U.S. officials push ahead with peace talks between Russia and Ukraine this week in Saudi Arabia. Also, Vice President JD Vance’s wife and the national security adviser prepare to visit the world’s largest island amid President Donald Trump’s suggestions that the United States take control of it. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, March 24, 2025.
US officials meet with Russia, Ukraine for separate peace talks
U.S. and Russian officials will meet in Saudi Arabia on Monday, March 24, to discuss a potential peace deal with Ukraine. This comes less than 24 hours after the U.S. held separate talks about ending the war with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia’s capital city on Sunday, March 23.
While no specific details about that conversation were provided, Ukraine’s defense minister said “the discussion was productive and focused” and that they addressed “key points, including energy.”
The New York Times reported that an anonymous Ukrainian official stated that, depending on progress, the Ukrainian delegation might hold further discussions with U.S. officials on Monday.
Special envoy Steve Witkoff said the ultimate goal of the talks is to achieve a full 30-day ceasefire, which would provide time for discussions on a lasting truce.
Russia and Ukraine have both agreed to temporarily halt strikes on energy infrastructure, but the details of how and when to implement that partial truce have yet to be decided. Meanwhile, attacks continue.
Ukrainian officials said Russia launched 99 attack drones overnight, and a drone strike on Kyiv over the weekend killed three people, including a five-year-old child.
Meanwhile, Ukraine also launched drones targeting Russia. The Russian military reported intercepting 28 overnight. Ukraine also reported it had destroyed four military helicopters in Russia.
Trump administration to revoke legal status of more than 530,000 migrants
The Trump administration has taken steps to revoke temporary legal status for over 530,000 individuals in the U.S. under Biden-era temporary parole programs.
According to a notice by the federal government, the termination of their work permits and deportation protections will take effect in late April. The Trump administration said the move will be made official on Tuesday, March 25.
It will impact immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela, who came to the U.S. under a Biden administration program known as the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela (CHNV) Parole Program. The Biden administration designed the program to reduce illegal immigration at the U.S.-Mexico border by giving would-be migrants legal migration avenues.
The Trump administration has encouraged these migrants to self-deport or risk arrest and removal by deportation agents.
Usha Vance, Mike Waltz to visit to Greenland
Vice President JD Vance’s wife, Usha Vance, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz will travel to Greenland later this week. Her office announced that the second lady would visit historic sites and learn about Greenland’s heritage.
Usha Vance will travel to the island on Thursday, March 27, and return to the U.S. on Saturday, March 29.
In recent months, Trump has said the U.S. should assert control over the self-governing territory that is part of Denmark for strategic national security reasons.
The Danish government and Greenland residents have responded to Trump, saying the island is not for sale.
However, on Sunday, JD Vance said, “Denmark is not doing its job” and is not being a good ally.
The vice president said Trump does not care about what Europe thinks; he cares about putting the interests of Americans first.
Greenland’s prime minister expressed his concerns in a national newspaper regarding the planned visit on Sunday, March 23, labeling it a “highly aggressive” action and stating that Waltz’s “mere presence in Greenland will no doubt fuel American belief in Trump’s mission.”
Canadian prime minister calls snap election amid Trump threats
Canada’s new prime minister called for a snap election to take place on Monday, April 28, amid a growing trade war and annexation threat from the U.S.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and his opponent began their respective campaigns by saying that Trump must respect Canada.
That message is likely to strike a popular chord with voters, as Trump has already issued tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel and promised a big announcement on April 2 regarding additional tariffs.
Trump has also repeatedly suggested that Canada become the 51st state of the U.S., prompting various displays of Canadian patriotism.
“They want our resources. They want our water. They want our land. They want our country,” Carney said at a Newfoundland rally. “Never.”
Carney replaced former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who recently resigned.
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre opposes him, saying he will put Canada first and stand up to Trump.
The House of Commons will also host elections for 343 seats.
South Korean prime minister’s impeachment overturned, reinstated as acting president
South Korea’s constitutional court overturned Prime Minister Han Duck-soo’s impeachment and reinstated him as the country’s acting president.
The opposition Democratic Party impeached Han in December 2024 after he allegedly declined to appoint three justices to the Constitutional Court. The court reviewed the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol following Yoon’s brief declaration of martial law.
According to media outlets, the court’s eight justices voted 7-to-1 to dismiss Han’s impeachment.
The court has not issued its verdict on Yoon’s impeachment. It has until mid-June to do so.
Men’s NCAA Sweet 16 lineup set, no Cinderella story this year
The first weekend of the men’s 2025 NCAA tournament is complete, and the stage for the Sweet 16 is set.
There are no Cinderella stories, so to speak, but Arkansas’s win over St. John’s was great television: Calipari versus Pitino.
For the first time in history, the final 16 teams in basketball will be entirely composed of teams from football-playing power conferences. This includes a record seven from the SEC, four from the Big Ten, four from the Big 12, and one from the ACC.
That’s the lowest number of conferences ever represented in a Sweet 16, according to Sports Illustrated.
The first of the Sweet 16 games tips off this Thursday with Brigham Young versus Alabama.
Top seeds Florida and Duke will take on Maryland and Arizona, respectively. Arkansas will go head-to-head with Texas Tech.
The women’s Sweet 16 lineup will be determined after tonight’s second-round games.