Turkish President Erdogan:

Only Turkey, with its full membership, can save the European Union from the deadlock it has fallen into—ranging from the economy and defense to politics and international reputation.

South Korea begins lifting sanctions on Russia.

Starting February 28, South Korea will remove restrictions on medical equipment supplies.

Mousa Abu Marzouk, the head of Hamas’s foreign relations office, says he would not have supported the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel had he known the extent of devastation it would bring upon Gaza.

Reflecting on the consequences, he admitted that had he known the scale of destruction Gaza would suffer, it would have been “impossible” for him to support the attack.

He compared Hamas’s survival to an untrained person surviving a fight against Mike Tyson, suggesting that while Hamas still exists, it has suffered greatly.

“If it was expected that what happened would happen, there wouldn’t have been October 7.”

Source: NYT

Turkish President Erdogan:

Trump’s efforts to end the war through negotiations align with Turkey’s policy.

However, a fair and lasting peace can only be achieved with the participation of all parties.

Ukraine must be included in the process.

Some in Trump’s circle want to replace Zelensky with a more “compliant successor” as Ukraine’s president.

The U.S. hopes this new leader would be less likely to resist American efforts to push for a peace deal.

Source: ABC News

Minerals deal between US and Ukraine could be signed today.

Main points of the deal:

Creation of a Reconstruction Investment Fund , which will be jointly managed by the United States and Ukraine.

The fund will invest in mining, ports, and other strategic industries.

Part of the funds will go to the reconstruction of Ukraine and compensation for US costs.

The agreement does not provide for military commitments from the United States.

Ukraine will contribute $500 billion to the fund — twice as much as the US contribution (but not directly).

50% of Ukraine's revenues from minerals, oil, and gas will go to the fund.

Source: Axios

The UN General Assembly supported the resolution initiated by Ukraine and Europe about the war in Ukraine.

93 countries voted in favor of the draft resolution, 18 against, and 65 abstained.

Trump:

I am in serious discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia concerning the ending of the War, and also major Economic Development transactions which will take place between the United States and Russia. Talks are proceeding very well!

Ukraine's GUR Chief Budanov:

If Russia manages to create an empire, the next targets will be Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Bulgaria.

Russia needs Ukrainian territory, population, and resources, so Moscow will do everything to absorb Ukraine.

They need a pause in the war to provide a window of capabilities to achieve a strategic goal.

Trump:

I don't see a problem with sending European troops as peacemakers in Ukraine.

Trump:

I will meet with Zelensky, could happen this week or next to sign the mineral deal.

Trump on the mineral deal:

The deal is being worked on and I think we're very close to getting an agreement where we get our money back over a period of time... We're in for $350 billion... and we had nothing to show for it.

Trump claims he is "helping Ukraine like nobody has ever helped Ukraine before."

Trump:

NATO is a good thing if done properly.

Trump:

Russia has things we want, like rare earths.

Trump:

We could end the war in Ukraine within weeks.

Trump:

I would be willing to go to Moscow at an appropriate time.

May 9 might be a little soon for visiting Moscow.

Macron:

We are ready to provide security guarantees to Ukraine.

Trump:

I hope Zelensky will come to the Oval Office to sign a peace agreement.

Trump on Ukraine giving up territory in the peace deal:

We will see.

Trump:

I hope Ukraine can take back some of its land.