This week brought a whole new set of changes to the world but also reminders of the past. Nearing the end of February, we are caught between winter and spring, but also war and peace. After the one year anniversary of the Ukraine war, are we rethinking global conflicts?

Here is a quick rundown of some of the biggest headlines from February 18th to the 25th.

One year anniversary of the Ukraine war and possible peace proposal

February 24 marked the one year anniversary of the start of the Ukraine and Russia war. This week President Biden visited President Zelensky in Kyiv to show the U.S.’s continued support of the Ukrainian nation. China is reportedly calling for a cease-fire between the two countries. The longtime Russia supporter, is claiming the “conflict and war benefit no one,” and wants peace talks to resume. President Zelensky says he is open to a discussion with China and hopes to end the war. 

Still looking for a solid foundation

Weeks after one of the biggest earthquakes in middle east history, Turkey and Syria are still dealing with the fallout. The Kahramanmaras earthquake killed 35,418 people, the most in Turkish history. After the fall and destruction of many buildings, the Turkish government looked into the faulty structures and arrested 200 people. Some of the alleged suspects in the building catastrophe were killed in the earthquake and others have not been found. 

North Korea tests weapons. Again. 

On the 23rd, North Korea tested new military weapons off its eastern coast. Tests of long range cruise missiles sent fear over North Korea’s southern neighbor. The missiles were tested for both response time and accuracy. It is unclear how the U.S. or other nations will respond to North Korea’s blatant military show off. 

Conspiracy theory turned fact? US DOE declares COVID-19 a lab-created virus

The U.S. The Energy Department has reportedly found that COVID-19 likely came from Wuhan virology lab. Although not confirmed, the Wall Street Journal reported that along with the Energy Department, other U.S. agencies have also concluded that that virus came from a lab. In the initial COVID-19 scare, many people believed that coronavirus was transmitted from a different animal species to ours, however, soon after the pandemic began speculation that the virus was created in the Wuhan Virology Lab took off. 

Winter is not over yet…

Huge winter weather events spread across the U.S. From Minnesota to California, Americans are seeing big weather events causing shutdowns and snow days. Minnesota saw 20 inches of snow, while California is seeing heavy rain, floods and even blizzard conditions, causing the temporary closure of Yosemite national park. This winter storm has already killed one person.