Former President Donald Trump sent his close friend and real estate mogul Steve Witkoff to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin for negotiations on the Russia-Ukraine war. Witkoff, a political outsider turned Middle East envoy, previously played a role in US-Russia prisoner swaps and Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks. His latest diplomatic mission, which excludes Ukraine and European allies, has raised concerns about a shifting global order. Witkoff, a longtime Trump ally, is now heading to Saudi Arabia for direct US-Russia talks, following a Trump-Putin call. His growing influence underscores Trump's unconventional foreign policy approach and its geopolitical implications.

Saudi Arabia is hosting key Trump administration talks on Ukraine, highlighting its rising global influence. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit signals renewed warmth between Washington and Riyadh, reversing tensions from the Khashoggi fallout. The Kingdom has strategically deepened ties with Russia and China while maintaining US relations. Trump seeks a Saudi-Israel peace deal but faces resistance over Gaza. Riyadh rejected Trump’s proposal to remove Palestinians, instead advocating a two-state solution. Saudi Arabia’s growing diplomatic role underscores its ambition to shape global affairs.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has expressed support for President Trump’s controversial Gaza plan, which involves relocating Palestinians from Gaza to reshape the region under U.S. control. Despite widespread criticism, Netanyahu views the proposal as the only solution for the future. Meanwhile, Israel received a shipment of heavy MK-84 bombs from the U.S., which were initially blocked by President Biden. The arms deal underscores Trump's "peace through strength" philosophy. As ceasefire talks continue, Israel’s security cabinet is preparing for the next phase, which involves further negotiations on hostages and a potential lasting truce.

Egypt, in collaboration with the World Bank, is developing a reconstruction plan for Gaza that excludes Hamas from governance. The initiative aims to establish a social or community support committee to oversee the process, with Arab nations like the UAE and Qatar prepared to fund the reconstruction, provided Gaza residents can remain in the region. The planned reconstruction is expected to take 3-5 years. However, security guarantees for Israel remain unresolved, as no Arab country is willing to deploy troops without Israel outlining a clear path to a Palestinian state.

Russia has dismissed Europe’s role in Ukraine peace talks as European leaders gather in Paris for an emergency summit. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Europe wants the war to continue and should not be part of negotiations. He is set to meet US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Saudi Arabia to discuss Ukraine. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is also in Saudi Arabia but says he is not involved in the US-Russia talks. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Britain is ready to send peacekeeping troops to Ukraine when the war ends.

Former President Donald Trump has indicated a potential meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in the near future, as discussions between US and Russian officials are set to take place in Saudi Arabia. Despite growing concerns from Ukraine and Europe about concessions on Ukrainian territory, Trump expressed confidence that Putin wants peace. Meanwhile, European leaders warn against appeasement, comparing the situation to pre-World War II negotiations. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is ready to send British troops to maintain peace if a resolution is reached.

Taiwan has detected 24 Chinese military aircraft near the island as a Canadian warship transited the Taiwan Strait. The Chinese aircraft, including drones and fighter jets, were conducting "joint combat readiness patrols" around Taiwan. China's military radioed the Canadian frigate, warning it to change course. The transit occurred after two US vessels also passed through the strait, further escalating tensions. The US and its allies assert the strait is an international waterway, with China criticizing these maneuvers as heightening security risks. Taiwan remains firm on rejecting Beijing's claims and emphasizes that only its people can determine their future.

Russian drone attacks have hit a thermal power plant in Mykolaiv, Ukraine, leaving over 100,000 residents without heating amid freezing temperatures. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy condemned the assault as a war tactic targeting civilians. Despite Ukraine's defense forces downing the majority of incoming drones, the damage has left many vulnerable. Zelenskyy also pushed for stronger air defense systems and unity in European support. Meanwhile, high-level peace talks are expected soon between Russian and U.S. officials, with Europe expressing concern about being sidelined.

Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has requested access to sensitive IRS taxpayer data, including Social Security numbers and bank account information. This move has raised significant concerns among state attorneys general, who argue that such access poses cybersecurity risks and violates federal laws. In response, a federal judge has temporarily blocked DOGE from accessing these records while considering a preliminary injunction. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing legal challenges and debates over the balance between government efficiency and data privacy.

Singapore’s opposition leader, Pritam Singh, has been convicted of lying under oath to a parliamentary committee, related to his handling of former lawmaker Raeesah Khan, who had lied to Parliament in a separate case. The trial comes as Singapore prepares for its next general election. Singh's Workers' Party holds nine out of 87 parliamentary seats. District Judge Luke Tan found evidence showing Singh’s direct involvement in guiding Khan to continue her false narrative. Prosecutors are seeking a fine of S$7,000 for each of Singh's two charges. Singh maintains his innocence.