Trump and Zelensky agree to future talks

Summary

Global News Podcast Summary
Episode: "Trump and Zelensky Agree to Future Talks"
Release Date: March 5, 2025
Host: Valerie Sanderson, BBC World Service

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1. U.S.-Ukraine Relations: Suspension of Intelligence Sharing

Overview:
President Donald Trump has suspended intelligence sharing with Ukraine, a significant move amidst the ongoing conflict initiated by Russia's invasion. Despite this suspension, U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz remains optimistic about future relations and prospects for renewed negotiations between the United States and Ukraine.

Key Points:

• Trump’s Suspension:
  President Trump has halted the sharing of intelligence with Ukraine as a strategic maneuver to compel Ukraine into negotiations with Russia. This suspension includes critical battlefield intelligence, making it more challenging for Ukraine to monitor Russian activities and respond effectively.

• Optimism from U.S. Officials:
  Mike Waltz stated at [00:59]

  “We are having good talks on location for the next round of negotiations on delegations, on substance, I think we're going to see movement in very short order.”

  John Ratcliffe, CIA Director, added at [03:46]:

  “The pause that allowed that to happen, I think will go away. And I think we'll work shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine as we have to.”

• Implications for Ukraine:
  The suspension severely impacts Ukraine's ability to defend itself, hindering missile tracking and strategic targeting of Russian forces. This could potentially alter the dynamics on the battlefield, making Ukrainian defenses less effective.

• Diplomatic Developments:
  Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reported positive engagement with the U.S., anticipating tangible outcomes in the upcoming week. Both nations have agreed to hold further talks aiming to end the conflict that began with Russia's invasion.

Notable Quotes:

• Zelenskyy at [01:10]:

  “We expect to see results next week.”

• Mike Waltz at [03:20]:

  “If we can nail down these negotiations and move towards these negotiations and in fact put some confidence-building measures on the table, then the President will take a hard look at lifting this pause.”

Conclusion:
While the immediate suspension of intelligence sharing presents challenges for Ukraine, U.S. officials express cautious optimism about resuming support contingent on meaningful negotiations toward peace.

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2. European Defense and Strategic Autonomy: President Macron’s Address

Overview:
French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the nation, emphasizing the necessity for Europe to bolster its defense capabilities independently of the U.S. and Russia. This marks a pivotal shift towards European strategic autonomy, urging increased military spending and enhanced self-reliance.

Key Points:

• Defense Spending:
  Macron declared the need for Europe to invest more in defense to act as both a deterrent and a facilitator of peace.

• Strategic Autonomy:
  He underscored that Europe's future should not be dictated by external powers but rather by its collective decisions and policies.

• Response to Regional Threats:
  Macron highlighted the resurgence of threats in Eastern Europe, signaling a departure from the relative peace experienced since the fall of the Berlin Wall.

• European Unity:
  The speech serves as both a domestic reassurance and a message to European allies, advocating for a coordinated defense strategy ahead of upcoming summits in Brussels.

Notable Quotes:

• Emmanuel Macron at [06:26]:

  “Whatever happens, we must equip ourselves more, raise our defense position. We need to do this for peace and as a deterrent.”

• Macron further stated at [06:26]:

  “The future of Europe does not have to be decided in Washington or Moscow. And yes, the threat is returning to the East.”

Expert Insights:

• Hugh Schofield, Paris Correspondent at [06:56]:

  “It was an address of preparation to make sure that [the French] people are on side and understand what is happening and the upcoming decisions.”

• Hugh Further Commented at [08:04]:

  “The big picture, the kind of epoch-making change which is about Europe moving towards self-sufficiency in security, is something which is broadly shared.”

Conclusion:
Macron's address signifies a strategic pivot for Europe, aiming to enhance its defense capabilities and reduce dependency on traditional allies. This move is widely supported among European leaders, aligning with broader goals of unity and self-reliance in the face of emerging threats.

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3. U.S. Diplomatic Engagement with Hamas Over Hostages in Gaza

Overview:
The White House has confirmed that U.S. envoy Adam Boehler has engaged in direct negotiations with Hamas to secure the release of American hostages in Gaza. These talks represent a rare diplomatic outreach to a group traditionally designated as a terrorist organization by the U.S.

Key Points:

• Negotiations Conducted:
  Carolyn Leavitt, White House Spokesperson, confirmed [10:00]

  “The special envoy who’s engaged in those negotiations does have the authority to talk to Hamas.”

• Hostage Situation:
  The discussions aim to free one living American hostage, 20-year-old soldier Idan Alexander, alongside four others presumed dead.

• Israeli Response:
  Israel has expressed its displeasure regarding these negotiations, viewing them as potentially undermining their stance. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office stated at [11:24]:

  “Israel has expressed to the United States its position regarding direct talks with Hamas.”

• Diplomatic Tensions:
  This unilateral engagement could strain U.S.-Israel relations, as Israel prefers to handle hostage negotiations directly.

Notable Quotes:

• Brian Cox at [10:00]:

  “This is all about trying to secure the release of one living American hostage, a 20-year-old soldier, Idan Alexander…”

• John Ratcliffe at [03:49]:

  “We will push back on the aggression that’s there, but to put the world in a better place for these peace negotiations to move forward.”

Conclusion:
The U.S.’s direct negotiations with Hamas mark a significant and controversial step in diplomatic efforts to resolve the hostage crisis in Gaza. While aimed at securing the lives of American citizens, this move may complicate relationships with key allies like Israel and influence the broader geopolitical landscape.

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4. Sensational Criminal Case: Chinese PhD Student Convicted of Multiple Rapes

Overview:
A 28-year-old Chinese PhD student, Jen Ha Zhou, has been convicted in the UK for drugging and raping ten women across London and China. Authorities fear he may be one of the most prolific sexual predators the UK has ever seen.

Key Points:

• Modus Operandi:
  Zhou used alcoholic drinks spiked with drugs like GHB to incapacitate his victims before committing rape.

• Evidence Collected:
  Police found large quantities of chemicals used to produce GHB, precise measurement tools, and spy cameras recording the assaults.

• Victim Impact:
  While seven videos of assaults in China were found, it remains unclear how many additional victims may exist. Detectives are urging other potential victims to come forward.

• Law Enforcement Response:
  Commander Kevin Southworth described the case as one of the worst of its kind, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations to prevent further offenses.

Notable Quotes:

• Hugh Schofield at [13:28]:

  “This man may well turn out to be one of the most prolific sexual predators that we've ever seen in this country.”

• Daniel Sanford at [14:41]:

  “Detectives are appealing for any women who've spent time alone with Zhou to get in touch, however little they remember of the encounter.”

Conclusion:
The conviction of Jen Ha Zhou underscores the grave challenges law enforcement faces in tackling serial sexual offenders. The case has reignited discussions on victim support, surveillance, and preventative measures to protect individuals from similar heinous crimes.

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5. Humanitarian Crisis: UN Cuts Food Rations for Rohingya Refugees

Overview:
The United Nations has announced it may halve monthly food rations for Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh due to a significant shortfall in international donations. Approximately one million Rohingya are residing in overcrowded camps following years of violence in Myanmar.

Key Points:

• Funding Shortfall:
  The World Food Program requires an additional $80 million to prevent the reduction of food aid from $12.50 to $6 per person per month.

• Impact on Refugees:
  Reduced rations could exacerbate malnutrition and hunger, with basic food items like eggs becoming unaffordable.

• Donor Fatigue:
  Competing global crises in Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan have led to a reluctance among donors to contribute, straining limited resources.

• U.S. Aid Role:
  Although USAID continues to provide emergency food aid, other areas such as healthcare and waste management have seen reductions due to funding reallocations.

Notable Quotes:

• Hugh Schofield at [15:23]:

  “We are not getting enough money… donor fatigue is a significant issue with so many crises demanding attention.”

• Hugh further explained at [16:50]:

  “The US money is coming in different areas apart from food, so the allied activities like hospital and waste management are being affected.”

Conclusion:
The potential reduction in food aid to Rohingya refugees represents a dire humanitarian situation, highlighting the urgent need for increased international support. Donor fatigue poses a substantial barrier to meeting the essential needs of vulnerable populations amidst multiple global emergencies.

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6. Literary News: Publication of Harper Lee’s Unreleased Works

Overview:
A collection of previously unpublished short stories by the late author Harper Lee is set to be released. The collection, titled "The Land of Sweet Forever," includes works dating back to the 1950s, offering fans and literary enthusiasts new insights into Lee’s writing.

Key Points:

• Content of the Collection:
  Half of the collection comprises never-before-seen short stories penned by Lee before the publication of her iconic novel, "To Kill a Mockingbird." Additionally, eight non-fiction pieces published during her lifetime are included.

• Literary Significance:
  The new works are lauded for their distinctive voice, humor, and depth, promising to resonate with millions of readers worldwide.

• Preparation for Publication:
  Literary agent Michael Dean emphasized the inimitable quality of Lee’s writing, ensuring the authenticity and appeal of the newly released stories.

Notable Quotes:

• Robin Ince at [18:10]:

  “Every single piece in the collection just rings with Harper Lee's voice. I think readers will immediately recognize that they can only have been written by Harper Lee.”

• Valerie Sanderson at [30:45]:

  “The novel dealt with racial inequality in America… now a collection of short stories brings more of her profound insights.”

Conclusion:
The release of Harper Lee’s "The Land of Sweet Forever" offers a valuable addition to her literary legacy, providing fans with fresh material that underscores her enduring influence on American literature and social commentary.

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7. FIFA’s Super Bowl Style Halftime Show at the World Cup

Overview:
Following the unprecedented success of Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl halftime show, FIFA has decided to incorporate a similar Super Bowl-style halftime show into the 2026 World Cup Final. Coldplay has been enlisted to produce the event, aiming to enhance the global spectacle of the tournament.

Key Points:

• Inspiration from the Super Bowl:
  The decision is inspired by the record-breaking viewership and cultural impact of Super Bowl halftime shows, which now draw over 150 million viewers on platforms like YouTube.

• Role of Coldplay:
  Coldplay will not perform but will take on the production role, bringing their extensive experience in global music tours to create a captivating halftime experience.

• Anticipated Benefits:
  The halftime show is expected to attract a diverse audience, including music fans who may not typically watch the World Cup, thereby broadening the event’s appeal.

• Future Collaborations:
  This initiative signals a trend towards deeper integration between major sporting events and the global music industry, potentially leading to more collaborative efforts in the future.

Notable Quotes:

• John Ratcliffe at [27:01]:

  “Having a superstar performer like Kendrick Lamar can really drum up a lot of anticipation before the event.”

• John further elaborated at [28:30]:

  “Coldplay can set a really good example here as well… they are really proud of what they do in terms of making their touring sustainable and eco-friendly.”

Conclusion:
FIFA’s decision to adopt a Super Bowl-style halftime show aims to elevate the World Cup Final’s entertainment value, leveraging the universal language of music to unite viewers globally. This move is expected to set a precedent for future sports events, fostering greater synergy between athletics and the music industry.

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Closing Remarks

This episode of the Global News Podcast provided comprehensive coverage of pivotal international developments, ranging from high-stakes geopolitical negotiations and defense strategies to significant humanitarian challenges and cultural milestones. The discussions underscored the intricate interplay between global politics, security, human rights, and cultural expressions, reflecting the multifaceted nature of contemporary global affairs.

For further discussions or feedback on this episode, listeners are encouraged to reach out via email at [e-mail] or follow the podcast on XBCWorldService using the hashtag #globalnewspot.

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Produced by Isabella Jewell
Edited by Karen Martin
Mixed by Abby Wiltshire

Transcript

[Valerie Sanderson]

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the uk.

[Robin Ince]

Hello, I'm Robin Ince.

[Brian Cox]

And I'm Brian Cox and we would like to tell you about the new series of the Infinite Monkey Cage. We're going to have a planet off Jupiter versus Scepter. It's very well done that because in the script it does say wrestling voice.

[Valerie Sanderson]

After all of that it's going to.

[Robin Ince]

Kind of chill out a bit and talk about ice.

[Brian Cox]

And also in this series we're discussing history, music recording with Brian Eno and looking at nature shapes.

[Valerie Sanderson]

So listen wherever you get your podcasts.

[James Landell]

This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Valerie Sanderson and in the early hours of Thursday 6th March, these are our main stories. President Trump suspends intelligence sharing with Ukraine, but the US national security adviser, Mike Waltz strikes an upbeat note for future relations with Kyiv.

[Valerie Sanderson]

We are having good talks on location for the next round of negotiations on delegations, on substance, I think we're going to see movement in very short order.

[James Landell]

President Macron tells the French.

[Hugh Schofield]

The future.

[Emmanuel Macron]

Of Europe does not have to be decided in Washington or Moscow, and yes, the threat is returning to the east.

[James Landell]

And warns France will have to spend more on defense. The White House confirms direct talks with Hamas over the hostages in Gaza. Also in this podcast, how aspirin helps stop the spread of cancer and FIFA's decision to have a Super bowl style halftime show at the World Cup. The Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, says there's been positive movement in his engagement with the United States and he expects to see results next week. The head of his office under Yermak said both sides had agreed to hold further talks about ending the war that began with Russia's invasion. US Officials have also confirmed that intelligence sharing with Ukraine has been suspended as part of moves by President Trump to force the country to negotiate with Russia. Here's our diplomatic correspondent, James Landell.

[James Waterhouse]

After last week's rupture in the Oval Office, the diplomatic dust has begun to settle. President Trump told Congress he appreciated the letter he received from President Zelensky, which praised his leadership and welcomed a proposed minerals deal. In his nightly address, Mr. Zelenskyy said there had been positive movement and his chief of staff said both sides had agreed to hold talks soon. The US national security adviser, Mike Waltz, said he'd had good talks with his Ukrainian counterpart about the location, delegations and substance of any discussions. And he suggested that if there were progress, the US Might end the pause on military aid to Ukraine. It announced earlier this week.

[Valerie Sanderson]

I think if we can nail down these negotiations and move towards these negotiations and in fact put some confidence building measures on the table, then the President will take a hard look at lifting this pause. We have to know that both sides are sincerely negotiating towards a, a partial, then permanent peace.

[James Waterhouse]

But for now, that military aid remains suspended. And it was confirmed today that it includes a ban on the sharing of intelligence with Ukraine. That will have an immediate impact on the battlefield, with UKRA finding it harder to track incoming missiles and glide bombs or attack Russian targets behind its front lines. The CIA director, John Ratcliffe said this was making President Zelensky think again on.

[John Ratcliffe]

The military front and the intelligence front.

[Valerie Sanderson]

The pause that allowed that to happen, I think will go away.

[John Ratcliffe]

And I think we'll work shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine as we have to.

[Valerie Sanderson]

Push back on the aggression that's there, but to push put the world in a better place for these peace negotiations to move forward.

[James Waterhouse]

So for all the conciliatory noises and reduction in tensions, the essentials remain. Donald Trump is still putting huge pressure on a supposed ally to agree a surrender ceasefire on his terms, one that cedes territory to Russia and mineral resources to the US without guarantees to ensure Ukraine's future security. And all the while, it remains unclear whether President Putin is ready to talk, as Mr. Trump insists he is. The Kremlin said today merely it would react positively to the latest developments.

[James Landell]

So what impact will the suspension of intelligence sharing have on Ukraine? Here's our Ukraine correspondent, James Waterhouse.

[Robin Ince]

It's central to Ukraine's survival, really. I mean, in the early Battle of Kyiv, it was shared intelligence from America which allowed Ukraine to repel Russian forces in a way that many didn't expect. It is shared American intelligence that alerts your mobile phone if there is an airstrike, which happens most nights. They allow Ukrainian troops to identify the locations of invading Russian soldiers and to launch long range missile strikes. The scope of this pause is not yet clear, as you'd expect. But this is an American approach, which is less a unpopular measure to force Ukraine to negotiate and more a reckless gamble with Ukraine's future. And you wonder how far Donald Trump is willing to go because Vladimir Putin, he sees Ukraine, he doesn't see it as a sovereign state. He sees Ukrainians and Russians as being the same. And there's no evidence suggesting that he sees he has a different view. President Zelenskyy is saying he's going to have a meeting. He expects to deliver results with Washington next week after an improvement in relations. And, you know, what he needs those results fast, the way aid is being withdrawn from America right now.

[James Landell]

James Waterhouse. The French president, Emmanuel Macron, has addressed the nation at a time of abrupt changes in the transatlantic alliance since US President Donald Trump came into power. In a televised speech just a few hours ago, Mr. Macron emphasized the need for continued support for Ukraine and stronger European military defence.

[Emmanuel Macron]

Whatever happens, we must equip ourselves more, raise our defence position. We need to do this for peace and as a deterrent. We remain committed to NATO and our partnership with the U.S. but we also need to further strengthen our independence in terms of defense and security. The future of Europe does not have to be decided in Washington or Moscow. And yes, the threat is returning to the East. And the innocence of the last 30 years since the fall of the boat Berlin is now over.

[James Landell]

Here's our correspondent in Paris, Hugh Schofield.

[Emmanuel Macron]

It was a French president doing what French presidents do, which is kind of leading the nation at a time when, this being France, people do tend to look to the Elysees and look to their leader for some kind of guidance as to what is happening. There were no great revelations. There were no announcements of or promises or commitments. But it was an address of preparation, if you like, to the people to make sure that they are on side and understand what is happening and understand that there are decisions that will be taken in the coming days and weeks which will have a huge impact on them and maybe on their ordinary lives. I mean, part of all of this, of course, is the huge commitment to boosting defence spending, some of which may come through raised borrowing at a European level, but some of which will have to come through budgetary changes in France. And people have to know that that's coming. So it was that. I mean, it was, you know, it was a presidential address to impress on people that this really is a big change, not just since the fall of the Berlin Wall, but since the liberation. I mean, this is the biggest change to the configuration of power in Europe since the end of the Second World War.

[James Landell]

So this was for a domestic audience, but do you also think that President Macron was sending messages to other European leaders that they have to. Everybody has to pull together ahead of the summit in Brussels.

[Emmanuel Macron]

I think the response is generally positive to that. I mean, you know, after the German announcement yesterday of this, you know, this radical shift and the injection of billions and billions of euros into defense spending with the Van der Leyen plan, as outlined a couple of days previously on ways of raising money at the European level, quite clearly, the wind is with Macron. I mean, Macron isn't one to crow, but he is crowing a little bit when he says, as he did today, that this is something which we in France have been pushing for for a long time, this idea of European strategic autonomy. Well, now it's happening. It's not happening in a way which we wanted it to happen. We'd rather it happened in a coordinated way with America. But what has happened in America means that this, Willy Lily, is how we have to proceed. And of course there are going to be differences in Europe still about how the money is raised, about where the arms industries are to be based, and more specifically when it comes to Ukraine now about the deployment of potential peacekeepers there and money that might still go to Ukraine and so on. But I think the big picture, the kind of epoch making change which is about Europe moving towards self sufficiency in security, is something which is broadly shared.

[James Landell]

Hugh Scofield the White House has confirmed that a U.S. envoy spoke directly to Hamas in recent weeks about securing the release of American hostages held in Gaza. A little later, in a post on his Truth Social platform, President Donald Trump issued a warning to Hamas, release the hostages now or they'll be hell to pay later. Our diplomatic correspondent Paul Adams told the BBC's James Menendez what we know about the meetings.

[Brian Cox]

The White House has confirmed that its special envoy, Adam Boehler, has indeed had negotiations with Hamas. According to the White House spokeswoman Carolyn Leavitt, the special envoy who's engaged in those negotiations, in her words, does have the authority to talk to Hamas. Obviously this is a group considered to be a terrorist organization with whom the American administration, successive American administrations, has not had any contact, although it's believed the Biden administration may have had one meeting in April last year. A senior Hamas official has told the BBC that two direct meetings took place between Hamas and a US official, presumably Adam Bola in Qatar, preceded by several communications. This is all about trying to secure the release of one living American hostage, a 20 year old soldier, Idan Alexander, and four others who are believed to be dead. The negotiations do not appear to have resulted in anything so far, though one or two Israeli networks are saying that what the Americans are doing is offering to pressure Israel into negotiations on phase two of the ceasefire deal as some kind of incentive to Hamas. And as you know, those negotiations are deadlocked right now.

[Valerie Sanderson]

Did Israel know about these contacts between the US and Hamas?

[Brian Cox]

It's not quite clear whether Israel was told after the fact or before. Israeli officials are saying that they are aware of these contacts. The Prime Minister's office released a statement. It is pretty terse, I have to say. It says simply the following. Israel has expressed to the United States its position regarding direct talks with Hamas. I think you can take it from the brevity of that statement that Israel is not best pleased about this. The idea that anyone would be going behind Israel's back to secure the release of individual hostages might be seen as undermining Israel's overall position when it comes to trying to move forward.

[James Landell]

Paul Adams Police say they fear that a Chinese PhD student who's been convicted of drugging and raping 10 women in London and China could potentially be one of the most prolific sexual predators the UK has ever seen. 28 year old Jen Ha Zhou secretly filmed the attacks and kept the videos as souvenirs. Officers say the material they uncovered suggests Zo could have raped many other people. A UK correspondent, Daniel Sanford, filed this report. Hello, sir.

[John Ratcliffe]

You're Mr. Zhou by any chance one.

[Daniel Sanford]

Of the most prolific rapists ever seen in the uk. Jen Howso's callous campaign of drug raping young women came to an end when police officers knocked at the door of his expensive London flat.

[John Ratcliffe]

I'm arresting you on suspicion of rape. Okay. Because it is alleged that on the 14th of November last year, he lured.

[Daniel Sanford]

Women back to his apartment, gave them alcoholic drinks spiked with drugs like ghb, then raped them while they were unconscious or drifting in and out of consciousness.

[Brian Cox]

How many victims are there?

[Hugh Schofield]

No commas. How long has this been around for?

[Daniel Sanford]

When detectives searched Zhou's flat, they found that he had everything he needed in his bedroom to drug and rape women again and again. Among the evidence, two large bottles of an industrial chemical which converts in the human body into the date rape drug ghb. Police also found a pipette for measuring out the dangerous liquid carefully to put the women to sleep. And there was a collection of spy cameras on which Zhou recorded himself raping the unconscious women. Police found seven videos of Zhou raping unconscious women in China on his devices. Detectives couldn't establish who they were, but the video evidence was still strong enough to convict him. He was also found guilty of raping three women in London. Two gave evidence at his trial and detectives think he may have raped dozens more women during his time in the uk. Commander Kevin Southworth of the Metropolitan Police says this is one of the worst cases of its kind.

[Hugh Schofield]

We certainly have video evidence of as.

[Nick Thorpe]

Many as potentially 50 further victim survivors.

[Emmanuel Macron]

Who were desperate to trace so that.

[Hugh Schofield]

We can actually establish what has happened to them? This man may well turn out to.

[Emmanuel Macron]

Be one of the most prolific sexual predators that we've ever seen in this country.

[Hugh Schofield]

And it's vital that we bring him to justice for all of his offending.

[Daniel Sanford]

When Zoe was shown the footage that he'd filmed of himself raping the women, he barely reacted.

[Valerie Sanderson]

Now, after seeing that, is there anything.

[Hugh Schofield]

You want to tell me?

[Daniel Sanford]

Detectives are appealing for any women who've spent time alone with Zoe to get in touch, however little they remember of the encounter.

[James Landell]

Daniel Sanford. The United nations has warned it will have to halve monthly food rations to Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh as a result of dwindling international donations. About a million Rohingya are currently living in overcrowded camps in Bangladesh after fleeing years of violence in neighbouring Myanmar and Barasan. Ithirajan is our South Asia regional editor.

[Hugh Schofield]

I spoke to one of the representatives of the World Food Program in Caucus Bazaar in southeastern Bangladesh, where these sprawling camps are. There nearly a million Rohingya refugees are housed there. And now this official said basically they were not getting enough donors to meet their shortfall. What they need is about $80 million to address the shortage. And then they are now trying to find these donors so that they can meet the shortfall before the 1st of April. And in case if they get the money before April 1st of April, then they might keep it at 12 and a half dollars per person per month. Now the issue is whether they can find the money. Now, what this means for average person in a refugee camp is like if they it to $6, that means about 24 taka local currency per day. But one egg will cost you 10 to 12 taka at the moment. So you can as well imagine the difference in prices, the difference in the cut, how this will affect the food ration. But broadly speaking, there seems to be a donor fatigue. You know, you see so many crises around the world, like in Gaza, in Ukraine, in Sudan. So there is a small pot of money for which many of these agencies are now trying to access. And that's why the World Food Program warning that if they are not going to get enough money, then they might be forced to cut the food ration for the Rohingya refugees.

[James Landell]

And how much are the recent USAID cuts to blame for this?

[Hugh Schofield]

Now, they say that it is not directly linked to the USAID cuts, but there is a general donor fatigue, but they are not getting enough money. But the US also made it very clear, the State Department as well, that emergency humanitarian aid will not be stopped because they continue to give this money even to the Rohingya camps. So I spoke to one UNICEF official a couple of weeks ago when the decision was announced. They said no, the emergency food aid that is being continued by the Americans. But what is happening, according to the Bangladesh official, is that there are five or six hospitals. They get a good amount of money under the USAID program. So there the services have been reduced and also waste management. So the US money is coming in different areas apart from food. So those are the side activities. There are allied activities like in hospital, the waste management, they were being affected, but they are waiting for the USAID to come out with a clear plan what they are going to do.

[James Landell]

Anbarasan Etharajan still to come in the global news podcast, new work by the late author Harper Lee, who wrote To Kill a Mockingbird, is being published.

[Robin Ince]

Every single piece in the collection just rings with Harper Lee's voice. I mean, it is inimitable. It is. They are wry, they're funny, they have a touch of darkness to them as well. They have to find their way to millions of readers around the world. Hello, I'm Robin Ince.

[Brian Cox]

And I'm Brian Cox and we would like to tell you about the new series of the Infinite Monkey Cage. We're going to have a planet on Jupiter versus Scepter. It's very well done that, because in the script it does say wrestling voice.

[Valerie Sanderson]

After all of that, it's gonna kind of chill out a bit and talk about ice.

[Brian Cox]

And also in this series we're discussing history, music recording with Brian Eno and looking at nature's shapes.

[Valerie Sanderson]

So listen wherever you get your podcasts.

[James Landell]

The foreign ministers of the uk, France and Germany have urged Israel to allow the resumption of humanitarian aid to Gaza. In a joint statement, they described the situation there as catastrophic and expressed deep concern at Israel's decision to halt the entry of goods and supplies to the strip. Israel has been asked to comment. Nick Erdley from BBCVerify has more getting.

[Brian Cox]

More aid into Gaza was a key component of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. But on Sunday, Israel said it was stopping aid crossings, calling on Hamas to agree to extend the first phase of the ceasefire. Aid agencies are now warning the blocking of relief is having a significant impact. The World Food Programme told the BBC it had enough stock to provide assistance to Gazans for less than two weeks. It warned if crossings into Gaza remain closed, it may have to further reduce rations. Christian Aid, which operates in the Strip, said market prices had increased by as much as a quarter, with some goods like Meat, fish and imported vegetables starting to disappear altogether. Christian Aid also said the lack of relief risked what they called an even greater humanitarian catastrophe. FA deliveries don't resume soon.

[James Landell]

Nick Herdley. In Romania, two Russian diplomats, military attache Viktor Makovsky and his deputy have been declared Persona non grata. The move comes amid tension with Russia after security services accused Moscow of interference in a presidential election last year. The result, a surprise first round win to the far right populist and Russian sympathizer Kalin Jargescu was subsequently annulled. The election has been rescheduled for early May. But will Mr. Georgescu be allowed to take part? From Bucharest, Nick Thorpe sent this report from a rally of his supporters.

[Nick Thorpe]

A sea of Romanian flags in central Bucharest last Saturday. Tens of thousands of Romanians marched march through their capital in support of Kalin Georgescu, a 62 year old agricultural engineer who says he wants to put Romania first. I asked Dragos, a Romanian living in Canada, what he's protesting against.

[Valerie Sanderson]

They want to keep Romania under the globalism.

[Brian Cox]

They want the war, they want to kill the people. We are nothing for them.

[Hugh Schofield]

We are just meat.

[Valerie Sanderson]

We can die.

[Hugh Schofield]

They gonna be richer and richer.

[Nick Thorpe]

Many in the crowd blame the war in Ukraine, not on Russia, but on what they see as a global elite. They accuse the current Romanian government of being a puppet of that elite, while their critics portray their hero Colin Georgescu as a puppet of the Russians.

[James Landell]

We want the freedom of choosing and democracy. Freedom first.

[Nick Thorpe]

So you want Mr. Georgescu to win the election?

[James Landell]

Yes. Yes, and he will.

[Nick Thorpe]

Lavinia is marching with her husband Sherman and their three year old daughter, watching it all wide eyed from her push chair, astonished by the commotion all around her. I can see who you are for, but who or what are you against?

[James Landell]

The government. All. All people in the government.

[Nick Thorpe]

Back in December, Romania came under US pressure from the outgoing Biden administration as well as its NATO allies in Europe to prevent Kalin Giorgescu's victory. Now the Trump administration is pressuring Romania to let him run. Their response was dramatic. In a series of raids across the country, police discovered gold bullion, billion cash and an arsenal of weapons. They belong to Horatio Potra, a former soldier in the French Foreign Legion who backs Kalin Georgescu in the May election. They're quite serious allegations. Conspiring against the constitutional order, membership of a neo fascist organization, anti Semitism. You don't believe this?

[James Landell]

No, no, it's nothing too.

[Nick Thorpe]

Georgescu has been photographed with Potra, who also ran militias in Africa. And Potra made no secret of his support for Georgescu, though it's not clear what prosecutors will be able to prove in court. But the charges against him may be cited to disqualify him from standing in the May election.

[James Landell]

Nick Thorpe. Scientists in England say they've had a eureka moment in understanding why the everyday painkiller aspirin can help stop the spread of some cancers. New research in mice suggests the drug helps to boost the immune system to fight off disease. Our health and science correspondent James Gallagher told me more.

[Valerie Sanderson]

We've had this really interesting and tantalising data for well over a decade, suggesting that people who were on a daily dose of aspirin seemed to do better when they were diagnosed with cancer. But nobody really understood why that might be happening. And this is a series of animal experiments that got to the bottom of it. They think they now know the answer. And it's basically dialing up the immune system, making it EAS to attack the cancer. And it happens at this really vulnerable stage from the cancer's perspective. So when you have your initial tumor, it reaches a point after it's grown where bits of it start to break off and spread around the body a bit like seeds in the wind. And it tries to take root in other parts of the body. But while it's there, these lone cancerous cells are vulnerable to attack. And part of the immune system, part of a white blood cell called a T cell, should, in theory, be able to spot that that cell looks different to healthy tissue and go destroy it. That's what should happen. That probably does happen a bit, but another part of the blood, and we didn't really know this, actually suppresses those T cells, makes it harder for it to do its job. So you've got these platelets in your body. They're normally the bit of your body that clots your blood to stop bleeding, and they've got this effect on your immune system. Aspirin, however, interferes with those platelets and effectively says, stop doing that, and it unleashes those white blood cells to then go attack.

[James Landell]

So what's the advice on this? Because lots of people listening will think, oh, well, I need to go and take a aspirin every day.

[Valerie Sanderson]

The medical advice hasn't changed that. You shouldn't do it. And you certainly shouldn't just go to a pharmacy or a supermarket, buy some aspirin and do this yourself. At least have a conversation with your doctor about it. The reason why is that taking aspirin isn't without risks in and of itself. So it causes bleeding inside the body, particularly in older people, who other people, though, who are more likely to cancer in the first place. So there's a delicate balancing act in terms of figuring out who's going to benefit the most, who is at most risk from taking aspirin itself. And also, we don't really understand does this apply to all cancers or just specific types of cancer.

[James Landell]

And I suppose the great thing is it's cheap and easily available for doctors to prescribe if necessary.

[Valerie Sanderson]

I mean, that would be the dream, wouldn't it? I mean, like you've got this really cheap drug. So if you get to a world where it's, where it's proven to be effective in people, you know who is going to benefit the most, who it's safe to give to, then you have a really cheap drug that you could give alongside other therapies. The potential is there. This study strengthens the arguments, but it's still going to take those big trials to get that answer about who should take it and when and for which cancers.

[James Landell]

James Gallagher Less than a month ago, the American rapper Kendrick Lamar headlined at this year's super bowl halftime show in New Orleans. Here's a flavor, it's your Uncle Sam.

[Emmanuel Macron]

And this is the Great American Game.

[James Landell]

His performance drew record audience figures of 133 and a half million across the United States. That might be the reason why World cup organizers have decided that the 2026 final will stage a Super bowl style halftime show for the first time, with Coldplay helping to pick a list of artists to perform. BBC's Rahul Tandon spoke to the music journalist Sophie Williams about the decision.

[John Ratcliffe]

For Kendrick, it was a huge, huge moment. His super bowl show has already become the most watched in history, surpassing 150 million views on YouTube alone. In the past couple of weeks, he scored a number one hit in the UK and the US With Not Like Us, which originally came out last May, has now skyrocketed to the top of the charts.

[Valerie Sanderson]

It was good for Kendrick Lamar. He was obviously a big star already. Is it good for the sporting event? Is it good for the Super Bowl? I presume that, you know, before he comes on to perform, those ad rates could get a little bit more expensive.

[John Ratcliffe]

We've seen in reports over the years that, you know, the viewership skyrockets just before the show starts and then a lot of them end up staying on to watch the rest of the show. I think having a superstar performer, someone like Kendrick Lamar, can really drum up a lot of anticipation before the event, maybe encourage people who are not sporting Fans to tune in just for the fact of seeing their favorite artists and get an idea of how this whole show plays out.

[Valerie Sanderson]

No surprise then, that the work, which is probably the biggest sporting event on this planet, the World Cup Final, has decided to go down the path of the Super Bowl.

[John Ratcliffe]

I think it's really interesting. And the fact that they've brought the biggest band in the world, Coldplay, on board shows just how big they want this to become. I think it's interesting that they stated that Coldplay are going to be producing the show at the World cup next year rather than performing themselves. There's very little details out there at the moment, but it's super exciting already.

[Valerie Sanderson]

Yeah. And that was a bit of a surprise, wasn't it, that Coldplay will be producing it? Surely Chris Meyer might get a bit tempted to say, oh, maybe I'll just pop myself on stage as well. Because they are such a huge band, it would be a good way to get this underway, wouldn't it?

[John Ratcliffe]

Absolutely. And they've toured so extensively in recent years as well. They're going to be doing 10 nights at Wembley this summer, obviously. We saw them headline Glastonbury last year. They've been playing stadiums all across the world. They even played India last month. They just have a huge impact on global music. Really beloved, so many countries. So I think it's the right choice in order to reach out to people across the world and hopefully really celebrate what the World Cup's about. You know, that sense of unity and togetherness we're seeing.

[Valerie Sanderson]

Music and sport, they're two huge businesses, aren't they? Getting closer and closer together, aren't we? Do you think we're going to see more collaborations like this?

[John Ratcliffe]

Yeah, I think so, potentially. You know, we've seen the NFL has come to the UK for games in recent years. Those have included halftime shows. Youngblood played one of those a couple of years ago. I think it's a really great way just to give artists a bigger platform on the global stage. At a time where it's harder than ever to shift records, at a time where it's harder to sell tickets due to the cost of living crisis and the cost of touring, I think Coldplay can set a really good example here as well. Obviously, they're really proud of what they do in terms of making their touring sustainable and eco friendly. It'll be interesting to see, as producers, whether they sort of bring that same ethos to the World cup and how that will impact the show that they're putting together behind the scenes.

[James Landell]

Sophie Williams speaking to Rahel Tandon. To Kill a Mockingbird, written by the late American author Harper Lee and published in 1960, is one of the most famous books in the world. The novel, which dealt with racial inequality in America, was made into a film starring Gregory Peck as a lawyer, Atticus Finch, representing a black man falsely accused of rape.

[Valerie Sanderson]

Now, gentlemen.

[Nick Thorpe]

In this country, our courts.

[Hugh Schofield]

Are the great levelers.

[Valerie Sanderson]

In our courts, all men are created equal.

[James Landell]

Harper Lee only wrote one other novel, which is why there's excitement at the news that her estate is publishing a collection of short stories found in her apartment after her death. Michael Dean is a literary agent who helps represent the Harperly estate and told us about the new work called the Land of Sweet Forever.

[Robin Ince]

So half of the collection is completely unpublished, never before seen short stories. And these date to the 1950s, when Harper Lee was before To Kill a Mockingbird was published. She was an aspiring writer in New York City and she was sending pieces to magazines and journals and also to literary agents. And it's those pieces which we have now to bring to publication, in addition to eight further pieces of nonfiction which were published during her lifetime. I may be biased, but I think it's fair to say that every single piece in the collection just rings with Harper Lee's voice. I mean, it is inimitable. They are wry, they're funny, they have a touch of darkness to them as well. I think readers will immediately recognize that they can only have been written by Harper Lee. And I think they will love them. The pieces themselves really merit publication. I mean, you know, they were quite stunning when I read them for the first time. And, you know, I think everyone who's seen them since in their publishing journey has felt the same way that they have to find their way to to millions of readers around the world.

[James Landell]

Literary agent Michael Dean. And that's it from us for now. But there'll be a new edition of the Global News podcast later. If you want to comment on this podcast or the topics covered in it, send us an email. The address is globalpodcastbc.co.uk. you can also find us on XBCWorldService. Use the hashtaglobalnewspot. This edition was mixed by Abby Wiltshire. The producer was Isabella Jewell, the editor editor is Karen Martin. I'm Valerie Sanderson. Until next time. Bye bye.

[Robin Ince]

Hello, I'm Robin Ince.

[Brian Cox]

And I'm Brian Cox. And we would like to tell you about the new series of the Infinite Monkey Cage. We're going to have a planet off Jupiter versus Scepter. It's very well done that, because in the script, it does say wrestling version voice.

[Valerie Sanderson]

After all of that, it's going to kind of chill out a bit and talk about ice.

[Brian Cox]

And also in this series, we're discussing history, music recording with Brian Eno and looking at nature's shapes.

[Valerie Sanderson]

So listen, wherever you get your podcasts.