Russia claims Ukraine is avoiding peace talks as Ukrainian President Zelenskyy prepares to meet with former US President Trump, amid ongoing tensions and diplomatic efforts.
The French presidency welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin's willingness to engage in dialogue with French President Emmanuel Macron regarding the Ukraine conflict, with conditions for talks to be determined soon.
Disney is currently engaged in discussions to potentially reinstate Jimmy Kimmel after suspending his show due to controversial remarks, amid internal dissent and external backlash from political and audience groups.
Israel is advancing plans to capture Gaza City with ongoing preparations and evacuation plans, while hostage families postpone protests to avoid disrupting negotiations. Talks between Israel and Syria aim to de-escalate regional tensions, and the US discusses a Gaza ceasefire proposal accepted by Hamas. Additionally, Israel's government approves a significant defense budget increase amid ongoing conflicts and security operations.
Russia's foreign minister suggests a gradual approach to potential talks with Zelenskyy, while Putin offers a venue for discussions amid escalating tensions involving the US and Europe. Meanwhile, Trump maintains communication with Putin, and Zelenskyy emphasizes the importance of security guarantees without sacrificing uncaptured land.
The article discusses how recent talks involving Ukraine have highlighted Donald Trump's poor attention to detail, revealing issues in his approach to diplomacy and international relations.
The EU and US are engaged in discussions ahead of a significant meeting between Donald Trump and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, highlighting ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has called for a leadership-level meeting with Russia next week to advance ceasefire negotiations, emphasizing the need to improve negotiation dynamics and address key issues like prisoner exchanges and the return of children. Russia has reportedly received Ukraine's proposal for talks, following a brief and unsuccessful ceasefire negotiation in Istanbul. The call for talks coincides with US President Trump's warning of tariffs on Russia if a ceasefire isn't achieved within 50 days, though analysts doubt this will influence Russia's military actions.
Ukraine and Russia are holding a second round of direct negotiations in Istanbul following Ukraine's significant drone attack on Russian military bases, with Turkey hosting and the US potentially involved in facilitating the talks.
Syria and Israel have engaged in direct face-to-face talks aimed at reducing tensions and preventing conflict along their border, marking a significant shift in their long-standing adversarial relationship, with recent developments including back-channel negotiations and regional diplomatic efforts.
Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with former Taiwan president Ma Ying-jeou in China, marking a rare high-level meeting between the two sides. The meeting comes amid heightened tensions between China and Taiwan, with Beijing seeking to assert its claim over the self-governing island.
Iraq and the United States are in discussions to establish a timetable for the gradual withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from Iraq, with talks initiated in January. However, less than 24 hours after the talks began, three US service members were killed in an attack in Jordan, which the United States attributed to Iran-backed militant groups in Syria and Iraq.
The US and Iraq are set to resume discussions on the future of the US military presence in Iraq in the coming weeks, with the US currently having about 2,500 troops in the country for the Defeat ISIS mission. The talks were planned before recent conflicts and attacks on US forces in Iraq, and could lead to a different outcome than expected. The US has not received any requests to end its presence in the region, despite calls from the Iraqi Prime Minister, and the upcoming talks will involve defense and military officials from both countries.
Tensions have arisen within Hamas as Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, vehemently opposes talks between the terrorist organization's leaders and officials from the Palestinian Authority. The dispute centers around differing views on the future and the ongoing battle against Israel.