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By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News WASHINGTON/KYIV/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Undeterred by U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s threat to impose new sanctions and tariffs, Russia struck Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region late Friday, killing four people and wounding 18 others, officials said. “As of now, there are four dead and 18 wounded,” in the strikes on the city of Dobropillia, confirmed Vadym Filashkin, head of Donetsk’s regional and military administrations. It followed a wave of deadly Russian attacks on Ukraine this week, hitting the war-torn nation’s energy and gas infrastructure as well as civilian targets. Those attacks were condemned by Trump, who, for the first time, sounded more critical toward Moscow. “Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely ‘pounding’ Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale Banking Sanctions, Sanctions, and Tariffs on Russia until a Cease Fire and FINAL SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT ON PEACE IS REACHED,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Yet, he later told reporters that he trusted Russian President Vladimir Putin. “I believe him. I’m finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine, and they don’t have the cards,” he said. It may be easier dealing with Russia.” European Union leaders — shaken by the prospect of U.S. disengagement from the war and European security more broadly agreed to boost spending and “rearm Europe” for 800 billion euros ($866 billion) at a crisis summit on Thursday. It didn’t help that Trump cut off military aid and Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) information to Ukraine. With no intelligence to warn them, Thousands of Ukrainian troops who stormed into Russia’s Kursk region last August were almost surrounded by Russian forces Saturday. It was a significant blow to Kyiv, which hoped to use its presence there as leverage for any peace talks with Russia. The post Trump Urges Russia To Stop Pounding Ukraine Ahead of Peace Talks; Death Toll Rising appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – In the Oval Office on Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters that the United States might take military action against Iran’s nuclear program “very soon” if no deal is reached. “We’re down to final strokes with Iran,” Trump explained, employing a golf metaphor. He emphasized the urgency, stating, “We’re down to the final moments. We’re at final moments. Can’t let them have a nuclear weapon.” Trump also predicted “interesting days ahead” regarding the situation with Iran. https://www.worthynews.com/wordpressimages/2025/03/Trump-remarks-iran.mp4 In an interview with Fox Business on Thursday, Trump disclosed that he had sent a letter to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the previous day. In the letter, Trump expressed his hopes for negotiation: “I said, ‘I hope you’re going to negotiate because it’s going to be a lot better for Iran.'” He also outlined the possible approaches to handling Iran: “There are two ways Iran can be handled: militarily or you make a deal,” and stated his preference, “I would prefer to make a deal because I’m not looking to hurt Iran.” The drill could be preparing the Israeli military for a potential joint strike with the US on Iran, especially after 77 retired U.S. military leaders sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging support for Israel to “finish the job” against Iran and its terrorist proxies. Last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a warning that Iran had ramped up its production of near-weapons-grade uranium and warned that time is running out for diplomacy for new restrictions before Iran will obtain a nuclear weapon. IRAN’S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS CONNECTED TO PROPHECY? While the West often views Iran’s nuclear program through a secular lens, the spiritual aspect, which plays a central role in driving Iran’s nuclear ambitions, should not be overlooked. Iran is the only country where Twelver Shi’ism is the state religion. Twelver Shīʿism, the largest branch of Shīʿa Islam, makes up about 85% of Shīʿas. “Twelver” signifies belief in twelve divinely appointed leaders, the Twelve Imams, with the last, Imam al-Mahdi, expected to return as the Mahdi. Twelvers see the Imams as Muhammad’s spiritual and political successors, guiding with justice and interpreting Islamic law and the Qur’an’s inner meanings. They are viewed as infallible (Ismah) and divinely chosen (nass). The Twelvers believe that the Mahdi is expected to appear in times of extreme chaos, returning alongside Jesus as a messiah to bring peace and establish Islam globally. Twelver beliefs, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and threats toward Israel and the West have raised concerns. Critics suggest that Iran’s Supreme Leader might incite conflict to hasten the 12th Imam’s arrival. Former Iranian President Ahmadinejad has even called for the Imam’s return at the UN, asserting that the Islamic Revolution’s primary goal is to prepare for his reappearance. The post Trump: ‘We’re Down to the Final Moments with Iran’ (Video) appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News DAMASCUS/JERUSALEM (Worthy News) – More than 70 people have died in heavy clashes between security forces of Syria’s new rulers and fighters loyal to the ousted President Bashar al-Assad, a well-informed war monitoring group confirmed Friday. The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights called the fighting in a coastal area of Syria “the worst” since rebels toppled Assad in December and installed an Islamist transitional government. Sources said a curfew has been imposed in the cities of Latakia and Tartous, where fighting has broken out. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said on Friday that 71 people had been killed, including 35 members of government forces, 32 gunmen affiliated with the former regime’s army, and four civilians. Worthy News could not independently verify the numbers, but the group has been known for its accurate information in the past. Following the latest fighting, government security convoys patrolled the roads Friday in Latakia and Tartus along the Mediterranean shore. On the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency, Syrian defense ministry spokesman Colonel Hassan Abdul Ghani warned Assad loyalists in Latakia to surrender. THOUSANDS SURRENDER “Thousands have chosen to surrender their weapons and return to their families, while some insist on fleeing and dying in defense of murderers and criminals,” he said. “The choice is clear: lay down your weapons or face your inevitable fate.” Observers said the clashes came after 16 people serving as government security forces were killed by pro-Assad gunmen late Thursday near Latakia. They reportedly died in an ambush as they left the village of Beit Aana. The confrontations included thousands of anti-government protesters who demanded that government forces leave the countryside in Latakia and Tartus Provinces, according to sources familiar with the situation. Yet tensions remained high Friday as the Syrian government sent reinforcements to the coast to assert authority over a few towns and villages occupied by anti-government gunmen. Syria’s coastal region was a stronghold for the pro-Assad Alawite minority in Syria. The now-exiled Assad family is Alawite. They have been granted refuge in Russia, which maintains military bases in Syria. Minority Christians have been in the crossfire amid concerns that Shariah, or strict Islamic law, will be imposed under the new Islamic rulers or other groups. SECURITY CHALLENGE The region has become a significant security challenge for interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Alawite activists claim their community hasbeen subjected to violence and attacks since Assad fell, particularly in rural Homs and Latakia. He is also facing resistance in the south, where there have been clashes with Druze forces in recent days. Additionally, the international community, including Israel, remains concerned about chemical weapons and other military activists. Earlier this week, Syria’s foreign minister told the global chemical weapons watchdog that the new government was prepared to destroy any remaining stockpiles produced under Assad. Assad’s government denied ever using chemical weapons during the 14-year civil war. However, human rights investigators accused “the former regime of carrying out at least dozens” and perhaps more chemical attacks. One of the deadliest attacks was reported in August 2013 when a sarin attack in Ghouta killed at least 1,729 people and injured 3,600 patients. Additionally, an April 2017 sarin attack in Khan Shaykhun killed at least 89 people, and in April 2018, the “Douma chemical attacks” killed 43 people and injured 500 civilians, according to rights activists. All of them were perpetrated by the military forces of Assad, activists say, despite Assad’s denials. The post Scores Killed In Clashes Between Syria’s New Rulers And Pro-Assad Forces appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – The U.S. State Department has launched an AI-driven ‘Catch and Revoke’ program to revoke the visas of foreign nationals, including students, identified as supporters of Hamas or other terrorist organizations, Axios reported. In January, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to counter antisemitism and pledged to deport noncitizen students and others participating in ongoing pro-Palestinian protests, triggered by Israel’s military response in Gaza to a Hamas attack in October 2023. A White House fact sheet linked to an executive order targeting antisemitism and “pro-Hamas” activities stated, “To all resident aliens participating in pro-jihadist protests, take notice. We will locate and deport you.” The AI-driven “Catch and Revoke” initiative is scrutinizing social media accounts of numerous student visa holders for terrorist sympathies, though the specific AI techniques used have not been disclosed. Additionally, the Trump administration is searching databases to identify visa holders who were arrested but allowed to remain in the U.S. during the Biden administration. Since October 2023, the “Catch and Revoke” program has reviewed 100,000 individuals within the Student Exchange Visitor System to see if any visas were revoked due to arrests or school suspensions. A State Department source criticized the Biden administration for neglecting this issue, claiming that no visas were revoked during former President Joe Biden’s term. The post US Utilizes AI to Revoke Visas of Foreign Nationals Sympathetic to Terrorist Organizations appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News JERUSALEM/DAMASCUS (Worthy News) – Israel is pleased that Moscow wants to maintain its Russian military bases in Syria, and Jerusalem asked Washington to allow Russia to keep these facilities, Worthy News learned Friday. Several sources say Israel has lobbied for the Russian bases as part of a strategy to keep Syria weak following the ouster of longtime autocratic President Bashar al-Assad. According to officials involved in the process, Jerusalem also wants to counter Turkey’s growing influence in the region. Israeli officials reportedly told Washington that Syria’s new Islamist rulers, who Ankara backs, “pose a threat to Israel’s borders.” They suggest that Russia could play a role in maintaining the status quo and ensure the new rulers will have no more military ambitions to move toward Israel. It comes while Moscow senses an opportunity to expand its economic footprint in Syria and hold on to its military bases in the nation, say sources familiar with the situation. The fact that Russia called the current Syrian Islamic rulers once “terrorists” seems all but forgotten. CONCRETE TIES In one of the first concrete signs of warming ties between the two sides, Russia last month delivered the equivalent of $23 million in Syrian currency at official rates to the central bank in Damascus, reported The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) newspaper. Moscow “printed the banknotes” for Syria’s “cash-starved economy” when most other countries had refused due to fear of sanctions, the WSJ quoted Syrian and European officials as saying. It meant a significant turnaround for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who was instrumental in keeping Assad in power, and his forces bombed civilian targets. The bases Russia built along Syria’s coast enabled it to project power into the Mediterranean and Africa as well as hammering rebel targets, including positions held by Syria’s new rulers, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). After Assad fled the country, he sought refuge in Moscow. Russia has reportedly refused to extradite him back to Syria. However, with Assad ousted from power, Moscow and HTS seem to be prepared to forget their fighting and establish ties. Israel has publicly declared its mistrust of HTS as the Islamist faction, which led the campaign to topple Assad, emerged from a group that was affiliated with the al-Qaida terror group until it cut ties in 2016. ISRAEL’S WARNING Additionally, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel won’t tolerate the presence in southern Syria of HTS or any other forces affiliated with the new rulers. He also demanded “the territory be demilitarised.” Israeli officials believe Russia would be more willing than Turkey to ensure that those demands are met through its military presence and influence. They recall that Israeli-Turkish relations have worsened since Israel’s military launched a war in Gaza against Hamas after it massacred 1,200 Jews and abducted hundreds on October 7, 2023. Besides Russia, the United States maintains troops in Syria, but U.S. President Donald J. Trump has still to formulate a clear policy on their future role. Complicating the situation is that Syria currently faces European and U.S. sanctions. Moscow, itself under U.S. and European sanctions over its war in Ukraine, is more willing to work with the HTS. “Russia’s advantage in negotiating with Syria is that it is not hindered by any ethical concerns dealing with Syria and can implement decisions without needing consensus,” added Anna Borshchevskaya, a fellow at the Washington Institute focusing on Moscow’s policy toward the Middle East. “The key question is how will the West position itself and engage with Syria to reduce reasons to rely on Russia.” After Assad’s ouster, Israel carried out extensive airstrikes on Syrian military bases to ensure HTS would not pose a threat to its sovereignty. It also moved forces into a United Nations-monitored demilitarised zone within Syria. Additionally, in recent weeks, Israel struck military sites south of Damascus while awaiting the next moves by Russia in the region. The post Israel Welcomes Russian Military Bases In Syria (Worthy News Investigation) appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News WASHINGTON/BRUSSELS/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – The European Union rushed to unveil its largest defense plan on record as U.S. President Donald J. Trump threatened not to protect NATO military alliance allies if they do not pay more for their defense. The EU’s chief executive, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, presented to leaders an 800 billion euros (about $863 billion) plan to increase European defense spending, calling it “a watershed moment for Europe” and Ukraine. Von der Leyen later told reporters that if Trump wanted “peace through strength,” this would only be possible with the EU and its member states “because preconditions have to be met.” Her pledge came as 6,400 kilometers (3,980 miles) away, sitting behind his desk in the Oval Office of the White House, Trump cast doubt on his willingness to defend Washington’s NATO allies, saying: “It’s common sense, right? If they don’t pay, I’m not going to defend them. No, I’m not going to defend them.” Trump said he had been of this view for years and shared it with NATO allies during his 2017-2021 presidential term. Those efforts prompted more spending from other members of the 75-year-old transatlantic alliance, he said, but that “even now, it’s not enough.” He added: “They should be paying more.” It added to anxiety in Brussels, with most EU nations also being members of NATO. While they agreed on defense spending, Hungary marred the summit by failing to back more military aid to Ukraine. HUNGARY OPPOSING STATEMENT Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán failed to endorse an EU statement on Ukraine, pushing back against Trump’s Russia-friendly negotiating stance. The 26 other EU leaders, including Orbán’s ally Robert Fico, Slovakia’s prime minister, “firmly supported” the statement. “There can be no negotiations on Ukraine without Ukraine,” said the statement, a response to Trump’s perceived attempt to sideline Europe and Kyiv. The European Council President António Costa called the meeting and noted that “Hungary has a different strategic approach on Ukraine, but that means Hungary is isolated among the 27.” However, Orbán, a close ally of Trump, defended his decision, saying: “Many European leaders – Brussels bureaucrats and heads of member states – oppose the U.S. administration’s endeavors. They would rather continue the war as long as it takes.” He added on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, that “Hungary’s position remained the same today as it has for the past three years. We believe that there is no solution on the battlefield, and support the U.S. peace plan.” Arriving at the summit was Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whose home city was hit by a Russian missile late Wednesday, killing at least two people and injuring many more. “We are very thankful that we are not alone,” he said about the EU summit. France has been among the nations ready to send peacekeepers to Ukraine after a peace deal was signed between Kyiv and Moscow, which launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. LEARNING FROM NAPOLEON Responding to a question on Trump’s comments questioning whether France would come to the U.S. rescue if it were attacked, President Emmanuel Macron recalled that France and other European countries joined US troops in fighting in Afghanistan after the 9/11 terror attacks against the United States in 2001. “Not only the French, but the Europeans were there when we were called for Afghanistan. And by the way, they weren’t politely warned when (the US left Afghanistan),” Macron said. “We are loyal and faithful allies.” He also condemned Russia for questioning his decision to put other European countries under France’s nuclear arms umbrella. He drew comparisons with France’s leader Napoleon’s failed conquest of Russia. I know President Putin well. If he’s reacting like that, it’s because he knows what I said is true,” Macron told reporters at Thursday’s EU summit in Brussels. “He’s making a historical error: Napoleon waged conquests. The only imperialistic power I see in Europe right now is Russia,” he said, responding to a question posed by a Russian journalist in exile in France. Macron said he knew Putin could betray his word because he had done just that when it did not respect the Minsk agreements signed with France, Germany, and Ukraine after the invasion of Crimea in 2014. (With additional reporting by the Worthy News Europe Bureau in Budapest.) The post EU Unveils Defense Package Amid Trump Threats; Hungary Not Backing Ukraine (Worthy News Focus) appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – President Donald Trump defends his administration’s direct negotiations with Hamas, stating, ‘We are helping Israel in those discussions because we’re talking about Israeli hostages.’ However, Israel opposes these negotiations, according to an official familiar with the matter, according to The Times of Israel (ToI). Direct negotiations between the US and Hamas have faced challenges after details were leaked on Wednesday, a government official told the ToI. These unprecedented talks aim to secure the release of American-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander and the remains of American-Israelis Itay Chen, Omer Neutra, Gadi Haggai, and Judi Weinstein. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed dissatisfaction after Israel was not fully briefed on US-Hamas direct talks, which were first disclosed by an Axios report. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office issued a brief statement reiterating Israel’s stance against direct negotiations with Hamas. While signing executive orders in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump told reporters, “We’re not doing anything in terms of Hamas. We’re not giving cash.” He emphasized the distinction between payment and negotiation, stating, “You have to negotiate. There’s a difference between negotiating and paying. We want to get these people out.” “We have 59 left—of which 24 are living. The rest are dead… Those 24 who are living… they said they’re in very bad shape,” Trump disclosed, highlighting the dire conditions of the hostages. He added, “I put out a statement that’s self-explanatory,” referring to his ultimatum demanding Hamas immediately release the remaining hostages or face severe consequences. “Somebody’s going to have to get a lot rougher than they’re getting. It’s a shame.” Trump further expressed his urgency to rescue the hostages, saying, “We want to get these people out. If you would have seen the people yesterday… the way they spoke about their captivity, it was unbelievable. It’s terrible.” Adam Boehler, US President Donald Trump’s hostage envoy, has been conducting negotiations with Hamas in Doha, marking a significant shift from the long-standing US policy of not engaging with Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organization by Washington and many Western countries. The post Trump Administration Engages in Direct Negotiations with Hamas to Secure Release of Hostages appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News TEHRAN/MOSCOW/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Moscow says future talks between Russia and the United States will include discussions on Iran’s nuclear program amid concerns the Islamic Republic will soon have atomic weapons. The pledge came while details emerged that Russian military experts visited Iran two times last year as Tehran looked to cooperation with Moscow because its proxies and defense capabilities suffered devastating blows in a war with Israel. Iran has been delivering drones to Russia for use in Moscow’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, while Moscow apparently offered military expertise. “Russian missile specialists don’t just appear out of the blue,” said Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD). Additionally, Iran purchased Russian fighter jets and helicopters in 2023. “Alarm bells should be going off in Washington and Jerusalem,” Taleblu added. Several sources confirmed that senior missile and air defense experts reportedly traveled to Tehran in April and September 2024. The visits reportedly came while Iran was embroiled in a regional confrontation with Israel following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel. NO DIVORCE FDD’s Taleblu said the visit was proof “that any effort to divorce Russia from Iran will be “self-defeating” for the United States. Yet, with a Russia-Ukraine peace deal on the horizon and the U.S. seeking to re-establish trade and diplomatic ties with Russia, Iran competes for the Kremlin’s attention. The Kremlin revealed that the subject of Iran’s nuclear program had been “touched upon” in an initial round of U.S.-Russia talks last month. Russia said that it has agreed to assist President Donald J. Trump’s administration in talks with Iran on issues like Tehran’s nuclear program and its support for anti-U.S. proxies such as Hamas, Hezbollah, and others. Experts agree that Russia and Iran are collaborating to keep one another strong and pursue their mutual objective of eroding U.S. global influence. Moscow and Tehran further deepened their partnership in January after signing a 20-year “comprehensive strategic partnership treaty. However, the pact doesn’t include a bilateral security agreement; if it’s up to Washington, it will stay that way. The post Russia, US To Talk About Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent, Worthy News ABUJA (Worthy News) – A Catholic priest has been killed in Nigeria’s northwest by suspected Islamic criminals, also known as “bandits”, Christians confirmed Thursday. The 45-year-old Priest Sylvester Okechukwu of the Archdiocese of Kafanchan in Kaduna State was kidnapped on Tuesday and murdered “in the early hours of Ash Wednesday,” his church said. “It is yet to be determined why he was killed,” added Priest Jacob Shanet, chancellor of the Kafanchan Diocese. He said the late priest “was a dedicated servant of God who worked selflessly in the vineyard of the Lord, spreading the message of peace, love, and hope.” Shanet added that Okechukwu was always available and accessible to his parishioners. “This untimely and brutal loss has left us heartbroken and devastated,” Shanet added in a statement monitored by Worthy News. “His untimely death has left an indelible void within our diocesan family, and we share in the pain of his passing with his family, friends, and all those who knew and loved him,” Shanet said. He urged the youth and other Christian community members to remain calm and steadfast in prayer. “No one should take the law into their hands,” he added. MORE PRIESTS KILLED Details of Okechukwu’s funeral were not immediately available. His murder follows other attacks against Catholic priests and other Christians in the most populous African nation of 233 million people. In the latest known incidents targeting prominent Catholics, on February 6, Cornelius Manzak Damulak, a priest of the Diocese of Shendam, and a student at Veritas University Abuja in Nigeria were abducted but later escaped from captivity, Catholic Church sources said. Later, on February 19, Priest Moses Gyang Jah of St. Mary Maijuju Parish in the Shendam Diocese was kidnapped along with his niece and the parish council chairman, Nyam Ajiji. Chairman Ajiji was later reportedly killed, while Jah and his niece are yet to be freed. Priests Matthew David Dutsemi and Abraham Saummam were abducted on February 22 from the Diocese of Yola. They have not yet been released, according to Catholic sources. Nigeria has been experiencing insecurity since 2009, when the Boko Haram insurgency began with the aim of turning the country into an Islamic state. Groups ranging from “bandits” to other Islamist groups have killed thousands of Christians, according to several researchers. “More Christians are killed for their faith in Nigeria than in the rest of the world combined,” said advocacy group Open Doors. RANSOM DEMANDED “Kidnap for ransom is [also] used regularly with the deliberate intention of destabilizing Christian families and the church,” the group added. Some 3,100 Christians were killed, and 2,830 Christians were kidnapped in Nigeria last year, “far more than other countries in the same year,” Open Doors noticed. The group has ranked Nigeria seventh on its annual World Watch List of 50 nations where Open Doors says it is most difficult to be a Christian. “Jihadist violence continues to escalate in Nigeria, and Christians are at particular risk from targeted attacks by Islamic militant groups including Fulani militants, Boko Haram and ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province),” Open Doors added in a recent assessment of Nigeria. “These attacks are shockingly brutal in nature – many believers are killed, particularly men, while women are often kidnapped and targeted for sexual violence. These militants also destroy homes, churches, and livelihoods,” the group stressed. More than 16.2 million Christians in sub-Saharan Africa, including high numbers from Nigeria, have been driven from their homes by violence and conflict, according to official data. Millions now live in displacement camps, Christian aid workers and researchers say. The post Catholic Priest Killed In Nigeria As Death Toll Of Christians Rise appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

Friend, tutti-fruity! Matthew 7:16-20 You will know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a corrupt tree bears evil fruit. A good tree cannot bear evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire. Therefore by their fruits you will know them. I saw a funny meme about fruit today that made me think of this passage. Most people reading this passage tend to focus on the fruit that is produced. Sure, that’s important. But if you dig deeper, you’ll see that the Lord is looking at the tree itself. The fruit? It just shows what kind of tree is growing. The fruit merely demonstrates the quality of the tree. We have all encountered this: there are trees whose fruit is healthy and delicious, and there are trees whose fruit is scarcely edible or even useless. Remember, it’s not the fruit that defines the tree -- it’s the tree that defines the fruit. A tree that produces good fruit is firmly rooted in soil that provides adequate water and nourishment. Likewise, those of us whose lives are rooted in and dedicated to Yeshua (Jesus) produce good fruit. Others who try to produce good works for "religious" reasons or to prove or approve of themselves may produce fruit, but it will be much inferior. When our focus is on Yeshua, and our lives are centered in Him, the fruit we produce will not be from self-effort, and its quality will be excellent...because it is simply the produce of a good tree, properly rooted and fully nourished. Friend, so, stop trying to produce good works in your strength. Just tap into the source of your life, Yeshua, allowing the sap of His Spirit to flow through you – and then watch what GREAT FRUIT He is continually able to produce through you! Shabbat Shalom and have a wonderful weekend! See you on Monday ... Your family in the Lord with much agape love, George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah (George & Obi - Sarasota, Florida | Baht Rivka - Israel | Elianna - Married living in Missouri) Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce. Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out! Around the World Russia, US To Talk About Iran’s Nuclear Ambitions Moscow says future talks between Russia and the United States will include discussions on Iran's nuclear program amid concerns the Islamic Republic will soon have atomic weapons. Trump Walks Back Tariffs on Mexico, Canada for Another Month Stocks sunk Thursday afternoon despite President Donald Trump's decision to grant major exceptions to the 25% tariffs he put on Mexico and Canada earlier this week. China Claims It’s Ready for War with U.S. Beijing warned Thursday it will not yield “to bullying” after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that the United States is “prepared” to go to war with China following alarming threats from the Communist-run nation. Russian Attack Kills Several In Ukrainian President’s Home City Ahead Of EU Summit A Russian missile struck a hotel in the home city of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, killing several people and injuring dozens, just hours before he was to attend a European Union summit. Macron Prepares France For War While Hungary’s Orbán Urges Peace French President Emmanuel Macron told his nation that France and Europe should prepare for war as Russian aggression “knows no borders.” In televised remarks, Macron said Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin “will not stop at Ukraine and is a direct threat to France and Europe.” Israel-Palestinian Conflict Trump Administration Engages in Direct Negotiations with Hamas to Secure Release of Hostages President Donald Trump defends his administration's direct negotiations with Hamas, stating, 'We are helping Israel in those discussions because we're talking about Israeli hostages.' However, Israel opposes these negotiations, according to an official familiar with the matter, according to The Times of Israel. US and Israel Hold Joint Advanced Aerial Drills as Warning to Iran The US Air Force and the Israeli Air Force held a joint exercise on Tuesday "aimed to strengthen and maintain the long-standing cooperation" between the two allies, which likely served as a message to Iran amid speculation about a potential joint strike on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities. Inside the United States Judge blocks freeze on federal funding A federal judge Thursday blocked the Trump administration from freezing up to $3 trillion in funding for federal agency grants, loans and other financial assistance. Trump Says Most Goods From Mexico Will Be Exempt From Tariffs President Donald Trump said Thursday that goods from Mexico will temporarily be exempt from U.S. tariffs, but the president continued to press Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trump Administration Suspends Deportations Using Military Aircraft Due to High Costs The Trump administration has suspended transporting illegal migrants using military aircraft to Guantanamo Bay or other nations, citing high costs and inefficiencies, according to The Wall Street Journal. Christian News Catholic Priest Killed In Nigeria As Death Toll Of Christians Rise A Catholic priest has been killed in Nigeria’s northwest by suspected Islamic criminals, also known as “bandits”, Christians confirmed Thursday. Worthy Insights Historic First: Scientists Turn Light Into Supersolid In a first in the history of physics, scientists have turned light into a supersolid. Poll: US support for Israel hits record low, backing for Palestinians at all-time high Support for Israel is at a 25-year low, according to a new poll released by Gallup, which also shows backing for the Palestinians at a record high. US sanctions Houthis, exposes ties to Moscow The US Treasury Department imposed a fresh round of economic sanctions Wednesday on key Houthi officials, exposing an extensive network of weapons deals, financial transfers, and human trafficking operations between the Yemen-based terrorist organization and Russia. Documents released alongside the sanctions detail how Houthi leaders made multiple trips to Moscow, coordinated attacks to avoid Russian vessels, and established a mercenary pipeline sending Yemeni citizens to fight in Ukraine in exchange for cash and military support. Judge blocks Trump’s order to end funding for hospitals providing youth gender-affirming care A federal judge in Baltimore on Tuesday blocked President Donald Trump's executive order that pulled funding for hospitals and healthcare providers that do not stop providing gender-affirming treatments to people under the age of 19. God Was Exalted’: 4,500 Students Seek Jesus at Purdue University, Thousands Saved Thousands of college students are giving Jesus their "Yes" once again after making decisions to accept Christ as their Savior, a college campus ministry reports. WH: Reuters’ Report on US Revoking Legal Status for 240,000 Ukrainians ‘Fake News’ White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says a Reuters report published Thursday that the Trump administration is planning to revoke temporary legal status for some 240,000 Ukrainians who fled the conflict with Russia is "fake news." Largest Trade Organization Under Fire For Allegedly Muzzling Conservative Christians The National Association of Realtors (NAR) is facing legal pushback for allegedly censoring conservative Christian real estate agents for their personal beliefs. View the full article

By Brett Rowland | The Center Square (Worthy News) – Stocks sunk Thursday afternoon despite President Donald Trump’s decision to grant major exceptions to the 25% tariffs he put on Mexico and Canada earlier this week. All three major U.S. market indexes were in the red by the time of Trump’s afternoon bill signing. Trump said Thursday in the Oval Office that steel and aluminum tariffs were on track for next week without modifications. Trump shrugged off the stock losses, blaming the decline on “globalists.” “I think it’s globalists that see how rich our country is going to be and don’t like it,” he said. Trump has promised that his tariffs would shift the tax burden away from Americans and onto foreign countries, but tariffs are generally paid by the people who import the products. Those importers then have a choice: They can either absorb the loss or pass it on to consumers through higher prices. He also promised tariffs would make America “rich as hell.” And he’s used tariffs as a negotiating tactic to tighten border security. Trump granted temporary tariff relief to both Canada and Mexico on Thursday by exempting goods under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement from tariffs until April 2. On April 2, Trump plans to announce broader reciprocal tariffs against countries that impose tariffs on U.S. goods or keep U.S. goods out of their markets through other methods. Since imposing his latest round of tariffs on top of trading partners this week, Trump has been paring them back. On Wednesday, Trump said the Big Three automakers – Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co. and Stellantis NV – would be exempt from his tariffs for a month. In February, Trump took a step forward on his plan to put reciprocal tariffs on U.S. trading partners by signing a memo directing staff to come up with solutions in 180 days. Trump previously said he would put those tariffs in place on April 2 to avoid any confusion on April 1. In his joint address to Congress on Tuesday, Trump said all countries would have to either make their products in the U.S. or be subject to tariffs. “Whatever they tariff us, we tariff them. Whatever they tax us, we tax them,” Trump said. “If they do non-monetary tariffs to keep us out of their market, then we do non-monetary barriers to keep them out of our market. We will take in trillions of dollars and create jobs like we have never seen before.” The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, governs trade between the U.S. and its northern and southern neighbors. It went into force on July 1, 2020. Trump signed the deal. That agreement continued to allow for duty-free trading between the three countries for products largely made in North America. U.S. goods and services trade with USMCA totaled an estimated $1.8 trillion in 2022. Exports were $789.7 billion and imports were $974.3 billion. The U.S. goods and services trade deficit with USMCA was $184.6 billion in 2022, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post Trump Walks Back Tariffs on Mexico, Canada for Another Month appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Dave Mason | The Center Square (Worthy News) – A federal judge Thursday blocked the Trump administration from freezing up to $3 trillion in funding for federal agency grants, loans and other financial assistance. Judge John J. McConnell Jr. of the U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island granted a preliminary injunction that was requested by attorneys general for 22 states and the District of Columbia. The attorneys general sued the Trump administration Jan. 28 to prevent the funding freeze. McConnell’s ruling extends a previous block that the federal court imposed with a temporary restraining order on Jan. 31. In his written decision, McConnell accused the executive branch of placing itself above Congress, an equal branch of government. The Trump administration can only take actions on funding if it’s authorized to do so by laws passed by Congress, McConnell said. “The Executive’s categorical freeze of appropriated and obligated funds fundamentally undermines the distinct constitutional roles of each branch of our government,” the judge wrote. McConnell’s ruling was praised by the attorneys general in the suit, which was led by New York Attorney General Letia James. Other plaintiffs are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. The prosecutors have accused the Trump administration of acting illegally and recklessly by imposing the cuts, which they noted in statements Thursday would have affected everything from community health centers to schools and resources for firefighters. “Last month, the Trump administration chaotically implemented a sweeping federal funding freeze, halting access to billions of dollars in funds lawfully appropriated by Congress,” California Attorney General Rob Bonta said. “In doing so, it willfully ignored the immediate devastation a freeze would have on the health, safety and wellbeing of communities and businesses across the country.” Bonta called McConnell’s ruling “an important victory for the rule of law and for the many programs throughout our state that rely on federal funding to carry out their mission.” He vowed the attorneys general would continue to work to get a permanent ruling against the federal funding freeze. California this year is expected to receive $168 billion in federal funding, or 34% of the state’s budget, according to Bonta’s office. That includes $107.5 billion in California’s Medicaid programs, which serve about 14.5 million Californians, including 5 million children and 2.3 million seniors and people with disabilities. More than 9,000 full-time equivalent state jobs are federally funded in California, Bonta’s office said. The Trump administration’s freeze on funding could have affected California’s law enforcement, public safety, critical transportation infrastructure, water quality and workplace health and safety, according to Bonta’s office. The attorney general’s staff also cited Head Start, education services for students with disabilities and research projects at state universities as programs that depend on federal funding. In Arizona, Attorney General Kim Mayes called the preliminary injunction a victory for her state’s residents. “I won’t stand by while the Trump administration puts itself above Congress and withholds resources that families, public safety and health care providers depend on,” Mayes said. Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said his state would have been devastated by federal cuts to everything from lifesaving health care to resources for firefighters. Thursday’s preliminary injunction against the funding freeze was the second one issued by a federal judge. The first such injunction was imposed last month by U.S. District Judge Loren AliKhan in another lawsuit in Washington, D.C. That suit was filed by a group of nonprofits. Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post Judge blocks freeze on federal funding appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News BEIJING/WASHINGTON (Worthy News) – Beijing warned Thursday it will not yield “to bullying” after U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared that the United States is “prepared” to go to war with China following alarming threats from the Communist-run nation. In a direct threat to U.S. President Donald J. Trump after he imposed tariffs on Chinese goods, China’s representatives in America said: “If war is what the US wants, be it a tariff war, a trade war or any other type of war, we’re ready to fight until the end.” Hegseth, in turn, warned that the U.S. is “prepared” to go to war. He added, “Those who long for peace must prepare for war.” The U.S. hit China with 20 percent tariffs in response to what the White House said was “Chinese inaction” over the flow of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, into America. China’s Foreign Ministry called the U.S. fentanyl-related explanation for imposing tariffs a “flimsy excuse.” Beijing responded by announcing plans to boost defense spending by 7.2 percent and hit the U.S. with reciprocal tariffs of 10 to 15 percent on certain imports from March 10. Analysts said U.S. concerns over China’s rise to a military superpower outweigh its worries over the ongoing war in Ukraine. By overseeing a fast peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, the Trump administration wants to free up crucial military resources in Asia, according to a Worthy News assessment. The post China Claims It’s Ready for War with U.S. appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Brett Rowland | The Center Square (Worthy News) – President Donald Trump said Thursday that goods from Mexico will temporarily be exempt from U.S. tariffs, but the president continued to press Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trump said goods from Mexico that fall under the existing United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement won’t be subject to U.S. tariffs of 25%. The move comes days after Trump hit Mexico with short-lived tariffs for the second time since taking office in January. “After speaking with President Claudia Sheinbaum of Mexico, I have agreed that Mexico will not be required to pay tariffs on anything that falls under the USMCA Agreement,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I did this as an accommodation, and out of respect for, President Sheinbaum.” Trump said he is working with Sheinbaum to stop illegal immigration and fentanyl trafficking at the southern border. Fentanyl is a potent opioid responsible for most U.S. overdose deaths. Criminal cartels in Mexico smuggle illicit forms of fentanyl – often produced with chemicals from China – across U.S.-Mexico border, according to the DEA. Trump’s announcement on Mexico came about 20 minutes after the president again criticized Trudeau. “Believe it or not, despite the terrible job he’s done for Canada, I think that Justin Trudeau is using the Tariff problem, which he has largely caused, in order to run again for Prime Minister,” Trump wrote. “So much fun to watch!” Trump’s deal with Sheinbaum is temporary. Trump said it would go until April 2, when he plans to announce broader reciprocal tariffs against countries that impose tariffs on U.S. goods or keep U.S. goods out of their markets through other methods. Since imposing his latest round of tariffs on top trading partners this week, Trump has been steadily paring them back. On Wednesday, Trump said the Big Three automakers – Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co. and Stellantis NV – would be exempt from his tariffs for a month. In February, Trump took a step forward on his plan to put reciprocal tariffs on U.S. trading partners by signing a memo directing staff to come up with solutions in 180 days. Trump previously said he would put those tariffs in place on April 2 to avoid any confusion on April 1. In his joint address to Congress on Tuesday, Trump said all countries would have to either make their products in the U.S. or be subject to tariffs. “Whatever they tariff us, we tariff them. Whatever they tax us, we tax them,” Trump said. “If they do non-monetary tariffs to keep us out of their market, then we do non-monetary barriers to keep them out of our market. We will take in trillions of dollars and create jobs like we have never seen before.” The United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA, governs trade between the U.S. and its northern and southern neighbors. It went into force on July 1, 2020, and Trump signed the deal. That agreement continued to allow for duty-free trading between the three countries. U.S. goods and services trade with USMCA totaled an estimated $1.8 trillion in 2022. Exports were $789.7 billion and imports were $974.3 billion. The U.S. goods and services trade deficit with USMCA was $184.6 billion in 2022, according to the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Tariffs are taxes on imported goods paid by the importer, which are often passed along to consumers through higher prices on the imported products. Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post Trump Says Most Goods From Mexico Will Be Exempt From Tariffs appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – The US Air Force and the Israeli Air Force held a joint exercise on Tuesday “aimed to strengthen and maintain the long-standing cooperation” between the two allies, which likely served as a message to Iran amid speculation about a potential joint strike on the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities. Israel’s F-35i and F-15i fighters conducted military exercises with a U.S. B-52 bomber, aiming to “strengthen and maintain the long-standing cooperation between the forces while expanding connectivity and building integrated capabilities for a range of scenarios,” according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). “The cooperation between the IDF and CENTCOM (United States Central Command) reflects the strategic alliance and close ties that continue to develop and strengthen between the militaries over time,” stated the IDF. Upon returning to office in January, US President Donald Trump reinstated a “maximum pressure” campaign of sanctions on the Islamic Republic, consistently stating that “Iran must not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.” The drill could be preparing the Israeli military for a potential joint strike with the US on Iran, especially after 77 retired U.S. military leaders sent a letter to President Donald Trump urging support for Israel to “finish the job” against Iran and its terrorist proxies. Last week, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued a warning that Iran had ramped up its production of near-weapons-grade uranium and warned that time is running out for diplomacy for new restrictions before Iran will obtain a nuclear weapon. IRAN’S NUCLEAR AMBITIONS CONNECTED TO PROPHECY? While the West often views Iran’s nuclear program through a secular lens, the spiritual aspect, which plays a central role in driving Iran’s nuclear ambitions, should not be overlooked. Iran is the only country where Twelver Shi’ism is the state religion. Twelver Shīʿism, the largest branch of Shīʿa Islam, makes up about 85% of Shīʿas. “Twelver” signifies belief in twelve divinely appointed leaders, the Twelve Imams, with the last, Imam al-Mahdi, expected to return as the Mahdi. Twelvers see the Imams as Muhammad’s spiritual and political successors, guiding with justice and interpreting Islamic law and the Qur’an’s inner meanings. They are viewed as infallible (Ismah) and divinely chosen (nass). The Twelvers believe that the Mahdi is expected to appear in times of extreme chaos, returning alongside Jesus as a messiah to bring peace and establish Islam globally. Twelver beliefs, Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and threats toward Israel and the West have raised concerns. Critics suggest that Iran’s Supreme Leader might incite conflict to hasten the 12th Imam’s arrival. Former Iranian President Ahmadinejad has even called for the Imam’s return at the UN, asserting that the Islamic Revolution’s primary goal is to prepare for his reappearance. The post US and Israel Hold Joint Advanced Aerial Drills as Warning to Iran appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News KRYVYI RIH/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – A Russian missile struck a hotel in the home city of Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, killing several people and injuring dozens, just hours before he was to attend a European Union summit. The attack late Wednesday in the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih shocked residents. “It was so scary,” said Evelyn, a 23-year-old pharmacist in Kryvyi Rih who often updates Worthy News on the situation. “I am not doing very well. There was another landing of a rocket, this time at a hotel,” she added. By Thursday, Serhiy Lysak, the governor of Dnipropetrovsk region, confirmed at least two people died and 28 others were injured, including a child. “Several people were seriously hurt,” he said. Ukraine’s Emergency Services said 14 people had been rescued from rubble at the hotel, which suffered heavy damage. Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the city’s military administration, explained Thursday that rescue operations proceeded through the night. The attack came a day after a Russian drone strike late Tuesday killed one person and caused power, water, and heating cuts in Odesa for the second day running, said Oleh Kiper, the regional governor. A 77-year-old woman died of shrapnel wounds on the outskirts of the city, he said, and drone strikes damaged critical infrastructure, leaving neighborhoods without services. Kiper said fragments from downed drones had damaged private houses and started fires in outlying city districts. A missile strike had destroyed an empty sanatorium near the town of Bilhorod-Dnistrovskyi, south of Odesa, he added. MORE DAMAGE East of the capital, Kyiv, drones targeted a multi-story apartment building near the town of Boryspil, smashing windows and triggering a fire in a business, witnesses said. Local officials reported no casualties. Yet the clashes underscored the urgency of a European Union summit where Zelenskyy and leaders of all 27 EU member states discuss the defense of his war-torn nation against Russian invaders. The gathering comes after the U.S. paused intelligence-sharing with Ukraine and halted new military aid, piling pressure on Zelenskyy to cooperate with U.S. President Donald J. Trump in convening peace talks. The suspension, especially the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) information, could cost lives by hurting Ukraine’s ability to prepare and defend itself against Russian missile strikes or limiting skills on the front lines, observers say. Ukrainian officials suggested it would also hinder Ukraine’s ability to carry out effective long-range drone strikes on Russia. However, CIA director John Ratcliffe expressed confidence that the pause on the intelligence and military front was temporary and would “go away.” He told Fox Business Network television. “I think we’ll work shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine as we have to push back on the aggression that’s there, but to put the world in a better place for these peace negotiations to move forward.” Several Democrats criticized the intelligence-sharing suspension with Senator Mark Warner, the vice-chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, saying the “ill-advised decision” showed that Trump had given American power to Russia. “Let me be clear: Cutting off intelligence support to our Ukrainian partners will cost [Ukrainian] lives,” the Virginia Democrat stressed. EU LEADERS The move was also expected to pressure European leaders, who will aim to endorse bold measures to ramp up defense spending and pledge support for Ukraine on Thursday at their summit in Brussels. However, Hungary is among the most outspoken nations opposing more military aid and warned it would not endorse a statement backing Kyiv. The European Commission – the EU’s executive body – has unveiled proposals to “rearm Europe” for 800 billion euros, or nearly $865 billion, according to Thursday’s exchange rates, more than 20 billion higher than previously reported. The plan allows member states to borrow up to 150 billion euros (nearly $162 billion) in total. On Tuesday, the parties aiming to form Germany’s next government agreed to loosen borrowing limits to allow billions of euros of extra defense spending. The measures came amid mounting concern that the United States is abandoning the old continent as it focuses on geopolitical realities elsewhere, including China, which it views as a key rival. The Trump administration also wants to prevent closer military cooperation between China and Russia, according to a Worthy News assessment. US SUPPORT? “I want to believe that the United States will stand by us. But we have to be ready if that is not the case,” French President Emmanuel Macron said in an address to the French nation on the eve of the summit. As a sign of the gravity of the moment, Macron said France was open to discussing extending the protection offered by its nuclear arsenal to its European partners and added that European forces could be deployed after a peace deal was agreed upon. He spoke as news emerged that he is considering traveling again to Washington to meet Trump, Zelenskyy, and Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Britain’s Prime Minister Starmer sounded upbeat ahead of these expected talks, saying he welcomed Trump’s comments about the prospect of a peace deal. Asked whether Britain welcomed what Zelenskyy said in a letter to Trump urging cooperation, the prime minister’s official spokesperson said: “President Zelenskyy said that the United States has done a huge amount to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and independence, and we’ve all said that we share President Trump’s desire for a secure and durable peace in Ukraine. And the prime minister believes a way forward can be found and welcomes President Trump’s comments overnight in that regard.” Zelenskyy said on Wednesday there had been “positive movement” on talks with the U.S. and that officials from the two countries could meet again soon. The White House national security adviser, Mike Waltz, pledged that Trump would consider restoring aid to Ukraine if peace talks were arranged and confidence-building measures taken. MINERALS DEAL The White House said the two countries’ talks about a minerals deal were ongoing. A senior administration official confirmed Wednesday that the signing was imminent and would be the first step in a longer negotiation between Ukraine, Washington, and Russia on ending the war. Yet Russia questioned how Ukraine could attend potential talks when a 2022 Ukrainian decree rules out negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskyy “is still legally prohibited from negotiating with the Russian side,” Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov added, talking to reporters. But he said the Kremlin was “generally positive” about the prospect of peace talks. However, tensions remained as a Russian court announced that a British man captured fighting for Ukraine was sentenced to 19 years in prison. The court press service for the city of Kursk explained that James Scott Rhys Anderson, 22, was found guilty of a “terrorist act” and acting as a mercenary after he was captured while fighting in the region in November 2024. Britain strongly condemned the sentencing, said a spokesperson for the Foreign Office, who called on Russia to respect its obligations towards “prisoners of war.” It was not immediately clear when and if the man would appeal against the ruling. Numerous foreign mercenaries and NATO troops have been unofficially active in Ukraine, Worthy News documented during the war. The post Russian Attack Kills Several In Ukrainian President’s Home City Ahead Of EU Summit appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – The Trump administration has suspended transporting illegal migrants using military aircraft to Guantanamo Bay or other nations, citing high costs and inefficiencies, according to The Wall Street Journal (WSJ). Since President Trump’s second term began with a focus on curbing illegal immigration, his administration initially utilized military aircraft for deporting migrants, a task usually managed by the Department of Homeland Security. Last week, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the administration’s strict stance last week, stating, “The message is clear: If you break the law, if you are a criminal, you can find your way at Guantanamo Bay,” during his visit to Guantanamo Bay where he observed migrants arriving on a C-130 aircraft. He added, “You don’t want to be at Guantanamo Bay.” However, the last such flight occurred on March 1, and the Pentagon has confirmed no further flights are scheduled. The suspension of military deportation flights, which aimed to emphasize a strict immigration stance, might become a permanent policy, officials indicated. According to flight-tracking data, the Trump administration used military C-17 and C-130 aircraft for approximately 30 and a dozen migrant flights, respectively, to destinations including India, Guatemala, and Guantanamo Bay. However, these military flights were less efficient and more expensive than typical civilian deportation flights, with longer routes and higher costs per migrant. For example, three flights to India cost $3 million each, and some flights to Guantanamo carried migrants at a cost of at least $20,000 each, according to WSJ. According to U.S. Transportation Command, flying a C-17, typically used for heavy cargo and troops, costs $28,500 per hour. In contrast, a standard U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) flight costs about $8,500 per hour, with former ICE officials estimating the cost at $17,000 per hour for international trips, WSJ reported. The post Trump Administration Suspends Deportations Using Military Aircraft Due to High Costs appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Brett Rowland | The Center Square (Worthy News) – A group of budget hawks said Wednesday that President Donald Trump’s plan to balance the federal budget was “a claim at utter and complete odds with fiscal reality and the policies he is promising.” Trump said in his address to a joint session of Congress that he wanted to a balanced budget, which would be a historic accomplishment. “In the near future, I want to do what has not been done in 24 years: Balance the federal budget,” he said. “We are going to balance it.” Maya MacGuineas, president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, said it good to hear the president acknowledge the problem, but unlikely he’d be able to accomplish the task. “Troublingly, America’s fiscal imbalances have grown so large that balancing the budget is likely out of reach in the medium term,” she said. “It would take nearly $17 trillion in ten-year savings to balance the budget by 2035.” The largest savings package in the past dozen years, the Fiscal Responsibility Act, saved $1.5 trillion over a decade, MacGuineas noted. “Fiscal goals are more effective when they are aspirational, yes, but more importantly, reasonable and achievable as well,” she said. “With our national debt on course to reach its highest share of the economy we’ve ever seen, we urgently need solutions to match the rhetoric.” She said a more reasonable goal – proposed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent – would bring the deficit down to 3% of gross domestic product, a measurement of economic output. “This requires $7.5 trillion of savings over ten years, and while aggressive, it is doable if Congress starts immediately and scours all parts of the budget, including both spending and taxes,” MacGuineas said. Republicans have all but ruled out tax increases other than tariffs. The House has proposed a $4.5 trillion bill that extends the tax cuts brokered during Trump’s first term in office. The House proposal would allow $2.8 trillion in deficit increases through 2034. The Senate has proposed a fully offset $342 billion Senate bill that leaves the tax cuts for a later date. In the past 50 years, the federal government has ended with a fiscal year-end budget surplus four times, most recently in 2001. Congress has run a deficit every year since then. Reprinted with permission from The Center Square. The post Trump’s Plans for Balanced Budget at ‘Odds with Fiscal Reality’ appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News OTTAWA (Worthy News) – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused U.S. President Donald J. Trump of seeking to annex his country through a “dumb trade war.” He spoke after the United States imposed 25 percent taxes on Canadian and Mexican goods and a 10 percent levy on Canadian energy exports. The prime minister was quick to announce retaliatory tariffs on US exports on Wednesday, adding that his country would remain defiant against the “aggression.” “We’ve been in tough spots before … but we have not only survived, we have emerged stronger than ever, because when it comes to defending our great nation, there is no price we all aren’t willing to pay, and today is no different,” he said. Yet, on Wednesday, Canada’s government said it would be willing to reduce its retaliation against U.S. tariffs if the Trump administration drops some of its imposed tariffs. Negotiations between Ottawa and Washington were reportedly continuing, but no deal had yet been reached U.S. President Trump will exempt automakers from his punishing 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico for one month “as long as they comply with existing free trade rules,” the White added on Wednesday. 51st STATE? That was music to Trudeau’s ears, the outgoing liberal prime minister who had warned that Canada would never become the 51st state of the U.S. “Today, the United States launched a trade war against Canada,” he said. At the same time, the Trump administration was “talking about working positively with Russia, appeasing [Russian President] Vladimir Putin, aligning with a murderous dictator.” Trudeau also rejected Trump’s repeated taunts that Canada should cede its sovereignty and join the US: “That is never going to happen. We will never be the 51st state.” Canada’s retaliatory response includes matching tariffs on C$155 billion (US$107 billion) worth of U.S. goods. The first tranche of taxes applies to C$30 billion worth of goods, and the remaining C$125 billion will kick in within 21 days, allowing Canadian companies to amend supply chains. Trudeau told U.S. voters: “We don’t want to see you hurt. But your government has chosen to do this to you. As of this morning, markets are down, and inflation is set to rise dramatically all across your country. Your government has chosen to put American jobs at risk at the thousands of workplaces that succeed because of materials from Canada or because of consumers in Canada.” He said: “Americans will lose jobs. Americans will pay more for groceries, for gas, for cars, for homes.” Addressing Trump directly, Trudeau stressed: “Even though you’re a very smart guy, this is a very dumb thing to do.” FENTANYL SMUGGLING Trump has claimed that the tariffs were a response to Canada’s failure to stop fentanyl drug smuggling into the U.S., an argument Trudeau called “completely bogus, completely unjustified, completely false.” Although some drugs do cross the border, in both directions, little fentanyl enters the U.S. from Canada, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) does not even mention Canada in a report from 2020, data showed. Trump also expressed concern about “illegal migrants” entering the U.S. from Canada. He later raised the prospect of further escalation with a warning that any retaliatory levies by Canada would prompt further measures from the U.S. His perceived war language prompted patriotism in Canada, uniting provincial leaders across the political spectrum. Ontario’s premier, Doug Ford, the leader of Canada’s most economically powerful province, said his government would “make sure Americans feel pain.” Ford, who recently won re-election on a pledge to fight US taxes, says he will impose a 25 percent export tax on electricity it supplies to three U.S. states if the American tariffs on Canadian goods “persist.” Ontario also pulled all American spirits and wines from its shelves, barred U.S. companies from bidding on procurement contracts, and tore up a deal with Elon Musk’s Starlink company. Ford said he felt “terrible” about Canada’s response, citing his close relationship with American governors, but said the moves were necessary to send a strong message to the White House. “The stock market will go downhill faster than the American bobsled team,” he said. “When the market drops, that’s the people speaking. Isn’t this a shame? Every country is very, very aware that if the American government is willing to do this to their own closest neighbor, ally, and friend, everyone is vulnerable to a trade war.” The post Canada Urges US To End ‘Dumb Trade War’ appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News BUDAPEST/PARIS (Worthy News) – French President Emmanuel Macron told his nation that France and Europe should prepare for war as Russian aggression “knows no borders.” In televised remarks, Macron said Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin “will not stop at Ukraine and is a direct threat to France and Europe.” Macron said he plans to meet all European army chiefs in Paris next week, adding that France and Europe must be ready if the United States steps away. His comments came as Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the European Union’s most outspoken pro-Russia leader, arrived in Paris to meet Macron and plea for peace. “I want to understand what makes the French and pro-war stance rational,” he said. “If after three years, the warring parties have not been able to defeat Russia and secure victory for Ukraine, why do they think they can still win this war?” Orbán wondered. He noted that Europe did not win the battle even “with the Americans in the war camp.” However, he stressed, “Now, when the Americans are no longer there—the pro-war camp is much weaker,” making winning more complicated. “Why do they think they can still win this war? That is what I want an answer to.” Macron did not address the meeting with Orbán during Wednesday’s television appearance, instead saying that France and Europe must keep helping Ukraine “to resist until Ukraine can negotiate a peace with Russia that is solid for themselves and for all of us.” He said no path to peace could happen through “abandoning Ukraine.” In an implicit reference to Trump’s attempts to force Ukraine into peace talks with Russia, he added: “Peace cannot be concluded at any price.” He said: “Who can believe today that Russia would stop at Ukraine?” He told the French this was the main reason for his television address: “I’m speaking to you tonight because of the international situation and its consequences for Europe. I know you are legitimately worried faced with the historic events that are shaking the world order.” MANY KILLED He stressed that the war in Ukraine, which left roughly one million dead and injured, continues with the same intensity. Yet, the “U.S., our ally, has changed its position on this war, supporting Ukraine less and allowing doubt to linger on what will come next.” He said the increasingly “brutal” world was entering “a new era” and “it would be madness to stay a spectator in this world of danger.” Macron announced that he would initiate a “strategic debate” on extending France’s nuclear deterrence umbrella to cover all of Europe. However, he stressed that the decision to use France’s nuclear arsenal would remain solely in the hands of the French president. His proposal was partly in response to a request from Friedrich Merz, the likely future German Chancellor, who argued that with the U.S. potentially withdrawing, Europe must prepare for “the worst-case scenario,” a NATO military alliance “without U.S. security guarantees.” On Thursday, the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was to attend a Brussels defense summit in person with the 27 EU leaders. European leaders are stepping up diplomatic efforts after Trump ordered a pause on all U.S. military aid for Ukraine against Russia, which invaded its neighbor three years ago. This follows a public quarrel with Zelenskyy in the Oval Office last week. Veto-wielding Hungary and Slovakia have warned they will not support providing more EU military aid to Ukraine, a move that could derail the gathering. Regarding transatlantic trade relations, Macron warned that Europe must also be ready for the possibility that Washington might impose tariffs on European goods, as it has done with Canada and Mexico. “While we are preparing countermeasures with our European partners, we will do everything to make it clear that this decision would harm all of us,” Macron concluded. The post Macron Prepares France For War While Hungary’s Orbán Urges Peace appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News JAKARTA (Worthy News) – Indonesia’s authorities struggle to contain flooding in the capital, Jakarta, and surrounding areas that killed at least one person and displaced thousands. Desperate authorities are using cloud seeding, which involves releasing salt or other chemicals into clouds to trigger rain. Officials hope to steer rainfall away from flood-hit areas or limit the formation of heavier downpours. The deluge began on Monday and has affected Jakarta, home to about 11 million people, along with the neighboring cities of Bogor, Bekasi, and Tangerang. Newly elected officials and first responders scrambled to deal with what they called “one of the worst floods” in recent years. At least 140 homes have been submerged in floodwaters as high as three meters (9 feet), according to authorities. Roughly 2,200 people were displaced, some seeking safety on rooftops or using ropes to wade through the rising waters. Yet reports of at least one death underscored the dangers people face. RUBBER BOATS Rescue teams deployed rubber boats and relief supplies to the worst-hit areas, evacuating residents or assisting those reluctant to leave their homes. In some areas, authorities said they cut off power to prevent people from being electrocuted by the rising water. Officials warned the rains could persist until March 11 and have taken preemptive measures to reduce further damage. A cloud seeding operation was due to continue until Saturday. It focused on mountainous areas in West Java province, where rainfall often flows into the capital. “We can’t prevent the rain, that’s impossible, but we can reduce the intensity,” Dwikorita Karnawati, head of Indonesia’s weather agency, told reporters on Tuesday. “We can’t let the clouds get too big, so we will make it come down little by little.” Jakarta, a low-lying city, is prone to flooding during the wet season, which lasts from November to March. In 2020, torrential rains triggered devastating floods and landslides in the region, killing nearly 70 people and displacing thousands. The government has been pressured to improve water management and infrastructure in areas such as Jakarta. The post Indonesia’s Authorities Struggle To Contain Flooding appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent (Worthy News) – President Donald Trump met with eight individuals on Wednesday who had been held captive by Hamas. Immediately following the meeting, he issued a stern and final warning to the terrorist organization and demanded the immediate release of all remaining hostages, stating that it would be “over for you” if this demand was not met. He also warned of “hell to pay” if the situation was not taken seriously, and declared that he had equipping Israel with everything necessary to destroy the terrorist group. In a post on X, Trump declared, “‘Shalom Hamas’ means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose. Release all of the hostages now — not later — and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you.” "'Shalom Hamas' means Hello and Goodbye – You can choose. Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you. Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted! I am… pic.twitter.com/88EjVAyWAe — President Donald J. Trump (@POTUS) March 5, 2025 He characterized the act of holding onto bodies as behavior of “only sick and twisted people,” directly calling Hamas “sick and twisted.” Trump further emphasized his commitment to fully back Israel’s efforts to destroy Hamas, stating, “I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.” Trump expressed a stern warning in his message, reflecting on his recent meeting with former hostages, whose lives he claimed were destroyed by Hamas. He stressed, “This is your last warning! For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza, while you still have a chance.” He also addressed the residents of Gaza directly, suggesting a brighter future could be theirs but contingent upon the immediate release of hostages. He warned, “A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!” Earlier today, President Trump engaged personally with eight former hostages who were recently released by Hamas. The group expressed their gratitude to the Trump administration for its dedication to securing the release of all hostages. They shared their experiences of captivity and stressed the urgent need to ensure the immediate return of all remaining hostages. The White House issued a statement regarding this significant meeting, which took place in the Oval Office. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reported, “Today, President Trump took time to meet with eight of the released hostages from Gaza. The President listened intently to their heartbreaking stories. The hostages thanked President Trump for his steadfast efforts to bring all of the hostages home.” The post Trump Issues Final Warning to Hamas to Free Hostages or ‘It Is Over For You’ appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

Friend, where's your company card? James 4:3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss [with wrong motives], that you may consume it upon your pleasures. Recently, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) made headlines by canceling 146,000 U.S. government credit cards, a decisive step toward more effective resource management. This move not only underscores the importance of trust and proper usage in handling responsibilities, but also carries a hint of irony as many of these cards had their credit limits reset to just one dollar, emphasizing the strict controls now being enforced. Imagine you're an employee at a major corporation, and recognized for your dedication and trustworthiness. One day, you're given a company credit card for work-related expenses, symbolizing your employer’s trust in your judgment for the company's benefit. Similarly, those of us who follow Yeshua (Jesus) are part of God’s "company." We've been entrusted with a powerful tool—prayer, akin to a company credit card. When we ask for things in Yeshua's name, it’s as if we're making a purchase on behalf of the Kingdom. We receive what we ask for as long as it serves the Kingdom’s interests. However, why do some prayers seem to go unanswered? James offers a revealing insight: we often ask with wrong motives, aimed at fulfilling our own desires rather than the Kingdom's needs. Friend, so, the next time you pray, pause to consider if your request aligns with the benefit of the Kingdom. Pray with sincere faith and the right intentions, trusting that God will respond. If you're unsure, seek God’s direction to ensure your prayers match His will, aiming for the ultimate good of His Kingdom. And remember, the great advantage of our "company credit card" in prayer—there’s no spending limit! Your family in the Lord with much agape love, George, Baht Rivka, Elianna and Obadiah (George & Obi - Sarasota, Florida | Baht Rivka - Israel | Elianna - Married living in Missouri) Editor's Note: Feel free to share any of our content from Worthy, including Devotions, News articles, and more, on your social platforms. You have full permission to copy and repost anything we produce. Editor's Note: During this war, we have been live blogging throughout the day -- sometimes minute by minute on our Telegram channel. Be sure to check it out! Around the World Macron Prepares France For War While Hungary’s Orbán Urges Peace French President Emmanuel Macron told his nation that France and Europe should prepare for war as Russian aggression “knows no borders.” In televised remarks, Macron said Wednesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin “will not stop at Ukraine and is a direct threat to France and Europe.” Indonesia’s Authorities Struggle To Contain Flooding Indonesia’s authorities struggle to contain flooding in the capital, Jakarta, and surrounding areas that killed at least one person and displaced thousands. US Suspends Intelligence Sharing With Ukraine Ukraine faced more troubles at the frontlines Wednesday as the U.S. paused its intelligence sharing with Ukraine, cutting off vital information that helped the war-torn nation target Russian invaders. EU Unveils $840 Billion Rearm Plan, Throwing Lifeline To Germany The European Union has unveiled an unprecedented $841 billion "ReArm Europe Plan" amid fears the United States will dramatically reduce its military commitment to the old continent. Syria’s Constitutional Declaration Sparks Debate Syria was preparing for an imminent “constitutional declaration” that was likely to worry Christians and other minorities. U.S. Re-Designate Houthis As Terrorist Organization The U.S. on Tuesday re-designated Yemen’s Houthi militant group, Ansarallah, as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO), reversing Biden’s 2021 decision after over a year of attacks on U.S. Navy and commercial vessels. Iran Launches ‘The Islamic Resistance’ Terror Group in Syria Iran's "Mehr" news agency announced on Wednesday the formation of a new terrorist group called "The Islamic Resistance in Syria," aligned with Iran, which was founded in "light of the recent developments Syria has witnessed." Israel-Palestinian Conflict Trump Issues Final Warning to Hamas to Free Hostages or ‘It Is Over For You’ President Donald Trump met with eight individuals on Wednesday who had been held captive by Hamas. Immediately following the meeting, he issued a stern and final warning to the terrorist organization and demanded the immediate release of all remaining hostages, stating that it would be "over for you" if this demand was not met. He also warned of "hell to pay" if the situation was not taken seriously and declared that he was equipping Israel with everything necessary to destroy the terrorist group. U.S. Military Leaders Urge Trump To Help Israel ‘Finish the Job’ Against Iranian Axis A group of 77 retired U.S. generals and admirals are calling on President Donald Trump to support Israel so they can "finish the job" against Iran and its terrorist networks. They urge action before Iran crosses "the nuclear threshold" and to dismantle its nuclear program before it becomes too late. Inside the United States Trump’s Plans for Balanced Budget at ‘Odds with Fiscal Reality’ A group of budget hawks said Wednesday that President Donald Trump's plan to balance the federal budget was "a claim at utter and complete odds with fiscal reality and the policies he is promising." Canada Urges US To End ‘Dumb Trade War’ Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has accused U.S. President Donald J. Trump of seeking to annex his country through a “dumb trade war.” Supreme Court Sides With Lower Court on Foreign Aid Spending The U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the Trump administration in a 5-4 decision to uphold a federal judge’s court order to pay $2 billion in foreign aid for work that’s already been done. Christian News 70 Christians Beheaded In DRC; Hungary Helps Families Hungary says it is rushing aid to families of 70 Christians who were beheaded by Islamist fighters in a Protestant church in the north-eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and urges the world “not to ignore” the massacre. Worthy Insights $375B EPA slush fund handled by John Podesta gave billions to charities founded only months earlier The Biden administration funneled at least $20 billion dollars into environmental groups, most of which had only recently been founded, The Post has discovered. ‘Parent-Free Zones’? US Court Rules School Had Right to Hide Child’s Gender Identity from Parents Massachusetts parents of a middle school student are hoping to take their case against their child's school district to the U.S. Supreme Court. That comes after a federal court ruled they do not have a constitutional right to be informed that their daughter changed her gender identity and name while at school. The court essentially ruled that her school had a right to hide that information from the parents. Leading evangelicals in push to have President Trump recognize Israeli sovereignty over ‘biblical heartland’ Last week, an influential group of American Christians publicly reaffirmed the Jewish people’s right to Judea and Samaria as the biblical heartland of Israel. The Judea and Samaria area is more commonly known as the West Bank. ‘God Is Giving Israel a Blank Check’: Pro-Israel Christian Leaders Form Coalition To Boost US Support for Israel In a show of growing confidence and political influence, pro-Israel Christian leaders gathered at the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem on Tuesday to celebrate the Israel launch of the Conference of Presidents (COP) of Christian Organizations in Support of Israel. Made in America: Trump Racks Up $3 Trillion of Investments in US Economy For President Donald Trump, the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co.’s $100 billion investment in U.S. chip manufacturing represented “a tremendous leap—like, a leap that nobody would have really said was possible.” View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent WASHINGTON/KYIV/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Ukraine faced more troubles at the frontlines Wednesday as the U.S. paused its intelligence sharing with Ukraine, cutting off vital information that helped the war-torn nation target Russian invaders. However, both Kyiv and Washington expressed hope that cooperation will resume soon. “We have taken a step back and are pausing and reviewing all aspects of this relationship,” U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz confirmed. U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Ratcliffe called the suspension a “pause” and stressed it came after the disastrous meeting between President Donald J. Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy. On Friday, both leaders quarreled in front of the world media in the Oval Office, with Trump saying Zelenskyy had been “disrespectful.” However, President Zelenskyy said Wednesday that the “Ukrainian and American teams began working on an upcoming meeting.” He added that Andriy Yermak, his senior adviser, and Waltz “have spoken, and there’s positive movement. We hope to see some results next week.” Trump administration officials also said Wednesday that positive talks between Washington and Kyiv mean it may only be a short suspension. BATTLE CONTINUES Yet it comes as Ukrainian forces continue to battle against Russian forces, prompting Zelenskyy to thank several army units on Wednesday in a war that has killed and injured more than 1 million people. Trump’s decision to suspend military aid to the nation added to their difficulties. Amid the tensions, Zelenskyy said he spoke with several European leaders, including Germany’s chancellor and prime ministers from the Netherlands, Portugal and Slovenia. “Thank you for all the support,” he wrote to them on the social media platform X. “We are preparing for the EU summit, which will take place tomorrow [Thursday] in Brussels. Everyone can see how quickly diplomatic events are unfolding,” he added on X, referring to the gathering focused on boosting European defense and support for Ukraine. With Trump ruling out NATO military alliance membership, the Ukrainian president still hopes the country will join the European Union. “We also need to resume movement in the European direction, particularly regarding our Eurointegration – the clusters in the accession negotiation process. We are counting on the support of our partners,” Zelenskyy wrote. The post US Suspends Intelligence Sharing With Ukraine appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News BERLIN/BRUSSELS/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – The European Union has unveiled an unprecedented $841 billion “ReArm Europe Plan” amid fears the United States will dramatically reduce its military commitment to the old continent. The proposal calls for EU member states to increase budgets by 1.5 percent of gross domestic product (GDP), equivalent to $683.5 billion over four years. Additionally, there will be $157.5 billion in defense investment loans, announced the EU’s executive European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The announcement came on the eve of an emergency EU meeting in Brussels Thursday following a week of increasing political uncertainty from Washington, where President Donald J. Trump questioned both the U.S. alliance to Europe and the defense of Ukraine. “I do not need to describe the grave nature of the threats that we face,” von der Leyen warned. “Or the devastating consequences that we will have to endure if those threats would come to pass.” EU nations can unleash state funding under emergency measures that exempt governments from strict deficit spending rules that ensure members maintain low government debt or reduce high debt to sustainable levels. Von der Leyen pledged that all financial means are at the continent’s disposal to help member states urgently ramp up defense capabilities to meet “immediate threats” and through the remainder of the 2020s. EU CONCERNED The largest military spending since the end of the Cold War comes amid growing uncertainty about the U.S.’s future role in Europe. The EU plan was already prepared but got a sense of urgency after Trump’s decision Tuesday to pause military aid to wartorn Ukraine while it fights against invading Russian troops. Brussel’s ReArm proposal threw a lifeline to Germany, where the planned military spending bonanza could be a game-changer for its stuttering industries, analysts said. German defense companies were already seeking more capacity Wednesday, eyeing the ailing car industry. After two years of contraction, it was the first sign of a shift that could help revive the continent’s biggest economy. While controversial in a nation that started two World Wars, manufacturers of tanks, radar, and weapons aim to ramp up production. They are looking to facilities of car makers, long Germany’s economic powerhouse, who are cutting jobs and closing factories due to slow demand and a creaking electric vehicle transition. AMMUNITION MAKER Rheinmetall, Europe’s top ammunition maker, said it would repurpose two plants producing automotive parts to make defense equipment. Hensoldt, which makes the TRML-4D radar systems being used by Ukraine in its war with Russia, is in talks to take on around 200 workers from significant auto parts suppliers Bosch) and Continental, executives said. “We are benefiting from the difficulties in the automotive industry,” Hensoldt’s chief executive Oliver Doerre said in published remarks. Further investment could more than double the TRML-4D’s annual production to between 25 and 30, Reuters news agency reported, citing Doerre. Given its war-tainted history, Germany has long been reluctant to take on debt. Yet the parties hoping to form its next government have agreed to create a 500 billion euro ($540 billion) infrastructure fund and exempt defense spending from debt rules as they rush to rearm. The post EU Unveils $840 Billion Rearm Plan, Throwing Lifeline To Germany appeared first on Worthy Christian News. View the full article