German Chancellor Scholz blocks new aid package for Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius proposed €3 billion in urgent military aid for Ukraine, including IRIS-T air defense systems, Patriot missiles, howitzers, and ammunition, ahead of the February 23 Bundestag elections.

However, the plan stalled as Chancellor Scholz’s office refused to support.

According to Der Spiegel, Scholz believes current aid is sufficient and likely seeks to avoid alienating potential voters with further arms deliveries.

Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada officially recognized the Circassian genocide, condemning atrocities by the Russian Empire during the 1763–1864 Russo-Caucasian War.

Supported by 232 MPs, the resolution highlights the ethnic cleansing and mass killings that wiped out over 90% of the Circassian population.

🇺🇸 California man uses almond milk to fight fire.

Skills: Precise helicopter water drop on the Kenneth fires in LA.

Is Musk trying to intervene in Europe?

Elon Musk continues to shake up German politics ahead of the February elections by interviewing Alice Weidel, the far-right AfD's candidate, on X.

Musk's move is raising concerns in Germany while providing the controversial far-right party with unprecedented publicity and legitimacy.

Musk openly supports AfD, claiming that they are the only ones capable of bringing the change Germany needs.

Musk's explicit backing of AfD and his support for right-wing populist Reform UK have been seen as pushing foreign policy boundaries within the Trump team, with discomfort being voiced within the group.

European leaders and politicians opposing Musk's interference in European politics are growing in number. Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez also spoke out against Musk's support for the far-right and his clear interventions to shape Europe, accusing him of being against liberal and progressive values.

Sources: NYT, Financial Times, BBC, Associated Press, Reuters

Poland's prime minister has assured Benjamin Netanyahu that he will have safe passage and won't be arrested during his visit this month to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz.

Polish President Andrzej Duda urged the government to ensure Netanyahu's safety, citing the "exceptional circumstances" of the event, according to a letter obtained by Bloomberg News.

Netanyahu has not travelled abroad since the ICC arrest warrant was issued in November. He has only visited the United States twice since the 7 October 2023 Aqsa Flood.

Source: Bloomberg

American Actor James Woods on Israel's genocide in Gaza:

"Bomb the savages who did this back to the Stone Age. There are no grey areas. Kill them all."

Joe Biden to Kamala Harris at meeting on deadly wildfires:

Fire away! No pun intended.

NEW: Arab States Race Turkey for Influence in New Syria

Saudi Arabia and other Arab states are building ties with Syria's new government, hoping to gain an edge over Turkey in the strategically located country. Riyadh is seeking to counter Ankara's moves in Syria through Islamic and economic aid.

Arab countries are offering to help rebuild Syria. They are providing food, shelter, and medical supplies. Saudi Arabia is also offering to train Syria's civil police and replace Iranian oil supplies to ease the energy crisis.

Abdel Aziz Aluwaisheg, an official in charge of political affairs at the GCC, said the Saudi-led GCC planned to offer technical assistance to Syria to rebuild state institutions and restore roads, electricity, schools, hospitals, and housing.

Not all Arab states are embracing HTS.

Diplomatic adviser of UAE, Anwar Gargash expressed concern over the new rulers' Islamist roots and past links to extremist groups. It will all lead to another crisis in the region" if radical elements among the factions end up dominating, he said.

Source: Wall Street Journal

"We have come so far that it would be madness to drop the ball now".

These are the words of the President of Ukraine at the opening of the 25th meeting of the Contact Committee on Ukraine.

Zelenskyy argued that the coalition of 57 countries, which has provided Kiev with more than $122 billion in aid, must continue regardless of who sits in the White House.

After meetings, the allied countries give gifts of cash, arms and more. On Thursday, the US, Germany, and others announced new arms packages.

While Trump's words and approach to Ukraine leave questions about the future, Ukraine's European allies are far from delivering what is expected. A new aid package for Ukraine is being blocked by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Sources: Politico, Clash Report

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:

Our story in Syria is just beginning.

The end is near for the separatist group and its Syrian branches.

Eliminating terrorism in Syria will be Türkiye’s top priority in 2025. We will achieve a “Terror-Free Türkiye”.

Saddam Hussein's golden AK-47.

UK Customs at Heathrow seized the weapon in 2003, along with a rocket-propelled grenade launcher and bayonets, hidden in packages labeled as computer equipment bound for the U.S.

Location: Royal Armouries, Leeds, UK

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:

We have no claims on any country’s land and no hidden agenda.

Turkish FM Hakan Fidan on PKK/YPG/SDF terror group’s offer to deploy French troops on the border with Syria:

Let’s see them deploy military forces without the U.S.

We do not take seriously countries that cannot speak without U.S. support.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan to France:

Some small European countries gain nothing from speaking under America’s umbrella. Let’s see them operate in the region without the U.S.

Our counterpart is the U.S.; we don’t engage with others.

If France wants to act, it should prosecute and imprison its own terrorist citizens.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:

We’ve said it repeatedly: we can’t live with the PKK/YPG threat. Either others act, or we will.

Turkish Air Force targeted PKK/YPG headquarters in the town of Sarrin in Ayn al-Arab.