You are invited to join us for Global Crisis Watch 322, on Friday, March 21st at 17:00 GMT / 13:00 EDT.
The highlighted topics will include:
Putin Rejects Full Ceasefire but Agrees to Limited Energy Truce Despite Ongoing Conflict
Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to a temporary 30-day halt on strikes against Ukrainian energy infrastructure but has rejected a broader ceasefire. The decision came after a nearly two-hour phone call with US President Donald Trump, who had pushed for a full 30-day truce as a step toward a permanent peace deal. While Ukraine has accepted the limited agreement, experts believe Putin may be stalling for time as Russian forces advance in the east.
The White House announced that discussions on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, as well as broader negotiations for a lasting peace deal, would take place soon in Saudi Arabia. However, Ukraine’s involvement in these talks remains unclear. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky strongly criticized Putin’s refusal to commit to a full ceasefire and accused Russia of using the truce to regroup. He also highlighted that Russia launched more than 40 drones on Ukrainian territory the same night Putin made his pledge, hitting a hospital in Sumy and multiple energy facilities.
Despite the agreement, hostilities continued on both sides. Ukraine reported that Russian forces carried out extensive aerial strikes with drones, ballistic and anti- aircraft missiles, targeting key infrastructure. Meanwhile, Russia accused Ukraine of attacking an oil depot, claiming Kyiv had no real intention of pursuing peace. The Kremlin reiterated its demands that any long-term ceasefire must include an end to all Western military aid to Ukraine and a halt to Ukrainian mobilization.
European allies expressed concern over Washington’s approach, with officials warning that Putin might be using negotiations to strengthen Russia’s position without making significant concessions. Analysts noted that Trump’s proposals to Putin, while framed as peace efforts, could reinforce Moscow while failing to achieve meaningful progress. On the battlefield, Russian troops continued their offensive in eastern Ukraine, forcing Ukrainian forces into defensive positions.
Canada and Australia Strengthen Arctic Security with New Over- the-Horizon Radar System
Canada and Australia have announced a C$6 billion partnership to develop an advanced Arctic radar system, strengthening Canada’s ability to monitor and respond to security threats in the region. Prime Minister Mark Carney, speaking in Iqaluit, emphasized that Canada must take greater responsibility for its defense as US priorities shift. The new over-the-horizon radar will provide long-range detection of air and maritime threats, replacing the outdated Cold War-era North Warning System. The system is expected to integrate with NORAD, the joint US- Canadian defense framework, ensuring regional security coordination.
The Arctic has become a key battleground for geopolitical influence, with Russia and China increasing their military cooperation in the region. The US Department of Defense recently warned that their growing presence could destabilize Arctic security, highlighting the need for strengthened defenses. Canada remains at odds with the US over Arctic sovereignty, particularly regarding control of the Northwest Passage. While Canada claims that the waterway falls within its territory, Washington considers it an international route, creating ongoing diplomatic tensions.
Beyond radar development, Carney announced an additional C$420 million investment to expand Canada’s military presence in the Arctic, reinforcing aerial, maritime and land-based operations. He stressed that global institutions that have historically upheld Canada’s security are now under strain, requiring a stronger national defense posture. With other Arctic nations, including Denmark and the US, increasing their regional security investments, Canada’s new strategy signals a shift toward greater self-reliance amid rising geopolitical tensions.
Trump Faces Judicial Rebuke as US Deports Venezuelans Against Court Ruling
The United States has deported over 200 alleged Venezuelan gang members to El Salvador, despite a federal judge’s ruling blocking the removals. According to El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele, 238 members of the Tren de Aragua gang and 23 MS-13 members arrived in the country, though neither government has provided evidence of their criminal affiliations. A court order issued by Judge James Boasberg halted the deportations, but the flights had already taken off, inviting criticism that the Trump administration defied judicial authority.
The deportations were conducted under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, a rarely used wartime law allowing the removal of individuals from "enemy" nations without standard legal processes. President Trump justified its use by accusing Tren de Aragua of engaging in "irregular warfare" against the US. Rights groups condemned the move, arguing it bypasses due process and unfairly targets Venezuelan migrants.
Chief Justice John Roberts rebuked Trump for calling for Judge Boasberg’s impeachment, emphasizing that judicial decisions should be contested through legal appeals rather than political attacks. The controversy has heightened tensions between the judiciary and the White House, with concerns that the administration may openly defy court rulings.
Meanwhile, Bukele has welcomed the deportees, transferring them to the high- security Cecot prison, reinforcing growing US-El Salvador cooperation. The case highlights the broader debate over immigration enforcement, executive power and the rule of law in the US.
State of Emergency Declared in Lima as Peru Battles Rising Crime and Violence
Peru has declared a state of emergency in Lima following an alarming surge in violent crime, which includes a dramatic increase in killings, extortion and attacks on businesses. The move, announced by President Dina Boluarte, comes after the tragic murder of popular cumbia singer Paul Flores, who was shot while traveling on a bus in what appeared to be an extortion attempt. The attack has caused widespread public outrage and has intensified demands for stronger action against criminal gangs that have plagued the capital in recent months. The emergency decree grants authorities enhanced powers, including the ability to detain people without judicial warrants and will last for 30 days. It also allows the deployment of military personnel to assist the police in controlling violence.
The violence has been attributed to criminal groups targeting transport businesses and other public spaces. In the first two and a half months of 2025, police reported 459 homicides and over 1,900 extortion cases. The escalating crime wave has led President Boluarte to call for the death penalty for murderers, despite Peru's law restricting executions to convicted traitors. In addition, opposition lawmakers have criticized the government’s response and are seeking a vote of no confidence against Minister of the Interior Juan Jose Santivanez, accusing him of inadequately addressing the growing violence.
The state of emergency follows similar measures declared between September and December 2024. While recent arrests of gang members have been praised as progress, criminal groups remain entrenched, particularly targeting businesses. The current situation highlights the ongoing struggle between law enforcement and organized crime in the country.
Plus, all the stories that are catching our attention wherever we live in the world. Feel free to join us and add your voice to the conversation.
