Russian forces reclaimed over 800 sq km in Ukraine’s Kursk region, while Moscow launched an overnight drone attack, with 80 drones shot down and 78 lost. Russia also struck Ukraine’s energy infrastructure in Odesa for a second time, leaving parts without power.Russia's central bank denied involvement in US sanction discussions. The Kremlin criticized UK peacekeeping plans, labeling them a threat. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned Ukrainian President Zelenskyy's remarks about President Trump and urged Ukraine to reconsider its stance on rare earth mineral deals with the US.    

  On February 20, 2025, the U.S. Senate narrowly confirmed Kash Patel as the ninth Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with a 51-49 vote. Patel, a long-time ally of President Donald Trump, is expected to implement significant reforms within the FBI, aiming to reduce political biases and restore public trust. During his confirmation hearing, Patel addressed concerns about his previous statements on the January 6 Capitol riot, emphasizing his commitment to reforming the bureau rather than dismantling it. His appointment has sparked debate, with critics questioning his qualifications and potential political motivations.  

US President Donald Trump asserted that the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, and the UAE—"broke up" after he threatened to impose 150% tariffs on their goods. Trump claimed that the BRICS countries sought to undermine the US dollar by creating a new currency, prompting him to warn of severe tariffs. He emphasized that he hasn't heard from the BRICS bloc since issuing this threat in February 2023. Trump's earlier warnings in January also included imposing tariffs if BRICS attempted to replace the dollar.  

  On February 21, 2025, multiple bus explosions rocked Central Israel, prompting authorities to label the incidents as a suspected terror attack. No casualties were reported, but additional explosives were found on two other buses, heightening concerns. Police discovered five similar bombs, all featuring timing devices. Following the explosions in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv, authorities conducted thorough searches for further threats. Prime Minister Netanyahu scheduled a security meeting, coinciding with the return of hostages' bodies by Hamas. Investigations are underway to determine whether a single or multiple perpetrators were involved in the attacks.  

Archaeologists have discovered the tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II in Egypt, marking the first royal tomb found since Tutankhamun’s in 1922. A British-Egyptian team uncovered it in the Western Valleys of the Theban Necropolis near Luxor. The tomb, buried under flood debris, featured a blue ceiling with yellow stars—an indicator of a pharaoh’s burial. Though emptied in ancient times, alabaster fragments confirmed Thutmose II’s identity. Egypt’s Antiquities Minister Sherif Fathy called it an “extraordinary moment for Egyptology.” Researchers now aim to locate a second tomb, potentially intact with treasures. The discovery resolves a mystery about early 18th Dynasty burials.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged US pragmatism after Donald Trump called him a "dictator without elections." Trump is pushing for a quick deal with Russia, excluding Ukraine and European allies from initial talks. Zelensky, addressing Ukrainians, emphasized unity and collaboration with the US and Europe for security. European leaders pledged increased defense spending, while some consider a US-backed peacekeeping force. Trump’s remarks triggered Ukrainian opposition reactions, with ex-PM Yulia Tymoshenko defending Zelensky’s legitimacy. Ukrainian officials insist a ceasefire would enable further Russian aggression, despite intelligence suggesting one may occur this year. Kyiv seeks continued US support.

Hamas has returned the bodies of four Israeli hostages as part of the Gaza ceasefire deal. Israeli President Isaac Herzog said, “The hearts of an entire nation lie in tatters.” Among the dead are Shiri Bibas and her two young sons. Hamas claims they died in an Israeli strike, but Israel has not confirmed this. The fourth body is 84-year-old peace activist Oded Lifschitz. “We will not confirm anything before forensic testing,” Israeli officials stated. The Red Cross transported the bodies, surrounded by grieving crowds. This is the first time Hamas has handed over dead hostages since the war began.

Former US President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him a "dictator" after Zelensky criticized US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia. Trump accused Zelensky of playing President Biden and criticized his decision to suspend Ukrainian elections amid the ongoing war. European leaders, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, condemned Trump's remarks, affirming Zelensky's legitimacy. Zelensky responded, accusing Trump of living in a "disinformation space" and rejecting his attempts to access Ukraine's resources. Meanwhile, the EU imposed new sanctions on Russia.

British and European forces could soon be deployed to Ukraine to secure peace in the aftermath of a ceasefire with Russia. The force, expected to number under 30,000 troops, would focus on key areas such as cities, ports, and nuclear power plants, providing reassurance to the Ukrainian public and facilitating the return of displaced citizens. Additionally, air policing and warships for maritime security are being considered. This deployment would depend on US backing, with the goal of deterring any further Russian aggression, though Russia strongly opposes such a force.    

As the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues, Hamas will return the bodies of four Israeli captives, including members of the Bibas family, in Gaza’s Khan Younis. Meanwhile, Gaza authorities claim Israel is blocking essential humanitarian aid, including mobile homes and bulldozers. The Gaza Health Ministry reports nearly 50,000 Palestinian deaths from the ongoing conflict, with many more presumed dead. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called for the end of Israel's occupation in southern Lebanon. The death toll in Israel stands at over 1,100 due to the October 7 Hamas-led attacks.