SOFREP Daily: US National Archives Publishes 63,000 Pages on JFK Killing, Ukraine War Talks Shift as Trump-Putin Strike Partial Deal

It’s Wednesday, March 19, 2025—stay ahead with the latest updates on defense and global affairs. Here’s what you need to know.

US National Archives Publishes 63,000 Pages on JFK Killing

The US National Archives released more than 63,000 pages of records related to the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy (JFK), following an order by President Donald Trump.

The release removes many redactions that have long fueled conspiracy theories.

While the new files provide additional context, researchers say key documents, including recently discovered Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) records and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) files, remain classified.

Notably, a Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) memo from 1991 suggests the KGB closely monitored Lee Harvey Oswald but did not control him.

The release is the largest since the 1990s, though historians and experts believe much remains undisclosed.

Interest in Kennedy’s assassination remains strong, with theories challenging the Warren Commission’s official conclusion that Oswald acted alone.

Ukraine War Talks Shift as Trump, Putin Strike Partial Deal

President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to an immediate pause in strikes on energy infrastructure in Ukraine but failed to secure a broader 30-day ceasefire.

The White House framed it as a step toward peace, but Ukraine remains wary, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy insisting Kyiv must be involved in negotiations.

Putin reiterated demands for Ukraine to withdraw from annexed regions, halt military aid, and abandon NATO ambitions—conditions Kyiv strongly rejects.

Meanwhile, Trump has hinted at discussions on dividing assets like land and power plants, though no official confirmation was provided.

The call also touched on Middle East tensions and potential US-Russia hockey matches, highlighting Trump’s push for a reset in relations despite the ongoing war.

Lithuania Blames Russia for Ikea Arson Attack

Lithuanian prosecutors have accused Russia’s military intelligence agency, the GRU, of orchestrating an arson attack on an Ikea store in Vilnius in May 2024, labeling it an act of terrorism.

According to Lithuanian and Polish officials on Monday, the attack, which caused no casualties, is part of a broader pattern of sabotage linked to Russia.

Two Ukrainian nationals were identified as suspects, one detained in Lithuania and the other in Poland.

Investigations revealed they were recruited through intermediaries and promised a 10,000 euros (nearly $11,000) reward to carry out attacks on shopping centers in Lithuania and Latvia.

Polish authorities have also linked the case to similar sabotage incidents, with around 30 ongoing investigations into Russian intelligence activity.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk condemned Russia’s tactic of hiring Ukrainians for such acts, calling it “exceptionally perfidious.”

Dear allies, the investigation of the Lithuanian prosecutor’s office has confirmed our suspicions that responsible for setting fires to shopping centres in Vilnius and Warsaw are the Russian secret services. Good to know before negotiations. Such is the nature of this state.

— Donald Tusk (@donaldtusk) March 17, 2025

Lebanon, Syria Exchange Fire Over Alleged Hezbollah Attack

Deadly clashes erupted along the Lebanon-Syria border late Sunday, leaving at least seven dead and 52 wounded, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.

The latest violence was triggered by accusations from Syria’s new authorities that Hezbollah abducted and killed three Syrian soldiers, prompting Syrian forces to fire shells into Lebanon.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun ordered the military to retaliate, escalating tensions further.

A ceasefire agreement was later reached between Lebanese and Syrian defense ministers.

رئيس الجمهورية: ما يحصل على الحدود الشرقية والشمالية الشرقية لا يمكن أن يستمر، ولن نقبل باستمراره.
وقد أعطيتُ توجيهاتي للجيش اللبناني بالردّ على مصادر النيران

— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) March 17, 2025

The clashes are linked to ongoing smuggling operations, with Syria’s government launching a crackdown on cross-border trafficking.

Hezbollah, once a key ally of Syria’s former regime, has been accused of using Syrian villages as bases for smuggling and drug trafficking. Syria’s new authorities have vowed to secure their borders and accused Hezbollah of destabilizing the region.

Germany’s Merz Pushes Parliament to Approve Defense Spending

German lawmakers are set to vote on a major defense and infrastructure spending package proposed by chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz.

The plan, driven by concerns over America’s wavering commitment to European security under President Donald Trump, marks a significant shift for Germany, traditionally cautious about military spending.

It includes exempting defense expenditures above one percent of gross domestic product (GDP) from debt limits and creating a 500-billion-euro ($545-billion) infrastructure fund, with three billion euros ($3.3 billion) allocated for Ukraine in 2025.

The vote is crucial as Merz negotiates a coalition with the Social Democrats (SPD), with support from the Greens secured through a deal dedicating 100 billion euros to climate measures. However, the proposal faces challenges in both parliamentary chambers, with a razor-thin margin for success.

Failure to pass the vote could be a major setback for Merz ahead of his expected appointment as chancellor in April.

Canada Partners with Australia to Boost Northern Security

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a $6-billion Canadian dollar ($4.2 billion) deal with Australia to develop an Arctic radar system, reinforcing Canada’s sovereignty and security as US priorities shift under President Donald Trump.

Speaking from Iqaluit on Tuesday, Carney warned that Canada “can no longer trust” the US for defense and must take charge of its own security.

The advanced over-the-horizon radar system will replace outdated Cold War-era stations, improving surveillance against modern threats.

“We cannot and should not look first to others to defend our nation,” says PM Mark Carney in Iqaluit as he announces a partnership with Australia to develop an Arctic radar system, funding for Canadian Armed Forces’ northern presence, and support for Nunavut’s economy.
#cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/jX7kdAY7xf

— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) March 18, 2025

Additionally, Canada will invest $420 million Canadian dollar ($293.5 million) to expand its military presence in the Arctic.

The deal comes amid growing concerns over Russian activity in the region and strained US-Canada relations, with no immediate plans for a Trump-Carney meeting as trade tensions escalate.

China Sends 59 Warplanes Near Taiwan in Show of Force

Taiwan detected 59 Chinese military aircraft near the island in the past 24 hours, marking the highest number since a record 153 in October.

The incursion, which also included nine warships and two balloons, follows Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s remarks last week labeling China a “foreign hostile force.”

Beijing claims Taiwan as its territory and has increased military pressure, including combat patrols, espionage, and cyberattacks.

13 sortie of PLA aircraft and 10 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 6 out of 13 sortie crossed the median line and entered Taiwan’s northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded accordingly. pic.twitter.com/p7nonDVFq0

— 國防部 Ministry of National Defense, ROC(Taiwan) 🇹🇼 (@MoNDefense) March 19, 2025

China’s foreign ministry framed the latest maneuvers as a warning against Taiwan’s independence efforts and criticized the US for softening its stance on Taiwan’s status.

Taipei condemned China’s aggressive military expansion, calling it a threat to regional stability.

Judge Blocks Trump’s Transgender Military Ban

A US federal judge temporarily suspended President Donald Trump’s ban on transgender individuals serving in the military, citing equality and condemning the policy as discriminatory.

Judge Ana C. Reyes criticized the ban as “soaked in animus” and “unabashedly demeaning,” arguing it stigmatizes transgender individuals without factual basis.

However, the suspension is delayed until March 21, allowing the government to seek an emergency stay.

Judge Blocks Trump’s Ban On Transgender People In The Militaryhttps://t.co/G6RWKrzWX6 pic.twitter.com/avS5ovPLka

— Forbes (@Forbes) March 18, 2025

The Trump administration has aggressively rolled back protections for transgender people, with the Pentagon restricting military service and halting gender transition treatments.

The ruling is a setback for Trump’s policies but leaves the future of transgender military service uncertain.

Sources: News Agencies