In a high-stakes development amid the ongoing conflict, U.S. officials are pressuring Ukraine to agree to a controversial minerals deal granting American firms access to its rare earth resources. The proposed $500 billion agreement is being linked to the continued provision of Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service, a vital tool for both military and civilian communications. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected the proposal, citing concerns about national sovereignty and security guarantees. Experts warn that any interruption to Starlink service could critically impair Ukraine’s operational capabilities during the conflict, escalating tensions further. This dispute underscores the deepening strategic rivalry.
ARAB LEADERS PLAN GAZA REBUILD
Arab leaders convened in Riyadh on February 22, 2025, to discuss Gaza’s post-war reconstruction, rejecting Donald Trump’s suggestion of U.S. oversight and Palestinian displacement. Trump’s proposal to transform Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East” sparked strong opposition from Arab nations, emphasizing Palestinian sovereignty. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, along with leaders from Jordan, Qatar, Egypt, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain, reaffirmed their commitment to the Palestinian cause and regional stability. Discussions will continue at the emergency Arab summit in Cairo on March 4, where leaders will address Gaza’s future and broader Middle East concerns.
RUSSIAN FROZEN ASSETS TO FUND UKRAINE REBUILDING?
Russia is considering allowing $300 billion in it’s frozen sovereign assets to help rebuild war-torn Ukraine, according to sources familiar with the discussions. The proposal, which emerged during recent U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, suggests Moscow may agree to allocate a portion of the funds for Ukraine’s reconstruction, while also demanding investment in Russian-controlled territories. The U.S. and its allies froze the assets following Russia’s 2022 invasion. The discussions are in early stages, with European nations expressing legal concerns over unfreezing the funds. This potential concession could signal a shift in peace negotiations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
RUSHDIE ATTACKER FOUND GUILTY
Hadi Matar, the Lebanese-American man who stabbed renowned author Salman Rushdie in 2022, has been found guilty of attempted murder and assault. A New York court convicted Matar on Friday after jurors deliberated for less than two hours. Rushdie, who was attacked during a public event, suffered severe injuries, including the loss of sight in one eye. The attack was linked to the long-standing fatwa issued against him in 1989 over his novel The Satanic Verses. Matar now faces up to 25 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for April. He also faces separate U.S. federal terrorism charges.
TRUMP FIRES TOP US GENERAL
US President Donald Trump has fired General Charles Q. Brown Jr., Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, in a social media post. Brown, who was on a trip to the southern border, served just 16 months under the Biden administration. Trump announced retired Lt. Gen. Dan Caine as his replacement, praising his role in the fight against ISIS. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also confirmed a broader military leadership shake-up, including replacements for key naval and Air Force positions. Additionally, the Pentagon announced plans to cut 5,400 probationary workers as part of a civilian workforce reduction.
