Ukraine’s Defence Ministry has claimed that its forces destroyed Russia’s advanced S-350 air defence system. A video released by Ukraine shows a drone strike hitting Russian military vehicles, followed by explosions and smoke. The footage was shared by the Black Forest Brigade, an elite Ukrainian unit. Russia has not responded to the claim. The S-350 system is a modern missile defence system designed to counter air threats. If confirmed, the loss would be a major setback for Russia. It could also raise concerns for India and China, which have purchased similar Russian defence systems.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that US President Donald Trump is "living in a disinformation space" created by Russia. His statement highlights tensions between the two leaders. Trump recently claimed he was confident about a Ukraine peace deal after talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia. However, Ukraine was not invited. When asked about Ukrainians feeling "betrayed," Trump said Ukraine "could have made a deal" earlier. Russian President Vladimir Putin, meanwhile, stated that "nobody is excluding Ukraine" from the process. The war in Ukraine began three years ago when Russia launched a full-scale invasion after annexing Crimea in 2014.

Brazil's Prosecutor General has charged former President Jair Bolsonaro with leading a coup plot to overturn the government after his 2022 election defeat. The charges, filed on February 19, 2025, accuse Bolsonaro and 33 associates, including military officials, of forming a "criminal organization" aiming to disrupt democratic order and allegedly planning to poison President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Bolsonaro's lawyers deny these allegations, asserting he never intended to dismantle democratic institutions. The Supreme Court will now decide whether to proceed with the case, which could impact Bolsonaro's political future and eligibility for the 2026 presidential race. 

In a significant diplomatic development, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov convened in Riyadh to discuss ending the nearly three-year-long Ukraine conflict. The talks resulted in agreements to restore embassy staffing, establish a high-level team for peace negotiations, and explore economic cooperation. Notably, Ukrainian representatives were absent, leading President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reject any outcomes from discussions lacking Ukraine's involvement. President Donald Trump suggested that Ukraine could have prevented the war through earlier negotiations. Further meetings between U.S. and Russian leaders are anticipated

Kash Patel, President Donald Trump's nominee for FBI Director, has moved closer to confirmation following a 48-45 procedural vote in the U.S. Senate. The vote initiates up to 30 hours of debate before a final decision, expected later this week. If confirmed, Patel would become the first Indian American and the youngest individual to lead the FBI. A former prosecutor and national security aide during Trump's first term, Patel has pledged to address perceived political bias within the FBI and refocus on law enforcement priorities. However, his nomination has faced opposition from Democrats, citing concerns over his impartiality and past controversies. Despite this, Republican support suggests a likely confirmation for Patel's 10-year term.   

In a recent press briefing, President Donald Trump stated that Russia aims to halt the "barbarianism" in the ongoing Ukraine war, as the U.S. and Russia engage in negotiations to resolve the three-year conflict. Talks commenced in Riyadh, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov agreeing to establish high-level teams to expedite peace efforts. Notably, Ukraine was excluded from these discussions, leading President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to reject any outcomes from talks lacking Ukrainian representation. Trump criticized Ukraine for initiating the war, suggesting a deal could have been reached earlier. 

Passengers on a Delta Airlines flight described their terrifying escape after the plane flipped over while landing at Toronto Pearson Airport. "All of a sudden, everything went sideways, and then I was upside down, still strapped in," passenger Peter Carlson recalled. Fuel streamed down the windows as passengers rushed to unbuckle and evacuate. "I knew I needed to get out quick in case a fire started," Carlson added. Despite the chaos, flight attendants ensured an orderly evacuation. All 80 onboard survived, with 19 briefly hospitalised. Investigators are probing the cause, which may involve high winds and snowy conditions.

Russia will not accept NATO troops in Ukraine under any peace deal, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said after talks with the US in Saudi Arabia. The meeting marked the first face-to-face discussions between US and Russian officials since the invasion. Both sides agreed to appoint teams for further negotiations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it a "first step" in ending the war. Ukraine was not invited, and President Zelensky criticised decisions made without his country. Lavrov also announced plans to restore diplomatic ties. The European Union was not part of the talks but may join later.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has postponed his February 19 trip to Saudi Arabia until March 10 following US-Russia talks on Ukraine. He criticized the discussions in Saudi Arabia, stating, “Talks about Ukraine without Ukraine are unacceptable.” Zelensky, speaking in Turkey alongside President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, called for European nations, including the UK and Turkey, to be involved in security negotiations. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said President Donald Trump wants a swift resolution. The Kremlin stated President Vladimir Putin is open to talks, but Ukraine remains firm on rejecting deals negotiated without its participation.

The US and Russia have started talks to end the Ukraine war, calling it a "first step in a long and difficult journey." The meeting took place in Saudi Arabia, with officials from both sides agreeing to appoint teams for further negotiations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said they reached three agreements, including reinstating ambassadors. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio did not respond when asked if Ukraine was being sidelined. The Kremlin stated that President Putin is open to talks with Zelensky, but Zelensky has refused to accept any peace deal negotiated without Ukraine’s involvement.