far-reaching implications for the country’s already fragile economy.

1. Decline in Oil Production and Revenue Losses

Nigeria has struggled to meet its OPEC production quota in recent years, with output often falling below 1.5 million barrels per day (bpd) due to a combination of oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and underinvestment in the sector. The explosions in Rivers State are likely to exacerbate this situation, as repairs to the damaged pipelines could take weeks or even months. During this period, oil production from affected fields will be halted, leading to significant revenue losses for both the government and international oil companies operating in the region.

2. Impact on Foreign Exchange Earnings

The Nigerian naira has been under immense pressure due to a shortage of foreign exchange, driven in part by declining oil revenues. The disruption of crude oil exports through the Trans-Niger pipeline and the Brass manifold will further reduce foreign exchange inflows, worsening the naira’s depreciation and making it more expensive to import essential goods. This could lead to higher inflation, which is already at double-digit levels, further eroding the purchasing power of Nigerians.

3. Threat to Energy Security and Power Supply

The explosions also pose a threat to Nigeria’s energy security. The Trans-Niger pipeline not only transports crude for export but also supplies gas to power plants that generate electricity for the national grid. Any disruption to gas supply could lead to a further decline in power generation, exacerbating the country’s chronic electricity shortages and negatively impacting businesses and households.

4. Escalating Security and Environmental Concerns

The explosions highlight the vulnerability of Nigeria’s oil infrastructure to sabotage and vandalism, particularly in the Niger Delta region, which has a history of militancy and unrest. The political crisis in Rivers State has created a volatile environment that could encourage further attacks on oil facilities, leading to a cycle of instability and economic losses. Additionally, the environmental damage caused by the explosions, including oil spills and air pollution, could have long-term consequences for local communities and ecosystems.

5. Investor Confidence at Risk

The recurring incidents of pipeline vandalism and the inability of the government to secure critical infrastructure could further erode investor confidence in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. International oil companies, already wary of the country’s challenging operating environment, may scale back investments, leading to a decline in exploration and production activities. This would further constrain Nigeria’s ability to boost oil output and revenue in the medium to long term.

The Debt Management Office (DMO) has announced plans to reopen two federal government bonds worth N300 billion for auction, with subscriptions available at N1,000 per unit.

According to a statement released on Tuesday, the bonds will be auctioned on March 24, with settlement scheduled for March 26. Investors can subscribe at a minimum of N50,001,000, with additional investments in multiples of N1,000.

The bonds offer semi-annual interest payments, and the principal will be repaid in full upon maturity. For reopenings of previously issued bonds, successful bidders will pay a price based on the yield-to-maturity bid that clears the auction volume, plus any accrued interest.

Bond Details and Interest Rates

DMO outlined the details of the two offerings:

• A five-year bond maturing in April 2029, with an interest rate of 19.30% per annum.

• A nine-year bond maturing in May 2033, offering 19.89% per annum.

Like all federal government securities, the bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the Nigerian government and qualify as approved investments under the Trustees Investment Act.

Additionally, they are classified as government securities under the Company Income Tax Act and Personal Income Tax Act, making them eligible for tax exemptions and suitable for pension funds and other institutional investors.

The bonds will also be listed on the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) and qualify as liquid assets for banks’ liquidity ratio calculations, the DMO added.

Israel shoots down Houthi ballistic missile after ceasefire collapses

The Israeli military said it intercepted a ballistic missile launched by Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen on Tuesday, the terror group's first attack on the Jewish state following the collapse of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that sirens sounded in southern Israel after a missile launched from Yemen. The Israeli Air Force said it intercepted the missile before it crossed into Israeli territory.

President Donald Trump's ordering of U.S. strikes against the Houthis in Yemen over the weekend is believed to have deterred the terror group from resuming an attack on Israel sooner and with greater volume, IDF sources told the Jerusalem Post. 

Nearly a quarter-million people were sent to bomb shelters across the central and southern desert Negev region as a precaution due to shrapnel from the interception Tuesday, Fox News has learned. 

The Houthi attack came hours after the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas crumbled over what U.S. officials said was the terror organization's refusal to release more Israeli hostages.

There are still 59 hostages in Gaza, but Israel believes only 24 of those who remain are alive.

Israel bombarded the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, eliminating the head of the Hamas government and other key leaders. 

At least 404 Palestinians, including women and children, have been killed in the Israeli airstrikes so far, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. The death toll has not been independently verified.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with security officials at the Kirya, Israel’s version of the Pentagon, on Tuesday during the airstrikes. 

"Israel will, from now on, act against Hamas with increasing military strength," Netanyahu’s office wrote in a series of posts on X as the airstrikes commenced.

Fox News

RUSSIAN PERSPECTIVE

Putin-Trump phone call: key takeaways

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump held a much-anticipated phone call on Tuesday, discussing a potential settlement of the  Ukraine conflict. The conversation lasted for two and a half hours, with both the White House and the Kremlin describing it as positive. Here are the key takeaways from the conversation.

Potential ceasefire

Putin and Trump discussed Trump’s idea of a 30-day ceasefire, with the Russian side outlining multiple issues to be resolved before its implementation, the Kremlin press service said in a statement following the call. Namely, Putin outlined the need to establish a mechanism to properly monitor a potential ceasefire, as well as stop forced mobilization and rearmament in Ukraine.

“Serious risks associated with the Kiev regime’s inability to negotiate, which has repeatedly sabotaged and violated the agreements reached, were also noted,” the Kremlin press service said, adding that Putin also drew Trump’s attention to “the barbaric terrorist crimes committed by Ukrainian militants against the civilian population of Kursk Region.”

Infrastructure strikes pause

Trump proposed that Moscow and Kiev mutually halt strikes on energy infrastructure facilities for 30 days. Putin backed the idea, immediately giving the Russian military the corresponding order.

“The leaders agreed that the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire, as well as technical negotiations on implementation of a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace. These negotiations will begin immediately in the Middle East,” the White House said in a statement.

Prisoner swap

The Russian president told his American counterpart about an upcoming prisoner swap with Ukraine, scheduled for Wednesday, the Kremlin press service revealed. The two sides are set to exchange 175 prisoners-of-war each. In addition, Moscow will return 23 critically wounded Ukrainian servicemen to demonstrate its goodwill, the press service noted.

Need for lasting peace

Putin and Trump reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a “lasting peace” rather than a temporary solution for the Ukraine conflict. Moscow regards the need to “eliminate the root causes of the crisis,” as well as meet “Russia’s legitimate interests in the area of security” and “the complete cessation of foreign military aid and the provision of intelligence information to Kiev,” as key elements required to achieve the goal, the Kremlin press service noted.

Bilateral cooperation

Ties between Russia and the US were also discussed, with both agreeing to work on mutually beneficial projects. Washington and Moscow have been considering a “broad spectrum of areas where our two countries may establish cooperation,” the Kremlin press service stated.

“The two leaders agreed that a future with an improved bilateral relationship between the United States and Russia has huge upside. This includes enormous economic deals and geopolitical stability when peace has been achieved,” the White House said.

WESTERN PERSPECTIVE

Putin agrees to 30-day halt on energy facility strikes but no full Ukraine ceasefire

Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed on Tuesday to stop attacking Ukrainian energy facilities temporarily but declined to endorse a full 30-day ceasefire that President Donald Trump hoped would be the first step toward a permanent peace deal.

Ukraine said it would support the scaled-back agreement, which would require both countries to hold off firing on each other's energy infrastructure for about a month. Experts said Putin avoided making significant concessions in what could be a play for time as Russian troops advance in eastern Ukraine.

The White House said talks on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea as well as a more complete ceasefire and a permanent peace deal would begin immediately, following a lengthy call between Trump and Putin on Tuesday.

It was unclear whether Ukraine would be involved in those talks, which Trump envoy Steve Witkoff said will take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on Sunday.

"Up until recently, we really didn't have consensus around these two aspects - the energy and infrastructure ceasefire and the Black Sea moratorium on firing - and today we got to that place, and I think it's a relatively short distance to a full ceasefire from there," Witkoff told Fox News "Hannity" program.

The Kremlin did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment, outside business hours, on Witkoff's remarks.

Putin ordered the Russian military to stop attacks against energy sites after speaking with Trump, the Kremlin said.

But he raised concerns that a temporary ceasefire might allow Ukraine to rearm and mobilize more soldiers, and doubled down on his demand that any resolution required an end to all military and intelligence assistance to Ukraine, according to a Kremlin statement.

Trump told Fox News aid to Ukraine did not come up in the conversation.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said his country would support the proposal to stop strikes on energy facilities and infrastructure for 30 days. He said Russia launched more than 40 drones late on Tuesday, hitting a hospital in Sumy and other areas, including the Kyiv region that surrounds the Ukrainian capital.

"Today, Putin de facto rejected the proposal for a complete ceasefire. It would be right for the world to reject in response any attempts by Putin to drag out the war," Zelenskiy said in a post on the Telegram messaging app.

Trump, who has had a complicated relationship with Zelenskiy, spoke positively of his call with Putin.

"We had a great call. It lasted almost two hours," Trump said on Fox News's "The Ingraham Angle" show.

But the U.S. president did not get what he wanted. Ukraine, which Trump had previously described as being more difficult to work with than Russia, had agreed to the U.S. proposal for a full 30-day ceasefire. Putin did not.

"This call brought to light how difficult of an interlocutor Russia is going to be and the general unwillingness of Russia to talk about making real progress in stopping this war," said Kristine Berzina, a managing director at the German Marshall Fund think tank. She called the limited ceasefire "a very small step forward."

Since Russia's full-scale 2022 invasion, Ukraine has tried to fight back against its much larger neighbor with drone and missile strikes deep in Russian territory, including on energy facilities. Those attacks, which Moscow says amount to terrorism, have allowed Kyiv to keep pressure on Russia's economy.

That means a ceasefire on attacking energy infrastructure could benefit Russia, said Maria Snegovaya, senior fellow at the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.

In a social media post after the call, Trump said he and Putin had agreed to work quickly toward a ceasefire and eventually a permanent peace agreement.

"Many elements of a Contract for Peace were discussed, including the fact that thousands of soldiers are being killed, and both President Putin and President Zelenskyy would like to see it end," he wrote, using an alternate spelling for the Ukrainian leader.

Ukraine said on March 11 it was prepared to accept a full 30-day ceasefire, a step that U.S. officials said would lead to a more substantial round of negotiations to end Europe's biggest conflict since World War Two. The war has killed or wounded hundreds of thousands of people, displaced millions and reduced entire towns to rubble.

Trump has hinted that a permanent peace deal could include territorial concessions by Kyiv and control of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

Zelenskiy, who arrived in Helsinki for an official visit on Tuesday shortly after Trump and Putin's call ended, said Europe must be included in Ukraine peace talks.

The talks between Trump and Putin came as Israel resumed its attacks on Hamas in Gaza, threatening a fragile truce and underscoring the difficulty of securing lasting ceasefires in long-running conflicts.

The two leaders also discussed how to prevent future conflicts in the Middle East and "shared the view that Iran should never be in a position to destroy Israel," the White House said.

U.S. SHIFT WORRIES EUROPEAN ALLIES

Russian forces are advancing in Ukraine's east and pushing back Ukrainian troops from Russia's Kursk region.

The agreement on a narrow ceasefire reflects Trump's desire to normalize relations with Russia and suggests that Putin may be playing for time, said Susan Colbourn, an expert on European security issues at Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy.

"It was striking how little concession Trump is asking from the Russians, although they invaded their neighbor," Colbourn said.

The U.S. president's overtures to Putin since returning to the White House in January have alarmed U.S. allies.

Ukraine and its Western allies have long described Russia's invasion of Ukraine as an imperialist land grab, and Zelenskiy has accused Putin of deliberately prolonging the war.

Zelenskiy says Ukraine's sovereignty is not negotiable and Russia must surrender the territory it has seized.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned on Tuesday that Russia had massively expanded its military-industrial production capacity in preparation for "future confrontation with European democracies."

Speaking at a press conference in Berlin with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, Germany's outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz said the limited ceasefire was an important first step but again called for a complete ceasefire. He reiterated that Ukraine must be part of any final decision.

Russia seized the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 and most of four eastern Ukrainian regions following its invasion in 2022. All told, it controls about a fifth of Ukrainian territory.

Putin said he sent troops into Ukraine because NATO's creeping expansion threatened Russia's security. He has demanded Ukraine drop any ambition of joining the Western military alliance.

Putin has also said Russia must keep control of Ukrainian territory it has seized, Western sanctions should be eased and Kyiv must stage a presidential election. Zelenskiy, elected in 2019, has remained in office under martial law he imposed because of the war.

RT/Reuters

US President Donald Trump’s penchant for shaking things up is fracturing the Global North. The Global South must remain steadfast in its commitment to peaceful development and seize this moment to advance a more equitable and just global order.

One of the central focuses of last week’s “two sessions”, China’s annual parliamentary meetings, is the increasingly prominent role of private technology companies in driving the country’s development. Indeed, a decade after the launch of the “Made in China 2025” initiative, most of its targets have been achieved, positioning the country as a global technological powerhouse.

Through the Digital Silk Road and companies like DeepSeek, China’s advancements are helping to propel the Global South’s Fourth Industrial Revolution, enabling countries in Africa, for example, to leapfrog development stages in their race to embrace the artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.

If President Xi Jinping’s “Made in China 2025” initiative has met most of its goals, President Trump’s second attempt to “Make America Great Again” (Maga) is off to a contentious and rocky start. For instance, efforts to improve government efficiency through the Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) programme have drawn criticism, with some accusing the Trump administration of steering US democracy towards authoritarianism.

Last month’s altercation between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky in the Oval Office was, for many, a watershed moment. It marked the unravelling of the transatlantic alliance and signalled the decline of US leadership in the post-World War II liberal international order.

For some, the post-Cold War era is transitioning from Francis Fukuyama’s idealistic vision of the “end of history”, where liberal democracy triumphs, to Samuel Huntington’s ominous view of a “clash of civilisations”, where race and religion become flashpoints and “might makes right” prevails.

Trump’s Maga world view has undoubtedly fuelled the rise of a far-right global movement, hinting at the potential for conflict along civilisational lines. Trump’s retreat from US global leadership has also had more immediate consequences: pulling out of the Paris Agreement and World Health Organization, as well as defunding USAID, the US Agency for International Development, has weakened efforts to tackle pressing humanitarian crises.

Nonetheless, Trump’s disruptive policies have also generated unexpected outcomes. The scaling back of USAID could also signal the closing of a dark chapter: US covert operations aimed at promoting democracy through sowing dissent and regime change.

Indeed, the American global campaign to advance rights and freedom has not only relied on illicit tactics but also led to disastrous wars, as seen in Iraqand Afghanistan. The demise of the US-led world order is unlikely to be mourned by countries in the Global South. But what will emerge to replace the crumbling Western-centric international order remains uncertain.

One thing seems clear: Trump’s aversion to war. During the recent tense meeting, Trump warned Zelensky against risking a third world war. For Trump, it is evident that a direct conflict between the United States and Russia could escalate into nuclear war.

This underscores the reality of today’s great power rivalry: any open military conflict between the US, Russia and China could lead to mutual self-destruction. Ironically, despite his seemingly amoral and transactional approach, it is Trump – among Western leaders – who appears to have fully grasped the existential dangers confronting humanity.

Some speculate that Trump could negotiate a grand bargain reminiscent of the Yalta Conference, with Russia and China, aiming to establish a modern-day Monroe Doctrinethat carves out separate spheres of influence among the three nuclear-armed superpowers. While it may not entirely eliminate the risk of war, this trilateral agreement could significantly lower the chances of catastrophic conflicts in hotspots like the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait.

Herein lies the complexity of Trump 2.0: his “America first” foreign policy is disruptive, impeding collective efforts to address looming global crises. But his attempt to shake things up has also created opportunities to mitigate the risk of great power conflicts. Yet these openings for peace may be short-lived.

Trump’s efforts to broker peace with Russia have been criticised as appeasement. While some in the European Union vow to continue supporting Ukraine in the war, others advocate for Europe to step into the role traditionally held by the US in defending the liberal international order.

Trump has upended America’s long-held self-ascribed role as the defender of democracy and human rights. However, it is doubtful Trump alone is enough to fully detach Americans from their self-perception as of a “city upon a hill”. After Trump, Americans may well revert to their sense of a manifest destiny as the guardian of the free world.

Trump’s wrecking-ball tactics have fractured the Western alliance. What emerges from this fracture remains uncertain. What is clear is that a divided Global North, much like a united one, could pose significant challenges and risks to the Global South.

In his “two sessions” work report, Chinese Premier Li Qiang outlined a plan to boost consumption as a key driver of domestic economic growth, alongside expanding the role of the private sector. But Li also highlighted external uncertainties and risks, such as the massive tariffs imposed by Trump, which have escalated into a trade war and now threaten the global economy.

In April, President Xi is expected to make a state visit to Malaysia, which is also scheduled in May to host the first top-level meeting between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Gulf Cooperation Council and China: the Asean+GCC+China summit.

These meetings are taking place amid historic shifts in the Global North, triggered by Trump’s America-first foreign policy. In response, countries in the Global South must remain committed to peaceful development, seizing this moment to promote an open, inclusive world order grounded in common interests and mutual respect.

SCMP