How fast can the Sukhoi Su-30 fighter jet really fly?

Did China ask its people 'not to respond to aliens'? Origin of bizarre claim on social media

MS Dhoni-CSK Fallout? Report claims failed stake sale talks triggered rift

Scientists reveal the SAFEST COUNTRY when catastrophe strikes the planet

Serial killer on the loose in South Korea's Jeju Island? Fourth body found in three days as more than a dozen people go missing

2/3rd of glacier detached, collapsed: ISRO satellite images reveal what triggered Nepal floods

Trump once again claims without him there would be ‘no Israel right now’

Foreign espionage attacks against German companies surge to 37%, Bitkom report reveals

Blake Lively wins partial legal fee from Justin Baldoni after $8M request

Why is Pakistan deploying Turkish Bayraktar TB2 drones near India border?

'OH MY GOD! We've found other agents!': Investigators discover not one or two, almost 700 OpenAI AI agents went rogue, hacked Hugging Face

Lunar eclipse 2026: India timings, places to see and more. August Blood moon factsheet

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat on global outreach tour 

Both pilots killed as training aircraft crashes in Lucknow – What we know

16-year-old charged with preparing terror attack on kindergarten in Norway

How the S-400 protects itself from enemy attacks

Nepal floods: Over 165 dead, 400 missing; US, India, China, World Bank mobilise aid

India's multi-layered watch: The new surveillance war

5 doomsday planes spotted in US skies hours after CIA director's secret trip to Russia

9/11 mastermind Khalid Sheikh Mohammed to finally face trial in 2028, nearly 27 years after horrific attacks

Islamabad hospital fire: What we know about one of the biggest facility that housed Imran Khan

Workers run for life while filming Nepal flash flood: Scary new visuals emerge from Rasuwa

Russian military planes enter South Korean air defence zone amid rising tensions with North Korea: What's happening

Ron Weasley Is Back! Rupert Grint set to return to Harry Potter universe on Broadway

400-year-old 'vampire' grave in Poland reveals non-existent genetic lineage

Dolly Parton, global icon and queen of country music, dies at 80

Nepal flash floods: Kailash Mansarovar yatra affected, close to 400 pilgrims out of contact

'If he is dead, they're putting on a pretty good show': Trump casts fresh doubt over Mojtaba Khamenei's fate

Man arrested near US Capitol with guillotine in pickup truck: What happened?

Why the Su-30MKI cockpit is painted bright turquoise green

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Feb 18) hinted at a possible meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin this month, while brushing off Ukraine's concerns about being excluded from US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia focused on ending the Ukraine war.
"Probably," Trump said at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach when asked if he still expected to meet with Putin before the end of the month.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/musk-trump-bromance-shines-in-joint-interview-as-doge-chief-calls-himself-tech-support-for-us-president-8734740">Musk-Trump 'bromance' shines in joint interview as DOGE chief calls himself 'tech support' for US prez</a>
Trump spoke for the first time since a US delegation established a working dialogue with Russia about Ukraine during talks in Riyadh. He brushed aside Ukraine's concern about being left out of the meeting, saying Kyiv could have made a deal with Russia three years ago to avert the invasion by Moscow.
"Today I heard, 'oh, we weren't invited.' Well you've been there for three years, you should have ended it... you should have never started it. You could have made a deal," said Trump, referring to Ukraine.
<h2 dir="ltr">&ldquo;Putin started war by invading Ukraine&rdquo;: Sean Savett</h2>
Sean Savett, the spokesperson for the White House National Security Council under former president Joe Biden, called out Trump for apparently buying into Putin's propaganda. Savett stressed that Russia alone is responsible for the ongoing war, having initiated it with an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and committing war crimes against the Ukrainian people.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/san-francisco-authorities-rule-openai-researchers-death-a-suicide-family-musk-disputes-finding-8734728">San Francisco authorities rule OpenAI Researcher's death a suicide, family, Musk disputes finding</a>
"Sounds like Trump bought Putin&rsquo;s propaganda hook, line, and sinker," he said. 
"A reminder no one should need: Putin started the war by invading Ukraine unprovoked and his forces have committed war crimes against the Ukrainian people. Russia is the party responsible for this continuing war."
<h2 dir="ltr">Trump criticised Biden's handling of Ukraine situation</h2>
Trump criticised Biden's handling of the Ukraine situation, claiming his approach was inadequate. 
Biden had taken steps to support Ukraine, providing them with weapons to defend against Russian aggression.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-wants-to-stop-barbarianism-senseless-war-says-trump-after-us-russia-talks-8734546">'Russia wants to stop barbarianism, senseless war', says Trump after US-Russia talks</a>
"I think I have the power to end this war," said Trump. 
The US president also said Ukraine should hold elections. "That's not a Russia thing, that's something coming from me and coming from many other countries also," he said.
Trump has expressed openness to European countries sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, stating he wouldn't object to such a move, as long as a peace agreement is in place.
"Having troops over there would be fine, I wouldn't object to it at all," Trump said.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: US President Trump signals potential meeting with Putin, raising questions about US-Russia dynamics as Ukraine voices concerns over exclusion from Saudi Arabia talks.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Feb 18) hinted at a possible meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin this month, while brushing off Ukraine's concerns about being excluded from US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia focused on ending the Ukraine war. "Probably," Trump said at a press conference at his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach when asked if he still expected to meet with Putin before the end of the month. Also read | Musk-Trump 'bromance' shines in joint interview as DOGE chief calls himself 'tech support' for US prez Trump spoke for the first time since a US delegation established a working dialogue with Russia about Ukraine during talks in Riyadh. He brushed aside Ukraine's concern about being left out of the meeting, saying Kyiv could have made a deal with Russia three years ago to avert the invasion by Moscow. "Today I heard, 'oh, we weren't invited.' Well you've been there for three years, you should have ended it... you should have never started it. You could have made a deal," said Trump, referring to Ukraine. “Putin started war by invading Ukraine”: Sean Savett Sean Savett, the spokesperson for the White House National Security Council under former president Joe Biden, called out Trump for apparently buying into Putin's propaganda. Savett stressed that Russia alone is responsible for the ongoing war, having initiated it with an unprovoked invasion of Ukraine and committing war crimes against the Ukrainian people. Also read | San Francisco authorities rule OpenAI Researcher's death a suicide, family, Musk disputes finding "Sounds like Trump bought Putin’s propaganda hook, line, and sinker," he said. "A reminder no one should need: Putin started the war by invading Ukraine unprovoked and his forces have committed war crimes against the Ukrainian people. Russia is the party responsible for this continuing war." Trump criticised Biden's handling of Ukraine situation Trump criticised Biden's handling of the Ukraine situation, claiming his approach was inadequate. Biden had taken steps to support Ukraine, providing them with weapons to defend against Russian aggression. Also read | 'Russia wants to stop barbarianism, senseless war', says Trump after US-Russia talks "I think I have the power to end this war," said Trump. The US president also said Ukraine should hold elections. "That's not a Russia thing, that's something coming from me and coming from many other countries also," he said. Trump has expressed openness to European countries sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, stating he wouldn't object to such a move, as long as a peace agreement is in place. "Having troops over there would be fine, I wouldn't object to it at all," Trump said. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump says he will ‘probably’ meet Putin this month; dismisses Ukraine's concerns

The San Francisco medical examiner and police department have concluded that the death of Suchir Balaji, a former OpenAI researcher of Indian origin whose body was discovered in his apartment on November 26, was a result of suicide. However, Balaji's parents have expressed disagreement with this determination.
The conclusion was made clear in a letter by the San Francisco Police Department and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to the attorneys representing Balaji&rsquo;s parents, San Francisco Examiner reported.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-wants-to-stop-barbarianism-senseless-war-says-trump-after-us-russia-talks-8734546">'Russia wants to stop barbarianism, senseless war', says Trump after US-Russia talks</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">"No evidence of foul play&rdquo;</h2>
The letter provides a comprehensive overview of the joint investigation by the two departments into Balaji's death, offering new insights into the evidence that led investigators to conclude that his death was a suicide, as well as his mental state at the time.
According to San Francisco Police Department Officer Robert Rueca, the autopsy report supports the earlier police investigation, which found "no evidence of foul play.&rdquo;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/morning-news-brief-trump-defends-21-million-doge-cut-india-reiterates-call-for-unsc-reform-and-more-8734511">Morning news brief: Trump defends $21 million DOGE cut; India reiterates call for UNSC reform, and more</a>
A letter from the San Francisco Police Department and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner suggested that former OpenAI researcher Suchir Balaji had alcohol and amphetamine in his system at the time of his death.&nbsp;
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) found no evidence to suggest anything other than a suicide by self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">&ldquo;This doesn't seem like suicide&rdquo;: Elon Musk</h2>
Balaji&rsquo;s parents have repeatedly called for a wider investigation, which Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson have echoed.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-defends-21-million-doge-cut-have-lot-of-respect-for-india-but-8734405">Trump defends $21 million DOGE cut; 'Have lot of respect for India, but...'</a>
Poornima Rao, the mother of the late OpenAI researcher, has expressed concerns and disagreement with the San Francisco Police Department's conclusion that her son's death was a suicide. Instead, she alleged that her son was murdered and pointed to evidence of a ransacked apartment, calling for a more thorough investigation by the FBI.
In response to Poornima Rao's post on X, Elon Musk stated on December 29, "This doesn't seem like a suicide."
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: Former OpenAI researcher Suchir Balaji was found deceased in his San Francisco apartment, with authorities ruling the cause as suicide, following a thorough investigation.

The San Francisco medical examiner and police department have concluded that the death of Suchir Balaji, a former OpenAI researcher of Indian origin whose body was discovered in his apartment on November 26, was a result of suicide. However, Balaji's parents have expressed disagreement with this determination. The conclusion was made clear in a letter by the San Francisco Police Department and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to the attorneys representing Balaji’s parents, San Francisco Examiner reported. Also read | 'Russia wants to stop barbarianism, senseless war', says Trump after US-Russia talks "No evidence of foul play” The letter provides a comprehensive overview of the joint investigation by the two departments into Balaji's death, offering new insights into the evidence that led investigators to conclude that his death was a suicide, as well as his mental state at the time. According to San Francisco Police Department Officer Robert Rueca, the autopsy report supports the earlier police investigation, which found "no evidence of foul play.” Also read | Morning news brief: Trump defends $21 million DOGE cut; India reiterates call for UNSC reform, and more A letter from the San Francisco Police Department and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner suggested that former OpenAI researcher Suchir Balaji had alcohol and amphetamine in his system at the time of his death. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner (OCME) found no evidence to suggest anything other than a suicide by self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. “This doesn't seem like suicide”: Elon Musk Balaji’s parents have repeatedly called for a wider investigation, which Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson have echoed. Also read | Trump defends $21 million DOGE cut; 'Have lot of respect for India, but...' Poornima Rao, the mother of the late OpenAI researcher, has expressed concerns and disagreement with the San Francisco Police Department's conclusion that her son's death was a suicide. Instead, she alleged that her son was murdered and pointed to evidence of a ransacked apartment, calling for a more thorough investigation by the FBI. In response to Poornima Rao's post on X, Elon Musk stated on December 29, "This doesn't seem like a suicide." (With inputs from agencies)

San Francisco authorities rule OpenAI researcher's death a suicide; family, Musk dispute finding

US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about Russia's willingness to end the war in Ukraine, following talks between the two nations. Trump said he believes the conflict has taken a significant toll on soldiers from Ukraine, Russia, and even North Korea, whose soldiers were recently captured by Ukraine in Russia's Kursk Oblast.&nbsp;
Trump condemned the war as "senseless", stressing that it was a preventable conflict.&nbsp;
He then asserted that the war would not have erupted if he were still in office, implying that his leadership would have averted the crisis.
Trump, answering a question about the talks between US representatives and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, said he was "much more confident" and "the talks were very good."
"Russia wants to do something. They want to stop the barbarianism that's going on over there. Soldiers are being killed by thousands on a weekly basis. Apart from Russian and Ukrainian soldiers, a lot of Koreans have been killed," the US president said while signing executive orders at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday (local time).
"We want to end it. It's a senseless war. It should have never happened; it would have never happened if I were President," he added.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-us-and-russian-high-ranked-officials-meet-in-riyadh-over-ukraine-war-8731772">Also read: Talks conclude in Saudi Arabia HIGHLIGHTS: Russia says there is &lsquo;mutual desire&rsquo; to start Ukraine peace talks</a>
<h2>Lavrov holds talks with Rubio</h2>
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday (Feb 18) held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other officials that primarily focused on a broad range of issues, including the situation in Ukraine.
Both sides expressed a commitment to resolving the conflict and addressing the root causes that led to the war.
Rubio said that after an intense, four-hour meeting in Saudi Arabia, the United States and Russia agreed on four crucial principles, including the establishment of a high-level team to "negotiate and work through the end of the conflict in Ukraine" in a way that's "acceptable to all the parties engaged," according to CNN reports.
However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Kyiv would not "give in to Russia's ultimatums" and highlighted that he would refuse to sign any agreement made without Ukraine's participation.
In a post on X, the Russian foreign ministry wrote, "FM Sergey #Lavrov and Presidential Aide Yury #Ushakov held talks with Secretary of State @SecRubio, National Security Adviser @michaelgwaltz, and US Special Envoy to the Middle East @SteveWitkoff. The Sides agreed to establish #RussiaUS dialogue."
The Russian foreign ministry in a press release on Russia-US consultations said, "The participants discussed a broad range of issues, including prospects for normalising bilateral relations. The sides agreed to appoint respective ambassadors as soon as possible, and to start consultations at the level of deputy foreign ministers to remove restrictions on activities of the diplomatic missions of the two countries."
"The sides exchanged views on the situation surrounding Ukraine and reiterated their mutual commitment to settle the conflict. The Russian side emphasised the importance of eliminating the root causes of the conflict, creating proper conditions for achieving a lasting and enduring peace, and ensuring security and legitimate interests of all countries in the region. An agreement was reached to continue joint work in this area through special envoys to be appointed in the near future," it added.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday (Feb 18) held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other officials,  focused on a broad range of issues including the situation in Ukraine.

US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism about Russia's willingness to end the war in Ukraine, following talks between the two nations. Trump said he believes the conflict has taken a significant toll on soldiers from Ukraine, Russia, and even North Korea, whose soldiers were recently captured by Ukraine in Russia's Kursk Oblast. Trump condemned the war as "senseless", stressing that it was a preventable conflict. He then asserted that the war would not have erupted if he were still in office, implying that his leadership would have averted the crisis. Trump, answering a question about the talks between US representatives and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia, said he was "much more confident" and "the talks were very good." "Russia wants to do something. They want to stop the barbarianism that's going on over there. Soldiers are being killed by thousands on a weekly basis. Apart from Russian and Ukrainian soldiers, a lot of Koreans have been killed," the US president said while signing executive orders at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday (local time). "We want to end it. It's a senseless war. It should have never happened; it would have never happened if I were President," he added. Also read: Talks conclude in Saudi Arabia HIGHLIGHTS: Russia says there is ‘mutual desire’ to start Ukraine peace talks Lavrov holds talks with Rubio Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday (Feb 18) held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other officials that primarily focused on a broad range of issues, including the situation in Ukraine. Both sides expressed a commitment to resolving the conflict and addressing the root causes that led to the war. Rubio said that after an intense, four-hour meeting in Saudi Arabia, the United States and Russia agreed on four crucial principles, including the establishment of a high-level team to "negotiate and work through the end of the conflict in Ukraine" in a way that's "acceptable to all the parties engaged," according to CNN reports. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Kyiv would not "give in to Russia's ultimatums" and highlighted that he would refuse to sign any agreement made without Ukraine's participation. In a post on X, the Russian foreign ministry wrote, "FM Sergey #Lavrov and Presidential Aide Yury #Ushakov held talks with Secretary of State @SecRubio, National Security Adviser @michaelgwaltz, and US Special Envoy to the Middle East @SteveWitkoff. The Sides agreed to establish #RussiaUS dialogue." The Russian foreign ministry in a press release on Russia-US consultations said, "The participants discussed a broad range of issues, including prospects for normalising bilateral relations. The sides agreed to appoint respective ambassadors as soon as possible, and to start consultations at the level of deputy foreign ministers to remove restrictions on activities of the diplomatic missions of the two countries." "The sides exchanged views on the situation surrounding Ukraine and reiterated their mutual commitment to settle the conflict. The Russian side emphasised the importance of eliminating the root causes of the conflict, creating proper conditions for achieving a lasting and enduring peace, and ensuring security and legitimate interests of all countries in the region. An agreement was reached to continue joint work in this area through special envoys to be appointed in the near future," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Russia wants to stop barbarianism, senseless war', says Trump after US-Russia talks

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Feb 18)&nbsp; defended the decision by the Elon Musk-led US Department of Government Efficiency to cancel a $21 million grant aimed at boosting voter turnout in India.
In other news, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, reiterated the need for reforming the UN Security Council.
Meanwhile, former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro was formally charged over an alleged coup attempt after his 2022 election loss.
Click on the headlines for more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-defends-21-million-doge-cut-have-lot-of-respect-for-india-but-8734405">Trump defends $21 million DOGE cut; 'Have lot of respect for India, but...'</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/19/P0s1FW1gLgVAT0yp518L.jpg" alt=" Trump defends $21 million DOGE cut; 'Have lot of respect for India, but...' Photograph: (AFP) ">
United States President Donald Trump, on Tuesday (Feb 18), defended the decision by Elon Musk-led US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cancel a $21 million grant aimed at boosting voter turnout in India.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reiterates-call-for-un-security-council-reform-pushes-for-permanent-seat-slams-non-progressive-status-quo-8734364">India reiterates call for UNSC reform, pushes for permanent seat, slams 'non-progressive' status quo</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/19/IPvYQevmXdZaRkzXvR2f.png" alt=" File Photo: Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish Photograph: (X) ">
India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, on Tuesday (Feb 18) reiterated the ardent need for reforms in the UN Security Council.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jair-bolsonaro-and-33-allies-formally-charged-with-conspiracy-and-attempted-coup-n-aftermath-of-2022-brazil-election-loss-8734270">Brazil charges Bolsonaro with conspiracy to overturn 2022 election results and assassinate Lula</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/19/VMm7ODPAHdcGfO8Wl1DW.png" alt=" Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro speaks to members of the media at Brasilia airport on January 18, 2025. Photograph: (AFP) ">
Former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday (Feb 18) was formally charged over an alleged coup attempt after his 2022 election loss. Investigations by Brazil's attorney general, as per reports, also discovered a plot to assassinate President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, to whom Bolsonaro lost the election battle.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vatican-says-pope-francis-suffering-from-pneumonia-in-both-lungs-8734267">Vatican says Pope Francis suffering from pneumonia in both lungs</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/21/aNnJY0xFbqFLzu0ow3Z0.jpg" alt=" File photo: Pope Francis leads the Vespers and Te Deum prayer in St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican, December 31, 2024. Photograph: (Reuters) ">
The Vatican said Tuesday (Feb 18) that Pope Francis is suffering from pneumonia in both lungs and the 88-year-old's clinical situation remains "complex". The Holy See has cancelled his events until the end of the weekend.
Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Hamas to release hostages as Gaza recovery efforts continue
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1902_SUMIT_HAMAS_7AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1902_SUMIT_HAMAS_7AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=318&amp;tags=israel, hamas, hostages, war, prisoners, middle-east" title="Israel-Hamas war: Hamas to release hostages as Gaza recovery efforts continue" id="PL_iframe_block-m7be7icv-zzy42ka0-0lv13smg"></iframe>

World: Start your morning informed with WION's concise news brief. Dive into the latest headlines and updates to kickstart your day with all the essential information you need.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Feb 18) defended the decision by the Elon Musk-led US Department of Government Efficiency to cancel a $21 million grant aimed at boosting voter turnout in India. In other news, India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, reiterated the need for reforming the UN Security Council. Meanwhile, former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro was formally charged over an alleged coup attempt after his 2022 election loss. Click on the headlines for more Trump defends $21 million DOGE cut; 'Have lot of respect for India, but...' United States President Donald Trump, on Tuesday (Feb 18), defended the decision by Elon Musk-led US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cancel a $21 million grant aimed at boosting voter turnout in India. India reiterates call for UNSC reform, pushes for permanent seat, slams 'non-progressive' status quo India's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Parvathaneni Harish, on Tuesday (Feb 18) reiterated the ardent need for reforms in the UN Security Council. Brazil charges Bolsonaro with conspiracy to overturn 2022 election results and assassinate Lula Former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro on Tuesday (Feb 18) was formally charged over an alleged coup attempt after his 2022 election loss. Investigations by Brazil's attorney general, as per reports, also discovered a plot to assassinate President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, to whom Bolsonaro lost the election battle. Vatican says Pope Francis suffering from pneumonia in both lungs The Vatican said Tuesday (Feb 18) that Pope Francis is suffering from pneumonia in both lungs and the 88-year-old's clinical situation remains "complex". The Holy See has cancelled his events until the end of the weekend. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Hamas to release hostages as Gaza recovery efforts continue

Morning news brief: Trump defends $21 million DOGE cut; India reiterates call for UNSC reform, and more

United States President Donald Trump, on Tuesday (Feb 18), defended the decision by Elon Musk-led US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cancel a $21 million grant aimed at boosting voter turnout in India.&nbsp;
Trump questioned the use of US taxpayers' money for this initiative, sparking a debate about foreign interference in India's electoral process.
"Why are we giving $21 million to India? They got a lot more money. They are one of the highest taxing countries in the world in terms of us; we can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high. I have a lot of respect for India and their Prime Minister, but giving $21 million for voter turnout? In India? What about voter turnout here?" Trump said at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7bbwe2x-9mzorxnk-b82a86uw">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | US President Donald Trump says, "Why are we giving $21 million to India? They have a lot more money. They are one of the highest taxing countries in the world in terms of us; we can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high. I have a lot of respect for India&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/W26OEGEejT">pic.twitter.com/W26OEGEejT</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1891968054420177129?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>Musk-led DOGE cancels $21 million intended for 'voter turnout in India'</h2>
Musk-led US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced the decision to cancel the $21 million funding allocation aimed at boosting "voter turnout in India" on Saturday (Feb 15).
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/elon-musk-led-doge-cancels-21-million-intended-for-voter-turnout-in-india-bjp-responds-8725771">Also read: Elon Musk-led DOGE cancels $21 million intended for 'voter turnout in India', BJP responds</a>
The official DOGE handle on X announced the cancellation of various US taxpayer-funded expenditures, including the notable $21 million allocation for "voter turnout in India".
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7bbww3x-lt7t2lx1-vvq3m7tw">
US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all which have been cancelled: - $10M for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision" - $9.7M for UC Berkeley to develop "a cohort of Cambodian youth with enterprise driven skills" - $2.3M for "strengthening&hellip;
&mdash; Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOGE/status/1890849405932077378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
"US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all of which have been cancelled," the Musk-led department announced.
The cancelled funding was part of a larger list of expenditures scrapped by DOGE, which also included:
- $10M for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision" - $9.7M for UC Berkeley to develop "a cohort of Cambodian youth with enterprise driven skills" - $2.3M for "strengthening independent voices in Cambodia" - $32M to the Prague Civil Society Centre - $40M for "gender equality and women empowerment hub" - $14M for "improving public procurement" in Serbia - $486M to the &ldquo;Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening,&rdquo; including $22M for "inclusive and participatory political process" in Moldova and $21M for voter turnout in India - $29M to "strenghening political landscape in Bangladesh" - $20M for "fiscal federalism" in Nepal - $19M for "biodiversity conversation" in Nepal - $1.5M for "voter confidence" in Liberia - $14M for "social cohesion" in Mali - $2.5M for "inclusive democracies in Southern Africa" - $47M for "improving learning outcomes in Asia" - $2M to develop "sustainable recycling models" to "increase socio-economic cohesion among marginalized communities of Kosovo Roma, Ashkali, and Egypt"
<h2>BJP responds</h2>
The Bharatiya Janata Party labelled the now-cancelled $21 million funding for "voter turnout in India" as "external interference" in India's electoral process.&nbsp;
BJP leader Amit Malviya criticised the initial funding allocation and alleged "systematic infiltration" of Indian institutions by foreign forces.
"$21M for voter turnout? This definitely is external interference in India's electoral process. Who gains from this? Not the ruling party for sure!" his post on X read.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7bbyf6v-qp5055uk-qm21ostc">
Once again, it is George Soros, a known associate of the Congress party and the Gandhis, whose shadow looms over our electoral process. In 2012, under the leadership of S.Y. Quraishi, the Election Commission signed an MoU with The International Foundation for Electoral&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/PO13Iyroee">https://t.co/PO13Iyroee</a> <a href="https://t.co/gdgAQoDbPh">pic.twitter.com/gdgAQoDbPh</a>
&mdash; Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitmalviya/status/1890989529781215669?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 16, 2025</a></blockquote>
He also criticised billionaire investor and philanthropist George Soros, specifically targeting his alleged network of global influence through the Open Society Foundations.&nbsp;
"Once again, it is George Soros, a known associate of the Congress party and the Gandhis, whose shadow looms over our electoral process," Malviya claimed.
Malviya claimed that the previous Congress-led UPA government "systematically enabled the infiltration of India's institutions by forces opposed to the nation's interests-those who seek to weaken India at every opportunity."
The BJP claims that foreign-funded civil society organisations and NGOs, especially those with ties to George Soros, are exerting influence over Indian politics.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: Musk-led US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced the decision to cancel the $21 million funding allocation aimed at boosting "voter turnout in India" on Saturday (Feb 15).

United States President Donald Trump, on Tuesday (Feb 18), defended the decision by Elon Musk-led US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to cancel a $21 million grant aimed at boosting voter turnout in India. Trump questioned the use of US taxpayers' money for this initiative, sparking a debate about foreign interference in India's electoral process. "Why are we giving $21 million to India? They got a lot more money. They are one of the highest taxing countries in the world in terms of us; we can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high. I have a lot of respect for India and their Prime Minister, but giving $21 million for voter turnout? In India? What about voter turnout here?" Trump said at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. #WATCH | US President Donald Trump says, "Why are we giving $21 million to India? They have a lot more money. They are one of the highest taxing countries in the world in terms of us; we can hardly get in there because their tariffs are so high. I have a lot of respect for India… pic.twitter.com/W26OEGEejT — ANI (@ANI) February 18, 2025 Musk-led DOGE cancels $21 million intended for 'voter turnout in India' Musk-led US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced the decision to cancel the $21 million funding allocation aimed at boosting "voter turnout in India" on Saturday (Feb 15). Also read: Elon Musk-led DOGE cancels $21 million intended for 'voter turnout in India', BJP responds The official DOGE handle on X announced the cancellation of various US taxpayer-funded expenditures, including the notable $21 million allocation for "voter turnout in India". US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all which have been cancelled: - $10M for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision" - $9.7M for UC Berkeley to develop "a cohort of Cambodian youth with enterprise driven skills" - $2.3M for "strengthening… — Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) February 15, 2025 "US taxpayer dollars were going to be spent on the following items, all of which have been cancelled," the Musk-led department announced. The cancelled funding was part of a larger list of expenditures scrapped by DOGE, which also included: - $10M for "Mozambique voluntary medical male circumcision" - $9.7M for UC Berkeley to develop "a cohort of Cambodian youth with enterprise driven skills" - $2.3M for "strengthening independent voices in Cambodia" - $32M to the Prague Civil Society Centre - $40M for "gender equality and women empowerment hub" - $14M for "improving public procurement" in Serbia - $486M to the “Consortium for Elections and Political Process Strengthening,” including $22M for "inclusive and participatory political process" in Moldova and $21M for voter turnout in India - $29M to "strenghening political landscape in Bangladesh" - $20M for "fiscal federalism" in Nepal - $19M for "biodiversity conversation" in Nepal - $1.5M for "voter confidence" in Liberia - $14M for "social cohesion" in Mali - $2.5M for "inclusive democracies in Southern Africa" - $47M for "improving learning outcomes in Asia" - $2M to develop "sustainable recycling models" to "increase socio-economic cohesion among marginalized communities of Kosovo Roma, Ashkali, and Egypt" BJP responds The Bharatiya Janata Party labelled the now-cancelled $21 million funding for "voter turnout in India" as "external interference" in India's electoral process. BJP leader Amit Malviya criticised the initial funding allocation and alleged "systematic infiltration" of Indian institutions by foreign forces. "$21M for voter turnout? This definitely is external interference in India's electoral process. Who gains from this? Not the ruling party for sure!" his post on X read. Once again, it is George Soros, a known associate of the Congress party and the Gandhis, whose shadow looms over our electoral process. In 2012, under the leadership of S.Y. Quraishi, the Election Commission signed an MoU with The International Foundation for Electoral… https://t.co/PO13Iyroee pic.twitter.com/gdgAQoDbPh — Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) February 16, 2025 He also criticised billionaire investor and philanthropist George Soros, specifically targeting his alleged network of global influence through the Open Society Foundations. "Once again, it is George Soros, a known associate of the Congress party and the Gandhis, whose shadow looms over our electoral process," Malviya claimed. Malviya claimed that the previous Congress-led UPA government "systematically enabled the infiltration of India's institutions by forces opposed to the nation's interests-those who seek to weaken India at every opportunity." The BJP claims that foreign-funded civil society organisations and NGOs, especially those with ties to George Soros, are exerting influence over Indian politics. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump defends $21 million DOGE cut; 'Have lot of respect for India, but...'

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Feb 18) announced that he has ordered the firing of all remaining US attorneys appointed by his predecessor Joe Biden, as part of a broad effort to reshape the Department of Justice.
Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump cited politicisation "like never before".
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-sign-new-executive-orders-as-his-first-joint-interview-with-elon-musk-airs-8733996">US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's first joint interview to air today - Know all details inside</a>
<h2>'America's Golden Age'</h2>
Trump alleged that "Over the past four years, the Department of Justice has been politicized like never before."
"Therefore, I have instructed the termination of ALL remaining 'Biden Era' US Attorneys," he said.
"We must 'clean house' IMMEDIATELY, and restore confidence," Trump added.
"America's Golden Age must have a fair Justice System - THAT BEGINS TODAY!," he added. &nbsp;
<iframe width="600" height="" style="max-width: 100%; border: 0;" src="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/114027416979768016/embed" class="truthsocial-embed" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>
<script src="https://truthsocial.com/embed.js" async="async"></script>

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-administration-starts-firing-faa-staff-weeks-after-dc-plane-crash-8731656">Trump administration starts firing FAA staff weeks after DC plane crash</a>
<h2>A standard practice?</h2>
As per AFP news agency, it is standard practice for incoming presidents to replace US attorneys, the chief federal prosecutors overseeing the 94 federal court districts across the country.&nbsp;
In anticipation of being replaced, many Biden-era US attorneys had already resigned following Trump&rsquo;s November election victory. &nbsp;
This shakeup comes following Trump's long-standing accusations against the Justice Department. Trump routinely claimed that the DoJ is biased, particularly due to its investigations into him.
Since taking office, he has implemented a major shakeup, firing, demoting, or reassigning multiple senior officials. &nbsp;
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tesla-posts-13-job-openings-in-india-after-ceo-elon-musks-meeting-with-pm-modi-8730853">Tesla posts 13 job openings in India after CEO Elon Musk's meeting with PM Modi</a>
Among those dismissed were members of Special Counsel Jack Smith's office&mdash;the team responsible for prosecuting Trump in two now-abandoned criminal cases. &nbsp;
Additionally, the acting US attorney for the influential Southern District of New York, a Trump appointee, resigned last week after reportedly being asked to drop corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams. &nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World News | Trump's directive to dismiss Biden-era US attorneys marks a pivotal moment in addressing perceived politicisation and restoring public trust in the Justice Department.

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Feb 18) announced that he has ordered the firing of all remaining US attorneys appointed by his predecessor Joe Biden, as part of a broad effort to reshape the Department of Justice. Taking to his social media platform Truth Social, Trump cited politicisation "like never before". Also read | US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's first joint interview to air today - Know all details inside 'America's Golden Age' Trump alleged that "Over the past four years, the Department of Justice has been politicized like never before." "Therefore, I have instructed the termination of ALL remaining 'Biden Era' US Attorneys," he said. "We must 'clean house' IMMEDIATELY, and restore confidence," Trump added. "America's Golden Age must have a fair Justice System - THAT BEGINS TODAY!," he added. Also read | Trump administration starts firing FAA staff weeks after DC plane crash A standard practice? As per AFP news agency, it is standard practice for incoming presidents to replace US attorneys, the chief federal prosecutors overseeing the 94 federal court districts across the country. In anticipation of being replaced, many Biden-era US attorneys had already resigned following Trump’s November election victory. This shakeup comes following Trump's long-standing accusations against the Justice Department. Trump routinely claimed that the DoJ is biased, particularly due to its investigations into him. Since taking office, he has implemented a major shakeup, firing, demoting, or reassigning multiple senior officials. Also read | Tesla posts 13 job openings in India after CEO Elon Musk's meeting with PM Modi Among those dismissed were members of Special Counsel Jack Smith's office—the team responsible for prosecuting Trump in two now-abandoned criminal cases. Additionally, the acting US attorney for the influential Southern District of New York, a Trump appointee, resigned last week after reportedly being asked to drop corruption charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump orders firing of all Biden-era US attorneys in major Justice Department shakeup: 'We must clean house IMMEDIATELY'

A video has emerged of the dramatic crash on Monday (Feb 17) at Toronto's Pearson airport, showing the exact moment when a Delta Air Lines aircraft crashlanded and skidded down the runway before turning turtle. A wing broke off and the tail was engulfed in flames. Miraculously, all on board survived, with over a dozen sustaining injuries. 
News agency AFP reported&nbsp;it had verified the video taken from the cockpit of another jetliner waiting on the tarmac. 
The video, which was posted to social media, showed the moment the Delta plane hit the ground.&nbsp;
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-sign-new-executive-orders-as-his-first-joint-interview-with-elon-musk-airs-8733996" target="_blank" rel="noopener">US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's first joint interview to air today - Know all details inside</a>
The Endeavor Air Flight 4819 with 80 people on board was coming from Minneapolis in the US state of Minnesota, but as it was landing, the aircraft crashed and flipped upside down.&nbsp;
In a statement, the airline said that "21 injured passengers were initially transported to local hospitals. As of Tuesday morning, 19 have been released."&nbsp;
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-one-is-being-sidelined-us-says-end-to-ukraine-conflict-must-be-acceptable-to-all-including-kyiv-europe-8733231" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Key takeaways from US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia as two nations discuss Ukraine war in its absence</a>
Watch the video here:&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7b8uons-hzmcpyar-q9mtexso">
🔴 A newly released video shows the exact moment of the impact of Delta Connection flight 4819 at YYZ by airmainengineer<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/deltaairlines?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#deltaairlines</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/avgeek?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#avgeek</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/accident?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#accident</a> <a href="https://t.co/2BqnqPyxVn">pic.twitter.com/2BqnqPyxVn</a>
&mdash; Airways Magazine (@airwaysmagazine) <a href="https://twitter.com/airwaysmagazine/status/1891809438182359485?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>What caused the crash? </h2>
So far, authorities have not revealed how the accident happened. 
Todd Aitken, the airport's fire chief, said late Monday that it was too early to determine the cause of the crash.&nbsp;
"It's&nbsp;really important that we do not speculate. What we can say is the runway was dry and there was no crosswind conditions," he told a news conference.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-us-and-russian-high-ranked-officials-meet-in-riyadh-over-ukraine-war-8731772" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Talks conclude in Saudi Arabia HIGHLIGHTS: Russia says there is &lsquo;mutual desire&rsquo; to start Ukraine peace talks</a>&nbsp;
Pearson Airport reported earlier Monday that it was coping with strong winds and freezing temperatures after Saturday's snowstorm that dumped more than 22 cm (8.6 inches) of snow at the airport. The airlines tried to make up for missing flights.&nbsp;
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/about-ukraine-again-and-without-ukraine-zelensky-slams-talks-between-us-russia-in-riyadh-8733491" target="_blank" rel="noopener">&lsquo;Mistakes must be avoided&rsquo;: Zelensky slams US, Russia talks in Riyadh, postpones his Saudi trip</a>
On Sunday, a huge snowstorm struck eastern Canada. Airlines added flights Monday to compensate for weekend cancellations due to the storm, but&nbsp;the city of Toronto was still experiencing bone-chilling cold and strong winds. 
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending - The video captured from another jetliner shows the Delta aircraft skidding and flipping on the runway. Authorities are investigating the cause of this shocking incident.

A video has emerged of the dramatic crash on Monday (Feb 17) at Toronto's Pearson airport, showing the exact moment when a Delta Air Lines aircraft crashlanded and skidded down the runway before turning turtle. A wing broke off and the tail was engulfed in flames. Miraculously, all on board survived, with over a dozen sustaining injuries. News agency AFP reported it had verified the video taken from the cockpit of another jetliner waiting on the tarmac. The video, which was posted to social media, showed the moment the Delta plane hit the ground. Also read: US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's first joint interview to air today - Know all details inside The Endeavor Air Flight 4819 with 80 people on board was coming from Minneapolis in the US state of Minnesota, but as it was landing, the aircraft crashed and flipped upside down. In a statement, the airline said that "21 injured passengers were initially transported to local hospitals. As of Tuesday morning, 19 have been released." Also read: Key takeaways from US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia as two nations discuss Ukraine war in its absence Watch the video here: 🔴 A newly released video shows the exact moment of the impact of Delta Connection flight 4819 at YYZ by airmainengineer#deltaairlines #avgeek #accident pic.twitter.com/2BqnqPyxVn — Airways Magazine (@airwaysmagazine) February 18, 2025 What caused the crash? So far, authorities have not revealed how the accident happened. Todd Aitken, the airport's fire chief, said late Monday that it was too early to determine the cause of the crash. "It's really important that we do not speculate. What we can say is the runway was dry and there was no crosswind conditions," he told a news conference. Also read: Talks conclude in Saudi Arabia HIGHLIGHTS: Russia says there is ‘mutual desire’ to start Ukraine peace talks Pearson Airport reported earlier Monday that it was coping with strong winds and freezing temperatures after Saturday's snowstorm that dumped more than 22 cm (8.6 inches) of snow at the airport. The airlines tried to make up for missing flights. Also read: ‘Mistakes must be avoided’: Zelensky slams US, Russia talks in Riyadh, postpones his Saudi trip On Sunday, a huge snowstorm struck eastern Canada. Airlines added flights Monday to compensate for weekend cancellations due to the storm, but the city of Toronto was still experiencing bone-chilling cold and strong winds. (With inputs from agencies)

Video shows Delta Air plane engulfed in flames after crashlanding at Pearson Airport

Former Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro was formally charged on Tuesday (Feb 18) over an alleged coup attempt after his 2022 election loss. Investigations by Brazil's attorney general also discovered a plot to assassinate current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, to whom Bolsonaro lost the election battle, reports said.&nbsp;
Alongside Bolsonaro, 33 others have been charged over an alleged attempt to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ex-brazil-prez-bolsonaro-denied-passport-for-donald-trumps-inauguration-8628355">Ex-Brazil Prez Bolsonaro denied passport for Donald Trump's inauguration</a>
<h2>What are the charges against them?</h2>
Bolsonaro, 69, and his co-accused face five charges linked to a supposed conspiracy to prevent President Lula from assuming office after a contentious election battle, reported AFP news agency.
Attorney General Paulo Gonet Branco presented the charges to Brazil&rsquo;s Supreme Court, citing "manuscripts, digital files, spreadsheets, and exchanges of messages that reveal the scheme to disrupt the democratic order".
In a statement, the attorney general's office revealed that the charges include "armed criminal organisation," allegedly led by the former president and his former vice-presidential candidate, Walter Braga Netto.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-bolsonaro-ally-arrested-brazils-ex-defense-minister-braga-netto-accused-of-coup-attempt-784010">Top Bolsonaro ally arrested: Brazil's ex-Defence Minister Braga Netto accused of coup attempt</a>
"Allied with other individuals, including civilians and military personnel, they attempted to prevent, in a coordinated manner, the result of the 2022 presidential elections from being fulfilled," said the statement.
Authorities say Bolsonaro "actively participated" in a long-term strategy that began in 2021, with "systematic attacks on the electronic voting system, through public statements and on the internet."
These efforts, prosecutors argued, escalated into direct attempts to "prevent voters from voting for the opposition candidate," culminating in "the acts of violence and vandalism on January 8, 2023."
On 8 January 2023, Bolsonaro supporters stormed key government buildings in Bras&iacute;lia &mdash; the presidential palace, Congress and the Supreme Court.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-finding-own-political-revival-in-trumps-win-hoping-for-us-sanctions-on-brasilia-780347">Bolsonaro finding own political revival in Trump&rsquo;s win, hoping for US sanctions on Brazil</a>
<h2>Evidence of a broader conspiracy</h2>
Prosecutors also alleged that Bolsonaro's 'criminal organisation' pressured military leaders "in favour of forceful actions in the political scene to prevent the elected president from taking office."
More alarmingly, the investigation uncovered a suspected assassination plot targeting Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and a Supreme Court judge, reportedly "with the approval of" Bolsonaro.
The January 8 riots, in which Bolsonaro supporters demanded military intervention, were described as "the final attempt" to prevent the transition of power.
<h2>Bolsonaro's response</h2>
Bolsonaro has denied all accusations, dismissing the case as political "persecution."&nbsp;
Hours before the charges were filed, the right-wing leader told reporters in Bras&iacute;lia that he had "no concern" about being indicted.
The Supreme Court will now decide whether to proceed with a trial against the former president. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face severe legal consequences.
(With inputs from agencies)

World News | Former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro and allies face formal charges of conspiracy and an alleged coup attempt after the election loss to President Lula da Silva.

Former Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro was formally charged on Tuesday (Feb 18) over an alleged coup attempt after his 2022 election loss. Investigations by Brazil's attorney general also discovered a plot to assassinate current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, to whom Bolsonaro lost the election battle, reports said. Alongside Bolsonaro, 33 others have been charged over an alleged attempt to overturn the results of the 2022 presidential election. Also read | Ex-Brazil Prez Bolsonaro denied passport for Donald Trump's inauguration What are the charges against them? Bolsonaro, 69, and his co-accused face five charges linked to a supposed conspiracy to prevent President Lula from assuming office after a contentious election battle, reported AFP news agency. Attorney General Paulo Gonet Branco presented the charges to Brazil’s Supreme Court, citing "manuscripts, digital files, spreadsheets, and exchanges of messages that reveal the scheme to disrupt the democratic order". In a statement, the attorney general's office revealed that the charges include "armed criminal organisation," allegedly led by the former president and his former vice-presidential candidate, Walter Braga Netto. Also read | Top Bolsonaro ally arrested: Brazil's ex-Defence Minister Braga Netto accused of coup attempt "Allied with other individuals, including civilians and military personnel, they attempted to prevent, in a coordinated manner, the result of the 2022 presidential elections from being fulfilled," said the statement. Authorities say Bolsonaro "actively participated" in a long-term strategy that began in 2021, with "systematic attacks on the electronic voting system, through public statements and on the internet." These efforts, prosecutors argued, escalated into direct attempts to "prevent voters from voting for the opposition candidate," culminating in "the acts of violence and vandalism on January 8, 2023." On 8 January 2023, Bolsonaro supporters stormed key government buildings in Brasília — the presidential palace, Congress and the Supreme Court. Also read | Bolsonaro finding own political revival in Trump’s win, hoping for US sanctions on Brazil Evidence of a broader conspiracy Prosecutors also alleged that Bolsonaro's 'criminal organisation' pressured military leaders "in favour of forceful actions in the political scene to prevent the elected president from taking office." More alarmingly, the investigation uncovered a suspected assassination plot targeting Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and a Supreme Court judge, reportedly "with the approval of" Bolsonaro. The January 8 riots, in which Bolsonaro supporters demanded military intervention, were described as "the final attempt" to prevent the transition of power. Bolsonaro's response Bolsonaro has denied all accusations, dismissing the case as political "persecution." Hours before the charges were filed, the right-wing leader told reporters in Brasília that he had "no concern" about being indicted. The Supreme Court will now decide whether to proceed with a trial against the former president. If convicted, Bolsonaro could face severe legal consequences. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil charges Bolsonaro with conspiracy to overturn 2022 election results and assassinate Lula

The Vatican said Tuesday (Feb 18) that Pope Francis is suffering from pneumonia in both lungs and the 88-year-old's clinical situation remains "complex". The Holy See has cancelled his events until the end of the weekend.&nbsp;
Francis, who has been pontiff since 2013, was admitted to the Gemelli hospital in Rome with bronchitis last week. He was suffering from breathing difficulties.&nbsp;
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-sign-new-executive-orders-as-his-first-joint-interview-with-elon-musk-airs-8733996">US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's first joint interview to air today - Know all details inside</a>
In a statement, the Vatican said the "laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father's clinical condition continue to present a complex picture" as a "polymicrobial infection" which has come on top of "bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis.
This required the use of cortisone antibiotic therapy, making therapeutic treatment "more complex", it added.&nbsp;
"The follow-up chest CT scan which the Holy Father underwent this afternoon... demonstrated the onset of bilateral pneumonia, which required additional drug therapy," it said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-one-is-being-sidelined-us-says-end-to-ukraine-conflict-must-be-acceptable-to-all-including-kyiv-europe-8733231">Key takeaways from US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia as two nations discuss Ukraine war in its absence</a>
"Nevertheless, Pope Francis is in good spirits," said the Vatican,&nbsp; adding that Francis spent his fifth day in the hospital alternating rest with prayer and reading texts.&nbsp;
"He gives thanks for the closeness he feels at this time and asks, with a grateful heart, that we continue to pray for him", it added.&nbsp;
Francis has had influenza and other health problems several times over the past two years.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-us-and-russian-high-ranked-officials-meet-in-riyadh-over-ukraine-war-8731772">Talks conclude in Saudi Arabia HIGHLIGHTS: Russia says there is &lsquo;mutual desire&rsquo; to start Ukraine peace talks</a>
<h2>What is the polymicrobial infection and what do the experts say?&nbsp;</h2>
Massimo Andreoni, who is a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Rome Tor Vergata and scientific director of the Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, said that to have a better idea of the response to treatment, it will be necessary to wait 24 or 48 hours.&nbsp;
Speaking to the news agency Reuters, Andreoni said, "In this case, we have bronchitis that is complicated in pneumonia, and this happened due to a polymicrobial infection. So we have a lot of different bacteria that infect the patients, and we need different drugs to cure this case."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/about-ukraine-again-and-without-ukraine-zelensky-slams-talks-between-us-russia-in-riyadh-8733491">&lsquo;Mistakes must be avoided&rsquo;: Zelensky slams US, Russia talks in Riyadh, postpones his Saudi trip</a>
"And also, another important point is that in this case, it's an older patient more than 88 years old, and so in these cases, the progression of the disease and the necessity of the therapy is more difficult than in patients who are more young," he added.&nbsp;
Andreoni said that the terminology used in this case is basically linked to an infection of the lower respiratory tract that is evolving possibly into pneumonia, which means involvement of the lung, not just the bronchi and upper respiratory tract.&nbsp;
'Polymicrobial', the other term that has been used, is the fact that different germs have been isolated, so it's not an infection due to one germ, but multiple germs are competing in this infection.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

World | Despite his condition, Pope Francis remains in good spirits, engaging in prayer and reading, while expressing gratitude for the support and prayers he receives.

The Vatican said Tuesday (Feb 18) that Pope Francis is suffering from pneumonia in both lungs and the 88-year-old's clinical situation remains "complex". The Holy See has cancelled his events until the end of the weekend. Francis, who has been pontiff since 2013, was admitted to the Gemelli hospital in Rome with bronchitis last week. He was suffering from breathing difficulties. Also read: US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's first joint interview to air today - Know all details inside In a statement, the Vatican said the "laboratory tests, chest X-ray, and the Holy Father's clinical condition continue to present a complex picture" as a "polymicrobial infection" which has come on top of "bronchiectasis and asthmatic bronchitis. This required the use of cortisone antibiotic therapy, making therapeutic treatment "more complex", it added. "The follow-up chest CT scan which the Holy Father underwent this afternoon... demonstrated the onset of bilateral pneumonia, which required additional drug therapy," it said. Also read: Key takeaways from US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia as two nations discuss Ukraine war in its absence "Nevertheless, Pope Francis is in good spirits," said the Vatican, adding that Francis spent his fifth day in the hospital alternating rest with prayer and reading texts. "He gives thanks for the closeness he feels at this time and asks, with a grateful heart, that we continue to pray for him", it added. Francis has had influenza and other health problems several times over the past two years. Also read: Talks conclude in Saudi Arabia HIGHLIGHTS: Russia says there is ‘mutual desire’ to start Ukraine peace talks What is the polymicrobial infection and what do the experts say? Massimo Andreoni, who is a professor of infectious diseases at the University of Rome Tor Vergata and scientific director of the Italian Society of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, said that to have a better idea of the response to treatment, it will be necessary to wait 24 or 48 hours. Speaking to the news agency Reuters, Andreoni said, "In this case, we have bronchitis that is complicated in pneumonia, and this happened due to a polymicrobial infection. So we have a lot of different bacteria that infect the patients, and we need different drugs to cure this case." Also read: ‘Mistakes must be avoided’: Zelensky slams US, Russia talks in Riyadh, postpones his Saudi trip "And also, another important point is that in this case, it's an older patient more than 88 years old, and so in these cases, the progression of the disease and the necessity of the therapy is more difficult than in patients who are more young," he added. Andreoni said that the terminology used in this case is basically linked to an infection of the lower respiratory tract that is evolving possibly into pneumonia, which means involvement of the lung, not just the bronchi and upper respiratory tract. 'Polymicrobial', the other term that has been used, is the fact that different germs have been isolated, so it's not an infection due to one germ, but multiple germs are competing in this infection. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis suffering from 'bilateral pneumonia', several events cancelled

US President Donald Trump is all set to sign new executive orders on Tuesday (Feb 18) amid his first ever joint interview with DOGE chief Elon Musk in Florida to be aired on prime time later in the day. An award programme will also be setup at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. The interview will be broadcast on Fox News.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-has-no-formal-authority-to-make-government-decisions-says-white-house-8732731">Elon Musk has 'no formal authority to make government decisions,' says White House</a>
Trump and Musk's first interview was given to Sean Hannity of Fox News Channel. The conversation was taped at the White House on Friday (Feb 14). It is set to air as Musk leads Trump in an effort to cut federal spending and slash the federal workforce. In the interview, Trump took a dig at those claiming the X owner was the one running the White House.&nbsp;
A short teaser of the interview showed Trump saying, "I think nobody in history has ever gotten more bad publicity than me... But you know what I have learned Elon? That people are smart, they get it."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/acting-commissioner-of-us-social-security-administration-resigns-after-musks-doge-seeks-data-access-8732445">Acting commissioner of US Social Security Administration resigns after Musk&rsquo;s DOGE seeks data access</a>
Musk replied, "Yeah they do actually."&nbsp;
&ldquo;They want a divorce,&rdquo; Hannity said in the interview.
&ldquo;Oh, I see it all the time. They tried it, then they stopped. That was - they have many different things, hatred,&rdquo; Trump agreed.
Musk said in the interview that he &ldquo;used to be adored by the left." But after he showed his support for Trump at a party with friends, it was like he &ldquo;got shot with a dart in the jugular that contained methamphetamine and rabies.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/tesla-posts-13-job-openings-in-india-after-ceo-elon-musks-meeting-with-pm-modi-8730853">Tesla posts 13 job openings in India after CEO Elon Musk's meeting with PM Modi</a>
It was also revealed that Musk called Trump after seeing news coverage of his efforts to reform the federal government.
&ldquo;He said, &lsquo;You know, they&rsquo;re trying to drive us apart.&rsquo; I said, &lsquo;Absolutely.&rsquo; You know, they said, &lsquo;We have breaking news: Donald Trump has ceded control of the presidency to Elon Musk,'&rdquo; Trump said.&nbsp;
&ldquo;And I say, it&rsquo;s just so obvious. They&rsquo;re so bad at it. I used to think they were good at it. They&rsquo;re actually bad at it, because if they were good at it, I&rsquo;d never be president because I think nobody in history has ever gotten more bad publicity than me," the US President added.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-thinks-vampires-are-real-as-he-shares-doubtful-data-from-us-social-security-database-8729667">Elon Musk thinks vampires are real as he shares doubtful data from US Social Security database</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

WORLD | An award programme will also be setup at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach in Florida. The interview will be broadcast on Fox News.

US President Donald Trump is all set to sign new executive orders on Tuesday (Feb 18) amid his first ever joint interview with DOGE chief Elon Musk in Florida to be aired on prime time later in the day. An award programme will also be setup at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. The interview will be broadcast on Fox News. Also read: Elon Musk has 'no formal authority to make government decisions,' says White House Trump and Musk's first interview was given to Sean Hannity of Fox News Channel. The conversation was taped at the White House on Friday (Feb 14). It is set to air as Musk leads Trump in an effort to cut federal spending and slash the federal workforce. In the interview, Trump took a dig at those claiming the X owner was the one running the White House. A short teaser of the interview showed Trump saying, "I think nobody in history has ever gotten more bad publicity than me... But you know what I have learned Elon? That people are smart, they get it." Also read: Acting commissioner of US Social Security Administration resigns after Musk’s DOGE seeks data access Musk replied, "Yeah they do actually." “They want a divorce,” Hannity said in the interview. “Oh, I see it all the time. They tried it, then they stopped. That was - they have many different things, hatred,” Trump agreed. Musk said in the interview that he “used to be adored by the left." But after he showed his support for Trump at a party with friends, it was like he “got shot with a dart in the jugular that contained methamphetamine and rabies.” Also read: Tesla posts 13 job openings in India after CEO Elon Musk's meeting with PM Modi It was also revealed that Musk called Trump after seeing news coverage of his efforts to reform the federal government. “He said, ‘You know, they’re trying to drive us apart.’ I said, ‘Absolutely.’ You know, they said, ‘We have breaking news: Donald Trump has ceded control of the presidency to Elon Musk,'” Trump said. “And I say, it’s just so obvious. They’re so bad at it. I used to think they were good at it. They’re actually bad at it, because if they were good at it, I’d never be president because I think nobody in history has ever gotten more bad publicity than me," the US President added. Also read: Elon Musk thinks vampires are real as he shares doubtful data from US Social Security database (With inputs from agencies)

US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk's first joint interview to air today - Know all details inside

As talks between the US and Russian delegations come to an end in Saudi Arabia, US Secretary of State Department Marco Rubio said that the end to the Ukraine conflict must be acceptable to everybody involved, including Ukraine and Europe.&nbsp;
Rubio stressed that no one is being sidelined here. "End to Ukraine conflict must be acceptable to all involved, including Ukraine, Europe and Russia."
The European Union needs to be involved at some point, the US State Secretary said.&nbsp;
"Goal is a fair, enduring, sustainable end to Ukraine war," Rubio said after the four-hour talks concluded in Riyadh.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-peace-talks-live-europe-plays-catch-up-in-paris-as-marco-rubio-arrives-in-saudi-arabia-for-talks-with-russia-without-zelensky-8729487">Ukraine peace talks LIVE: 'Emergency Summit' begins in Paris ahead of US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia</a>
He further stressed that everyone involved in the Ukraine conflict has to be okay with a solution to end it.&nbsp;
Saudi Arabia on Tuesday (Feb 18) hosted breakthrough US-Russia talks to discuss ways to end the Ukraine war and strengthen American-Russian relations. However, Ukraine was not part of the talks, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying that no peace agreement can be reached without Kyiv's presence.
<h2>EU will be at the table at some point</h2>
Rubio said that the European Union is 'going to have to be at the table' in Ukraine talks.&nbsp;
The US Secretary of State added that the European nations would have to be involved in talks on ending the Ukraine war.&nbsp;
"There are other parties that have sanctions (on Russia), the European Union is going to have to be at the table at some point because they have sanctions as well," said Rubio.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-mike-waltz-steve-witkoff-heads-to-saudi-arabia-for-ukraine-peace-talks-with-russia-without-ukraine-8726984">Trump&rsquo;s team heads to Saudi Arabia for Ukraine peace talks with Russia, without Ukraine</a>
<h2>Agreed to appoint high-level teams to end war&nbsp;</h2>
Moreover, the two sides agreed to appoint high-level teams to begin working on the path to end Russia's war in Ukraine as soon as possible.&nbsp;
US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that the US-Russian delegation will work to end the Ukraine conflict in a way that is "enduring, sustainable, and acceptable to all sides."&nbsp;
Bruce said that the US and Russia will also begin to look at "future cooperation on matters of mutual geopolitical interest and historic economic and investment opportunities," which will emerge from a successful end to the conflict in Ukraine.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-secretary-of-state-marco-rubio-mike-waltz-steve-witkoff-heads-to-saudi-arabia-for-ukraine-peace-talks-with-russia-without-ukraine-8726984">Trump&rsquo;s team heads to Saudi Arabia for Ukraine peace talks with Russia, without Ukraine</a>
"President Trump wants to stop the killing; the United States wants peace and is using its strength in the world to bring countries together," he said, adding that Trump is the only leader in the world who can get Ukraine and Russia to agree to that.&nbsp;
<h2>'Agreed to address irritants'</h2>
The delegations of both nations agreed to "address irritants" to their bilateral relationship with the objective of taking steps necessary to normalise the operation of our respective diplomatic missions.&nbsp;
Moreover, the spokesperson said, &ldquo;The parties to today&rsquo;s meetings pledge to remain engaged to make sure the process moves forward in a timely and productive manner."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-diktat-on-ukraine-europe-pushes-back-with-emergency-meet-as-us-sidelines-kyiv-from-talks-to-end-war-8730530">&lsquo;No diktat on Ukraine&rsquo;: Europe pushes back with &lsquo;emergency meet&rsquo; as US sidelines Kyiv from talks to end war</a>
<h2>Russia-US talks on Ukraine to start 'in due time'</h2>
Putin's foreign policy advisor, Yuri Ushakov, said that separate teams of Russian and US negotiators will begin contacts on Ukraine "in due time".&nbsp;
Ushakov further stressed that the decision to begin contact with the US on Ukraine ultimately would be the call of Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;
<h2>Trump-Putin meeting</h2>
On the Trump-Putin meeting in the coming future, Ushakov said, "We are ready for this, but it is still difficult to talk about a specific date for the meeting of the two leaders."
<h2>Riyadh talks 'went well'</h2>
Ushakov said that the talks in Saudi "went well" and was a serious conversation on all issues", Reuters reported, citing Interfax and TASS.&nbsp;
He further said that the US and Russia agreed for negotiators to talk about Ukraine.
<h2>US, Russia agree to restore embassy staffing</h2>
US State Secretary said that Marco Rubio said that officials agreed to restore embassy staffing and create a high-level team to negotiate peace in Ukraine and promote economic cooperation.
Rubio said that actions over the last several years have reduced both countries&rsquo; diplomatic missions&rsquo; abilities to operate.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re going to need to have vibrant diplomatic missions that are able to function normally in order to be able to continue these conduits," he said.&nbsp;
Deployment of NATO troops in Kyiv 'unacceptable'
Russian foreign minister Sergiei Lavrov said&nbsp;that any deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine would be "completely unacceptable".&nbsp;
Lavrov added that President Putin stressed more than once that NATO&rsquo;s expansion and the absorption of Ukraine by NATO was a direct threat to the Russian Federation and our sovereignty.&nbsp;
"We noted that President Trump was the first of western leaders to say that dragging Ukraine into NATO was one of the main [reasons behind] what is happening, one of Biden&rsquo;s biggest mistakes. Had Trump been the president, that would have never happened," he said in a press conference offering the Russian view on Tuesday&rsquo;s talks on Ukraine.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: State Department spokesperson said that the US-Russia will work to end the Ukraine conflict in a way that is "enduring, sustainable, and acceptable to all sides."

As talks between the US and Russian delegations come to an end in Saudi Arabia, US Secretary of State Department Marco Rubio said that the end to the Ukraine conflict must be acceptable to everybody involved, including Ukraine and Europe. Rubio stressed that no one is being sidelined here. "End to Ukraine conflict must be acceptable to all involved, including Ukraine, Europe and Russia." The European Union needs to be involved at some point, the US State Secretary said. "Goal is a fair, enduring, sustainable end to Ukraine war," Rubio said after the four-hour talks concluded in Riyadh. Also read: Ukraine peace talks LIVE: 'Emergency Summit' begins in Paris ahead of US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia He further stressed that everyone involved in the Ukraine conflict has to be okay with a solution to end it. Saudi Arabia on Tuesday (Feb 18) hosted breakthrough US-Russia talks to discuss ways to end the Ukraine war and strengthen American-Russian relations. However, Ukraine was not part of the talks, with President Volodymyr Zelensky saying that no peace agreement can be reached without Kyiv's presence. EU will be at the table at some point Rubio said that the European Union is 'going to have to be at the table' in Ukraine talks. The US Secretary of State added that the European nations would have to be involved in talks on ending the Ukraine war. "There are other parties that have sanctions (on Russia), the European Union is going to have to be at the table at some point because they have sanctions as well," said Rubio. Also read: Trump’s team heads to Saudi Arabia for Ukraine peace talks with Russia, without Ukraine Agreed to appoint high-level teams to end war Moreover, the two sides agreed to appoint high-level teams to begin working on the path to end Russia's war in Ukraine as soon as possible. US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said that the US-Russian delegation will work to end the Ukraine conflict in a way that is "enduring, sustainable, and acceptable to all sides." Bruce said that the US and Russia will also begin to look at "future cooperation on matters of mutual geopolitical interest and historic economic and investment opportunities," which will emerge from a successful end to the conflict in Ukraine. Also read: Trump’s team heads to Saudi Arabia for Ukraine peace talks with Russia, without Ukraine "President Trump wants to stop the killing; the United States wants peace and is using its strength in the world to bring countries together," he said, adding that Trump is the only leader in the world who can get Ukraine and Russia to agree to that. 'Agreed to address irritants' The delegations of both nations agreed to "address irritants" to their bilateral relationship with the objective of taking steps necessary to normalise the operation of our respective diplomatic missions. Moreover, the spokesperson said, “The parties to today’s meetings pledge to remain engaged to make sure the process moves forward in a timely and productive manner." Also read: ‘No diktat on Ukraine’: Europe pushes back with ‘emergency meet’ as US sidelines Kyiv from talks to end war Russia-US talks on Ukraine to start 'in due time' Putin's foreign policy advisor, Yuri Ushakov, said that separate teams of Russian and US negotiators will begin contacts on Ukraine "in due time". Ushakov further stressed that the decision to begin contact with the US on Ukraine ultimately would be the call of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump-Putin meeting On the Trump-Putin meeting in the coming future, Ushakov said, "We are ready for this, but it is still difficult to talk about a specific date for the meeting of the two leaders." Riyadh talks 'went well' Ushakov said that the talks in Saudi "went well" and was a serious conversation on all issues", Reuters reported, citing Interfax and TASS. He further said that the US and Russia agreed for negotiators to talk about Ukraine. US, Russia agree to restore embassy staffing US State Secretary said that Marco Rubio said that officials agreed to restore embassy staffing and create a high-level team to negotiate peace in Ukraine and promote economic cooperation. Rubio said that actions over the last several years have reduced both countries’ diplomatic missions’ abilities to operate. “We’re going to need to have vibrant diplomatic missions that are able to function normally in order to be able to continue these conduits," he said. Deployment of NATO troops in Kyiv 'unacceptable' Russian foreign minister Sergiei Lavrov said that any deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine would be "completely unacceptable". Lavrov added that President Putin stressed more than once that NATO’s expansion and the absorption of Ukraine by NATO was a direct threat to the Russian Federation and our sovereignty. "We noted that President Trump was the first of western leaders to say that dragging Ukraine into NATO was one of the main [reasons behind] what is happening, one of Biden’s biggest mistakes. Had Trump been the president, that would have never happened," he said in a press conference offering the Russian view on Tuesday’s talks on Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Key takeaways from US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia as two nations discuss Ukraine war in its absence

As the US and Russia talks in Saudi Arabia concluded, US Secretary of State Department Marco Rubio said that the end to the Ukraine conflict must be acceptable to everybody involved, including Ukraine and Europe.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Feb 18) criticised talks held between US and Russian officials without Ukrainian presence.&nbsp;
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that any deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine would be "completely unacceptable".
Click on the headlines for more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-one-is-being-sidelined-us-says-end-to-ukraine-conflict-must-be-acceptable-to-all-including-kyiv-europe-8733231" rel="dofollow">'No one is being sidelined': US says end to Ukraine conflict must be acceptable to all, including Kyiv, Europe</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/18/jt7MdrVixS3cY0dkdnoy.png" alt=" Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, US State Secy Marco Rubio, and Russian President Vladimir Putin Photograph: (Reuters/Wion web team) ">
As talks between the US and Russian delegations come to an end in Saudi Arabia, US Secretary of State Department Marco Rubio said that the end to the Ukraine conflict must be acceptable to everybody involved, including Ukraine and Europe.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/about-ukraine-again-and-without-ukraine-zelensky-slams-talks-between-us-russia-in-riyadh-8733491">'Mistakes must be avoided': Zelensky slams US, Russia talks in Riyadh, postpones his Saudi trip</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x0/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/12/BXs9ZjTch937TOqf5GvH.png" alt=" Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky Photograph: (AFP) " style="width: 1280px;">
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Feb 18) criticised talks held between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia about the Ukraine war without Ukrainian presence.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/any-deployment-of-nato-forces-in-ukraine-completely-unacceptable-lavrov-says-8733421" rel="dofollow">Any deployment of NATO forces in Ukraine 'completely unacceptable,' says Russia</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/18/XAZcnrH1AZi5QLBu9GTG.png" alt=" Any deployment of NATO forces in Ukraine 'completely unacceptable', Lavrov says Photograph: (AFP) ">
Russian foreign minister Sergiei Lavrov said on Tuesday (Feb 18) that any deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine would be "completely unacceptable".
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-to-release-four-hostage-bodies-thursday-six-living-captives-saturday-8733535" rel="dofollow">Hamas to release four hostage bodies, six living captives this week, confirms Israel</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/25/mjdtRdjFHE677DkZZVL4.png" alt=" Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Photograph: (Reuters) ">
Israel on Tuesday (Feb 18) stated that Hamas will hand over the bodies of four hostages held in Gaza on Thursday and release six living captives on Saturday. The announcement confirmed the earlier statement by Hamas.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-has-no-formal-authority-to-make-government-decisions-says-white-house-8732731" rel="dofollow">Elon Musk has 'no formal authority to make government decisions,' says White House</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/18/3vou4uEoLfRUWYWfxN61.png" alt=" Elon Musk has 'no formal authority to make government decisions,' says White House Photograph: (AFP) ">
After several reports of "too much" power given to DOGE chief Elon Musk and something called "President Musk" claims on the internet, the White House said in a court filing that the Tesla CEO has "no formal authority to make government decisions" on Monday (Feb 17).&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-led-to-delta-plane-to-crash-and-flip-heres-what-experts-say-8732959" rel="dofollow">What led Delta plane to crash and flip? Here&rsquo;s what experts say</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/18/umrTMcMYFpiQOHOcV6LH.png" alt=" A Delta Air Lines plane sits on its roof after crashing upon landing at Toronto Pearson Airport in Toronto, Ontario, on February 17, 2025. Photograph: (AFP) ">
Officials investigating the Delta plane that crashed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday (Feb 17) will examine several factors, including weather, according to aviation experts.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kiit-nepali-student-suicide-case-father-alleges-harassment-emotionally-blackmail-what-all-we-know-so-far-8733646" rel="dofollow">KIIT Nepali student suicide case: Father alleges 'harassment, emotional blackmail' | What all we know so far</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/18/gi1MdmbGwGZtcydInAds.png" alt=" Representative Image Photograph: (PTI) ">
A 20-year-old Nepali student, Prakriti Lamsal, committed suicide at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on Sunday (Feb 16), which led to widespread protests and raised diplomatic concerns.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maha-kumbh-has-turned-into-mrityu-kumbh-west-bengal-cm-mamata-banerjee-attacks-yogi-adityanath-government-8732745">&lsquo;Maha Kumbh has turned into Mrityu Kumbh&rsquo;: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee attacks Yogi Adityanath government</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/18/8zuY4KZgVCjKQjxtNNPf.png" alt=" West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath Photograph: (PTI) ">
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday (Feb 18) slammed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the stampede at Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj that had led to the loss of many lives.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/chhaava-box-office-vicky-kaushals-movie-is-unstoppable-inches-closer-to-rs-2-billion-mark-globally-8733285" rel="dofollow">Chhaava box office: Vicky Kaushal's movie is unstoppable, inches closer to Rs 2 billion mark globally</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/25/9T6VW70yI40EqqT3a07W.png" alt=" Vicky Kaushal in Chhaava Photograph: (X) ">
Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna's movie Chhaava is roaring at the box office. Released on Feb 14, the movie has performed well from day one.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/pakistan-champions-trophy-2025-india-live-updates-latest-news-security-arrangement-teams-matches-schedule-feb-19-8730822" rel="dofollow">LIVE | 2025 Champions Trophy: Check ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Latest News and Updates Today | Feb 18</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/02/16/jYqJ7YhucxfqPG57BuzH.png" alt=" Champions Trophy all squads Photograph: (Others) ">
The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to start from February 19 in Pakistan. This is the first time since 1996 ODI World Cup that Pakistan is hosting an ICC tournament. They had co-hosted the 1996 ODI WC along with India and Sri Lanka.

World | Explore a curated list of the top global stories, providing you with essential insights and updates on the most impactful news from across the globe.

As the US and Russia talks in Saudi Arabia concluded, US Secretary of State Department Marco Rubio said that the end to the Ukraine conflict must be acceptable to everybody involved, including Ukraine and Europe. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Feb 18) criticised talks held between US and Russian officials without Ukrainian presence. Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov said that any deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine would be "completely unacceptable". Click on the headlines for more 'No one is being sidelined': US says end to Ukraine conflict must be acceptable to all, including Kyiv, Europe As talks between the US and Russian delegations come to an end in Saudi Arabia, US Secretary of State Department Marco Rubio said that the end to the Ukraine conflict must be acceptable to everybody involved, including Ukraine and Europe. 'Mistakes must be avoided': Zelensky slams US, Russia talks in Riyadh, postpones his Saudi trip Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Feb 18) criticised talks held between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia about the Ukraine war without Ukrainian presence. Any deployment of NATO forces in Ukraine 'completely unacceptable,' says Russia Russian foreign minister Sergiei Lavrov said on Tuesday (Feb 18) that any deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine would be "completely unacceptable". Hamas to release four hostage bodies, six living captives this week, confirms Israel Israel on Tuesday (Feb 18) stated that Hamas will hand over the bodies of four hostages held in Gaza on Thursday and release six living captives on Saturday. The announcement confirmed the earlier statement by Hamas. Elon Musk has 'no formal authority to make government decisions,' says White House After several reports of "too much" power given to DOGE chief Elon Musk and something called "President Musk" claims on the internet, the White House said in a court filing that the Tesla CEO has "no formal authority to make government decisions" on Monday (Feb 17). What led Delta plane to crash and flip? Here’s what experts say Officials investigating the Delta plane that crashed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday (Feb 17) will examine several factors, including weather, according to aviation experts. KIIT Nepali student suicide case: Father alleges 'harassment, emotional blackmail' | What all we know so far A 20-year-old Nepali student, Prakriti Lamsal, committed suicide at Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT) in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on Sunday (Feb 16), which led to widespread protests and raised diplomatic concerns. ‘Maha Kumbh has turned into Mrityu Kumbh’: West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee attacks Yogi Adityanath government West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday (Feb 18) slammed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the stampede at Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj that had led to the loss of many lives. Chhaava box office: Vicky Kaushal's movie is unstoppable, inches closer to Rs 2 billion mark globally Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna's movie Chhaava is roaring at the box office. Released on Feb 14, the movie has performed well from day one. LIVE | 2025 Champions Trophy: Check ICC Champions Trophy 2025 Latest News and Updates Today | Feb 18 The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to start from February 19 in Pakistan. This is the first time since 1996 ODI World Cup that Pakistan is hosting an ICC tournament. They had co-hosted the 1996 ODI WC along with India and Sri Lanka.

Top 10 world news: US, Russia talks conclude in Riyadh; Zelensky postpones Saudi visit, and more

Russia Ukraine War Live: Saudi becomes a dealmaker as it is hosting breakthrough US-Russia talks with the two sides expected to discuss ways to end the conflict in Ukraine and restore American-Russian relations. Top Russian and US officials met on Tuesday in Riyadh. The two parties will talk about measures to resolve the Ukrainian issue and mend US-Russian ties.&nbsp;
Notably, Ukraine is not part of the talks. It says that no peace agreement can be reached on its behalf.
<h2>Russia Ukraine War Live Updates:</h2>
Russia announced that Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister, would meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior US officials to discuss stopping the war in Ukraine and re-establishing "the whole complex" of relations between the two countries.&nbsp;
China weighed in on the talks ahead of the meeting. It said that it hoped "all parties and stakeholders can participate" in talks over the war in Ukraine. On being asked about the discussions, foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said China was "happy to see all efforts towards peace", adding: "At the same time, we hope that all parties and stakeholders can participate in the peace talks in due course."&nbsp;
<h2>Stay with WION to get all the latest updates:&nbsp;</h2>

The US&nbsp;and&nbsp;Russian&nbsp;delegations have agreed to &ldquo;address irritants&nbsp;to our bilateral relationship with the objective of taking steps necessary to normalise the operation of our respective diplomatic missions,&rdquo; US state department spokesperson&nbsp;Tammy Bruce&nbsp;said after today&rsquo;s Riyadh talks.

US-Russia agree to 'address irritants' to bilateral relationship, start Ukraine talks: US 

To read a wrap of thsi blog, read this story:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-one-is-being-sidelined-us-says-end-to-ukraine-conflict-must-be-acceptable-to-all-including-kyiv-europe-8733231">'No one is being sidelined': US says end to Ukraine conflict must be acceptable to all, including Kyiv, Europe</a>
&nbsp;

The live blog has ended. 

Russia told the United States in talks on Tuesday that it opposed any NATO member sending troops to Ukraine as part of a ceasefire, Moscow's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said.
"The appearance of troops of armed forces from the same NATO countries, whether under a foreign flag, under the flag of the European Union or under national flags, does not change anything in this respect. This is unacceptable to us, of course," Lavrov told reporters following talks in Saudi Arabia.

Russia Ukraine War Live: Russia opposes any NATO member sending troops to Ukraine, says Lavrov

Following US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov suggested Tuesday that the United States was in favour of cutting sanctions on Moscow imposed over its Ukraine offensive.
"There was strong interest in removing artificial barriers to the development of mutually beneficial economic cooperation," Lavrov told reporters after talks in Riyadh with top US officials.

Russia Ukraine War Live: US showed interest in lifting sanctions on Russia: Russian FM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday criticised talks between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia as talks about the war in Ukraine without Ukrainian participation.
Talks "are taking place between representatives of Russia and representatives of the United States of America. About Ukraine -- about Ukraine again -- and without Ukraine," Zelensky said during an official visit to Turkey.

Russia Ukraine War Live: Zelensky slams US-Russia meeting as talks about Ukraine 'without Ukraine'

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Riyadh on Tuesday following the US-Russia talks hosted by the kingdom, state media reported.
The SPA news agency published videos on social media platform X of the pair meeting, a day after Prince Mohammed held talks with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Russia Ukraine War Live: Russian foreign minister meets Saudi crown prince

"This needs to be a permanent end to the war and not a temporary end, as we've seen in the past," Waltz US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said following US-Russia talks in Riyadh on Tuesday.&nbsp;
He added, "there is going to be some discussion of territory and there's going to be discussion of security guarantees."

Russia Ukraine War Live: US adviser says Ukraine talks to focus on 'territory' and 'security guarantees'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said European nations would have to be involved in talks on ending the Ukraine war following the meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Riyadh.
"There are other parties that have sanctions (on Russia), the European Union is going to have to be at the table at some point because they have sanctions as well," said Rubio.

Russia Ukraine War Live: Rubio says EU 'going to have to be at the table' in Ukraine talks

The conversation was very useful very valuable and the American party has now a better understanding of our situation, said Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during a press conference following talks in Riyadh.&nbsp;
He noted that the most important yet basic thing they have achieved is to ensure that ambassadors of Russia in the US and American ambassadors in Russia are assigned as soon as possible.

Russia Ukraine War Live: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov holds press conference following talks in Riyadh

The US State Department said more work would be needed to bring an end to the war in Ukraine, but called a meeting in Riyadh Tuesday between top diplomat Marco Rubio and his Russian counterpart "an important first step".
"One phone call followed by one meeting is not sufficient to establish enduring peace," spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said in a statement. "We must take action, and today we took an important step forward."

Russia Ukraine War Live: US hails 'important step forward' following meeting with Russia in Saudi 

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday after meeting with his Russian counterpart in Riyadh that ties between Washington and Moscow could grow if the Ukraine war ends.
Rubio told reporters that "extraordinary opportunities existed to partner" with Russia, adding that "the key to unlock that is the end to this conflict".

Russia Ukraine War Live: Rubio says 'Extraordinary opportunities' for US-Russia ties if Ukraine conflict ends

Following a meeting with Russia's top diplomat in Riyadh, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Tuesday (Feb 18), that Washington aiming for a "fair" and "enduring" solution to the Ukraine war.
Rubio added that he was "convinced" that Moscow was willing to engage in a "serious process" to end the war.

Russia Ukraine War Live:  US targeting 'fair, enduring' end to Ukraine conflict, says Rubio

Russia's Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio agreed to appoint high-level teams to being working to end Russia's war in Ukraine as early as possible. 
They also agreed to future cooperation on matters of mutual Geopolitical interest and investment opportunities emerging from end to conflict in Ukraine.&nbsp;

Russia Ukraine War Live: Rubio, Lavrov agreed to appoint high-level teams to end war 

A Russian negotiator said after meeting US officials in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday (Feb 18) that talks had been "serious" but that it was hard to say whether Moscow's and Washington's positions had converged.

'Hard to say' US, Russian positions getting closer: Russian negotiator

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky met Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Tuesday (Feb 18), as Kyiv seeks to shore up its position in response to US-Russia talks.

Russia Ukraine War Live: Zelensky meets Turkey's Erdogan amid US shift on Ukraine

Russia and the United States will discuss the Ukraine conflict in "due course," a Kremlin negotiator told state TV on Tuesday (Feb 18), after the conclusion of high-level talks between the two countries in Saudi's Riyadh.&nbsp;
"We discussed and outlined our principled positions, and agreed that separate teams of negotiators will be in touch on this topic in due course," Yuri Ushakov, President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy aide, said.&nbsp;

Russia Ukraine War Live: Russia, US will discuss Ukraine conflict 'in due course': Moscow negotiator

Russia wants NATO to disavow its 2008 promise to give Ukraine membership of the US-led military alliance some day, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Tuesday (February 18).&nbsp;

Russia Ukraine War Live: Russia wants NATO to disavow 2008 promise to Ukraine, foreign ministry says

The US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia has ended.&nbsp;

Russia Ukraine War Live: US-Russia talks in Riyadh ended

Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova&nbsp; said that the fhe first morning session in Riyadh is over.
"The Russian and US delegations have begun a working lunch at the talks in Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Riyadh," she added.&nbsp;
Post lunch, the delegations will return to the negotiating table for a wrap-up session, a TASS correspondent said.

First morning session in Riyadh concludes

"Peace cannot be a simple ceasefire &ndash; we need an agreement that will ensure a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine and security in Europe," &nbsp;European Council president Ant&oacute;nio Costa said after his meeting with US Ukraine envoy Keith Kellogg.
Coasta stressed that Ukraine can count on Europe, adding, "We are ready to continue to work constructively with the US to ensure peace and security."

Peace cannot be a simple ceasefire: European Council president 

The US and Russian officials have taken a short break for 15 minutes, Moscow's foreign ministry said.&nbsp;
Spokesperson Maria Zakharova adds that when the talks are done, the foreign ministry will brief the media.

Saudi talks on short break 

Kremlin says Ukraine has the 'right' to join EU, but not NATO.

Kremlin says Ukraine has 'right' to join EU, but not NATO

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen told US envoy Keith Kellogg on Tuesday that Europe wants to work with Washington for peace in Ukraine, and is ready to do more to arm Kyiv.&nbsp;
"We want to partner with the US to deliver a just and lasting peace for Ukraine," von der Leyen wrote on X after meeting Kellogg in Brussels.&nbsp;

Europe wants to 'partner' with US for 'just' Ukraine peace: EU chief

The Kremlin said Tuesday that Russian leader Vladimir Putin was ready to talk to Volodymyr Zelensky "if necessary" but repeated its questioning of his legitimacy as Ukrainian president.
"Putin himself said that he would be ready to negotiate with Zelensky if necessary but the legal basis of agreements needs discussion considering the reality that Zelensky's legitimacy can be questioned," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.

Putin ready to talk to Zelensky 'if necessary': Kremlin

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun on Tuesday (February 18) emphasised China&rsquo;s commitment to promoting peace and dialogue, welcoming efforts such as the consensus reached by the United States and Russia over the Ukraine crisis.
&ldquo;We hope that all parties can jointly resolve the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis, find a balanced, effective, and sustainable security architecture, and achieve long-term peace and stability in Europe,&rdquo; Guo said during a regular press event.

China hopes 'all parties can jointly resolve the root causes of the Ukrainian crisis'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv was not invited to the discussions in Riyadh. He said Kyiv "did not know anything about" the talks in Riyadh, according to Ukrainian news agencies, and that it "cannot recognise any things or any agreements about us without us".
He said on social media that any peace deal would need to include "robust and reliable" security guarantees, which France and Britain have called for but not all European powers support.

Zelensky says Ukraine won't recognise 'Riyadh talks: Kyiv 'cannot recognise any things or any agreements about us without us'

China's top envoy to the United Nations on Monday emphasized that his nation "welcomes" the recent consensus reached on Ukraine peace negotiations by the United States and Russia and it hopes that all parties involved will participate in the process to reach a "fair" and "mutually accepted" peace agreement.
"China welcomes all efforts toward peace, including the consensus reached between the US and Russia on initiating peace talks," Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, said at a UN Security Council meeting on Ukraine. He chaired the meeting as the rotating president of the Security Council in February.
"China hopes that all parties involved, as well as relevant stakeholders, will participate in the peace process to reach a fair, lasting, binding and mutually accepted peace agreement," he added.

China welcomes peace talks to resolve Ukraine crisis 

On one side, talks are underway to end the war, on the other side, Kyiv mayor Vitali Klitschko said that drone debris fell in one of the districts of the capital, causing a fire at an industrial enterprise.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Smoke rises over Kyiv after attack

Russian negotiator said that Moscow expects progress on economic talks with US in '2-3 months'.&nbsp;
"We have a series of proposals, which our colleagues are thinking about. And I think that there will, possibly, be progress in the not so distant future, in the next two-three months," Kirill Dmitriev, head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund and Moscow's economic negotiator for talks with Washington, told state TV.&nbsp;

Russia expects progress on economic talks with US in '2-3 months'

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7a7x7p0-eqwnx2kh-hhz65pk3">
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov arrives in Saudi Arabia's Riyadh for preliminary talks with US officials on trying to end the Ukraine war . . . .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RussiaUkraineWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RussiaUkraineWar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONUncut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONUncut</a> <a href="https://t.co/Pmicra7ovO">pic.twitter.com/Pmicra7ovO</a>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1891757405450665992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2025</a></blockquote>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7a7xggg-f7a4v7fc-l8n57dgr">
Russian, US officials start talks in Saudi Arabia&rsquo;s Riyadh on ending war in Ukraine . . . .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RussiaUkraineWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RussiaUkraineWar</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DonaldTrump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DonaldTrump</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MarcoRubio?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MarcoRubio</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SergeiLavrov?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SergeiLavrov</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SaudiArabia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SaudiArabia</a> <a href="https://t.co/n7y08VIRx4">pic.twitter.com/n7y08VIRx4</a>
&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1891760429543948770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 18, 2025</a></blockquote>

Visuals of Lavrov and US officials at Riyadh meeting 

The head of Russia's sovereign wealth fund called described Donald Trump as problem solver.&nbsp;

Russia's wealth fund chief calls says Trump a problem solver 

Russian Foreign posted a video of the Russian Foreign minister Sergei Lavrov, presidential aide Yuri Ushakov and Russia's wealth fund chief Kirill Dmitriev arriving for talks with US delegation.&nbsp;

Lavrov shakes hands with Saudi hosts

The US and Russian diplomats were meeting in Saudi Arabia for talks on resetting their countries' fractured ties and making a tentative start on trying to end the Ukraine war.
Both sides played down the chances that the first high-level meeting between the countries since US President Donald Trump took office would result in a breakthrough.

US-Russia talks begin in Saudi

Russia Ukraine War Live: Notably absent from the talks, Ukraine remains a focal point as global powers like China express hopes for inclusive peace negotiations involving all stakeholders.

Russia Ukraine War Live: Saudi becomes a dealmaker as it is hosting breakthrough US-Russia talks with the two sides expected to discuss ways to end the conflict in Ukraine and restore American-Russian relations. Top Russian and US officials met on Tuesday in Riyadh. The two parties will talk about measures to resolve the Ukrainian issue and mend US-Russian ties. Notably, Ukraine is not part of the talks. It says that no peace agreement can be reached on its behalf. Russia Ukraine War Live Updates: Russia announced that Sergei Lavrov, the foreign minister, would meet with Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other senior US officials to discuss stopping the war in Ukraine and re-establishing "the whole complex" of relations between the two countries. China weighed in on the talks ahead of the meeting. It said that it hoped "all parties and stakeholders can participate" in talks over the war in Ukraine. On being asked about the discussions, foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said China was "happy to see all efforts towards peace", adding: "At the same time, we hope that all parties and stakeholders can participate in the peace talks in due course." Stay with WION to get all the latest updates:

Talks conclude in Saudi Arabia HIGHLIGHTS: Russia says there is ‘mutual desire’ to start Ukraine peace talks

Israel on Tuesday (Feb 18) stated that Hamas will hand over the bodies of four hostages held in Gaza on Thursday and release six living captives on Saturday. The announcement confirmed the earlier statement by Hamas.
&ldquo;Agreements were reached according to which the six living hostages (due for release under) the first phase will be released on Saturday,&rdquo; said a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.
&ldquo;The release of the six hostages is the result of ongoing talks in Cairo,&rdquo; the statement added.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-begin-negotiations-on-second-phase-of-gaza-ceasefire-deal-demands-complete-demilitarisation-8732546">Israel to begin negotiations on second phase of Gaza ceasefire deal, demands 'complete demilitarisation'</a>
&ldquo;If the agreement in Cairo is carried out, it will be an important achievement for Israel,&rdquo; said an Israeli official, according to The Times of Israel.
The statement added that bodies of four slain hostages would be released on Thursday, however, the names were not revealed. The families of the living hostages have been informed of their release, reported The Times of Israel.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arab-summit-on-donald-trumps-gaza-plan-postponed-8729917">Arab summit on Donald Trump's Gaza plan postponed</a>
As per the agreement with Israel, Hamas is required to release four more bodies of hostages in the coming week, according to Netanyahu&rsquo;s office.
<h2>Hamas announces hostage release</h2>
Hamas's top negotiator on Tuesday (Feb 18) announced that the Palestinian militant group will release six living Israeli hostages this week.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/committed-to-trumps-gaza-plan-for-a-different-gaza-says-israeli-pm-netanyahu-8729775">'Committed' to Trump's plan for 'a different Gaza', says Israeli PM Netanyahu</a>
&ldquo;The movement and the resistance decided to release on Saturday, February 22, the remaining living (Israeli) prisoners whose release was agreed in the first phase, numbering six,&rdquo; said Khalil al-Haya in a televised address, referring to the terms of the truce agreement that went into effect last month.
<h2>Gaza ceasefire's second phase</h2>
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Tuesday (Feb 18) that negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal will begin &ldquo;this week&rdquo;. He added that it will include the exchange of Israeli hostages with Palestinian prisoners.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-cant-do-a-thing-tehran-slams-netanyahu-for-vowing-to-finish-the-job-against-iran-with-trumps-help-8729162">'Israel can't do a thing': Tehran slams Netanyahu for vowing to 'finish the job' against Iran with Trump's help</a>
Saar further added that Israel demanded a complete demilitarisation of the enclave.
The fragile Gaza truce began on January 19 following more than 15 months of fighting between Israel and Hamas, sparked by the Palestinian militant group's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Middle East: As per the agreement with Israel, Hamas is required to release four more bodies of hostages in the coming week, according to Netanyahu’s office.

Israel on Tuesday (Feb 18) stated that Hamas will hand over the bodies of four hostages held in Gaza on Thursday and release six living captives on Saturday. The announcement confirmed the earlier statement by Hamas. “Agreements were reached according to which the six living hostages (due for release under) the first phase will be released on Saturday,” said a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. “The release of the six hostages is the result of ongoing talks in Cairo,” the statement added. Also read | Israel to begin negotiations on second phase of Gaza ceasefire deal, demands 'complete demilitarisation' “If the agreement in Cairo is carried out, it will be an important achievement for Israel,” said an Israeli official, according to The Times of Israel. The statement added that bodies of four slain hostages would be released on Thursday, however, the names were not revealed. The families of the living hostages have been informed of their release, reported The Times of Israel. Also read | Arab summit on Donald Trump's Gaza plan postponed As per the agreement with Israel, Hamas is required to release four more bodies of hostages in the coming week, according to Netanyahu’s office. Hamas announces hostage release Hamas's top negotiator on Tuesday (Feb 18) announced that the Palestinian militant group will release six living Israeli hostages this week. Also read | 'Committed' to Trump's plan for 'a different Gaza', says Israeli PM Netanyahu “The movement and the resistance decided to release on Saturday, February 22, the remaining living (Israeli) prisoners whose release was agreed in the first phase, numbering six,” said Khalil al-Haya in a televised address, referring to the terms of the truce agreement that went into effect last month. Gaza ceasefire's second phase Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Tuesday (Feb 18) that negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal will begin “this week”. He added that it will include the exchange of Israeli hostages with Palestinian prisoners. Also read | 'Israel can't do a thing': Tehran slams Netanyahu for vowing to 'finish the job' against Iran with Trump's help Saar further added that Israel demanded a complete demilitarisation of the enclave. The fragile Gaza truce began on January 19 following more than 15 months of fighting between Israel and Hamas, sparked by the Palestinian militant group's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas to release bodies of four hostages, six living captives this week, confirms Israel

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Feb 18) criticised talks held between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia about the Ukraine war without Ukrainian presence.&nbsp;
Talks "are taking place between representatives of Russia and representatives of the United States of America. About Ukraine -- about Ukraine again -- and without Ukraine," Zelensky said during an official visit to Turkey.
Zelensky is currently in the Turkish capital, Ankara. In a post on Telegram, he said that he would discuss prisoner exchanges and other issues with Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-us-and-russian-high-ranked-officials-meet-in-riyadh-over-ukraine-war-8731772">Talks conclude in Saudi Arabia Live: Russia says there is &lsquo;mutual desire&rsquo; to start Ukraine peace talks</a>
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday (Feb 18) hosted breakthrough US-Russia talks to discuss ways to end the Ukraine war and strengthen American-Russian relations.&nbsp;
However, Ukraine was not part of the talks, with President Zelensky saying that no peace agreement can be reached without Kyiv's presence.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/any-deployment-of-nato-forces-in-ukraine-completely-unacceptable-lavrov-says-8733421">Any deployment of NATO forces in Ukraine 'completely unacceptable,' says Russia</a>
<h2>'Mistakes must be avoided'</h2>
Zelensky while addressing a news conference alongside Turkey's Erdogan, said that the two discussed the global processes in great detail "that could lead to the end of this war".
He added that it is fundamentally important that any talks to end the war "do not happen to the backs of the parties involved".
For lasting peace, he said, "It is important not to make any mistakes."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-one-is-being-sidelined-us-says-end-to-ukraine-conflict-must-be-acceptable-to-all-including-kyiv-europe-8733231">'No one is being sidelined': US says end to Ukraine conflict must be acceptable to all, including Kyiv, Europe</a>
The Ukrainian president stressed that the table of negotiations must have all parties, including America, Europe, and Ukraine.&nbsp;
He further called for &ldquo;fair&rdquo; peace talks, arguing that they should involve the European Union, Turkey, and the UK.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Ukraine, Europe in a broad sense &ndash; and this includes the European Union, Turkey, and the UK &ndash; should be involved in conversations and the development of the necessary security guarantees with America regarding the fate of our part of the world,&rdquo; he said at a press conference in Ankara, AFP reported.&nbsp;
<h2>Postpones Saudi trip</h2>
Zelensky said that he postponed his trip to Saudi Arabia, which was expected to happen on Wednesday, saying that he wants to avoid his visit being linked to US-Russia talks.&nbsp;
<h2>Turkey could host future peace talks</h2>
Turkey's President Erdogan offered to host possible future peace talks in Turkey between Russia, Ukraine and the US.
He told the news conference that Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty are "indisputable".
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-peace-talks-live-europe-plays-catch-up-in-paris-as-marco-rubio-arrives-in-saudi-arabia-for-talks-with-russia-without-zelensky-8729487">Ukraine peace talks LIVE: 'Emergency Summit' begins in Paris ahead of US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia</a>
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: Saudi Arabia on Tuesday (Feb 18) hosted breakthrough US-Russia talks to discuss ways to end the Ukraine war and strengthen American-Russian relations.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday (Feb 18) criticised talks held between US and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia about the Ukraine war without Ukrainian presence. Talks "are taking place between representatives of Russia and representatives of the United States of America. About Ukraine -- about Ukraine again -- and without Ukraine," Zelensky said during an official visit to Turkey. Zelensky is currently in the Turkish capital, Ankara. In a post on Telegram, he said that he would discuss prisoner exchanges and other issues with Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Also read: Talks conclude in Saudi Arabia Live: Russia says there is ‘mutual desire’ to start Ukraine peace talks Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia on Tuesday (Feb 18) hosted breakthrough US-Russia talks to discuss ways to end the Ukraine war and strengthen American-Russian relations. However, Ukraine was not part of the talks, with President Zelensky saying that no peace agreement can be reached without Kyiv's presence. Also read: Any deployment of NATO forces in Ukraine 'completely unacceptable,' says Russia 'Mistakes must be avoided' Zelensky while addressing a news conference alongside Turkey's Erdogan, said that the two discussed the global processes in great detail "that could lead to the end of this war". He added that it is fundamentally important that any talks to end the war "do not happen to the backs of the parties involved". For lasting peace, he said, "It is important not to make any mistakes." Also read: 'No one is being sidelined': US says end to Ukraine conflict must be acceptable to all, including Kyiv, Europe The Ukrainian president stressed that the table of negotiations must have all parties, including America, Europe, and Ukraine. He further called for “fair” peace talks, arguing that they should involve the European Union, Turkey, and the UK. “Ukraine, Europe in a broad sense – and this includes the European Union, Turkey, and the UK – should be involved in conversations and the development of the necessary security guarantees with America regarding the fate of our part of the world,” he said at a press conference in Ankara, AFP reported. Postpones Saudi trip Zelensky said that he postponed his trip to Saudi Arabia, which was expected to happen on Wednesday, saying that he wants to avoid his visit being linked to US-Russia talks. Turkey could host future peace talks Turkey's President Erdogan offered to host possible future peace talks in Turkey between Russia, Ukraine and the US. He told the news conference that Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty are "indisputable". Also read: Ukraine peace talks LIVE: 'Emergency Summit' begins in Paris ahead of US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia (With inputs from agencies)

‘Mistakes must be avoided’: Zelensky slams US, Russia talks in Riyadh, postpones his Saudi trip

Russian foreign minister Sergiei Lavrov said on Tuesday (Feb 18) that any deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine would be "completely unacceptable".
"We noted that President Trump was the first of western leaders to say that dragging Ukraine into NATO was one of the main [reasons behind] what is happening, one of Biden&rsquo;s biggest mistakes. Had Trump been the president, that would have never happened," he said in a press conference offering the Russian view on Tuesday&rsquo;s talks on Ukraine.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/about-ukraine-again-and-without-ukraine-zelensky-slams-talks-between-us-russia-in-riyadh-8733491">'About Ukraine again, and without Ukraine': Zelensky slams talks between US, Russia in Riyadh</a>
"President Putin stressed more than once that NATO&rsquo;s expansion and the absorption of Ukraine by NATO was a direct threat to the Russian Federation and our sovereignty," he further added.&nbsp;
Lavrov added in his statement, "And we explained today that any appearance by armed forces from the NATO countries under some flag, under the European flag or under flags, doesn&rsquo;t change anything. It is, of course, completely unacceptable."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-one-is-being-sidelined-us-says-end-to-ukraine-conflict-must-be-acceptable-to-all-including-kyiv-europe-8733231">'No one is being sidelined': US says end to Ukraine conflict must be acceptable to all, including Kyiv, Europe</a>
<h2>Lavrov slams Polish FM&nbsp;</h2>
Moreover, the Russian minister rejected the media speculations about a potential three-point plan for Ukraine. He attacked Polish foreign minister Radosław Sikorski saying he asked the US delegation about his comments over the weekend about the US plan for Ukraine being &ldquo;unorthodox". He added that he was satisfied that what the Pole said was &ldquo;fake.&rdquo;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-live-updates-us-and-russian-high-ranked-officials-meet-in-riyadh-over-ukraine-war-8731772">US, Russia talks conclude in Riyadh Live: Russia, US will discuss Ukraine conflict 'in due course': Moscow negotiator</a>
<h2>'Heard each other'&nbsp;</h2>
Lavrov praised the Tuesday US-Russia talks on Ukraine saying that both parties &ldquo;did not just listen to each other, but heard each other.&rdquo;&nbsp;
He called the talks "very useful".&nbsp;
WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indias-aerospace-industry-soars-exports-and-sourcing-surge-ahead-8733219">India&rsquo;s aerospace industry soars: Exports and sourcing surge ahead</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

WORLD | Lavrov praised the Tuesday US-Russia talks on Ukraine saying that both parties “did not just listen to each other, but heard each other.”

Russian foreign minister Sergiei Lavrov said on Tuesday (Feb 18) that any deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine would be "completely unacceptable". "We noted that President Trump was the first of western leaders to say that dragging Ukraine into NATO was one of the main [reasons behind] what is happening, one of Biden’s biggest mistakes. Had Trump been the president, that would have never happened," he said in a press conference offering the Russian view on Tuesday’s talks on Ukraine. Also read: 'About Ukraine again, and without Ukraine': Zelensky slams talks between US, Russia in Riyadh "President Putin stressed more than once that NATO’s expansion and the absorption of Ukraine by NATO was a direct threat to the Russian Federation and our sovereignty," he further added. Lavrov added in his statement, "And we explained today that any appearance by armed forces from the NATO countries under some flag, under the European flag or under flags, doesn’t change anything. It is, of course, completely unacceptable." Also read: 'No one is being sidelined': US says end to Ukraine conflict must be acceptable to all, including Kyiv, Europe Lavrov slams Polish FM Moreover, the Russian minister rejected the media speculations about a potential three-point plan for Ukraine. He attacked Polish foreign minister Radosław Sikorski saying he asked the US delegation about his comments over the weekend about the US plan for Ukraine being “unorthodox". He added that he was satisfied that what the Pole said was “fake.” Also read: US, Russia talks conclude in Riyadh Live: Russia, US will discuss Ukraine conflict 'in due course': Moscow negotiator 'Heard each other' Lavrov praised the Tuesday US-Russia talks on Ukraine saying that both parties “did not just listen to each other, but heard each other.” He called the talks "very useful". WATCH: India’s aerospace industry soars: Exports and sourcing surge ahead (With inputs from agencies)

Any deployment of NATO forces in Ukraine 'completely unacceptable,' says Russia

US Vice President JD Vance and the American journalist Mehdi Hasan exchanged heated words on the internet over free speech. It all started when Hasan tagged Vance in a post on the social media platform X, which talked about the White House ban on the news agency Associated Press for not using the changed name of Gulf of Mexico.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-jd-vances-munich-speech-slammed-by-europe-praised-by-russia-8722231">&lsquo;Unacceptable, irrelevant, election interference&rsquo;: JD Vance&rsquo;s Munich speech slammed by Europe, praised by Russia</a>
Taking a dig at Vance's latest remarks at the Munich Security Conference, Hasan wrote, "Hey JD Vance, I know you're busy lecturing the Europeans on free speech, but have you seen this?"
Vance replied in the comments to Hasan, describing the difference between not giving a seat to a reporter and jailing people for their views.&nbsp;
"Yes dummy. I think there&rsquo;s a difference between not giving a reporter a seat in the WH press briefing room and jailing people for dissenting views. The latter is a threat to free speech, the former is not. Hope that helps!" Vance wrote in his response.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m7aguan3-yico6bnq-rjt4td2m">
Hey <a href="https://twitter.com/JDVance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JDVance</a>, I know you&rsquo;re busy lecturing the Europeans on free speech, but have you seen this? <a href="https://t.co/jVoWE0Z5q1">https://t.co/jVoWE0Z5q1</a>
&mdash; Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) <a href="https://twitter.com/mehdirhasan/status/1891521035393966476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-jd-vance-defends-elon-musk-munich-security-conference-election-interference-claims-8721870">'You can survive few months of Elon Musk': US VP JD Vance defends X boss amid election interference claims</a>
<h2>What did Vance say?&nbsp;</h2>
At the Munich Security Conference on Friday (Feb 14), Vance called out European governments for suppressing free speech. The US VP accused EU "commissars" of suppressing free speech and blamed it for mass migration.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vice-president-jd-vance-slams-free-speech-restrictions-in-europe-in-munich-speech-8721757">'There's nothing America can do for you': JD Vance slams free speech restrictions in Europe in Munich speech</a>
<h2>'Gulf of America' row</h2>
The heated exchange came days after the White House blocked the Associate Press from entering the Oval Office on February 5, where US President Donald Trump signed executive orders accompanied by Elon Musk.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jd-vance-threatens-economic-military-sanctions-against-russia-if-putin-denies-peace-talk-with-ukraine-8720983">JD Vance threatens 'economic,' 'military' sanctions against Russia if Putin denies peace talk with Ukraine</a>
It was all because the news agency did not use the name "Gulf of America" instead of "Gulf of Mexico". The agency even claimed that they were told it won't be allowed for any other future events if it did not use the changed name of the gulf.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

WORLD | TRENDING | US Vice President JD Vance and the American journalist Mehdi Hasan exchanged heated words on the internet over free speech oppression.

US Vice President JD Vance and the American journalist Mehdi Hasan exchanged heated words on the internet over free speech. It all started when Hasan tagged Vance in a post on the social media platform X, which talked about the White House ban on the news agency Associated Press for not using the changed name of Gulf of Mexico. Also read: ‘Unacceptable, irrelevant, election interference’: JD Vance’s Munich speech slammed by Europe, praised by Russia Taking a dig at Vance's latest remarks at the Munich Security Conference, Hasan wrote, "Hey JD Vance, I know you're busy lecturing the Europeans on free speech, but have you seen this?" Vance replied in the comments to Hasan, describing the difference between not giving a seat to a reporter and jailing people for their views. "Yes dummy. I think there’s a difference between not giving a reporter a seat in the WH press briefing room and jailing people for dissenting views. The latter is a threat to free speech, the former is not. Hope that helps!" Vance wrote in his response. Hey @JDVance, I know you’re busy lecturing the Europeans on free speech, but have you seen this? https://t.co/jVoWE0Z5q1 — Mehdi Hasan (@mehdirhasan) February 17, 2025 Also read: 'You can survive few months of Elon Musk': US VP JD Vance defends X boss amid election interference claims What did Vance say? At the Munich Security Conference on Friday (Feb 14), Vance called out European governments for suppressing free speech. The US VP accused EU "commissars" of suppressing free speech and blamed it for mass migration. Also read: 'There's nothing America can do for you': JD Vance slams free speech restrictions in Europe in Munich speech 'Gulf of America' row The heated exchange came days after the White House blocked the Associate Press from entering the Oval Office on February 5, where US President Donald Trump signed executive orders accompanied by Elon Musk. Also read: JD Vance threatens 'economic,' 'military' sanctions against Russia if Putin denies peace talk with Ukraine It was all because the news agency did not use the name "Gulf of America" instead of "Gulf of Mexico". The agency even claimed that they were told it won't be allowed for any other future events if it did not use the changed name of the gulf. (With inputs from agencies)

'There's a difference between...': JD Vance slams journo Mehdi Hasan for likening White House ban to attack on free speech

Officials investigating the Delta plane that crashed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday (Feb 17) will examine several factors, including weather, according to aviation experts.&nbsp;
In a rare incident, a Delta Air Lines plane carrying 80 passengers crashed while landing and flipped at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday (February 17). Fortunately, all on board the flight survived.
At the time of the crash, the Toronto airport was facing blowing snow and winds reaching 32 mph with gusts of 40 mph, according to the Meteorological Service of Canada. While the temperature was as low as minus 8.6 degrees Celsius (16.5 degrees Fahrenheit).
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-cctv-footage-shows-delta-air-lines-plane-crash-landing-at-pearson-airport-8731350">WATCH: CCTV footage shows Delta Air Lines plane crash-landing at Pearson Airport</a>
<h2>Investigators to examine several factors</h2>
Aviation expert Scott Hamilton told Newsweek that investigators from Transport Canada and the TSB &ldquo;will be looking at runway conditions, looking at if it skidded along the runway and flipped.&rdquo;
The plane&rsquo;s approach speeds, thruster viability, and braking anomalies will be investigated, he said. In addition, experts may also be looking for any potential obstacles that the plane could have hit, causing it to flip upside down.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/d&eacute;j&agrave;-vu-delta-plane-crash-bears-eerie-similarity-to-a-2015-incident-see-pics-8730887">D&eacute;j&agrave; vu? Delta plane crash bears eerie similarity to a 2015 incident. See pics</a>
&ldquo;Investigators &hellip; will look at whether there was a wind shear. A wind shear refers to a sudden change in wind speed and/or direction,&rdquo; said Hamilton, who is the managing director for the aviation company Leeham Company.
Apart from this, Hamilton told KING 5 Seattle that officials will be looking if there were any ice spots on the runway. However, airport fire chief Todd Aitken said during a press conference on Monday (Feb 17) that the landing strip was dry.&nbsp;
Aitken also said that there were no cross-winds at the time of landing. While pilots who viewed the footage of the crash questioned that statement, according to Reuters.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/toronto-airport-warned-of-hazardous-conditions-hours-before-delta-plane-crash-8730815">Toronto Airport warned of hazardous conditions hours before Delta plane crash</a>
John Cox, CEO of a Florida-based aviation safety consulting firm, told the Associated Press, &ldquo;The weather conditions were windy.&rdquo;
&ldquo;The wind was out of the west at 27 to 35 knots, which is about 38 miles an hour (61 kph). So it was windy. But the airplanes are designed and certified to handle that. The pilots are trained and experienced to handle that,&rdquo; he said. Cox has been involved in National Transportation Safety Board inquiries.
Cox further said that investigators will have to determine the cause for the plane&rsquo;s right wing being separated to understand the reason for the accident after finding the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/delta-plane-crash-im-upside-down-says-survivor-as-videos-from-ground-zero-show-stunning-visuals-8730694">Delta plane crash: 'I'm upside down,' says survivor as videos from ground zero show stunning visuals</a>
&ldquo;They will be found, if not today, tomorrow, and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada will read them out and they will have a very good understanding of what actually occurred here,&rdquo; he said.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Trending | At the time of the crash, the Toronto airport was facing blowing snow and winds reaching 32 mph with gusts of 40 mph, according to the Meteorological Service of Canada.

Officials investigating the Delta plane that crashed at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday (Feb 17) will examine several factors, including weather, according to aviation experts. In a rare incident, a Delta Air Lines plane carrying 80 passengers crashed while landing and flipped at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Monday (February 17). Fortunately, all on board the flight survived. At the time of the crash, the Toronto airport was facing blowing snow and winds reaching 32 mph with gusts of 40 mph, according to the Meteorological Service of Canada. While the temperature was as low as minus 8.6 degrees Celsius (16.5 degrees Fahrenheit). Also read | WATCH: CCTV footage shows Delta Air Lines plane crash-landing at Pearson Airport Investigators to examine several factors Aviation expert Scott Hamilton told Newsweek that investigators from Transport Canada and the TSB “will be looking at runway conditions, looking at if it skidded along the runway and flipped.” The plane’s approach speeds, thruster viability, and braking anomalies will be investigated, he said. In addition, experts may also be looking for any potential obstacles that the plane could have hit, causing it to flip upside down. Also read | Déjà vu? Delta plane crash bears eerie similarity to a 2015 incident. See pics “Investigators … will look at whether there was a wind shear. A wind shear refers to a sudden change in wind speed and/or direction,” said Hamilton, who is the managing director for the aviation company Leeham Company. Apart from this, Hamilton told KING 5 Seattle that officials will be looking if there were any ice spots on the runway. However, airport fire chief Todd Aitken said during a press conference on Monday (Feb 17) that the landing strip was dry. Aitken also said that there were no cross-winds at the time of landing. While pilots who viewed the footage of the crash questioned that statement, according to Reuters. Also read | Toronto Airport warned of hazardous conditions hours before Delta plane crash John Cox, CEO of a Florida-based aviation safety consulting firm, told the Associated Press, “The weather conditions were windy.” “The wind was out of the west at 27 to 35 knots, which is about 38 miles an hour (61 kph). So it was windy. But the airplanes are designed and certified to handle that. The pilots are trained and experienced to handle that,” he said. Cox has been involved in National Transportation Safety Board inquiries. Cox further said that investigators will have to determine the cause for the plane’s right wing being separated to understand the reason for the accident after finding the flight data recorder and cockpit voice recorder. Also read | Delta plane crash: 'I'm upside down,' says survivor as videos from ground zero show stunning visuals “They will be found, if not today, tomorrow, and the Transportation Safety Board of Canada will read them out and they will have a very good understanding of what actually occurred here,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

What led Delta plane to crash and flip? Here’s what experts say

After several reports of "too much" power given to DOGE chief Elon Musk and something called "President Musk" claims on the internet, the White House said in a court filing that the Tesla CEO has "no formal authority to make government decisions" on Monday (Feb 17).&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/acting-commissioner-of-us-social-security-administration-resigns-after-musks-doge-seeks-data-access-8732445">Acting commissioner of US Social Security Administration resigns after Musk&rsquo;s DOGE seeks data access</a>
As per the filing by the director of the Office Administration, Joshua Fisher, Musk is "an employee of the White House... as a non-career Special Government Employee" and a "Senior Advisor to the President."
"Like other senior White House advisors, Mr Musk has no actual or formal authority to make government decisions himself. Mr Musk can only advise the President and communicate the President's directives," the filing further said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-thinks-vampires-are-real-as-he-shares-doubtful-data-from-us-social-security-database-8729667">Elon Musk thinks vampires are real as he shares doubtful data from US Social Security database</a>
Fisher further added that "the US DOGE Service is a component of the Executive Office of the President. The US DOGE Service Temporary Organization is within the US DOGE Service. Both are separate from the White House Office".&nbsp;
"Mr. Musk is an employee of the White House Office. He is not an employee of the US DOGE Service or US DOGE Service Temporary Organization. Mr. Musk is not the Temporary Administrator," he added.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/want-him-to-leave-earth-salman-rushdie-criticises-elon-musks-views-on-freedom-of-speech-8729370">&lsquo;Want him to leave Earth&rsquo;: Salman Rushdie criticises Elon Musk&rsquo;s views on freedom of speech</a>
The filing was made in a case that was brought against Musk by 14 states of the US, including New Mexico.
Meanwhile, in a joined interview of Musk and US President Donald Trump, scheduled to be broadcast late Tuesday (Feb 18), Trump took a dig at those claiming the X owner was the one running the White House.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/elon-musk-led-doge-cancels-21-million-intended-for-voter-turnout-in-india-bjp-responds-8725771">Elon Musk-led DOGE cancels $21 million intended for 'voter turnout in India', BJP responds</a>
A short teaser of the interview showed Trump saying, "I think nobody in history has ever gotten more bad publicity than me... But you know what I have learned Elon? That people are smart, they get it."&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-responds-after-influencer-ashley-st-clair-claims-to-be-mother-of-his-13th-child-8726612">Elon Musk responds after influencer Ashley St Clair claims to be mother of his 13th Child</a>
Musk replied, "Yeah they do actually."&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

WORLD | TRENDING | As per the filing by the director of the Office Administration, Joshua Fisher, Musk is "an employee of the White House... as a non-career Special Government Employee" and a "Senior Advisor to the President."

After several reports of "too much" power given to DOGE chief Elon Musk and something called "President Musk" claims on the internet, the White House said in a court filing that the Tesla CEO has "no formal authority to make government decisions" on Monday (Feb 17). Also read: Acting commissioner of US Social Security Administration resigns after Musk’s DOGE seeks data access As per the filing by the director of the Office Administration, Joshua Fisher, Musk is "an employee of the White House... as a non-career Special Government Employee" and a "Senior Advisor to the President." "Like other senior White House advisors, Mr Musk has no actual or formal authority to make government decisions himself. Mr Musk can only advise the President and communicate the President's directives," the filing further said. Also read: Elon Musk thinks vampires are real as he shares doubtful data from US Social Security database Fisher further added that "the US DOGE Service is a component of the Executive Office of the President. The US DOGE Service Temporary Organization is within the US DOGE Service. Both are separate from the White House Office". "Mr. Musk is an employee of the White House Office. He is not an employee of the US DOGE Service or US DOGE Service Temporary Organization. Mr. Musk is not the Temporary Administrator," he added. Also read: ‘Want him to leave Earth’: Salman Rushdie criticises Elon Musk’s views on freedom of speech The filing was made in a case that was brought against Musk by 14 states of the US, including New Mexico. Meanwhile, in a joined interview of Musk and US President Donald Trump, scheduled to be broadcast late Tuesday (Feb 18), Trump took a dig at those claiming the X owner was the one running the White House. Also read: Elon Musk-led DOGE cancels $21 million intended for 'voter turnout in India', BJP responds A short teaser of the interview showed Trump saying, "I think nobody in history has ever gotten more bad publicity than me... But you know what I have learned Elon? That people are smart, they get it." Also read: Elon Musk responds after influencer Ashley St Clair claims to be mother of his 13th Child Musk replied, "Yeah they do actually." (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk has 'no formal authority to make government decisions,' says White House

Israel will begin negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal "this week", Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Tuesday (Feb 18), adding that it will include the exchange of Israeli hostages with Palestinian prisoners.&nbsp;
Israeli foreign minister further said that Israel demanded a complete demilitarisation of the enclave.&nbsp;
The fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been facing some ups and downs as it continues.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arab-summit-on-donald-trumps-gaza-plan-postponed-8729917">Arab summit on Donald Trump's Gaza plan postponed</a>
<h2>'High chance' six hostages will be freed on Saturday</h2>
Senior Hamas official said that there is a "high chance" that the Palestinian militant group will be freeing six living hostages on Saturday.&nbsp;
&ldquo;There are negotiations and it depends on the price Israel will pay,&rdquo; the unnamed official told Ynet News.&nbsp;
&ldquo;The demands at the moment are that Israel agrees to enter talks for the second phase [of the hostage deal] and give guarantees on the humanitarian issues, allowing in mobile homes and heavy [construction] equipment,&rdquo; the official added.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/committed-to-trumps-gaza-plan-for-a-different-gaza-says-israeli-pm-netanyahu-8729775">'Committed' to Trump's plan for 'a different Gaza', says Israeli PM Netanyahu</a>
Notably, Hamas is set to release four bodies on Thursday and three living hostages on Saturday as per the truce agreement.&nbsp;
Following this, a senior Israeli official said that Israel will start allowing mobile homes and heavy construction equipment into Gaza in a controlled manner as it seeks to bring the six living hostages.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is making immense efforts to secure the release of the six living hostages that remain as part of phase one [of the hostage-ceasefire deal], and also four hostages who are not alive,&rdquo; the official said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/there-can-never-be-nuclear-iran-netanyahu-rubio-discuss-hamas-trumps-gaza-plan-and-tehrans-aggression-8726530">&lsquo;There can never be nuclear Iran&rsquo;: Netanyahu, Rubio discuss Hamas, Trump&rsquo;s Gaza plan, and Tehran&rsquo;s &lsquo;aggression&rsquo;</a>
"In accordance with the negotiations and on condition Hamas upholds the agreement, Israel will begin allowing this in a controlled and phased way.&rdquo;
However, an Israeli official denied the reports of machinery entering Gaza as of Tuesday. An Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post that no heavy machinery had entered Gaza as of Tuesday morning after images of such tools entering Gaza circulated online.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-must-compel-israel-to-abide-by-ceasefire-deal-to-secure-hostage-release-says-hamas-8724522">'US must compel Israel to abide by ceasefire deal' to secure hostage release', says Hamas</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: A senior Hamas official said that there is a "high chance" that the Palestinian militant group will be freeing six living hostages on Saturday.

Israel will begin negotiations on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal "this week", Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Tuesday (Feb 18), adding that it will include the exchange of Israeli hostages with Palestinian prisoners. Israeli foreign minister further said that Israel demanded a complete demilitarisation of the enclave. The fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been facing some ups and downs as it continues. Also read: Arab summit on Donald Trump's Gaza plan postponed 'High chance' six hostages will be freed on Saturday Senior Hamas official said that there is a "high chance" that the Palestinian militant group will be freeing six living hostages on Saturday. “There are negotiations and it depends on the price Israel will pay,” the unnamed official told Ynet News. “The demands at the moment are that Israel agrees to enter talks for the second phase [of the hostage deal] and give guarantees on the humanitarian issues, allowing in mobile homes and heavy [construction] equipment,” the official added. Also read: 'Committed' to Trump's plan for 'a different Gaza', says Israeli PM Netanyahu Notably, Hamas is set to release four bodies on Thursday and three living hostages on Saturday as per the truce agreement. Following this, a senior Israeli official said that Israel will start allowing mobile homes and heavy construction equipment into Gaza in a controlled manner as it seeks to bring the six living hostages. “Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is making immense efforts to secure the release of the six living hostages that remain as part of phase one [of the hostage-ceasefire deal], and also four hostages who are not alive,” the official said. Also read: ‘There can never be nuclear Iran’: Netanyahu, Rubio discuss Hamas, Trump’s Gaza plan, and Tehran’s ‘aggression’ "In accordance with the negotiations and on condition Hamas upholds the agreement, Israel will begin allowing this in a controlled and phased way.” However, an Israeli official denied the reports of machinery entering Gaza as of Tuesday. An Israeli official told The Jerusalem Post that no heavy machinery had entered Gaza as of Tuesday morning after images of such tools entering Gaza circulated online. Also read: 'US must compel Israel to abide by ceasefire deal' to secure hostage release', says Hamas (With inputs from agencies)

Israel to begin negotiations on second phase of Gaza ceasefire deal, demands 'complete demilitarisation'

The death toll from powerful winter storms in the central and eastern United States has risen to at least 14, officials said Monday, after floods, gale-force winds, and bitterly cold temperatures swept the region.
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned on Monday of a winter storm system carrying arctic air that would cause "record cold," with wind chill expected to hit as low as -60 degrees Fahrenheit (-51 degrees Celsius) in Montana and North Dakota.
"I've got more tough news. The death toll in Kentucky has now risen to 12," said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear in a social media post on Monday, raising the toll from eight a day earlier.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said on Monday his state had also seen at least one death from the weather.
"We have one confirmed fatality at this time," he told a press briefing, warning that further flooding was expected. "There are still several people who are missing."
In addition, one person died in the southern city of Atlanta, Georgia. The victim was killed when an "extremely large" tree fell on his house early Sunday, fire official Scott Powell told local media.
Most of the dead in Kentucky, Beshear said in an earlier news conference, drowned when trapped in their vehicles by fast-rising floodwaters. The victims included a mother and her child.
The governor urged people to stay off roads across the state, where local and federal authorities have declared a state of emergency.
Beshear said more than 1,000 people had been rescued by first responders within 24 hours.
In its Monday advisory, the NWS warned that the cold weather system would impact a vast area, sending temperatures tumbling in the central plains, the eastern seaboard and as far south as the Gulf coast.&nbsp;
"A bitter cold arctic airmass is expected to continue impacting the north-central US while also spreading further south and east over the next few days," the advisory said.
Power to thousands of homes had been restored by Monday, but more than 50,000 customers remained without electricity in the states of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, according to monitoring website poweroutage.us.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: In addition, one person died in the southern city of Atlanta, Georgia. The victim was killed when an "extremely large" tree fell on his house early Sunday, fire official Scott Powell told local media.

The death toll from powerful winter storms in the central and eastern United States has risen to at least 14, officials said Monday, after floods, gale-force winds, and bitterly cold temperatures swept the region. The National Weather Service (NWS) warned on Monday of a winter storm system carrying arctic air that would cause "record cold," with wind chill expected to hit as low as -60 degrees Fahrenheit (-51 degrees Celsius) in Montana and North Dakota. "I've got more tough news. The death toll in Kentucky has now risen to 12," said Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear in a social media post on Monday, raising the toll from eight a day earlier. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said on Monday his state had also seen at least one death from the weather. "We have one confirmed fatality at this time," he told a press briefing, warning that further flooding was expected. "There are still several people who are missing." In addition, one person died in the southern city of Atlanta, Georgia. The victim was killed when an "extremely large" tree fell on his house early Sunday, fire official Scott Powell told local media. Most of the dead in Kentucky, Beshear said in an earlier news conference, drowned when trapped in their vehicles by fast-rising floodwaters. The victims included a mother and her child. The governor urged people to stay off roads across the state, where local and federal authorities have declared a state of emergency. Beshear said more than 1,000 people had been rescued by first responders within 24 hours. In its Monday advisory, the NWS warned that the cold weather system would impact a vast area, sending temperatures tumbling in the central plains, the eastern seaboard and as far south as the Gulf coast. "A bitter cold arctic airmass is expected to continue impacting the north-central US while also spreading further south and east over the next few days," the advisory said. Power to thousands of homes had been restored by Monday, but more than 50,000 customers remained without electricity in the states of West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, according to monitoring website poweroutage.us. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Death toll from US winter storms grows to 14

The acting commissioner of the US Social Security Administration Michelle King has left her job after clashing with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) over its bid to access sensitive records, The Washington Post reported on Sunday, citing three people familiar the departure.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Musk's efforts on Sunday, saying President Donald Trump had directed him and DOGE to identify fraud at the Social Security Administration.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-thinks-vampires-are-real-as-he-shares-doubtful-data-from-us-social-security-database-8729667">Elon Musk thinks vampires are real as he shares doubtful data from US Social Security database</a>
"They haven't dug into the books yet, but they suspect that there are tens of millions of deceased people who are receiving fraudulent Social Security payments," she told Fox News.
Leavitt said DOGE was aiming to identify duplicate payments and to end them, identify payments going to dead people and to protect the integrity of the system.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.
&nbsp;

World | White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Musk's efforts on Sunday, saying President Donald Trump had directed him and DOGE to identify fraud at the Social Security Administration.

The acting commissioner of the US Social Security Administration Michelle King has left her job after clashing with Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) over its bid to access sensitive records, The Washington Post reported on Sunday, citing three people familiar the departure. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Musk's efforts on Sunday, saying President Donald Trump had directed him and DOGE to identify fraud at the Social Security Administration. Also read | Elon Musk thinks vampires are real as he shares doubtful data from US Social Security database "They haven't dug into the books yet, but they suspect that there are tens of millions of deceased people who are receiving fraudulent Social Security payments," she told Fox News. Leavitt said DOGE was aiming to identify duplicate payments and to end them, identify payments going to dead people and to protect the integrity of the system. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Acting commissioner of US Social Security Administration resigns after Musk’s DOGE seeks data access

Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) left southern Lebanese villages, but some troops still remain in five locations despite the deadline of the order of their removal from the region expiring. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said that the Israeli army will "stay in a buffer zone in Lebanon in five control posts&rdquo; to ensure no ceasefire violation occurs by Hezbollah.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-forms-new-government-pm-nawaf-salam-vows-reform-and-salvation-8703452">Lebanon forms new government, PM Nawaf Salam vows &lsquo;reform and salvation&rsquo;</a>
&ldquo;The Israeli army has withdrawn from all border villages except for five points, while the Lebanese army is gradually deploying due to the presence of explosives in some areas and damage to the roads,&rdquo; a source told the news agency AFP.&nbsp;
<h2>'Everyone knows how an occupation is dealt with'</h2>
As the news came, the Lebanese presidency responded, saying it would consider any remaining troops on its land as occupation. A spokesperson from the presidency even added that Lebanon has the right to use all means to ensure full withdrawal of Israeli troops from the region, as mentioned in the truce deal.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fired-israeli-ex-defence-minister-yoav-gallant-slams-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-claims-hezbollah-could-have-been-wiped-out-in-oct-2023-8698627">Fired Israeli ex-defence minister Gallant slams Netanyahu, claims Hezbollah could have been 'wiped out' in Oct 2023</a>
Naim Qassem, Hezbollah secretary general, said that Israeli military presence on Lebanese soil after February 18 would be considered an Israeli occupation, and &ldquo;everyone knows how an occupation is dealt with."&nbsp;
Israeli troops pulled out from Yaroun, Maroun al-Ras, Blida, Meiss el-Jabal, Hula, Markaba, Odaisseh, Kfar Kila, and Wazzani, as per the reports by the Lebanese national news agency.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-leader-khamenei-appoints-hezbollah-chief-naim-qassem-as-his-lebanon-representative-8693288">Iran's leader Khamenei appoints Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem as his Lebanon representative</a>
<h2>'Troops deployed temporarily'</h2>
The original deadline for the withdrawal of IDF from Lebanon was in late January but was extended on mutual agreement by both nations.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We will leave small amounts of troops deployed temporarily in five strategic points along the border in Lebanon so we can continue to defend our residents and to make sure there&rsquo;s no immediate threat,&rdquo; Lt Col Nadav Shoshani, an IDF spokesperson, told The Guardian, repeating what the defence minister said.&nbsp;
WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hezbollah-supporters-stage-protest-in-beirut-8722289">Hezbollah supporters stage protest in Beirut</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

WORLD | Middle East: Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has left southern Lebanese villages but some troops still remain in five locations despite the deadline of the order of their removal from the region expired.

Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) left southern Lebanese villages, but some troops still remain in five locations despite the deadline of the order of their removal from the region expiring. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said that the Israeli army will "stay in a buffer zone in Lebanon in five control posts” to ensure no ceasefire violation occurs by Hezbollah. Also read: Lebanon forms new government, PM Nawaf Salam vows ‘reform and salvation’ “The Israeli army has withdrawn from all border villages except for five points, while the Lebanese army is gradually deploying due to the presence of explosives in some areas and damage to the roads,” a source told the news agency AFP. 'Everyone knows how an occupation is dealt with' As the news came, the Lebanese presidency responded, saying it would consider any remaining troops on its land as occupation. A spokesperson from the presidency even added that Lebanon has the right to use all means to ensure full withdrawal of Israeli troops from the region, as mentioned in the truce deal. Also read: Fired Israeli ex-defence minister Gallant slams Netanyahu, claims Hezbollah could have been 'wiped out' in Oct 2023 Naim Qassem, Hezbollah secretary general, said that Israeli military presence on Lebanese soil after February 18 would be considered an Israeli occupation, and “everyone knows how an occupation is dealt with." Israeli troops pulled out from Yaroun, Maroun al-Ras, Blida, Meiss el-Jabal, Hula, Markaba, Odaisseh, Kfar Kila, and Wazzani, as per the reports by the Lebanese national news agency. Also read: Iran's leader Khamenei appoints Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem as his Lebanon representative 'Troops deployed temporarily' The original deadline for the withdrawal of IDF from Lebanon was in late January but was extended on mutual agreement by both nations. “We will leave small amounts of troops deployed temporarily in five strategic points along the border in Lebanon so we can continue to defend our residents and to make sure there’s no immediate threat,” Lt Col Nadav Shoshani, an IDF spokesperson, told The Guardian, repeating what the defence minister said. WATCH: Hezbollah supporters stage protest in Beirut (With inputs from agencies)

IDF troops remain in five locations as withdrawal deadline lapses, Lebanon says will consider it 'occupation'

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to talk to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "if necessary", Kremlin said on Tuesday, adding that he again questioned his legitimacy as Ukrainian president.&nbsp;
"Putin himself said that he would be ready to negotiate with Zelensky if necessary, but the legal basis of agreements needs discussion considering the reality that Zelensky's legitimacy can be questioned," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
This comes as top US and Russian officials have gathered to hold meetings in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to discuss the Ukraine war. However, Kyiv is absent from the meeting.&nbsp;
US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation with Putin last week.&nbsp;
However, Zelensky has stressed that Ukraine would not recognise "any agreements about us without us".&nbsp;
<h2>Ukraine has 'right' to join EU, but not NATO&nbsp;</h2>
Kremlin further said that Ukraine had the "sovereign right" to join the European Union, adding that Russia did not intend to dictate how they should approach.&nbsp;
Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "With regard to Ukraine joining the EU, it is the sovereign right of any country."
"But it is completely different when it comes to security issues and military alliances. Here we have a different approach that is well known," Peskov added.&nbsp;
Saudi Arabia becomes a dealmaker as it is hosting breakthrough US-Russia talks with the two sides expected to discuss ways to end the conflict in Ukraine and restore American-Russian relations.&nbsp;
Earlier in the day, Zelensky said Kyiv was not invited to the discussions in Riyadh. He added that Kyiv "did not know anything about" the talks in Riyadh, according to Ukrainian news agencies, and that it "cannot recognise any things or any agreements about us without us".
He said on social media that any peace deal would need to include "robust and reliable" security guarantees, which France and Britain have called for but not all European powers support.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: This comes as top US and Russian officials have gathered to hold meetings in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, to discuss the Ukraine war. However, Kyiv is absent from the meeting.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to talk to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky "if necessary", Kremlin said on Tuesday, adding that he again questioned his legitimacy as Ukrainian president. "Putin himself said that he would be ready to negotiate with Zelensky if necessary, but the legal basis of agreements needs discussion considering the reality that Zelensky's legitimacy can be questioned," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters. This comes as top US and Russian officials have gathered to hold meetings in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to discuss the Ukraine war. However, Kyiv is absent from the meeting. US President Donald Trump held a telephone conversation with Putin last week. However, Zelensky has stressed that Ukraine would not recognise "any agreements about us without us". Ukraine has 'right' to join EU, but not NATO Kremlin further said that Ukraine had the "sovereign right" to join the European Union, adding that Russia did not intend to dictate how they should approach. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, "With regard to Ukraine joining the EU, it is the sovereign right of any country." "But it is completely different when it comes to security issues and military alliances. Here we have a different approach that is well known," Peskov added. Saudi Arabia becomes a dealmaker as it is hosting breakthrough US-Russia talks with the two sides expected to discuss ways to end the conflict in Ukraine and restore American-Russian relations. Earlier in the day, Zelensky said Kyiv was not invited to the discussions in Riyadh. He added that Kyiv "did not know anything about" the talks in Riyadh, according to Ukrainian news agencies, and that it "cannot recognise any things or any agreements about us without us". He said on social media that any peace deal would need to include "robust and reliable" security guarantees, which France and Britain have called for but not all European powers support. (With inputs from agencies)

Putin ready to talk to Zelensky 'if necessary': Kremlin says Kyiv has 'right' to join EU, not NATO

Costa Rica announced Monday its willingness to accept migrants from the US who are nationals of other countries, joining Panama and Guatemala in extending this offer.
The country's presidential office confirmed that a commercial flight from the US is expected to arrive Wednesday, carrying 200 migrants from Central Asia and India.
"The Government of Costa Rica agreed to collaborate with the United States in the repatriation of 200 illegal immigrants to their country," the Costa Rican president's office said in a statement, adding that "these are people originating from... Central Asia and India."
Costa Rica has become the third country in Central America to cooperate to partner with the US on repatriating deported migrants, following President Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20. This collaboration aims to streamline the process of returning migrants to their home countries.
The first batch of deportees is set to arrive in Costa Rica on Wednesday (Feb 19) on board a commercial plane, said a statement.
Upon landing, the deportees will be taken to a Temporary Migrant Care Center near the border with Panama.&nbsp;
The statement highlighted that "the process will be completely financed" by the US government under the supervision of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).&nbsp;
Panama and Guatemala had previously agreed to accept migrants from the US who are nationals of other countries when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited on a recent tour of Latin America.&nbsp;
Last week, Panama received its first repatriation flight carrying 119 migrants, originally from China, Pakistan, Afghanistan and elsewhere, according to Panamanian officials.&nbsp;
So far, no migrants have arrived in Guatemala.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-deportation-deportee-recounts-horror-upon-landing-in-amritsar-our-legs-were-chained-8726055">Also read: US deportation: Deportee recounts horror upon landing in Amritsar; &lsquo;Our legs were chained&rsquo;</a>
<h2>US deportation: Deportee recounts horror upon landing in Amritsar</h2>
A US military aircraft, with 119 Indian immigrants aboard, landed in Amritsar on Saturday night (Feb 15).
One of the deportees claimed that they were handcuffed and their legs were chained during the flight.
"Our legs were chained and hands were also cuffed," Daljit Singh told reporters in Hoshiarpur according to news agency PTI.
A C-17 aircraft landed at Amritsar International Airport around 11:40 pm on Saturday, carrying the second batch of 119 Indian deportees from the US. This deportation is part of the Donald Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigrants, which began earlier this month. The first batch of 104 Indians was deported on February 5.
(With inputs from agencies)

World news: Panama and Guatemala had previously agreed to accept migrants from the US who are nationals of other countries when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited on a recent tour of Latin America.

Costa Rica announced Monday its willingness to accept migrants from the US who are nationals of other countries, joining Panama and Guatemala in extending this offer. The country's presidential office confirmed that a commercial flight from the US is expected to arrive Wednesday, carrying 200 migrants from Central Asia and India. "The Government of Costa Rica agreed to collaborate with the United States in the repatriation of 200 illegal immigrants to their country," the Costa Rican president's office said in a statement, adding that "these are people originating from... Central Asia and India." Costa Rica has become the third country in Central America to cooperate to partner with the US on repatriating deported migrants, following President Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20. This collaboration aims to streamline the process of returning migrants to their home countries. The first batch of deportees is set to arrive in Costa Rica on Wednesday (Feb 19) on board a commercial plane, said a statement. Upon landing, the deportees will be taken to a Temporary Migrant Care Center near the border with Panama. The statement highlighted that "the process will be completely financed" by the US government under the supervision of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Panama and Guatemala had previously agreed to accept migrants from the US who are nationals of other countries when US Secretary of State Marco Rubio visited on a recent tour of Latin America. Last week, Panama received its first repatriation flight carrying 119 migrants, originally from China, Pakistan, Afghanistan and elsewhere, according to Panamanian officials. So far, no migrants have arrived in Guatemala. Also read: US deportation: Deportee recounts horror upon landing in Amritsar; ‘Our legs were chained’ US deportation: Deportee recounts horror upon landing in Amritsar A US military aircraft, with 119 Indian immigrants aboard, landed in Amritsar on Saturday night (Feb 15). One of the deportees claimed that they were handcuffed and their legs were chained during the flight. "Our legs were chained and hands were also cuffed," Daljit Singh told reporters in Hoshiarpur according to news agency PTI. A C-17 aircraft landed at Amritsar International Airport around 11:40 pm on Saturday, carrying the second batch of 119 Indian deportees from the US. This deportation is part of the Donald Trump administration's crackdown on illegal immigrants, which began earlier this month. The first batch of 104 Indians was deported on February 5. (With inputs from agencies)

Costa Rica says will receive Indian, Central Asian migrants deported by US

Faced with myriad problems including gridlocked traffic and a sinking earth surface in its current capital, Iran is considering a drastic solution -- moving it to an altogether different location on the Gulf of Oman.
Though the idea of moving the capital has cropped up on various occasions since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the proposals were repeatedly shelved as unrealistic due to the massive financial and logistical hurdles.
But reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, who took office in July, has recently revived the idea, citing Tehran's growing challenges.
These include traffic snarls, water shortages, resource mismanagement, extreme air pollution, as well as subsidence -- the gradual sinking of land mass due to either natural processes or human activity.
In January, government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said the authorities were studying the possible relocation.
"The Makran region is being seriously considered," she said, without specifying a timeline.
Makran is a largely undeveloped coastal area on the Gulf of Oman, stretching across Iran's southern, impoverished Sistan-Baluchistan province and part of neighbouring Hormozgan province. It has repeatedly been touted as a frontrunner for the move.
"The 'lost paradise' of Makran must be transformed into the future economic hub of Iran and the region," said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a Sunday speech.
In September, Pezeshkian said "we have no choice but to move the economic and political centre of the country to the south and near the sea".
Tehran's problems had "only worsened with the continuation of existing policies".
<h2>'Safe and appropriate' </h2>
The revival of relocation plans has reignited a debate over their necessity, with many highlighting Tehran's historic and strategic significance.
Lawmaker Ali Khazaei said that whatever future city is chosen, it must take into consideration Iran's "rich culture".&nbsp;
Tehran, designated the capital by Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar in 1786, has served as Iran's political, administrative and cultural hub for over two centuries.
Tehran province is currently home to around 18 million people, as well as a floating population of about two million people who commute there during the daytime, according to governor Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian.
The landlocked city sits on a sloping plateau at the foot of the snow-capped Alborz mountain range, blending modern high-rises with historic palaces, bustling bazaars and leafy parks.
Makran is meanwhile known for its fishing villages, sandy beaches and ancient history dating back to the time of Alexander the Great.&nbsp;
Still, many oppose the possible relocation.
"This would be a completely wrong move because Tehran really represents Iran," said 28-year-old engineer Kamyar Babaei, a resident of the capital.
"This city is a symbol of the historic Qajar dynasty... a symbol of modernity, and of urban life," he added.&nbsp;
Similarly, urban planning professor Ali Khaksar Rafsanjani noted Tehran's "strategic location".&nbsp;
The city "is safe and appropriate in emergency and war situations", he told the reformist Etemad newspaper, adding that Makran is on the other hand "very vulnerable" as it sits on the Gulf of Oman.
Former Tehran mayor Pirouz Hanachi says the capital's problems "can be solved" and only required "investment" and taking measures to develop the city.&nbsp;
There was no official estimate for the budget required to tackle Tehran's urban challenges.&nbsp;
But in April 2024, then-interior minister Ahmad Vahidi said relocating the capital could require a budget of "around $100 billion", according to Tehran municipality news website Hamshahri.
<h2>'Economic hub' </h2>
The local ISNA news agency weighed the pros and cons of moving to Makran, saying the region holds "the potential of becoming an important commercial and economic hub".
But it also noted that the relocation would add to Iran's already heavy financial burdens, in part the result of decades of international sanctions.
Etemad also listed among the advantages of moving to Makran "regional development, access to open water, and reduced vulnerability to earthquakes," as opposed to Tehran which is prone to seismic activity. &nbsp;
But it pointed to the heavy costs and disruption of lives, noting that the move would pose massive logistical challenges.
Another outlet, Khabar Online, also pointed to the Makran region's vulnerability to climate change.&nbsp;
"Climate changes and a lack of water resources in the Makran region, combined with rising temperatures and declining rainfall, have created very fragile environmental conditions that limit the potential of extensive development," it reported, quoting ecologist Hossein Moradi.
For Banafsheh Keynoush, a fellow at the International Institute for Iranian Studies, the choice of Makran could reflect broader strategic ambitions.&nbsp;
"By selecting Makran as possibly the next capital, Iran aims to compete with seaports like Dubai and Gwadar" in neighbouring Pakistan, she said in a post on X.
She added that it would provide a boost to the nearby coastal city of Chabahar "despite sanctions" and, crucially, "reassert [Iran's] role in the Persian Gulf waterway".
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Iran considers relocating its capital from Tehran to the Makran region on the Gulf of Oman due to severe urban challenges like traffic congestion and subsidence.

Faced with myriad problems including gridlocked traffic and a sinking earth surface in its current capital, Iran is considering a drastic solution -- moving it to an altogether different location on the Gulf of Oman. Though the idea of moving the capital has cropped up on various occasions since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the proposals were repeatedly shelved as unrealistic due to the massive financial and logistical hurdles. But reformist President Masoud Pezeshkian, who took office in July, has recently revived the idea, citing Tehran's growing challenges. These include traffic snarls, water shortages, resource mismanagement, extreme air pollution, as well as subsidence -- the gradual sinking of land mass due to either natural processes or human activity. In January, government spokeswoman Fatemeh Mohajerani said the authorities were studying the possible relocation. "The Makran region is being seriously considered," she said, without specifying a timeline. Makran is a largely undeveloped coastal area on the Gulf of Oman, stretching across Iran's southern, impoverished Sistan-Baluchistan province and part of neighbouring Hormozgan province. It has repeatedly been touted as a frontrunner for the move. "The 'lost paradise' of Makran must be transformed into the future economic hub of Iran and the region," said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in a Sunday speech. In September, Pezeshkian said "we have no choice but to move the economic and political centre of the country to the south and near the sea". Tehran's problems had "only worsened with the continuation of existing policies". 'Safe and appropriate' The revival of relocation plans has reignited a debate over their necessity, with many highlighting Tehran's historic and strategic significance. Lawmaker Ali Khazaei said that whatever future city is chosen, it must take into consideration Iran's "rich culture". Tehran, designated the capital by Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar in 1786, has served as Iran's political, administrative and cultural hub for over two centuries. Tehran province is currently home to around 18 million people, as well as a floating population of about two million people who commute there during the daytime, according to governor Mohammad Sadegh Motamedian. The landlocked city sits on a sloping plateau at the foot of the snow-capped Alborz mountain range, blending modern high-rises with historic palaces, bustling bazaars and leafy parks. Makran is meanwhile known for its fishing villages, sandy beaches and ancient history dating back to the time of Alexander the Great. Still, many oppose the possible relocation. "This would be a completely wrong move because Tehran really represents Iran," said 28-year-old engineer Kamyar Babaei, a resident of the capital. "This city is a symbol of the historic Qajar dynasty... a symbol of modernity, and of urban life," he added. Similarly, urban planning professor Ali Khaksar Rafsanjani noted Tehran's "strategic location". The city "is safe and appropriate in emergency and war situations", he told the reformist Etemad newspaper, adding that Makran is on the other hand "very vulnerable" as it sits on the Gulf of Oman. Former Tehran mayor Pirouz Hanachi says the capital's problems "can be solved" and only required "investment" and taking measures to develop the city. There was no official estimate for the budget required to tackle Tehran's urban challenges. But in April 2024, then-interior minister Ahmad Vahidi said relocating the capital could require a budget of "around $100 billion", according to Tehran municipality news website Hamshahri. 'Economic hub' The local ISNA news agency weighed the pros and cons of moving to Makran, saying the region holds "the potential of becoming an important commercial and economic hub". But it also noted that the relocation would add to Iran's already heavy financial burdens, in part the result of decades of international sanctions. Etemad also listed among the advantages of moving to Makran "regional development, access to open water, and reduced vulnerability to earthquakes," as opposed to Tehran which is prone to seismic activity. But it pointed to the heavy costs and disruption of lives, noting that the move would pose massive logistical challenges. Another outlet, Khabar Online, also pointed to the Makran region's vulnerability to climate change. "Climate changes and a lack of water resources in the Makran region, combined with rising temperatures and declining rainfall, have created very fragile environmental conditions that limit the potential of extensive development," it reported, quoting ecologist Hossein Moradi. For Banafsheh Keynoush, a fellow at the International Institute for Iranian Studies, the choice of Makran could reflect broader strategic ambitions. "By selecting Makran as possibly the next capital, Iran aims to compete with seaports like Dubai and Gwadar" in neighbouring Pakistan, she said in a post on X. She added that it would provide a boost to the nearby coastal city of Chabahar "despite sanctions" and, crucially, "reassert [Iran's] role in the Persian Gulf waterway". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

world news