ISTANBUL 

Here is a rundown of all the news that you need to start your Monday with, including a report saying that global military spending reached $2.7 trillion in 2024, Syria slamming calls by the SDF for federalism, and US President Donald Trump saying he's “very disappointed” over Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine

TOP STORIES

• Global military spending hits $2.7T in unprecedented surge amid security concerns: Report

Global military expenditure soared to $2.718 trillion in 2024 in an unprecedented surge, driven by ongoing wars, rising geopolitical tensions and increased security concerns worldwide, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said.

The 9.4% real-terms increase from 2023 marks the steepest year-on-year rise since at least the end of the Cold War and the 10th consecutive year of growth, data showed.

The global military burden – military spending as a share of global gross domestic product (GDP) – climbed to 2.5% in 2024.

• Syria slams SDF calls for federalism, terms country's unity a ‘red line’

Syria reiterated its firm rejection of any attempt by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) that would threaten its unity and territorial integrity.

“Recent moves and statements by the SDF leadership calling for federalism and establishing a separate reality on the ground clearly contradict the content of the agreement and threaten the country’s unity and territorial integrity,” said a presidential statement.

On March 10, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa signed an agreement with Ferhad Abdi Sahin, the commander of the SDF, integrating it into the institutions of the Syrian Arab Republic as a move to reinforce national unity.

“The unity of Syria, both its territory and its people, is a red line, and any transgression thereof constitutes a departure from the national unity and an attack on Syria’s unified identity,” the presidency said.

• Trump says he's 'very disappointed' over Russia's continued attacks on Ukraine

US President Donald Trump said he is "very disappointed" over Russia's ongoing missile strikes against Ukraine amid peace negotiations.

"I was very disappointed that missiles were flying, by Russia...very disappointed," Trump told reporters, saying he is "surprised" by the continued bombardment during the talks.

Asked what he expects from Russian President Vladimir Putin, he responded: "Well, I want him to stop shooting, sit down and sign a deal. We have the confines of a deal, I believe, and I want him to sign it and be done with it and just go back to life.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

• A suspect has been charged with murder after he plowed his car into a crowd at a street festival in Vancouver, Canada celebrating Filipino heritage, killing 11 people.
• At least two people were seriously injured when a ferry carrying dozens of passengers collided with a private boat in Clearwater, Florida.
• Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has called for an investigation into an explosion at Shahid Rajaee Port in Bandar Abbas city.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar of an intelligence failure over the Oct. 7, 2023 Hamas attack.
• China has said it took control of a disputed reef near a major Philippines military outpost in the South China Sea.
• At least 31 Sudanese civilians were executed, including children, by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum’s twin city of Omdurman, local medics said.
• Ukraine claimed that four people were killed and 17 injured due to Russian attacks in the eastern Donetsk region, according to the head of the regional military administration.

BUSINNESS & ECONOMY

• Saudi Arabia, Qatar to pay off Syria’s debt to World Bank

Saudi Arabia and Qatar said they will pay off Syria’s debt to the World Bank totaling $15 million.

In a joint statement, the two countries said that clearing Syria’s outstanding arrears to the World Bank will help accelerate the war-torn country’s recovery.

The two countries called on international and regional financial institutions to “quickly resume and expand their development work in Syria, combine their efforts, and support everything that would achieve the aspirations of the brotherly Syrian people for a promising future.”

• McDonald’s rejects rumors of comeback in Russian market

McDonald’s rejected reports about its possible return to Russia, saying a recent trademark renewal in the country aims solely to protect its intellectual property, according to a statement shared by the company’s Ukraine office on X.

The company said it “remains committed to its values” and noted it exited the Russian market in May 2022 after condemning Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.

SPORTS

• Liverpool crowned Premier League champions after 5-1 win over Tottenham

Liverpool secured the English Premier League title with four matches to spare after defeating Tottenham Hotspur 5-1 at Anfield in Week 34.

With the victory, Liverpool climbed to 82 points, clinching the season title. Meanwhile, Tottenham sit in 16th place with 37 points, facing a tense battle to avoid relegation.

• Simon Dehairs wins opening stage of 60th Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye

Simon Dehairs of Belgium won the first stage of the 60th Presidential Cycling Tour of Türkiye.

The 23-year-old cyclist on the Alpecin-Deceuninck team came first in the 132-kilometer (82-mile) ride, completing the Antalya-Antalya stage in two hours, 51 minutes and four seconds.

Italian athlete Matteo Malucelli from XDS Astana came in second, while Team Flanders-Baloise's Belgian cyclist Jules Hesters finished third.