Prologue Journal – Page 249 – Understanding current events through the lenses of the past and future.

White House says U.S. won’t return Statue of Liberty to France

Washington Post French politician Raphaël Glucksmann called for the return of the Statue of Liberty — a gift from France — in a symbolic critique of the Trump administration. https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/03/18/statue-liberty-france-us-white-house/

Ukrainian Drone Attacks on Russia Injure 6

Moscow Times Russia’s Defense Ministry said 46 Ukrainian drones were destroyed across several regions overnight. https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2025/03/18/ukrainian-drone-attacks-on-russia-injure-6-a88395

U.S. Foreign Aid Cuts Hit Sudanese Refugees Fleeing Violence and Famine in Darfur

New York Times Just weeks after the U.S. government suspended its work in massive foreign aid cuts announced in January, humanitarians say much of the damage to critical programs has already been done. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/18/world/africa/trump-foreign-aid-sudan-refugees.html

Moscow, Washington need to resume discussions of NATO’s eastward expansion — Russian envoy

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. Russian President Vladimir Putin outlined the requirements for resolving the situation in Ukraine during a meeting with senior Foreign Ministry officials in the summer of 2024 https://tass.com/politics/1929771

Russia’s barley exports to Saudi Arabia up by 70% yoy in 2024 to 2.17 mln tons

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. Currently, Russia practically does not supply corn to Saudi Arabia, despite the high demand for it in the country https://tass.com/economy/1929769

Russia keeps hope for negotiations on Ukraine — Kremlin aide

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. Yury Ushakov recalled the most devastating drone attack of Ukraine’s army on the Russian territory in history after Donald Trump’s proposal for a 30-day truce https://tass.com/politics/1929765

Baltic, Polish defense chiefs call for withdrawal from anti-personnel mine ban convention

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. It is noted that despite launching the withdrawal process, the Baltics and Poland will “remain committed to international humanitarian law, including the protection of civilians during an armed conflict” https://tass.com/defense/1929767

Taiwan extends anti-dumping duty on Chinese, Korean cold-rolled stainless steel

Taipei, March 18 (CNA) The Ministry of Finance’s (MOF) Customs Administration said Tuesday that anti-dumping duties on Chinese and Korean cold-rolled stainless steel have been extended for another five years. https://focustaiwan.tw/business/202503180015

Small Plane Crashes Off Roatán Island in Honduras, Killing 12

New York Times The police said five people had survived the crash off Roatán Island, a tourist destination known for its diving spots. https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/18/world/americas/honduras-plane-crash-roatan.html

Bank of Russia sells yuan for $73.57 mln with settlements on March 17

Disclaimer: TASS is Russian government propaganda, and not a reliable news source. The Bank of Russia carries out foreign currency purchase and sale operations on the domestic market in the currency section of the Moscow Exchange in the “yuan – ruble” instrument https://tass.com/economy/1929763