Trump and Putin to hold Ukraine peace talks on Tuesday

Summary

Global News Podcast Summary BBC World Service – Episode: "Trump and Putin to Hold Ukraine Peace Talks on Tuesday" | Released: March 17, 2025

The latest episode of the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service, hosted by Andrew Peach, delivers an extensive overview of critical international developments. Covering a spectrum of issues from high-stakes diplomacy to tragic events and scientific breakthroughs, the episode provides listeners with in-depth analysis and firsthand accounts from around the globe. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed, complete with notable quotes and timestamps for reference.

---

1. Trump and Putin to Hold Ukraine Peace Talks

Timestamp: 00:00 – 04:17

Donald Trump's upcoming discussions with Vladimir Putin take center stage as the two leaders prepare to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war. The Kremlin confirms the talks, though specifics remain undisclosed.

• Andrew Peach opens by highlighting the scheduled talks: "The Kremlin has confirmed that Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump will talk tomorrow about ending the war in Ukraine." [00:51]

• Donald Trump shares his agenda on Air Force One:

  • "I think we'll be talking about land." [01:08]
  • "We'll be talking about power plants." [01:13]

• James Landale, diplomatic correspondent in Kyiv, provides context on the negotiations:

  • "The Americans are putting up determinedly positive signals about the prospects of getting a ceasefire deal." [02:30]
  • "Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grishko... wants Ukraine to be utterly neutral and completely outside of the NATO military alliance." [03:07]

• The European Union remains skeptical, asserting that Russia isn't genuinely interested in peace:

  • "Their view is... that it's going to be very, very hard to get a deal agreed." [03:16]
  • "Vladimir Putin has failed in his war aims." [03:49]

This segment underscores the complex dynamics and entrenched positions that both the U.S. and Russia hold, making the path to peace fraught with challenges.

---

2. Potential Iran Nuclear Deal

Timestamp: 04:17 – 07:44

President Trump's administration signals a potential revival of the nuclear deal with Iran, which the U.S. exited in 2018. Diplomatic efforts are intensifying as the deal faces an imminent deadline.

• Caroline Hawley, diplomatic correspondent, explains Trump's initiative:

  • "He's after a deal on the nuclear deal that he pulled the US out of in 2018." [04:45]
  • "It was negotiated... under President Barack Obama, but it is due to expire in October." [05:15]

• The Iranian Foreign Ministry expresses uncertainty:

  • "The messages coming from the US are contradictory and inconsistent." [05:45]

• Caroline Hawley highlights Iran's weakened position:

  • "Due to Israeli airstrikes last year targeting nuclear facilities, Iran is in a weakened position." [06:30]
  • "Experts say it would now take less than a week for the Iranians to enrich enough material for a single nuclear weapon." [06:44]

Trump's diplomatic push appears driven by both strategic urgency and Iran's vulnerable stance, but Iran resists negotiations under threat, complicating the prospects for a renewed agreement.

---

3. US Cuts Ties with Voice of America

Timestamp: 07:44 – 10:59

In a controversial move, President Trump signs an executive order significantly reducing support for Voice of America (VOA), labeling it as anti-Trump and radical. This decision leads to the suspension and impending termination of approximately 1,300 employees.

• James Landale, VOA's Chief National Correspondent, discusses his suspension:

  • "I was being suspended with pay... regarding my social media activity." [08:24]
  • "VOA has operated under a charter to be an independent broadcaster." [09:13]

• James Landale reflects on VOA's legacy and mission:

  • "We've been one of the most effective instruments of American soft power." [09:50]
  • "Destroying VOA is being considered a national security issue." [09:55]

The termination of VOA raises significant concerns about press freedom and the future of independent journalism, as voices within the organization lament the loss of a vital information source.

---

4. Oxford Scientists Extract Live Cells from Elephant Dung

Timestamp: 10:59 – 14:17

An Oxford University team, led by Professor Susanna Williams, achieves a scientific breakthrough by successfully extracting live tissue cells from elephant dung. This advancement holds promise for conservation efforts aimed at saving endangered species.

• Steve Harman, correspondent, interviews Professor Susanna Williams:

  • "It's a real breakthrough because the potential to isolate these cells has many opportunities which could be highly influential in conservation." [11:30]
  • "We've used techniques involving washing, purifying, and isolating cells from a very dirty environment." [12:06]

• Steve Harman elaborates on future applications:

  • "Differentiate these cells into sperm and egg cells for IVF purposes." [12:25]
  • "Gene editing can make animals more resilient to environmental threats." [13:00]

The team's innovative methodology not only facilitates genetic preservation but also opens avenues for genetic enhancements to combat ecological challenges, demonstrating the intersection of science and conservation.

---

5. Tragedy in North Macedonia: Club Fire

Timestamp: 14:17 – 22:58

A devastating nightclub fire in Kochani, North Macedonia, results in nearly 60 fatalities and over 150 injuries. Investigations reveal severe safety oversights, leading to the arrest of multiple suspects, including government officials.

• Aneta Kocheva, Red Cross worker, details the support efforts:

  • "Parapsychological support, first aid, and other material support." [15:10]
  • "VOA has delivered blankets, bedding, and wheelchairs." [15:21]

• Guy Delaunay, Balkans correspondent in Kochani, reports on public outrage:

  • "They think that the authorities have let the young people... down." [15:36]
  • "The nightclub didn't have fire exits; the ceiling material was highly flammable." [16:22]

• Investigations reveal allegations of corruption:

  • "The nightclub had a fraudulent license issued by the Interior Ministry and the Prime Minister." [17:22]
  • "Prime Minister Kristian Miskovsky has vowed no mercy for those responsible." [17:35]

The incident highlights systemic failures and corruption, leading to nationwide mourning and demands for accountability from the government.

---

6. EU Donor Conference for Syria

Timestamp: 22:58 – 18:39

Brussels hosts an EU-led donor conference for Syria, marking the first since President Bashar Al Assad's overthrow. The conference focuses on easing sanctions and supporting an inclusive, peaceful transition for Syria.

• EU Foreign Policy Chief, Kaya Kallas, emphasizes ongoing support:

  • "We need to continue with the lifting of sanctions because... services need to be provided, for example, banking services." [18:39]

• Andrew Peach notes the context of recent violence:

  • "Remnants of the Assad regime ambushed and killed dozens of security officers." [18:58]
  • Susanna Williams reports on the ground from an Alawite village, illustrating the human cost:
    • "A mother weeping the loss of her 22-year-old son... He has nothing to do with the previous regime." [19:46]

The conference represents a pivotal moment for international aid and policy towards Syria, aiming to stabilize a nation still reeling from internal conflict and external sanctions.

---

7. Violence in Syria's Alawite Community

Timestamp: 18:58 – 23:10

The Alawite community in Syria faces brutal reprisals following a deadly ambush by Assad loyalists. Reports from the ground highlight a cycle of revenge and fear, exacerbating the country's turmoil.

• Susanna Williams provides poignant accounts:

  • "Bullets everywhere... Pray for me, mother." [19:46]
  • "Habib's father fears for their safety if the government remains in power." [20:43]

• James Landale from Syria comments on the betrayal:

  • "We tried hard to keep everything under control... but the betrayal from the previous regime's fighters made these militias angry." [21:50]

• Saabir, a government security officer, details the ongoing violence:

  • "Messages and videos from... reinforce the fear and insecurity." [21:50]

These harrowing stories shed light on the fragile security situation in Syria, where ethnic tensions and political instability continue to fuel violence and undermine prospects for peace.

---

8. Canada's PM Mark Carney's European Tour

Timestamp: 23:10 – 25:34

Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, embarks on an unprecedented European tour to strengthen alliances amidst rising tensions with the United States under President Trump.

• Guy Delaunay explains the significance:

  • "The first foreign visit of a Canadian prime minister is traditionally to the United States... that's out of the question now." [24:21]

• Mark Carney underscores Canada’s stance:

  • "Canada's unique identity is built on the bedrock of three peoples: indigenous, British, and French." [25:05]

• Aneta Kocheva highlights Trump's antagonistic policies:

  • "President Donald Trump is imposing heavy tariffs and wants Canada to become the US's 51st state." [24:21]

• Caroline Hawley notes Carney’s diplomatic strategy:

  • "Emphasizing cooperation with allies who have shared values... looking forward to speaking with Trump by telephone." [24:50]

Carney's proactive approach aims to navigate the strained Canada-U.S. relationship, seeking to fortify European alliances and maintain Canada's distinct national identity.

---

9. M23 Rebels Prepare for DRC Peace Talks

Timestamp: 25:34 – 28:53

Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announce their participation in upcoming peace talks in Angola, amid ongoing instability in Bukavu.

• Priya Sipi reports from Bukavu:

  • "Gunshots are regularly heard at night... Prices of basic goods like food and fuel have increased by 70% in some places." [25:56]
  • "Banks are closed as they are controlled by the central government in Kinshasa." [27:48]

• James Landale describes the environment:

  • "The environment here in Bukavu is in a state of upheaval. It is full of fear." [26:31]
  • "Prisoners who escape have stolen weapons and are now armed." [26:47]

• Susanna Williams highlights the economic struggles:

  • "The price of sugar has more than doubled, making life very expensive." [27:30]
  • "Most parents refuse to send their children to school because of security reasons." [28:23]

The imminent peace talks represent a critical effort to quell the violence and restore stability in a region beleaguered by rebel activity and economic hardship.

---

10. Rwanda-Belgium Diplomatic Rift

Timestamp: 28:53 – 29:56

Rwanda severs diplomatic relations with Belgium, citing Belgium's efforts to impose international sanctions against Rwanda. Belgium deems the move disproportionate and vows to reciprocate.

• Andrew Peach summarizes the fallout:
  • "Rwanda has cut all diplomatic relations with Belgium with immediate effect." [28:53]
  • "The Rwandan president, Paul Kagame, has accused Belgium of lobbying for international sanctions against his country." [28:56]

This diplomatic rupture underscores ongoing tensions between Rwanda and Belgium, reflecting broader geopolitical struggles and the impact of international sanctions on bilateral relations.

---

11. Newcastle United's Long-awaited Trophy Win

Timestamp: 29:56 – 31:03

After decades without silverware, Newcastle United triumphs by winning the FA Cup, the European Fairs Cup, and the EFL Cup in 2025, sparking unprecedented joy among fans.

• Andrew Peach captures the elation:

  • "I never, ever thought we would win anything and make the fans ecstatic." [29:35]

• Donald Trump shares in the celebration:

  • "Ecstatic over the moon, a long time coming." [29:35]

• Steve Harman adds enthusiasm:

  • "Absolutely buzzing." [29:40]
  • "Best shift I've ever done for Northumbria Police." [29:45]

• Felicity Throw, a fan, expresses her joy:

  • "People did not think this would happen in their lifetime. It's incredible." [29:57]

• John Murray, chief football correspondent, observes:

  • "A mass display of joyousness from such a large collection of football fans in one place." [30:26]

Newcastle’s victory marks a historic moment, revitalizing the team's legacy and uniting fans in shared jubilation after decades of anticipation.

---

Conclusion

The episode of the Global News Podcast provides a comprehensive examination of pressing global issues, seamlessly interweaving high-level political negotiations, grassroots tragedies, scientific innovations, and cultural triumphs. Through expert analysis and vivid reporting, the podcast offers listeners a nuanced understanding of the world's current landscape, emphasizing the interconnectedness of international affairs and their profound impact on diverse communities.

For further insights and detailed reports, listeners are encouraged to subscribe to the Global News Podcast, available twice daily on weekdays and daily on weekends, along with special bonus episodes covering urgent breaking stories.

---

Notable Quotes and Attributions:

• Andrew Peach: Host facilitating discussions and transitions between segments.
• Donald Trump: U.S. President discussing agenda for peace talks and comments on various topics.
• James Landale: Diplomatic correspondent providing analysis from Kyiv and insights into international relations.
• Caroline Hawley: Diplomatic correspondent elaborating on Iran negotiations.
• Aneta Kocheva: Red Cross worker offering updates on relief efforts in North Macedonia.
• Steve Harman: VOA correspondent sharing experiences and insights into media landscape changes.
• Susanna Williams: Reporter detailing on-the-ground situations in Syria and other regions.
• Guy Delaunay: Balkans correspondent reporting on North Macedonia's nightclub tragedy.
• Priya Sipi: Reporter covering the situation in Bukavu, DRC.
• Felicity Throw: Newcastle United supporter expressing fan excitement.
• John Murray: Football correspondent providing commentary on Newcastle’s victory.

This summary was produced by Alice Adderley, mixed by Sydney Dundon, and edited by Karen Martin.

Transcript

[Andrew Peach]

This is the global news podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Andrew peach and at 14 hours GMT on Monday 17th March, these are our main stories. As Donald Trump prepares for talks with Vladimir Putin, the European Union warns Russia isn't interested in peace in Ukraine. Canada's new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, has broken with tradition by making his first overseas trip to Europe rather than the United States. Also in this podcast, as the authorities in North Macedonia question numerous suspects over the deadly nightclub fire, what kind of help is being offered to the survivors and their families? Our staff and our volunteers were offering.

[Aneta Kocheva]

Parapsychological support, first aid and other material support.

[Andrew Peach]

The Kremlin has confirmed that Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump will talk tomorrow about ending the war in Ukraine. Its spokesman, Dmitry Peskov, wouldn't say exactly what the two presidents would be talking about, although President Trump. Trump suggested that dividing land and power plants was now part of the conversation.

[Donald Trump]

I think we'll be talking about land.

[James Landale]

It's a lot different than it was before the wars.

[Donald Trump]

You know, we'll be talking about power plants.

[James Landale]

That's a big question. But I think we have a lot of it already discussed very much by both sides, Ukraine and Russia. We're already talking about that, dividing up certain assets, and they've been working on that.

[Andrew Peach]

Donald Trump speaking on board Air Force One. Our diplomatic correspondent James Landale is in Kyiv. I asked James if he was any the wiser about the conversation to come between President Trump and President Putin.

[Donald Trump]

I think the way it's been portrayed, I think, by diplomats, is that this will be a conversation designed not to sign off any deal, but to maintain momentum and maintain US pressure on the Russian side. If you think about it, Donald Trump has not spoken to Vladimir Putin. Putin for just over a month now. But since then, in the last few days, there's been quite a flurry of diplomacy. President Trump's envoy spoke to Mr. Putin in Moscow on Thursday. Russian diplomats have been contacting their counterparts over the weekend. And at the moment, the Americans are putting up a sort of determinedly, resolutely positive signals about the prospects of getting a ceasefire deal. But as far as we know, the Russians are still sticking hard to their guns. This morning, the deputy Foreign minister, Alexander Grishko, was very clear in saying that, you know, as part of a deal, they want Ukraine to be utterly neutral and completely outside of the NATO military alliance. Well, you know, neutrality is something that Ukrainians made very clear they are not going to accept. So at the moment, there is still a tension and A disagreement between the Americans who are saying, let's have a fast, quick ceasefire and then talk about the difficult stuff long term, and the Russians who are saying, no, we need to talk about all the difficult stuff in the round.

[Andrew Peach]

The messages from the EU are almost the opposite, resolutely negative, talking about, you know, they don't really think that Russia wants peace and therefore this is all a bit of a sham.

[Donald Trump]

I think, yeah, that their view is, it's not so much that it's a sham, but at the moment, that it's going to be very, very hard to get a deal agreed. Because at the moment, if you think about it, Vladimir Putin has failed in his war aims. His war aims were to achieve a Ukraine that was subordinate to hit to Russia. He's failed to do that. Yes, he's taken some land in the east, but it's pretty marginal incremental gains. And so the Americans are trying to say to him, look, you know, the only way you're going to treat some of your aims is by diplomatic, political means. That means a ceasefire, so you've got to start talking. But at the moment, Vladimir Putin last week in his press conference with the Belarusian leader, made it very clear that he has substantial differences of detail and also of substance that he says should be discussed in painstaking discussions before any agreement could be made over any kind of short term ceasefire. And that means that the Russians and the Americans are still some way apart. It will take concessions by both sides to get them closer.

[Andrew Peach]

James Landau, with me from Kyiv. What are the chances of there being a new deal with Iran over its nuclear activities? President Trump, in his first term in the White House, dumped the previous deal. He's now written to Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. And it's being reported that an Iranian official will meet the UN's nuclear chief in Vienna later on Monday. Our diplomatic correspondent, Caroline Hawley told me more about what President Trump is thought to be proposing.

[Caroline Hawley]

He's after a deal, a deal on the nuclear deal that he pulled the US out of in 2018. And it's a really crunch moment for that deal. It's essentially moribund because the US pulled out of it, but there have been attempts to revive it and it expires this year. It was negotiated over 20 months, I believe, under the presidency of Barack Obama, but it is due to expire in October. And at that point, any sanctions that the signatories could put on Iran for not abiding by the terms of the deal will no longer be possible to use. So it's a key moment. And there has been a flurry of recent diplomatic activity. Three tracks, Iran and the iaea, then Iran and European countries and Britain, actually four tracks. Then there were talks last week, last Friday in China with Iran and Russia. And then finally, you have this letter from Donald Trump delivered last Wednesday. We don't know the contents, but there have been some interesting comments today from a foreign Ministry spokesman in Iran saying that they're not going to release the contents, they will respond to it after proper scrutiny, but that the messages coming from the US Are contradictory and inconsistent because the Americans are expressing readiness for dialogue while also imposing new sanctions. But the message from Donald Trump that we know of because he's spoken about it in a television interview is negotiate or else. If you don't do a deal, there's the threat of military strikes. So Iran has got a lot to think about.

[Andrew Peach]

I find myself asking this question a lot at the moment. Why now for Donald Trump? Is it just because he wants to get on with everything really quickly along with all the other issues he's trying to address? Or is this about Iran being in a weakened position at the moment?

[Caroline Hawley]

It certainly is in a weakened position because of those Israeli airstrikes last year which targeted air defenses around the nuclear facilities. And you know that the Israelis have lobbied for a long time for military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities. Now they insist they are peace, but there is a huge amount of international concern, alarm even at what the Iranians have been doing over the past few years. Experts say it would now take less than a week for the Iranians to enrich enough material for a single nuclear weapon. So that's a very short timeframe. It would take them longer to actually weaponize it. But they are enriching uranium at a very, very fast pace, to 60%. You need 90% to build a bomb. But there is a huge amount of concern. So you've got to flurry of diplomatic activity. I mean, Donald Trump wants deals wherever he goes, doesn't he? But the Iranians do not like negotiating with a gun to their head. So let's see what happens.

[Andrew Peach]

Our diplomatic correspondent, Caroline Hawley. As we reported in a previous edition of this podcast, the US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order stripping back the federally funded news organization Voice of America, accusing it of being anti Trump and radical. Now, just a day after they were put on paid leave, the approximately 1,300 employees who make up Voice of America's workforce have been told their contracts will be terminated. At the end of the month. My colleague Victoria Uwan Hunder has been talking to VOA's Chief National Correspondent Steve Harman, who was suspended in February after his loyalty to President Trump's policies was called into question.

[James Landale]

I was sent a note on February 28th that said I was being suspended with pay while an investigation was to be carried out regarding my social media activity which had come under some scrutiny. And there was a reference to an executive order that the President of the United States had signed a couple weeks prior to that. And that executive order talked about loyalty of foreign service officers, which I technically am under the US Agency for Global Media, to the President's policies. And those who were deemed not to be sufficiently loyal could be terminated.

[Andrew Peach]

With VOA employees being now placed on paid leave for the time being.

[Susanna Williams]

Does that mean that you've stopped broadcasting?

[James Landale]

What's been happening on our 50 or so language services which go out like BBC on radio, television and the web programming has begun to disappear. And the web site itself carrying our news has not been updated since, I think about Saturday midday. VOA has been around for 83 years. There were times during the 1950s when there was the so called red baiting that went on looking for communists in government that VOA also faced such accusations. But we have operated under a charter which makes very clear what our mission is, that we are to be an independent broadcaster even though we're part of the federal government and this is a law in the United States which says we'll be consistently reliable and an authoritative source of news and we must be accurate, objective and comprehensive and we will represent no single segment of America in society. I have met people here in the United States and in other countries who told me that they really got their first taste of freedom from listening, watching the Voice of America. And it some cases led to their decisions to defect from authoritarian countries. It's been very powerful and destroying VOA is being considered a national security issue that it's one of the most effective instruments of American soft power and abridged those who may never set foot on our soil but really understand our values because they heard them in one of the dozens of languages in which we broadcast or used to broadcast.

[Andrew Peach]

In Steve Harmon of Voice of America talking to Victoria, 100 researchers from the University of Oxford have shown for the first time they can extract live tissue cells from the dung of an endangered animal. Scientists have taken living cells from mouse dung before. Now the Oxford team has done the same with elephant droppings, raising hopes the technique could eventually be used to Help save endangered species. Professor Susanna Williams has been leading. Spoke to Paul Henley.

[Steve Harman]

It's a real breakthrough because the potential to isolate these cells and the potential to use these cells has many, many opportunities which could be highly influential in conservation. So obtaining them from mice has been done, but developing technologies, or rather methodologies and different ways of doing it to collect the cells from the elephant has been the real ability to do it because, of course, you're collecting these cells from a very dirty environment. So be able to collect cells that are clean. Cleaning, culture and remove bacteria is really key.

[Andrew Peach]

Tell us how you did it.

[Steve Harman]

Oh, it's a very dull, boring process, but we've used lots of different techniques that involve washing and purifying and isolating. And so it's just using a bit of a dilution out and a bit of technology so we can try and spit out the bacteria and isolate them.

[Andrew Peach]

So the route potentially now is to.

[Donald Trump]

Differentiate these cells into sperm and egg cells.

[Andrew Peach]

Is it for ivf? What?

[Steve Harman]

Yeah. So this is a technology which is absolutely incredible. So they've, within mice, they've made it so that you can take cells, you can make them skin cells, you can make them into stem cells and then you can make them into eggs and sperm. And this is the technology which is currently being developed for endangered species. So this would be a perfect thing to be able to do with cells that we've isolated from elephant dunk.

[Andrew Peach]

One other genetic technique that scientists are.

[Donald Trump]

Considering to save species involves gene editing.

[Andrew Peach]

To make animals more resilient to environmental threats.

[Donald Trump]

What's the idea there?

[Steve Harman]

So, for example, there are certain species, and a great example of this is in Australia, there's certain marsupials that have been eating cane toads. Cane toads are introduced and they're very poisonous and they don't belong in Australia. And it's wiping out marsupials that are eating them for food, not being resistant to the toxins. So by doing a bit of gene editing, you can potentially make it so that it's no longer lethal to them, which is something that could evolve, but they just don't have the time to do that. And there's colleagues of mine working in Australia on that.

[Donald Trump]

There's been talk about bringing back the.

[Andrew Peach]

Woolly mammoth using stem DNA cells. Is that up your street?

[Steve Harman]

It's a very good question. So, yeah, there's a. There's a big group, influential group in the States that, that's working on bringing back the woolly mammoth. Yes.

[Andrew Peach]

Yes, maybe it's.

[Steve Harman]

I, I'm a big believer in there's many things that are possible, but we've put men on the moon many, many, many years ago. You know, bringing back real. It's about money and time. Whether there's a good enough reason or whether it's going to really be a mammoth or is it going to just be a modified elephant is a very different question.

[Andrew Peach]

That was Professor Susannah Williams from Oxford University. Still to come on this podcast, we'll hear from football fans in the northeast of England whose Newcastle United team hadn't won a trophy for decades. Until now. I never, ever thought we would win anything and make the even take Ecstatic.

[Susanna Williams]

Ecstatic over the moon.

[Andrew Peach]

North Macedonia is observing seven days of mauling after a fire that killed nearly 60 people in a nightclub in the small town of Kochani. Over 20 people have been arrested, including the nightclub owner and government officials. Aneta Kocheva, who works with the Red Cross in Kochani, has been part of the organization's relief efforts on the ground. Our staff and our volunteers were offering.

[Aneta Kocheva]

Parapsychological support, first aid and other material support. Also, the Red Cross has delivered assistance to the local hospital in Kocheani with.

[Steve Harman]

Blankets, bedding and wheelchairs.

[Andrew Peach]

We have opened two lines, one line for psychological support and as well as.

[Aneta Kocheva]

Another line, SOS line for donations.

[Andrew Peach]

Ambokans correspondent Guy Delaunay is in Kocharney.

[Guy Delaunay]

We're just seeing people moving out of the Central park of Koch Ni to go through a march around the town. They've just been chanting justice. You might just be able to hear them that chant as they move away there. They're chanting for justice for the victims of that nightclub fire because they think that the authorities have let the young people of this town down and in the most horrendous fashion possible, that that nightclub wasn't safe for operation. It didn't have fire exits. The ceiling material was clearly highly flammable, and As a result, 59 young people are dead, more than 150 injured, and this town of fewer than 25,000 people. You've got to say that every family has been affected by this.

[Andrew Peach]

Yeah, I mean, looking at the facts, the situation at this makeshift nightclub looks pretty obviously insufficient. And yet the club has been open for years. No one seems to have noticed or done anything about it.

[Guy Delaunay]

And it's had a reputation as being a really good night out. Not just a really good night out in Cochini, but one of the best nights out in North Macedonia, that the owner of the club was very good at getting acts in and putting them on. So DNK who were playing on the night of the fire, very, very well known in North Macedonia. And the way that it was all set up inside with the lighting and the stage, that was all very well done as well. But clearly what wasn't well done, where the corners had been cut, was in matters of safety. And if there are no fire exits from a nightclub, it's obviously, to use that awful phrase, an accident waiting to happen. And that's what occurred in this case.

[Andrew Peach]

And when we talk about government officials arrested and allegations of corruption, just fill us in on that guy.

[Guy Delaunay]

Well, this is because the Pulse nightclub had a license and the Interior Ministry and the Prime Minister Kristian Miskovsky have described that license as fraudulent or at least fraudulently issued. And they think it shouldn't have had a license to operate as an iClub at all. And so now they're talking to people who were working at the government administration responsible for doing that. Among those being brought in for questioning are current and former government officials. There's one former government minister who's been brought in for questioning. The Prime Minister has said it doesn't matter what political party you're from, what post you hold, what your name and surname is, there'll be no mercy if you're found to be responsible for this.

[Andrew Peach]

Our Balkans correspondent, Guy Delaunay. In North Macedonia, an EU led donor conference for Syria is taking place in Brussels, the first since President Bashar Al Assad was overthrown last December. The new Syrian authority authorities are attending the annual event along with regional neighbors and other Arab countries. Western partners and UN agencies are also represented. The EU has eased some sanctions on key sectors of the Syrian economy, but wants to see the interim authorities there honoring their promises of an inclusive and peaceful transition. Kaya Kallas is the EU foreign policy chief.

[Susanna Williams]

We need to continue with the lifting of sanctions because, you know, if there is hope for the people, then there is also less chaos. And for the hope for the people, you need also the services to be provided, for example, banking services. So we're definitely going to discuss this, but right now we are moving ahead.

[Andrew Peach]

With lifting of the sanctions in Syria itself. Remnants of the Assad regime in Syria last week ambushed and killed dozens of security officers from the new government. The response from some members of the military was brutal, killing hundreds of civilians. Many of the victims were Alawites, a sect perceived to be loyal to the former president. That community now fears it has no safe future in Syria. My colleague Leena Sinjad got exclusive access to the cities where the killings took place. She began her report in an Alawite village, south of Latakia.

[Susanna Williams]

A mother weeping the loss of her 22 year old son Habib was shot dead. Susanna Youssef describes to me the moment her son was killed.

[Steve Harman]

On Friday. He told me that there are bullets everywhere around them. They are surrounding them. Pray for me, mother. Why did they kill them? What did my son do? He has nothing to do with the previous regime.

[Susanna Williams]

Susanna also lost her sister and two other members of her own family. The Alawite women surrounded Susanna in the living room, soothing her pain. Are angry. They tell me they are being persecuted. Habibe's father, man, is a retired army officer who now spends his time farming his land. He walks me through his olive grove that has become a cemetery. Man has no faith in this government. He fears for their safety if they were to stay in power.

[James Landale]

We are Alawite and the previous president was Alawite, but we didn't like him because he was a bad person and not worthy of being a president. But the ones who came are meaner and crueler.

[Susanna Williams]

In a nearby village, another massacre was reported. Ten bodies of government fighters were found, apparently killed by Assad loyalists. We followed the white helmet civil defense who headed to the scene. Everywhere we went around town after town are deserted. It seems that from what we've seen, that these soldiers that were tied behind their back, shot dead and unthrown towards the valley and the smell is reaching miles away. Saabir is a government security officer who accompanied us to the scene. I asked him about the brutal attacks against the Alawite community.

[James Landale]

When Syria was liberated from the Assad regime. We tried hard to keep everything under control, to unite Syria. But honestly, the betrayal that we faced from the previous regime's fighters made these militias angry. And because our official forces were killed in the coastal area, that made us lose control of the area.

[Susanna Williams]

The officer tells me they have already arrested some of the perpetrators. This is Al Kusur neighborhood in the heart of Banyas, where most of the killing took place. People talk about a bloodbath against the Alawite. It is deserted and those who stayed behind are too scared to speak their mind. The fear is the country is entering an endless cycle of revenge. In another Alawite village on the outskirts of Latakia, there are similar scenes. Volunteers move between destroyed and looted buildings, handing out aid to the survivors. Abdullah Jaber is a neurology student. His home was burned down by government forces.

[Andrew Peach]

I want just to leave. I want just to continue my studying at university.

[Susanna Williams]

You want to stay in Syria? Do you feel that there is a future for you.

[Donald Trump]

There is no.

[Andrew Peach]

But I have.

[Guy Delaunay]

I have to stay here.

[Andrew Peach]

That report from our correspondent Lina Sinjab. The new Canadian Prime Minister, Mark Carney, is in France for talks with President Macron, which will focus on building European alliances after the election of President President Trump in the us. The former bank of England governor who took over in Canada on Friday will then travel to London for a meeting with Sakir Starmer. The tour comes as Mr. Carney's government grapples with how to respond to growing challenges from the United States. Mr. Carney said it was in Canada's best interests to strengthen cooperation with allies who have shared values. I want to ensure that France and.

[Guy Delaunay]

The whole of Europe works enthusiastically with.

[Andrew Peach]

Canada, the most European of non European countries, determined like you to maintain the most positive possible relations with the United States. Canada is a reliable, trustworthy and strong partner of France, which shares our values and lives them through action during this age of economic and geopolitical crises. Here's our chief international correspondent, Lisette the.

[Aneta Kocheva]

First foreign visit of a Canadian prime minister is traditionally to the country's biggest trading partner and closest ally, the United States. That's out of the question now. Not only is President Donald Trump imposing heavy tariffs, he's also repeatedly made it clear he wants Canada to become the US's 51st state. In his first speech after taking office, Mark Carney reiterated that would never happen. Canada's unique identity, he said, was built on the bedrock of three peoples, indigenous British and French. So he will be in Paris, London, and then he'll travel to his country's northernmost city of Iqaluit. The former banker wants to talk to Francis Emmanuel Macron and Britain's Sir Keir Starmer about trade tariffs and how to respond to President Trump now that he's prime minister. Mr. Carney has also adopted a less confrontational tone, emphasizing that both he and the American president have a background in business, including real estate. And he said he's looking forward to speaking to him for now by telephone. It's still not clear whether President Trump will call him Governor Carney, as he did with his predecessor, Justin Trudeau.

[Andrew Peach]

Rwandan backed M23 rebels have said they'll send a delegation to Angola to take part in peace talks with the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which are expected to start on Tuesday. Eastern areas of the country are now under the control of the rebels. Priya Sipi reports from the city of Bukavu.

[Priya Sipi]

At the end of February, burwan and back M23 rebels staged a rally in Bukavu. There was singing, dancing and music. But moments later, panic ensued. People ran for their lives when explosions were heard. The rally is symbolic of life in Bukavu since M23 seized control of the city. People are applauding on the surface, but the change in regime has also brought fear and insecurity.

[James Landale]

The environment here in Bukavu is in a state of upheaval. It is full of fear.

[Priya Sipi]

One 72 year old resident of Bukavu says gunshots are regularly heard at night.

[James Landale]

We also have a lot of thefts from shops and many prisoners who escape from prison that have stolen weapons and are now armed. Civilians also have arms in the city. Shops have been destroyed and we have thieves breaking into homes at night, robbing people and killing them.

[Priya Sipi]

With supply chain routes disrupted and some markets remaining closed, residents say prices of basic goods like food and fuel have increased. The World Food Programme says items like maize flour have increased by 70% in some places. One resident spoke to us about the rampant inflation.

[Susanna Williams]

The products of necessities have increased in price.

[Andrew Peach]

For example, a kilo of sugar which.

[Susanna Williams]

Was bought for 2000 or 3000 Congolese francs, today is bought for between 5000 or 6000 Congolese francs. Life has become very expensive.

[Priya Sipi]

He also said there's a cash crisis. Banks are closed as they are controlled by the central government in Kinshasa.

[Susanna Williams]

Banks do not work and so the population needs money. But money does not circulate.

[Priya Sipi]

Despite promises from M23 that life will return to normal, the group have little experience of governing large cities. Some residents say the local economy is declining and social services are struggling to restart. While schools were recently reopened, one mother tells us that classrooms remain empty.

[Susanna Williams]

Most parents refuse to send their children.

[James Landale]

To school and for security reasons, because we have received messages and videos from.

[Susanna Williams]

Parents in Goma who have sent their children to school. And some have been abducted to be murdered and others have been enlisted to fight.

[Priya Sipi]

The BBC has not been able to verify claims the rebels are abducting and conscripting children to fight. But on the social media platform X M23 have said that the city of Bukavu is completely secure.

[Andrew Peach]

Meanwhile, Rwanda has cut all diplomatic relations with Belgium with immediate effect. The government in Brussels described the move as disproportionate. Instead, it would reciprocate. The Rwandan president, Paul Kagame, has accused Belgium of lobbying for international sanctions against his country. The English Premier League club Newcastle United haven't won a trophy for decades until now. They won the FA cup in 1955. The European Fairs cup in 1969 and the EFL cup in 2025. At Wembley on Sunday, beating Liverpool 2 1. Here's what it means to Newcastle fans. I never ever thought we would win anything and make namesake ecstatic.

[Donald Trump]

Ecstatic over the moon a long time coming.

[Steve Harman]

Absolutely buzzing.

[Susanna Williams]

So pleased.

[Steve Harman]

Best shift I've ever done for Northumbria Police.

[Andrew Peach]

We've won a trophy.

[Donald Trump]

The 70 years have been erased.

[Priya Sipi]

How is it that?

[Susanna Williams]

Absolutely amazing.

[Aneta Kocheva]

Was it ever in doubt?

[Steve Harman]

Never.

[Andrew Peach]

Felicity Throw from the Newcastle United Supporters Trust was at the game with her family.

[Steve Harman]

People did not think this would happen in their lifetime. And for us to be there to see families, there to see parents and kids, there to see friends and then further afield from the stadium, seeing the videos of back home and pubs across the country and the world, it's incredible. I cannot describe it.

[Andrew Peach]

And this was my BBC colleague John Murray who described the match on the.

[Donald Trump]

BBC World Service inside Wembley Stadium yesterday. I'm not sure I've seen such a mass display of joyousness from such a large collection of football fans in one place. They didn't want to leave, so they didn't. You know, for anyone who's been to. To Tyneside, to Newcastle, you know, I grew up in that part of the world. I know the passion that there is in the northeast of. Of England for, for football, for sport, for sporting success. And of course the northwest of England has had so much success over, over recent decades, but the northeast has been really starved of it.

[Andrew Peach]

Our chief football correspondent, John Murray. And that's all from us for now. There'll be a new edition of Global News to download later. If you'd like to comment on this podcast, drop us an email globalpodcastbc.co.uk or on X we are BCWorld service. Just use the hashtag globalnewspod. This edition was produced by Alice Adderley and mixed by Sydney Dundon. The editor is Karen Martin. I'm Andrew Peach. Thank you for listening and until next time. Time. Goodbye.