Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev claims that Russia, the US, and Ukraine are close to reaching a diplomatic deal to end the war, despite ongoing sanctions and diplomatic setbacks. He expressed optimism about future talks, including potential meetings between Putin and Trump, while emphasizing the importance of respecting Russia's interests. The situation remains complex with ongoing negotiations and international sanctions.
Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev suggests that the US, Russia, and Ukraine are close to a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine war, emphasizing ongoing dialogue despite disagreements over key issues and recent sanctions, with hopes for a future summit between Trump and Putin.
Oil prices started the week lower as Israel's pause in bombing southern Gaza reduced supply disruption risk, while a statement from the Iranian foreign minister hinted at a potential diplomatic solution. Additionally, Plains All American Pipeline projected record oil production from the Permian, and Goldman Sachs forecasted increased electric vehicle expansion in China, dampening oil demand. The Fed's indication of no immediate rate cuts also contributed to keeping oil prices range-bound, while Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea continued to impact oil traffic, rerouting it from the Middle East to Africa and potentially boosting demand.
Oil prices fell after a recent increase as Iran's foreign minister suggested progress in resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict, leading to muted trading with many Asian markets closed for Lunar New Year holidays. Brent dropped below $82 a barrel after a 6.3% gain last week, while West Texas Intermediate traded near $76.
Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken congratulated DRC President Félix Tshisekedi on his re-election and urged him to address concerns raised by election observation missions to promote confidence in the democratic process. They also discussed the ongoing crisis in eastern DRC and explored diplomatic solutions.
Israel is reportedly close to achieving a "diplomatic solution" to move Hezbollah away from its northern border with Lebanon. Discussions with European partners have included the potential strengthening of the United Nations Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in the country's south. Israeli Minister Benny Gantz has held conversations on the subject with the foreign ministers of the United Kingdom and France.
An American woman living in Israel recounts the moment her five family members were taken hostage by Hamas during the recent attacks. The family members lived in Nir Oz, a kibbutz in southern Israel that was attacked by rocket fire and land incursions. The woman received messages throughout the morning about the situation but eventually lost contact with her family. It wasn't until the next day that they discovered their relatives had been taken captive and were being held hostage in Gaza. The woman hopes for a diplomatic solution to bring the hostages home and expresses concern for the destruction of the kibbutz.
Mali's Foreign Minister, Abdoulaye Diop, has warned that Mali will not stand idly by if foreign powers, particularly the West African regional bloc ECOWAS, intervene in neighboring Niger. ECOWAS has threatened military intervention in Niger after the coup that overthrew democratically elected President Mohamed Bazoum. Mali opposes any military intervention and considers it a direct threat to its own peace and security, as well as the region's. Diop also criticized France for its "neo-colonial domination" and praised Russia's growing influence in the Sahel region.
Ambassador Kathleen FitzGibbon has arrived in Niger to lead the U.S. diplomatic mission and address the ongoing political crisis. As a seasoned diplomat with expertise in West Africa, she will advocate for a diplomatic solution to preserve constitutional order and secure the release of President Bazoum and others unlawfully detained. The U.S. remains committed to working with African partners to promote security, stability, democratic governance, and the rule of law in the Sahel region.
Ukraine's long-awaited counteroffensive against Russia has yet to yield significant results, raising questions about its effectiveness and speed. Despite recent military thrusts towards the south, the tide of war remains unchanged. Former US ambassador to Ukraine, Marie Yovanovitch, discusses the state of the counteroffensive and the possibility of a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. The failed coup orchestrated by Yevgeny Prigozhin is also examined, with Yovanovitch suggesting that the story is far from over.
