Following high-level talks in Saudi Arabia, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that Russia would not accept NATO peacekeeping troops in Ukraine as part of any peace agreement. The US and Russia agreed to establish negotiating teams to pursue an end to the war, marking a first step in what is expected to be a lengthy process. This meeting, the first face-to-face encounter between Russian and American delegations since the invasion, also saw agreements to restore diplomatic relations and increase cooperation. However, Ukraine’s exclusion from the talks prompted criticism and varied responses from European leaders regarding potential troop deployments.
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In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, high-level U.S. and Russian officials met to discuss improving bilateral relations and ending the war in Ukraine. The talks, led by Secretary of State Rubio and Foreign Minister Lavrov, focused on establishing a consultation mechanism and high-level teams to develop a path towards a sustainable peace in Ukraine. Although Ukraine was not initially included, U.S. officials asserted that Ukraine and its European allies would be consulted and involved in future negotiations. The discussions also included explorations of economic cooperation and investment opportunities as part of a potential resolution.
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Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia sought Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s inclusion in US-Russia talks held in Riyadh on February 18th. However, both the US and Russian delegations refused this, preferring a bilateral meeting. Subsequently, Zelenskyy postponed his planned Saudi Arabia visit, citing the exclusion as a surprise. Following the meeting, the US and Russia reported progress on addressing obstacles to bilateral relations and establishing high-level negotiating groups on the Ukraine conflict.
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Steve Bannon, a former Trump strategist, has launched scathing attacks against Elon Musk, calling him a “parasitic illegal immigrant” and accusing him of undermining American traditions. These criticisms highlight a growing rift among Trump loyalists, fueled by Musk’s expanding influence within the Trump administration and his leadership of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Bannon accuses Musk of failing to deliver on promised spending cuts, particularly within the Pentagon, while Musk dismisses Bannon’s criticisms as those of a “great talker, but not a great doer.” Despite his concerns, Bannon acknowledges President Trump’s continued support for Musk.
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Following a US-Russia meeting in Riyadh, Ukraine expressed strong disapproval, with President Zelenskyy rejecting any Russian ultimatums and postponing a planned visit to Saudi Arabia. The talks, occurring amidst a fresh Russian drone attack on Ukraine, prompted accusations that decisions regarding Ukraine were made without its input. Kyiv voiced concerns that the discussions were improperly prepared and amounted to a forum for further Russian demands, fearing a repeat of past agreements violated by Russia. Ukraine emphasized its commitment to regaining all occupied territories and dismissed the possibility of compromise.
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Under the Trump administration, the use of CIA drones for surveillance of Mexican drug cartels is expanding significantly, extending “well into sovereign Mexico.” This escalation follows Trump’s designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, facilitating a more aggressive counter-narcotics strategy. The drones, equipped with advanced sensors and AI, are primarily used to gather intelligence on cartel operations, including fentanyl production, and this information is shared with Mexican authorities. While lethal action is currently prohibited, the increased surveillance aims to disrupt cartel activities and address the flow of fentanyl into the United States.
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A 404 Media report reveals a critical security flaw in DOGE.gov, the official-looking website serving as a platform for Musk’s initiatives. The site’s open architecture allows unauthorized individuals to alter its content, highlighting a severe lack of security protocols. This reckless disregard for security, coupled with the administration’s unserious approach to governance, poses a significant risk, potentially jeopardizing sensitive government data and national security. The incident underscores a pattern of incompetence and a cavalier attitude toward established procedures. This is not a meticulous audit but rather a reckless speedrun approach to governance, with potentially catastrophic consequences.
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Following Donald Trump’s reelection, the Justice Department removed a website page detailing January 6th defendants, a move celebrated by insurrectionists and enabling a revisionist narrative. Trump’s pardons and the purging of officials involved in the investigations are framed as “national reconciliation,” despite the extensive evidence documenting the events. However, the extensive documentation from various sources—including court records, the House January 6th Committee report, and citizen archives—ensures that a complete historical record of the insurrection remains accessible, rendering the attempt at historical erasure ultimately futile. While attempts to suppress the truth continue, the enduring evidence will eventually prevail.
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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s “know your rights” seminar for constituents, targeting her district’s immigrant population amid Trump administration deportation plans, prompted a vehement response from former acting ICE director Tom Homan. Homan, appearing on multiple news outlets, threatened legal action against Ocasio-Cortez, claiming her actions might impede law enforcement and questioning the legality of a congresswoman informing citizens of their rights. He further leveled personal attacks against the congresswoman. While no Justice Department action has yet been reported, the possibility remains given the administration’s track record and the number of Trump appointees in key positions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker