Zelenskiy delays Saudi visit to avoid legitimising US-Russia talks, signalling Ukraine’s role in war resolution decisions.

In Short

Ukrainian President Zelenskiy postponed his visit to Saudi Arabia to avoid legitimising U.S.-Russia talks he wasn’t invited to. He’s adamant that Ukraine must be included in any discussions about its future, as concerns about decisions being made without its input grow.

The visit was originally scheduled for February 19.

Zelenskiy’s decision is aimed at not legitimising a meeting between U.S. and Russian officials taking place in Riyadh.

He expressed concern about any coincidences arising from his presence at the same time. Zelenskiy made his announcement during a joint press conference in Turkey, where he stated he had not been invited to the U.S.-Russia talks.

The discussions included high-ranking officials, including the foreign ministers of both countries.

Following the meeting, both nations indicated a commitment to continue efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Zelenskiy is adamant that Ukraine must be included in any discussions regarding its future.

No Ukraine

He remarked, “No decision can be made without Ukraine on how to end the war.”

U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated a desire to resolve the conflict swiftly, promoting peace talks. However, comments from U.S. officials have raised uncertainties about the direction of these efforts.

Particularly, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth previously suggested Ukraine’s NATO ambitions might be unrealistic. This has led to concerns among Ukrainians regarding potential decisions made without their input.

Trump’s communications with both Zelenskiy and Russian President Vladimir Putin have heightened these fears among Kyiv’s allies. The situation remains tense as developments unfold regarding the conflict and potential peace negotiations.

Musk-Led Department slashes DEI grants while Transportation Secretary seeks tech innovation.

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), spearheaded by Elon Musk, has eliminated over $370 million in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) grants at the Department of Education within just 48 hours.

In a post on X, DOGE revealed that 70 DEI training grants were terminated, marking the latest move in its effort to cut federal spending.

This follows another major budget reduction last week when DOGE slashed $881 million in Department of Energy contracts, including more than $100 million allocated to DEI programs.

The sweeping cuts signal a broader initiative under the Trump administration to curb what it considers excessive government spending.

Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced that SpaceX workers will visit the Air Traffic Control System Command Center on Monday as part of an effort to modernize U.S. air travel.

Duffy, who has been vocal about the need for infrastructure reform, stated that President Trump has tasked him with developing a world-class air traffic control system.

He has also called on American tech developers and businesses to contribute their expertise to the initiative.

With DOGE rapidly restructuring federal expenditures and the administration emphasizing private-sector partnerships in public services, the coming months could see further policy shifts.

Critics argue that these moves may reduce funding for key programs, while supporters praise them as necessary steps toward fiscal responsibility.

Oz Sultan, the Chief Strategist with the Sultan Interactive Group joins Veronica Dudo to discuss.

Delta flight crashes at Toronto airport, injuring eight – all passengers and crew accounted for, one in critical condition.

In Short

A Delta flight crashed at Toronto Pearson International Airport, leaving eight people injured, with one in critical condition. All passengers and crew have been accounted for.

The incident occurred on Monday as the plane arrived at the airport.

Images show the aircraft upside-down on the snow.

The flight had originated from Minneapolis.

Peel Regional Police report that eight people were injured in the crash.

One person is listed as critical with non-life-threatening injuries, while seven others have moderate to mild injuries.

Authorities stated that all passengers and crew members have been accounted for.

The flight had originated from Minneapolis.

Further details are not currently available.

This is an ongoing story, and updates will be provided as more information comes in.