Washington may impose stricter sanctions on Moscow and consider deploying U.S. troops to Ukraine if Russian President Vladimir Putin does not negotiate a Ukraine peace deal in good faith, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance told The Wall Street Journal on Friday. Vance emphasized economic and military leverage, predicting a surprising resolution. On Wednesday, U.S. President Donald Trump described a “lengthy and highly productive” call with Putin, agreeing to start ceasefire talks. His remarks about Ukraine’s territorial losses and NATO prospects alarmed European leaders, fearing Kyiv’s exclusion. Vance assured that Trump remains open to all options in negotiations.
LEBANON’S BAN ON IRANIAN PLANE SPARKS HEZBOLLAH-LED AIRPORT PROTESTS
Protesters waving Hezbollah flags blocked the main road to Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport on Thursday night, opposing Lebanon’s decision to deny landing permission to an Iranian plane, according to state media. Local reports stated that Iran’s Mahan Air was informed its scheduled Tehran-Beirut flight lacked authorization, leading to its cancellation. This decision follows increased security checks on flights from Iran and Iraq and comes ahead of Hezbollah funeral processions on Feb. 23. An airport official confirmed Lebanon barred two Mahan Air flights, initially planned for Thursday and Friday, rescheduling them for next week without providing a reason.
EUROPEAN LEADERS REACT SHARPLY TO VANCE’S MSC 2025 SPEECH
U.S. Vice President JD Vance sharply criticized European democracies, claiming their greatest threat comes from within rather than from Russia or China. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, he was expected to discuss potential Ukraine peace talks but instead accused European governments, including the UK’s, of abandoning their values and disregarding voter concerns on migration and free speech. His speech was met with silence and later condemned by several politicians. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius called it “not acceptable,” reflecting the strong backlash to Vance’s remarks.
FEARS GROW FOR ISRAELI HOSTAGES IN GAZA AS RED CROSS URGES ACTION
The January 19 ceasefire, which has largely paused 15 months of conflict in Gaza, is under immense strain following U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal for a U.S. takeover of the territory. The exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners has provided relief to families on both sides. However, the frail condition of Israeli captives released last week sparked outrage in Israel and beyond. The International Committee of the Red Cross, which has facilitated the exchanges, emphasized the urgent need for access to hostages, stating on Friday that recent release operations highlight this pressing humanitarian concern.
CHERNOBYL PROTECTIVE SHIELD HIT BY RUSSIAN DRONE ATTACK, OFFICIALS REPORT NO RADIATION THREAT
A Russian attack overnight struck the protective shield over Chernobyl’s destroyed fourth reactor, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported. The New Safe Confinement, built through international cooperation to contain the remnants of the 1986 disaster and prevent radiation leaks, sustained damage from a Russian drone carrying a high-explosive warhead. Although the fire was extinguished and radiation levels remained stable, officials continue to monitor potential risks. Zelenskyy shared footage of the explosion, condemning Russia’s actions as a “terrorist threat to the entire world” and accusing it of recklessly targeting nuclear sites without concern for the consequences.
