Ukraine: Front line changes since 1 year.

Russia has advanced about 40 km (25 miles) west of Avdiivka.

Limited Russian advances are seen near Kupyansk and Bakhmut, but no major breakthroughs.

Kirill Dmitriev, Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and responsible for the economic aspect of U.S.-Russia negotiations in Riyadh:

American companies have lost more than $300 billion after exiting the Russian market.

NEW: Syrian sources have denied claims of an attack on the Khomeimim base.

"A Syrian army checkpoint near the Khomeimim base in Syria was attacked last night by pro-Assad regime cells. There was a perception that there had been an attack on the Khmeimim base due to clashes with Assad cells. There is no problem with the security of the base."

Some within the Ukrainian government admit that Zelensky’s team may have miscalculated by originally proposing mineral deals without specifying terms.

A senior European official noted:

“It was written as a lure for Trump, clearly. But the lack of detail meant Trump could essentially name his price.

Some around Zelenskyy regret the way it was handled . . . they lost control of the narrative.”

Source: FT

Here’s why Trump wants to make Ukraine a US economic colony.

Trump's rejected plan would affect competition between Washington and China for rare minerals.

Ukraine was under pressure to agree to the deal because the US wanted less dependence on China for critical minerals needed in many industries.

Washington and Beijing are in a 'great power' competition. Ukraine's $15 trillion in resources could be useful.

According to NATO briefings, Ukraine's natural resources are very important. Ukraine has large reserves of metals, including graphite, lithium, beryllium, uranium, rare earths, and other critical minerals.

BREAKING: The negotiations between Russian and U.S. delegations have begun in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Ukraine negotiations between Russian and U.S. delegations begin in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Ukraine is not present at the meeting.

Statements by Kirill Dmitriev, head of RDIF, who is responsible for the economic aspect of the negotiations between Russia and the USA that have started:

The Biden administration was misleading about the state of Russia's economy, joint projects will make the Russian and US economies more successful

Sanctions against Russia hit the U.S. harder than Russia

Nord Streams will not be discussed in Riyadh

Israel Plans to Stay in Lebanon

Despite a planned pullout, an Israeli official says the IDF will remain in 5 strategic positions inside Lebanon.

Here are key hills where Israel allegedly wants to establish permanent bases.

Israeli soldiers forced an 80-year-old Palestinian man in Gaza to serve as a human shield before later killing him.

The incident, which took place in May in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City, involved soldiers from the Israeli army’s Nahal Brigade.

The senior officer in charge tied an explosive detonation cord around the man’s neck.

He was ordered to enter houses ahead of the brigade, ensuring that if there were explosives or enemy combatants inside, he would take the hit instead of the soldiers.

He was threatened with instant decapitation if he failed to comply.

The elderly man was forced to scout buildings for eight hours, using his cane to navigate while soldiers stayed behind him. His wife remained detained in their home.

After completing the dangerous task, the soldiers released the couple and ordered them to walk towards the so-called “humanitarian zone” in southern Gaza.

However, due to a lack of communication between different Israeli army divisions, a separate battalion mistook them for enemy combatants and shot them both dead.

“After 100 meters, the other battalion saw them and immediately shot them. They died like that, in the street,” another soldier confirmed.

Source: +972 Magazine

Kremlin:

Putin is ready to negotiate with Zelensky, but his legitimacy is in question.

Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov:

Ukraine's possible accession to the European Union is Kiev's sovereign right, since it is not a military alliance.

Lebanese Presidency:

Continued Israeli presence on Lebanese territory is considered an occupation.

We have the right to use all means to ensure Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese lands.

We confirm the readiness of the Lebanese army to assume its duties on the recognized international borders.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar:

We will start negotiations on the second phase of the hostage deal.

Israeli Foreign Minister in response to a question about who will rule Gaza:

It is not necessary for someone to own Gaza.

Egypt will host an emergency Arab summit for Palestine on March 4.

Zelensky:

The US is seeking to reach an agreement with Putin for the sake of a quick result.

In the event of a rash end to the war in Ukraine, an Afghan scenario is possible.

The first session of negotiations between Russia and the United States in Riyadh is over.

It lasted more than 3 hours. A working lunch is ahead.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grushko:

The negotiations between Russia and the US in Riyadh are preliminary consultations, the purpose of which is to outline the basic positions of the parties.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Grushko:

Russia has a negative attitude towards European peacekeepers in Ukraine, this is an escalatory step.

The US and Russia may agree to hold a summit in Saudi Arabia, which is likely to take place as early as next week.

Source: Bloomberg