Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Russia to abandon "unnecessary" demands ahead of US-mediated peace talks in Saudi Arabia on Monday. Russian President Vladimir Putin insists on halting Western military aid to Ukraine, while Zelensky warned that dropping NATO membership for Ukraine would be a "big gift to Russia." He also dismissed claims that Ukraine discussed ceding nuclear plants to the US. Meanwhile, UK PM Keir Starmer proposed a "coalition of the willing" to enforce peace. Despite ongoing negotiations, Russian and Ukrainian strikes continue, with casualties reported on both sides. Zelensky called for urgent EU military aid.

US President Donald Trump "fully supports" Israel's latest military operations in Gaza, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said. She blamed Hamas for the conflict, stating that Trump warned of consequences if hostages were not released. Gaza’s civil defence agency reported 504 deaths, including over 190 children, following renewed Israeli air and ground strikes. Hamas launched rockets at Tel Aviv in retaliation. Israel expanded ground operations and closed Gaza’s main north-south route. The ceasefire that began on January 19 has collapsed, escalating tensions further. Trump maintains that Hamas bears full responsibility for the ongoing hostilities.

Israeli airstrikes on Gaza killed at least 85 Palestinians overnight, the Hamas-run health ministry said. Over 500 have died in two days as Israel resumed attacks following failed ceasefire talks. Hamas fired three rockets at Tel Aviv, with one intercepted. The Israeli military launched a ground operation in northern Gaza, aiming to establish a buffer zone. Gaza's health ministry reports 591 deaths since Tuesday. Meanwhile, thousands protested in Israel demanding hostage releases. UN officials condemned the rising toll, with five Unrwa staff killed. The US reaffirmed support for Israel, as Yemen's Houthis launched a missile toward Ben Gurion Airport.

Taiwan has warned that China could launch a full-scale invasion by 2027. The defence ministry shared this timeline during its annual military drills. Officials say the date aligns with China's military goals set by President Xi Jinping. Taiwan is increasing its defence exercises, doubling the length of its major war games. Recent Chinese military activity near Taiwan has also raised concerns. China sent dozens of warplanes and ships near the island, calling it a "punishment" for Taiwan’s pro-independence stance. Taiwan’s president has announced new security measures, while China has accused him of creating tensions.

Donald Trump is set to sign an executive order to shut down the U.S. Department of Education. He says this will give states more control over schools. However, he cannot close the department without Congress. The order asks Education Secretary Linda McMahon to start the process while keeping funding for students with disabilities and low-income schools unchanged. Critics say this will hurt millions of children. The NAACP called it a "dark day." Democratic state attorneys general plan to challenge the order in court. Trump says the move will cut regulations and improve education by focusing on students, not politics.

Ukraine attacked Russia’s Engels airbase with drones, causing a large explosion and fire. The base, located 700 km from the war front, houses Russia’s Tu-160 nuclear-capable bombers. Videos show smoke rising and nearby houses damaged. Russia claims its air defences shot down 132 drones. Local authorities declared an emergency and evacuated residents. Ukraine has attacked this base before, including a strike on an oil depot in January. Meanwhile, Ukraine also targeted an oil refinery in Russia’s Samara region. Russia says its air defences destroyed nine drones overnight in different regions, including over the Black Sea.

Israel has intensified airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in over 500 Palestinian deaths, including 200 children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The escalation follows the collapse of ceasefire talks, with Israeli forces advancing into the Netzarim Corridor to pressure Hamas for hostage releases. In retaliation, Hamas fired rockets towards Tel Aviv, though no significant damage was reported. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to expand military operations, raising fears of a broader conflict. International reactions remain divided, with some nations condemning the violence while others back Israel’s actions. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate rapidly.

In a major escalation, Ukraine launched a drone strike on Russia’s Engels-2 airbase in Saratov Oblast, home to Tu-95 and Tu-160 nuclear-capable bombers. The attack, occurring 700 km from the frontlines, resulted in large explosions and fires, with videos showing smoke rising from damaged facilities. Russian officials claimed to have intercepted 132 drones, but reports suggest significant damage. Local authorities declared a state of emergency, shutting down schools and evacuating residents. This deep-strike operation marks one of Ukraine’s boldest attacks on Russian soil, highlighting Kyiv’s expanding military capabilities and the intensifying conflict.  

Israeli airstrikes killed 85 people in Gaza on Thursday. The total death toll has now risen to 592 since Israel broke the ceasefire on Tuesday. Hamas fired rockets at Israel, but no casualties were reported. Israel has restored its blockade on northern Gaza and warned residents not to use the main highway. A new ground operation has begun in the north, near Beit Lahiya. The conflict started on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing nearly 1,200 people. Israel says Hamas rejected a new peace proposal, leading to the renewed violence.

At least 30 Maoists were killed in two encounters with security forces in Chhattisgarh. In Bijapur, 26 Maoists were gunned down, while 4 were killed in Kanker. One DRG jawan also lost his life in the operation. A joint BSF-DRG team launched the mission near the Bijapur-Dantewada border, recovering weapons and ammunition. Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the operation, stating the government remains committed to a "Naxal-free India" by March 2026. More than 81 Maoists have been killed in the state this year. Search operations continue in the area.