US President Donald Trump remarked that Ukraine “may be Russian someday” ahead of a meeting between his Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, and President Zelensky. Kellogg has been assigned to draft a peace proposal. Trump also emphasized that the US should receive financial returns on its aid to Ukraine, suggesting rare earth minerals as compensation. Meanwhile, Zelensky is demanding firm security guarantees before any agreement. Kellogg is set to arrive in Ukraine on February 20, though specific details remain undisclosed.
TRUMP WARNS HAMAS ON CEASEFIRE
US President Donald Trump has warned that the ceasefire in Gaza should be revoked if Hamas does not release hostages by Saturday. He stated, “All hell is going to break out,” but acknowledged that the final decision rests with Israel. Hamas, in turn, accused Israel of violating agreements by restricting Palestinian movement and aid access. Trump’s comments risk destabilizing negotiations and increasing tensions in the region. Additionally, he suggested withholding aid from Jordan and Egypt if they refuse to take in Palestinians, escalating diplomatic pressure on US allies.
NORTH KOREA THREATENS US RETALIATION
North Korea has issued a warning against the US after a nuclear-powered submarine, USS Alexandria, docked in Busan, South Korea. Pyongyang’s Ministry of Defence accused Washington of escalating tensions and vowed to retaliate against any perceived provocation. The submarine’s visit, according to South Korea’s Defence Ministry, was for restocking and joint military coordination. However, North Korea views it as an aggressive act. Despite President Trump’s previous engagement with Kim Jong Un, tensions have risen since his return to office. Pyongyang remains critical of US-South Korea military exercises, calling them rehearsals for invasion.
UN HALTS AID IN YEMEN
The United Nations has suspended humanitarian aid operations in Yemen’s Houthi-controlled Saada region after the rebels detained eight more UN staff members. This brings the total number of detained UN personnel to at least 24. The decision aims to ensure their release and improve security conditions for aid workers. Yemen remains one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with 19 million people in need of assistance. The Houthis, who have conflicted with Yemen’s internationally recognized government since 2014, have yet to comment on the UN’s decision.
POLAND PROPOSES EU DEFENCE BANK
Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has proposed creating a “rearmament bank” to finance Europe’s defence expansion amid rising tensions with Russia. The initiative aims to raise the estimated €500 billion needed over the next decade. Sikorski suggested multiple funding options, including repurposing EU funds and issuing collective debt, an idea opposed by Germany and the Netherlands. He also called for the full confiscation of Russia’s frozen €210 billion assets to aid Ukraine. The proposal, inspired by the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development, seeks voluntary participation from EU and allied nations.
