Saudi Arabia welcomed the recent call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin and expressed willingness to host a summit between them, the Kingdom’s foreign ministry announced Friday. The statement reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s commitment to facilitating lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been involved in diplomatic efforts since March 2022, engaging both Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Over the past three years, Saudi Arabia has hosted multiple meetings to support negotiations. Zelenskyy also announced plans to visit Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Turkey, though no dates were provided.
BIGGEST DANGER TO EUROPE COMES ‘FROM WITHIN,’ SAYS US VICE PRESIDENT
U.S. Vice President JD Vance stated that Europe’s greatest threat comes “from within,” not from Russia or China, accusing European governments of ignoring voters and suppressing alternative views. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference on Friday, Vance warned that democracies cannot survive if they dismiss citizens’ concerns as invalid. His remarks quickly drew criticism. He argued that “free speech is in retreat” across Europe and condemned politicians for refusing to engage with certain parties. Vance emphasized that democracy should have “no room for firewalls” and urged leaders to respect diverse political perspectives and voter concerns.
EUROPE SECRETLY DRAFTS PLAN TO DEPLOY TROOPS TO UKRAINE AFTER WAR
Ukraine’s Western allies are reportedly developing a plan to send troops to the country, with Britain and France leading the effort, according to an AP report on Saturday. Details remain limited, as involved nations avoid revealing strategies that could benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin in potential negotiations. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer cautiously acknowledged the need for security guarantees if peace is reached. European leaders began considering a deployment a year ago, but urgency has increased amid fears that U.S. President Donald Trump might bypass both European allies and Kyiv to secure a direct deal with Putin.
US VICE PRESIDENT VANCE SNUBS SCHOLZ, ENGAGES WITH AFD LEADER
U.S. Vice President JD Vance met with AfD party leader Alice Weidel in Munich on Friday, just nine days before Germany’s election, while notably avoiding a meeting with Chancellor Olaf Scholz. During his visit, Vance criticized European leaders on democracy and dismissed the concept of political “firewalls.” Mainstream German parties refuse to collaborate with AfD, labeling it far-right, a stance shared by most political scientists and European media. Polls place AfD in second with around 20% support ahead of the February 23 election. Weidel, AfD’s co-leader and chancellor candidate, leads the anti-immigrant party’s campaign, Vance’s office confirmed.
HEZBOLLAH ASSAULT UN CONVOY IN LEBANON, SEVERAL PEACEKEEPERS WOUNDED
UN peacekeeping troops in Lebanon were injured Friday night when Hezbollah supporters attacked a convoy carrying UNIFIL’s outgoing deputy commander. Protesters blocked Beirut’s airport road for a second day, opposing Lebanon’s refusal to allow Iranian planes to land. Video footage showed Hezbollah supporters waving flags, chanting sectarian slogans, and assaulting peacekeepers. UNIFIL condemned the attack, calling it “outrageous” and emphasizing their mission to restore stability in southern Lebanon. The force warned that assaults on peacekeepers violate international law and could constitute war crimes, urging Lebanese authorities to investigate immediately and hold the perpetrators accountable.
