Global Unrest and Diplomatic Tensions Highlight Recent Events

Recently, significant events unfolded around the world, sparking widespread concern and reaction. In Ottawa, Canada, dramatic footage showed the collapse of the top floor of a six-storey parking garage on February 25. Firefighters managed to evacuate individuals from the area; however, around 50 vehicles were reportedly left trapped inside the damaged structure.

Days later, on February 27, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo experienced violence during an M23 rally in Bukavu. Gunfire and explosions disrupted the gathering, killing at least 11 individuals and wounding dozens more, according to the group's leader. The tragic event underscores the region's persistent instability and the fragile security situation there.

On February 28, Greece marked one year since its deadliest train accident, prompting violent protests and demands for accountability. The demonstrations followed revelations from an inquiry which identified unaddressed safety gaps and noted that no convictions had yet occurred regarding the accident, which claimed 57 lives.

Elsewhere, diplomatic moves took place in protest of Israeli actions. South Africa, Malaysia, and Colombia announced their collaborative stance, promising to deny port access to ships delivering arms to Israel, thereby halting weapons supplies that could contribute to violations of humanitarian norms. Their joint statement emphasized the importance of collective enforcement of international law to prevent its collapse and criticized perceived impunity in Israel's handling of international law.

Meanwhile, controversy unfolded at the highest diplomatic ranks. US President Donald Trump engaged in a heated exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office. Trump issued stern warnings, cautioning Zelenskyy that he was risking "World War III" and "gambling with the lives of millions." Trump presented Zelenskyy an ultimatum—either reach a deal or lose US involvement, leaving Ukraine to manage alone.

Trump later criticized Zelenskyy publicly on his platform, TruthSocial, accusing him of disrespecting the US and lacking genuine readiness for peace. Consequently, a planned joint press conference between the two leaders was canceled, fueling further controversy. Social media users also reacted strongly to Trump's confrontation with Zelenskyy, drawing sharp contrasts between Trump's interactions with the Ukrainian president and his notably different approach to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.