World on Edge: Russia Plans Massive Military Expansion

World on Edge: Russia Plans Massive Military Expansion

Good evening , and welcome to the World News Update.  delivering the most important global news this Sunday, April 13th, 2025. Let's go through today's main headlines.

[Headline 1 – Russia's Military Escalation]

In Europe, alarm bells are ringing as Germany's highest military commander, General Carsten Breuer, says that Russia may be poised to invade the continent by 2029.

Reports show President Putin is quickly building up his troops, with the goal of having a whopping 3 million soldiers by 2026 — much more than is required for the war in Ukraine.

In a record-breaking move, Germany has sent 5,000 soldiers to Lithuania, its first foreign permanent deployment since World War II, as NATO allies increase defense budgets to meet the increasing threat.

[Headline 2 – Ukraine Peace Plan Controversy]

On the other side of the Atlantic, a provocative and contentious peace plan for Ukraine has been proposed by General Keith Kellogg, a close friend of President Donald Trump.

The plan would divide Ukraine, as Berlin was divided after the war, with Western nations protecting the west and Russia holding about 20% of the east.

Kellogg claims the plan maintains Ukrainian sovereignty without sending U.S. troops, but it's already causing hot debate among world leaders.

[Headline 3 – WHO Pandemic Treaty Approaching Completion]

The World Health Organization is set to seal a historic global treaty to strengthen defenses against future pandemics, filling key gaps revealed during COVID-19.

This legally enforceable treaty has been years in the making, but the United States, having retreated from the WHO earlier this year via executive order by President Trump, will not be included, leaving doubts on international cooperation.

[Headline 4 – Expo 2025 Opens in Japan]

In more positive news, Expo 2025 has opened in Osaka, Japan, with the theme "Designing Future Society for Our Lives."

More than 180 nations are presenting innovations in a colorful celebration of solidarity, overcoming international tensions.

Yet, the event is under fire for its massive 235-billion-yen cost and slow-moving ticket sales, where only 9 million of the hoped-for 14 million tickets have been sold to date.

[Headline 5 – Gaza Hospital Crisis]

In the Middle East, disaster strikes as Israeli bombs destroyed Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City, putting it out of commission and killing a newly evacuated patient.

With hospitals pushed to the limit, the escalating conflict is driving Gaza's healthcare system to the brink.

That wraps up today’s top stories from around the globe. Thank you for joining us. Stay informed, stay safe, and we’ll be back with more updates soon.