Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that defeating Russia in Ukraine is “impossible by definition,” but emphasised that he does not intend to escalate the conflict to neighbouring countries such as Poland and Latvia. In an interview with former Fox News host Tucker Carlson released on Thursday, Putin rejected any territorial aims in Europe and stressed that he would only send troops into neighbouring nations if attacked first. “It is absolutely out of the question,” the Russian leader clarified.
Ukraine and Russia said on Thursday that they exchanged 100 prisoners of war (POWs) each in the latest exchange since Moscow accused Kyiv of downing a plane carrying Ukrainian POWs. “Another 100 Ukrainians are at home in Ukraine,” Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wrote on social media. “All of them are ours, all of them are back on their native land,” he added. “On February 8, as a result of negotiations, 100 Russian servicemen who were in mortal danger in captivity were returned from territory controlled by the Kyiv regime,” the Russian Defence Ministry said.
Jordanian King Abdullah II is expected to meet with US President Joe Biden at the White House next week to discuss the Gaza War and escalating regional tensions, White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement. The leaders are expected to discuss American efforts to help the Palestinian people, including “enhanced humanitarian assistance into Gaza and a vision for a durable peace to include a two-state solution with Israel’s security guaranteed,” she added. The King will be the first Arab head of state to visit the White House since Hamas’ 7 October attack on Israel.
During a phone call with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that the two countries “should intensify strategic coordination, safeguard their respective national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and resolutely oppose interference in internal affairs by external forces.” Meanwhile, Putin said that Russia “firmly adheres to the one-China principle and opposes any dangerous behaviour that provokes China on the Taiwan issue.” He added that “any attempt to hinder China’s peaceful reunification will not succeed.”
The 7th Indian Ocean Conference, themed “Towards a Stable and Sustainable Indian Ocean,” is being held in Perth, Australia, from 9-10 February. Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will join Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe and his Australian counterpart Penny Wong in addressing the inaugural session. The conference will witness participation from over 22 countries and 6 multilateral organisations.
Amid heightened tensions in the Middle East, Chinese arms contractors prominently featured drones to attract buyers at the World Defence Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The exhibition, held from 4-8 February, included participation from 36 Chinese arms companies, which showcased more than 30 types of unmanned aerial vehicles.