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.

The Vatican has cancelled Pope Francis’ weekend engagements as he recovers from a lung infection. The 88-year-old has been in Rome’s Gemelli hospital since Friday for bronchitis treatment. Doctors say he has a “complex” respiratory infection and needs new medication. Despite his illness, the Pope read and worked on Monday. The Vatican says he is in stable condition with no fever. Pilgrims and priests have sent prayers for his recovery. Pope Francis has faced several health issues in recent years. The Vatican has not confirmed when he will leave the hospital.

A Delta Air Lines flight from Minneapolis crash-landed and flipped upside down at Toronto Pearson Airport, with all 80 onboard surviving. The CRJ900 aircraft skidded along the runway with visible flames before coming to a halt. Passengers described dropping onto the ceiling before escaping onto the snow-covered tarmac. Eighteen people sustained injuries, including a child, but none were fatal. Emergency response was praised as "textbook." Investigators are probing the cause, as conflicting reports emerged about wind conditions. The airport briefly closed, leading to delays. This marks the fourth major aviation incident in North America in a month.

European officials strongly reaffirmed their dedication to Ukraine's sovereignty, as US and Russian representatives engaged in talks aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. The discussions, which excluded Ukraine, have raised concerns about potential outcomes that may overlook Kyiv's interests. Despite these concerns, Ukraine remains firm that no peace agreement will be accepted without its involvement.

Germany is witnessing a growing shift toward far-right politics, raising alarm across the nation. The Alternative for Germany (AfD) party has gained significant traction, capitalizing on economic struggles, immigration concerns, and dissatisfaction with mainstream parties. With upcoming regional elections, fears of far-right influence in governance are escalating. Protests and counter-movements have intensified, as many Germans resist this political shift. The government is under pressure to address economic instability and social division to curb extremist appeal. Analysts warn that if mainstream parties fail to connect with voters, Germany could see a significant transformation in its political landscape.