US President Donald Trump has announced a second round of Ukraine ceasefire talks with Russian diplomats in Riyadh on February 25. The first round, held earlier in the week, sparked concerns among European allies and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as Kyiv was excluded from discussions. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the talks aimed to improve diplomatic ties and explore economic cooperation. Meanwhile, reports suggest early-stage preparations for a potential Trump-Putin summit, raising fears of a US pivot toward Moscow. Zelenskyy has rejected any agreements made without Ukraine’s participation, while European leaders remain wary of the negotiations.
ISRAEL DELAYS PRISONER RELEASE OVER HAMAS CONDUCT
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the delay of Palestinian prisoner releases, citing Hamas’ public “humiliating ceremonies” while handing over Israeli hostages. Under the Gaza ceasefire deal, Hamas has freed 25 hostages in staged events, sparking outrage in Israel. The latest swap saw six Israelis released, but Israel postponed the planned release of 620 Palestinian detainees, calling Hamas’ actions a “blatant violation” of the truce. Meanwhile, Hamas condemned Israel’s delay, urging mediators to intervene. Tensions remain high as Netanyahu vowed retaliation for Hamas’ alleged mistreatment of hostages.
FRANCE AND UK PLAN TO SEND 30,000 PEACEKEEPERS TO UKRAINE
According to The Wall Street Journal, France and the UK are considering deploying 30,000 peacekeepers to Ukraine. The proposed mission aims to secure a ceasefire but depends on convincing U.S. President Donald Trump to support the plan. Paris and London intend to rely on U.S. military support to protect their forces from potential threats. The move comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, with critics warning of escalating risks. French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to discuss the proposal with Trump, whose stance on Ukraine has been more business-oriented than political, according to Polish officials.
RUSSIA’S LARGEST DRONE ATTACK ON UKRAINE
Russia launched a record-breaking 267 drones on Ukraine overnight, marking the largest single drone attack since the invasion began nearly three years ago. According to Ukraine’s Air Force spokesman Yuriy Ignat, 138 drones were intercepted, while 119 were lost without causing damage. Several regions, including Kyiv, were hit, and a missile strike in Kryvyi Rig left one dead and five injured. The attack coincides with the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Russia’s armed forces, calling the conflict a defence of national interests and dismissing any possibility of territorial concessions.
POLAND JAILS UKRAINIAN FOR PLANNING SABOTAGE FOR RUSSIA
A Polish court sentenced a 51-year-old Ukrainian national to eight years in prison for planning acts of arson and sabotage on behalf of Russia. Arrested in January 2024, the accused, identified as Serhyi S, was linked to a criminal ring and accused of plotting attacks, including an attempt to set fire to a US-owned paint factory in Wrocław. Although he denied the charges, he admitted to agreeing to commit arson for payment from an unidentified online contact. Poland has accused Russia of using hybrid warfare tactics against pro-Ukraine nations, with multiple arrests made in related espionage cases.
