ISTANBUL (AA) – Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025 (coverage may change depending on developing/ breaking stories):
US, Russian foreign ministers meet in Riyadh for Ukraine peace talks
Meeting between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov in the Saudi capital Riyadh on potential peace talks regarding Ukraine.
The meeting will also include US officials, including National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Special Presidential Envoy for the Middle East Steve Vitkov, alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Foreign Policy Advisor Yuri Ushakov.
The meeting is a precursor to an upcoming summit in Saudi Arabia between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced he would not participate in the talks scheduled for Tuesday in Saudi Arabia between Russia and the US, reaffirming that Kyiv would not accept any outcomes from these discussions.
Gaza ceasefire, hostage swap deal
Developments in phase one of Gaza ceasefire agreement.
The phase, which includes a hostage-prisoner exchange, started on Jan. 19 and is set to last for 42 days.
Nineteen Israeli captives and five Thai workers have been released in exchange for 1,135 Palestinian prisoners under the first phase.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that he will not allow Hamas or the Palestinian Authority to take control of the Gaza Strip following the war.
Netanyahu has instructed the negotiating team to travel to Cairo on Monday to discuss the completion of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, his office said.
Humanitarian, security situation in Gaza amid ceasefire
The humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza Strip as Israel violates the ceasefire.
On Monday, Palestinian medics and rescue teams retrieved nine more bodies from rubble and four Palestinians killed by Israeli army fire in the last 24 hours in the Gaza Strip, pushing the overall death toll from Israel’s genocidal war since October 2023 to nearly 48,300, according to the Health Ministry.
Israeli raids in the West Bank
Nearly daily Israeli military raids on Palestinian cities and towns in the occupied West Bank, especially in Jenin, accompanied by illegal settler violence against Palestinians and their property.
On Monday, Israeli forces stormed the old town of Nablus and searched several homes in the area.
The Israeli army also rounded up at least 25 more Palestinians in fresh military raids in several areas in Hebron and Ramallah.
Meanwhile, local sources said that illegal Israeli settlers hurled rocks at Palestinian homes and vehicles in the towns of Duma and Jurish south of Nablus.
On Jan. 21, the army launched a military offensive on the northern West Bank, which resulted in 55 fatalities as of Friday evening, according to official Palestinian data.
Israel has killed at least 915 people in the occupied territory since October 2023 and injured nearly 7,000 others, with more than 14,300 taken into custody.
Israel's pullout from southern Lebanon under ceasefire deal
The Israeli army withdrawal from southern Lebanon after Beirut and Tel Aviv agreed to extend a deadline for Israeli troop withdrawal until Feb. 18 amid ongoing violation of the deal.
On Monday, the Israeli military confirmed that its forces will remain in five posts in southern Lebanon beyond withdrawal deadline.
The army did not specify how long its troops will stay there but said that the five posts will be manned by Israeli troops, while other troops will be withdrawn from all other Lebanese towns and villages.
Regarding the violations, the Israeli army said that a Hamas military commander was killed in a drone strike on a car in Sidon city in southern Lebanon in a joint operation by the army and the Shin Bet domestic security service.
Hamas’ armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, confirmed that Shahin was killed in an Israeli drone strike in Sidon.
Israel has committed nearly 1,000 violations, killing and injuring dozens in Lebanon, including women and children.
Developments in Syria under new administration
Latest developments and updates in Syria under the new post-Bashar Assad administration.
On Monday, Syrian authorities announced the arrest of three individuals involved in the massacres committed in the Al-Tadamon neighborhood, south of Damascus, 12 years ago, according to the state-run SANA news agency.
Back in 2013, Syrian Armed Forces, specifically members of Military Intelligence Branch 227, executed at least 41 civilians, with estimates suggesting the number could be as high as 288 to 350 victims.
Military situation in war-torn Sudan
The security situation in the northern African country as the Sudanese army has claimed military gains against paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in key areas and states in recent days.
On Monday, the Sudanese army announced that its forces had reached the Al-Maygoma district in the Eastern Nile area, east of the capital, Khartoum, pushing out the RSF.
The army also said it has taken control of large parts of Kafouri in Khartoum Bahri.
International Defense Exhibition and the Naval Defense Exhibition in UAE
The 17th edition of the International Defense Exhibition (IDEX 2025) and the 8th edition of Naval Defense Exhibition (NAVDEX 2025) in Abu Dhabi between Jan. 17 and Jan. 21.
The event serves as a major platform for the global defense industry. The event will see participation of 731 new companies.
Turkish defense industry companies are among the participants.
Seven countries—Qatar, Ethiopia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Cyprus—are participating in the event for the first time.
More than 3,300 defense products and technologies are on display.
Türkiye-Ukraine meeting
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan to welcome his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy at presidential complex in capital Ankara. Following one-on-one talks and inter-delegation meeting, the leaders are expected to hold news conference. The two countries are also expected to sign several agreements to boost ties.
Meeting comes as possible moves toward negotiations or a deal to end the Russia-Ukraine war are making headlines worldwide. Türkiye has long offered to help broker a settlement, as the country enjoys good relations with both Russia and Ukraine.
Informal meeting of EU foreign ministers in Warsaw
EU foreign ministers meet for informal talks in the Polish capital. Agenda includes a discussion on hybrid threats that the member states and countries aspiring to join the EU face, featuring representatives of candidate and potential candidate counties; a debate over the Multiannual Financial Framework post-2027; and an exchange of views on strengthening Europe’s military and civilian readiness and preparedness. A press conference follows at 3:00pm CET.
Polish president to meet US special envoy for Ukraine and Russia
Poland’s President Andrzej Duda hosts talks with US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg in the Polish capital. The meeting is expected to focus on a Ukraine-Russia peace talks Trump administration said it would initiate. Kellogg recently said that Europe would not have a role in Ukraine peace talks planned between the US, Ukraine and Russia.
European Commission chief to meet US envoy
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen hosts US Special Presidential Envoy for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg. The meeting is expected to focus on a Ukraine-Russia peace talks. The meeting coincides an emergency meeting of some European leaders on Ukraine. Kellog is also expected to meet with European Council President Antonio Costa.
UN agencies’ briefing
The UN Information Service will hold its bi-weekly briefing for journalists in Geneva.
Briefing by Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova to hold a press briefing in Moscow on current issues of foreign policy. She will also hold a Q&A session.
Russian State Duma to consider ratification of agreement with Belarus on joint nuclear umbrella
The Russian lawmakers will consider ratification of the agreement, providing for use of Russian nuclear weapons in case of aggression against Russia or Belarus if their sovereignty or territorial integrity is threatened.
Court in Russia’s Sochi to hear case of man who burnt Quran
A court in Russia’s resort city of Sochi to hear a case of Nikita Zhuravel, who publicly burnt a copy of Quran. The man faces charges of high treason.
Donald Trump and Elon Musk - Hannity interview airs
Joint interview with President Donald Trump and Elon Musk will air on Fox News. Key remarks from the interview to be followed.
Chinese Foreign Minister chairs UN Security Council debate on multilateralism
UN Security Council will hold a high-level open debate on multilateralism. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi will chair debate.
Israeli army chief visits US
Israeli Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi's visit to Washington on Feb. 17-Feb. 20 for talks with US military officials to discuss key strategic and operational issues.
A military statement said Sunday Halevi will meet with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the commander of the US Central Command, and other senior officials, and added that Halevi “will take the opportunity to express his gratitude to his counterparts for their support, commitment, and personal ties.”
The visit comes a few weeks before Halevi steps down. Last month, the army chief of staff said he would resign as of March 6.
Delta plane flips upside down on landing at Toronto airport
Developments after at least 18 people were injured when a Delta Airlines plane crash-landed and flipped upside down at Toronto Pearson International Airport in Canada on Monday. The cause of the crash is under investigation. The plane was carrying 76 passengers and 4 crew members.
ELN guerrilla group declares 'armed strike' in Choco
Developments after Colombia’s National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group declared a 72-hour "armed strike" in the country’s Choco region effective Tuesday. The declaration mandates the strict confinement of the civilian population to their homes. All transportation will be suspended, and no one will be permitted to travel on public roads. The group claims armed strike aims to expose the alleged collusion between the state, military forces and mercenary groups operating in the region.
Mexico awaiting a new response from Google on 'Gulf of America'
Developments after President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico is awaiting a new response from Google on its request that the tech company fully restore the name Gulf of Mexico to its Google Maps service before filing a lawsuit. During her press briefing, Sheinbaum shared a letter from Google and said she is waiting for a new response from the company.
Latest situation in eastern cities of Goma and Bukavu in DR Congo
Monitoring the latest developments in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, following the capture of eastern city of Bukavu, provincial capital of South Kivu. Reports indicated some residents of Bukavu were fleeing to neighboring Rwanda for refuge. Since Jan. 26, more than 3,000 people have been killed, 2,880 injured, and over 500,000 displaced, adding to the 6.4 million already internally displaced by violence, according to the UN.
Trial of 2 suspected witchdoctors to begin in Zambia
Trial to begin in Zambian court, in a case where two suspected witchdoctors are alleged to have attempted to bewitch the country’s President Hakainde Hichilema. They were apprehended in the country’s capital Lusaka last December and charged with professing knowledge of witchcraft, possession of charms and cruelty to wild animals.
Justified Accord 2025, largest AFRICOM military exercise in east Africa
Following Justified Accord 2025 military exercise, hosted in Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania. US Africa Command’s largest military exercise in east Africa is underway until Friday. This yearly exercise boosts the capability of involved forces to respond to security risks, humanitarian emergencies, and peacekeeping efforts.
South Sudan to observe International Day against Use of Child Soldiers
South Sudan to observe International Day against the Use of Child Soldiers, known as the Red Hand Day. The day is marked by events and campaigns to advocate against the use of children in armed conflict. The purpose of Red Hand Day is to raise awareness and advocate against the use of children as soldiers.
South Korean top court holds additional trial hearing of jailed President Yoon
South Korea’s Constitutional Court holds additional trial hearing of impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol who has been indicted over abuse of power as well as insurrection for his short-lived martial law on Dec. 3. This is ninth hearing by the top court and one more is scheduled to be held later this week.
Severe weather continues in Japan
Japanese weather authorities have warned of heavy snow, mainly to areas along the Sea of Japan. Japan has witnessed record snowfall this winter throwing life of gear in many parts. At least 8 people have died, so far.
Foreign Ministry to hold news briefing in Beijing
China’s Foreign Ministry to hold news conference in Beijing.
Turkish parliament speaker in Japan
As part of his official visit to Japan, Turkish Parliamentary speaker Numan Kurtulmus will meet with speaker of Japan’s House of Representatives Fukushiro Nukaga.
Later, Kurtulmus will meet with president of the House of Councilors, Sekiguchi Masakazu.
THE ECONOMY
Turkish private sector’s foreign debt
The Central Bank of the Republic of Türkiye will release the Turkish private sector’s outstanding foreign debt figures for December 2024. Turkish private sector loans reached $175.7 billion as of November 2024, down $14.03 billion from the end of 2023 and $797 million from the previous month.
UK’s unemployment
The UK’s Office for National Statistics will release unemployment figures for December 2024. It was at 4.4% in the previous month, but a slight increase is expected for the last month of the year.
Germany’s economic sentiment
The Zew Institute will release economic sentiment index for Germany for February.
SPECIAL REPORTS
Defense, trade, tech: Have Trump and Modi set course for deeper US-India ties?
Report on the key outcomes of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump, highlighting deeper military cooperation, trade expansion, and strategic counter-China initiatives.
The story explains the agreements reached on defense, including discussions on India acquiring F-35 fighter jets, a new 10-year security pact, and joint technology development. It also examines challenges ahead, including trade imbalances, immigration issues, and India’s delicate balancing act between US and Russia.
The report has comments from experts including Ashwani Kumar, president of the Federation of Indian Export Organizations, and Chien-Yu Shih, an associate research fellow at the Institute for National Defense and Security Research in Taipei.
‘Nothing to eat’: South Sudan farmers suffer as climate shocks devour crops
Report on how climate shocks and agricultural challenges have impacted the lives of farming communities in South Sudan's Eastern Equatoria state.
The story explains the reasons for the crisis, including prolonged droughts, erratic rainfall patterns, and bird invasions, and how they have devastated local farming communities, leading to increased malnutrition and 57% of the population expected to face acute food insecurity.
The report covers efforts of UN agencies to introduce new farming techniques as emergency solutions, and includes interviews with families struggling to feed their children, turning to alternative income sources as traditional agricultural practices become increasingly unreliable due to climate change impacts.
Empire to modernity: Trans-Siberian Railway’s legacy and future
Report on the Trans-Siberian Railway, the world’s longest railway system connecting European Russia to the Russian Far East. The report explores its historical significance, from its construction in the late 19th century to its role in unifying Russia, facilitating trade, and enhancing military mobility.
It features insights from researcher Vladimir Prozorov, who highlights its modern importance as a vital trade link between Europe and Asia, integral to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Prozorov also explains ongoing infrastructure upgrades and the Trans-Siberian Railway’s role in passenger travel and tourism, offering a unique journey through Russia’s diverse landscapes and cultures.