Officials from the United States and Russia will soon meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, according to Reuters. However, Ukraine has not been invited to the talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Kyiv will not engage in talks with Russia without consulting its strategic partners first. The U.S. delegation will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Walz, and White House Middle East Representative Steve Witkoff. The objective of the discussions, as per McColl, is to arrange a meeting between Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Zelensky to establish peace and bring an end to the conflict.

On February 15, during the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the creation of a unified European military force. He emphasized that Europe must become self-reliant in the face of ongoing threats from Russia and the uncertainties posed by the United States. Zelensky insisted that Europe’s future should depend on Europeans themselves and that decisions affecting Europe should be made within Europe. He stated, “Ukraine will never accept any agreements made behind our backs without our involvement.” Zelensky also confirmed that Ukraine would not accept any ceasefire without real security guarantees and emphasized that NATO membership remains a possibility for Ukraine.

Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the streets of London to protest against former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to take control of Gaza. According to Al Jazeera, the rally marched toward the U.S. Embassy in Nine Elms, London. Protesters held placards reading, “Hands off Gaza!” and banners stating, “Stand Against Trump—Canada is Not Your 51st State!” Among the demonstrators was 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos, who condemned Trump’s announcement as “illegal, unrealistic, and irrational.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has admitted that Ukraine's survival would be difficult without continued US support. In an interview with 'Meet the Press,' he stated, "It would be very, very, very difficult." Former US President Donald Trump previously discussed ceasefire negotiations with both Vladimir Putin and Zelensky. Trump also commented that Ukraine’s NATO membership is unrealistic and expressed doubts about Kyiv regaining all its lost territories. Zelensky, however, accused Russia of seeking a ceasefire merely to regroup and prepare for further aggression, asserting that Ukraine must reclaim all its occupied land and receive NATO-like security assurances.

The possibility of the Russia-Ukraine war escalating into a nuclear conflict has gained some credibility after a devastating drone attack struck Ukraine’s Chernobyl nuclear reactor. The attack damaged sections of the reactor’s protective walls, according to the United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The incident also caused a fire within the reactor. The IAEA described this as the most severe accident in Chernobyl’s history since the 1986 disaster. Ukraine has blamed Russia for the attack, but Moscow has denied any involvement.

US President Donald Trump has agreed to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the near future. Starmer is expected to visit the United States within the next few weeks. The UK Prime Minister’s office confirmed that Starmer had discussed his upcoming US trip with Trump over the phone. Trump said that Starmer had requested another in-person meeting. The meeting is being described as a friendly discussion, signaling strong relations between the two countries, according to Reuters.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky claimed on Friday that a Russian drone struck the protective structure of the destroyed fourth unit at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, causing significant damage. However, the Kremlin dismissed the allegation, calling it provocation. Russian officials stated that their military had not carried out any such attack and accused the Kyiv government of making frequent baseless accusations. The claim comes at a sensitive time, as discussions on ending the war continue and the Munich Security Conference is underway.

Following a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump announced on his Truth Social platform that the two leaders agreed to initiate discussions on a ceasefire in Ukraine. "It's time to end this ridiculous war," Trump posted. BBC reports that both sides have committed to negotiations, though specific terms remain undisclosed.

A heated debate has emerged over bilingual signage at London’s Whitechapel Metro Station after British MP Rupert Lowe demanded that station names be written only in English. He shared a photo of the Bengali-English sign, stating, “This is London—signs should be in English, only in English!” His statement quickly went viral, drawing strong reactions on social media. Tech billionaire Elon Musk also supported Lowe’s stance with a brief comment. The debate continues as opinions remain divided on linguistic inclusivity in public spaces.

Russia has claimed that Ukraine lost 235 soldiers in a single day during clashes with Russian forces. In a statement on Sunday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that over 140 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in the Battle Group East region, along with a tank and an armored combat aircraft. The ministry further stated that three Ukrainian mechanized, tank, and defense brigades suffered significant losses on other frontlines. Additionally, 95 Ukrainian soldiers and military equipment were lost in another region.

UK Junior Health Minister Andrew Gwynne has been dismissed after sending offensive and inappropriate messages on WhatsApp. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the decision on Saturday (Feb 8) following a report by The Mail, which exposed Gwynne’s remarks in a WhatsApp group. He allegedly made racist and sexually suggestive comments, including wishing for an elderly voter’s death before the next election. Gwynne also faced accusations of antisemitism and insulting Deputy PM Angela Rayner. He later apologized on social media platform X.

UK Economic Secretary Tulip Siddiq has resigned following allegations of financial misconduct, including receiving gifts from individuals linked to former Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina. Despite an independent ethics review clearing her of rule violations, Siddiq stepped down citing the controversy’s impact on government focus. Reports link her to Bangladesh’s embezzlement cases and earlier controversies. Opposition demands and media scrutiny added pressure. Siddiq’s resignation paves the way for Emma Reynolds to succeed her as Pensions Minister.