News

[Weather] Freezing conditions continue with cold wave warnings in place

2025/02/18 17:00

Today is "Woosu" on the lunar calendar which means the snow melts and becomes rain. However, instead of spring rain, the weather got colder than yesterday. The cold wave warnings which were issued in the mountainous areas of Gangwon-do Province and northeastern parts of Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, have been extended. The morning temperature in Seoul will drop even further tomorrow with the feels-like temperature plunging to minus 12 degrees Celsius. The morning temperature in Seoul is expected to remain around minus 7 degrees throughout the week. Please dress extra warm when you go out. Tomorrow will be a bit colder than today across the country with Chuncheon at minus 11 degrees. Daily highs will stay in the single digits. Seoul will move up to only 1 degree, it'll reach 4 degrees in Daegu and Gyeongju. With a heavy snow advisory in place, Up to 20 centimeters of heavy snow will fall by Thursday on Ulleungdo and Dokdo Islands. That's all for Korea. Here are the weather conditions around the world.

World News: Israel launches drone attack in southern Lebanon killing head of Hamas' military operations

2025/02/18 17:00

This is The World Now, brining you the latest stories from around the globe. Just before the deadline for Israel's full withdrawal from Lebanon, an Israeli drone strike killed the head of Hamas' military operations in the country. On Monday, the Israeli military confirmed that a targeted drone strike in Sidon, southern Lebanon, killed Muhammad Shaheen, the head of Hamas' operations department in Lebanon. Israel says Shaheen was involved in planning attacks against Israeli citizens with support from Iran. The incident occurred just one day before the February 18 deadline for Israel's full withdrawal from southern Lebanon, as stated in a recent ceasefire agreement. In response, Hezbollah's leadership has issued strict warnings, stating that any Israeli presence in southern Lebanon beyond the agreed-upon deadline will be considered an occupation, and they are prepared to take necessary actions. China has condemned the United States, following a recent update to the U.S. State Department's website concerning Taiwan. The alteration has contrastingly received a welcome response from Taiwan. On Monday, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson criticized updates made by the U.S. State Department last week on its online fact sheet on Taiwan. The State Department removed the phrase that said it does not support Taiwan's independence. The Chinese spokesperson said the U.S.' position sent the wrong message to Taiwan's independence separatist forces and urged the U.S. to immediately rectify its mistakes. Conversely, the Taiwanese government described the updated language as "positive and friendly," reflecting the strengthening ties between Washington and Taipei. In Canada, a Delta Air Lines plane crash-landed on Monday at Toronto Pearson International Airport, flipping upside down upon impact. The aircraft carried 76 passengers and four crew members. Emergency responders reported at least 15 injuries, with three critical injuries, including a child. While the cause of the crash is yet unknown, the flight was operating amid windy weather after a snowstorm. Initial investigations point to the recent heavy snowfall as the cause of the crash. All flights at the airport were suspended, causing delays and diversions. Finally, in Hong Kong, its first locally born giant panda twins were revealed to the public for the first time. The six-month-old cubs, born in August 2024, were introduced to large crowds at Hong Kong's Ocean Park over the weekend. The two baby pandas are currently referred to as "Elder Sister" and "Little Brother," but a public contest to name them has been launched, and the submissions will open until March 7. The so-called "panda economy" is expected to boost tourism and local businesses in the city. Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.

Bladder cancer even in early-stage can be detected at home with urine sample

2025/02/18 17:00

Bladder cancer has a relatively higher survival rate IF detected early. Accordingly researchers here have come up with a simple urine test to allow for an early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Cha Yun-kyung has more. Researchers have developed a diagnostic test to detect early-stage bladder cancer, with the data detailing it being published in Nature Biomedical Engineering last November. The researchers took the video of urine samples from patients with bladder cancer and those without, with a smartphone, 30 minutes after putting the sample in a small optical device. For the test, they put the urine samples into small optical devices and added water with a fluorescent material, hydrogel, and oil. The fluorescent material in the water rose to the oil level in samples with bladder cancer cells. On the other hand, the fluorescent material remained at the water level for non-cancerous cells. The key is the hydrogel film that is degraded by bladder cancer-specific enzymes. When these enzymes degrade hydrogel films, the fluorescent material with buoyant properties in the film floats upward. Diagnostic tests for bladder cancer already exist, however, it is hard to detect early-stage cancer. That is because there is too small amount of sample including cancer cells in the urine, and hematuria, which is one of the main symptoms of bladder cancer. Researchers solved this problem by using the separation nature of oil and water. "We found technology to make fluorescent material float on the upper oil level while filtering out impurities in the water level by using double layers of water and oil." Also, they explained that bladder cancer can be detected with only a small amount of cells as cancer-specific enzymes can amplify the fluorescent material through a repeated response. The research team achieved positive results after conducting clinical trials with Korea University College of Medicine, recording 88-percent sensitivity for the diagnosis while a former test was 20-percent. They are planning on commercializing the diagnostic test by establishing a bio-venture company next year. Cha Yun-kyung, Arirang News.

Samsung tops global TV market for 19th straight year, LG dominates OLED segment

2025/02/18 17:00

Samsung Electronics is holding on to its lead in the global TV market for 19 years in a row. According to global market research firm Omdia on Tuesday Samsung last year also accounted for the greatest share of the global TV market with 28-point-3-percent. The company dominated the premium sector securing almost half of the market with its OLED TV sales surging to 1-point-4 million units UP 42 percent on year. However LG Electronics remained the leader in the OLED TV market for the twelfth straight year with a market share of over 50 percent.

S. Korean data privacy regulator confirms user data leak from DeepSeek to ByteDance

2025/02/18 17:00

In other news. Relevant authorities here say Chinese application DeepSeek has indeed transferred user data to a third party. Our Moon Hye-ryeon has details. South Korean data privacy regulators have confirmed that DeepSeek – the Chinese artificial intelligence startup facing controversy over data collection – has shared user data with TikTok's parent company, ByteDance. The Personal Information Protection Commission said on Tuesday that although they were able to confirm the transmission of user data, it has yet to determine the exact nature and amount of data transferred. The PIPC launched an independent investigation into DeepSeek's data collection and processing methods after requesting clarification on the matter from the firm last month, finding that DeepSeek's privacy policy fell short of the requirements listed for service providers in the country's Personal Information Protection Act. "Under South Korean law, transferring personal data overseas or moving it from one country to another requires a legal basis. In this case, while ByteDance does have a headquarters in the U.S., when the PIPC says that user data was sent to ByteDance, it means there was an international data transfer. So the concern is whether DeepSeek complied with South Korea's regulations on cross-border data transfers." The firm acknowledged that it had not fully considered South Korean data protection laws when launching its global service, and took the recommendation of the PIPC to temporarily suspend services in South Korea while necessary modifications are made. This means that no new users can download the app across any domestic app markets such as Apple's App Store and Google Play, but existing users can continue to use it for the time being as the PIPC considers further measures to protect existing users. During the suspension period, the PIPC plans to continue its thorough review of DeepSeek's handling practices. Legislative efforts are also underway to amend the Personal Information Protection Act to reflect AI innovation with this latest development – strengthening enforcement measures for foreign service providers. Experts say that it will be necessary to consider other AI services for legislative changes not just DeepSeek. "Clear discussions on what standards should apply to all the new AI systems that will come out in the future are needed. AI is only going to become more widespread, and for it to provide more personalized services, it's going to need access to more of our personal information." The PIPC also plans to seek stronger international cooperation on AI-related data privacy regulations at the Global Privacy Assembly in Seoul this September. Moon Hye-ryeon, Arirang News.

U.S. Secy. of State Rubio and Saudi crown prince meet on Mon.

2025/02/18 17:00

Staying in Saudi Arabia. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday. While details of their discussions have not been fully disclosed a statement by the U.S. State Department claimed the meeting quote "reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the ceasefire in Gaza and ensuring the release of all hostages." Rubio also reportedly touched upon the prospects of greater economic and defense cooperation between their two countries.

U.S., Russia top officials to meet in Saudi Arabia on Tues. for talks to end Ukraine war

2025/02/18 17:00

Senior U.S. officials and their Russian counterparts are sitting down in Saudi Arabia today to outline a peace plan for Ukraine BUT the absence of Ukraine and Europe at the table is prompting much concern. Choi Min-jung has the latest. High-ranking officials from Washington and Moscow are set to meet in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, to lay the groundwork for potential peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. The U.S. and Russia confirmed that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will meet, along with other top officials. This marks one of the first high-level in-person meetings between the two sides in years, and is expected to pave the way for a future U.S.-Russia summit. "President Trump mentioned Saudi Arabia when talking about a possible venue for a possible summit. It is understood that this place suits both American and Russian sides, so this joint decision was made." This development has raised concerns among leaders of Ukraine and Europe, who have been left out of the U.S.-led diplomatic effort. U.S. President Donald Trump's Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, said on Monday, that it was unrealistic for everyone to be at the table, but emphasized that no peace deal would be imposed on Kyiv. He also said the U.S. would act as an intermediary,.. alongside Ukraine and Russia as the two main protagonists. "The fact is, we're looking at you can have the Ukrainians, the Russian, and clearly the Americans at the table talking. But we've got to have specifics to get to a point." European leaders held an emergency meeting in France on Monday, and insisted they must have a say in the talks. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that Europe's security is "at a turning point," stressing the issue was not just about Ukraine but also Europe. And despite U.S. officials suggesting that Ukraine and Europe would have a role in peace talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday dismissed Tuesday's negotiations taking place without him, and told reporters that he "did not know anything about them." In response to recent U.S. statements about ruling out Ukraine's NATO membership, Zelenskyy cautioned the West against repeating past mistakes, warning that it could lead to a scenario similar to Afghanistan in 2021. Back then, the Taliban rapidly took control of Afghanistan after the U.S. and NATO withdrew their forces Choi Min-jung, Arirang News.

S. Korea automobile exports saw sharp decline in January, impacted Lunar New Year holiday

2025/02/18 17:00

Korea's auto exports lost substantial ground in January owing to fewer working days given the prolonged lunar new year holiday. Our Choi Soo-hyung covers the latest data. South Korea's automobile exports saw a sharp decline last month. Data from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy released on Tuesday shows that the declines were impacted by fewer working days due to the Lunar New Year holiday in the last week of January. The country's auto exports totaled 4-point-9-9 billion dollars in January – nearly 20 percent down from a year ago. While this figure fell short of last year's all-time high for the month, it still marks the second-largest January export value on record. By volume, exports dropped nearly 18 percent, with Hyundai Motor and Kia Motor both seeing double-digit declines. Hyundai shipped over 85 thousand units, down more than 15 percent, while Kia's exports fell nearly 18 percent to just under 77 thousand. Among the smaller auto firms, KG Mobility and Renault Korea recorded export growth, while GM Korea saw a decline of nearly 30 percent. Eco-friendly vehicle exports declined slightly, dropping more than four percent overall. While hybrid and plug-in hybrid exports surged, demand for electric vehicles weakened with EV shipments plunging by nearly 42 percent. As well as fewer working days in January, a high base effect from the record-breaking performance last January also played a role. Following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement that tariffs could be imposed on automobiles starting in early April, a significant impact is expected. Although the exact plan has not been revealed yet, it is predicted that any decision will greatly affect South Korea, as more than half of its automobile exports go to the U.S. The domestic sales volume in January exceeded 105-thousand units, marking a 9-percent decrease compared to the same month last year. Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

Choi calls U.S. tariffs 'total trade war' pledging record-breaking support for trade

2025/02/18 17:00

Acting President Choi Sang-mok has declared an all-out effort aimed at negotiating a constructive trade deal with the U.S. amid the latter's tariff campaign adding that each country's respective response to America's new trade policy will determine its fate. Remarks to this end were shared at a Cabinet meeting earlier on this Tuesday during which Choi pledged 3-hundred-60 trillion Korean won or some 2-hundred-50 billion U.S. dollars in support of financing trade. This latest amount is the largest level of support for trade in the nation's history. He also revealed that plans have been in the works to diversify export markets and products. Separately making note of a planned trip to the U.S. by a business delegation also this week he claimed joint efforts by the government and corporate sector will guide the country beyond this current challenge.

Deputy trade minister angles for 'mutually beneficial' path amid Trump's tariff pressure

2025/02/18 17:00

Moving on. BOTH a South Korean government delegation and a separate business delegation are seeking talks with relevant American officials in the U.S. as the Trump administration prepares to put in place a broader blanket of tariffs on its friends and foes in the name of quote "fair trade". Lee Seung-jae reports. South Korea's Deputy Minister for Trade Park Jong-won arrived in the United States on Monday, where he's set to meet with a number of officials at the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representatives. Upon arrival, Park stressed the importance of holding the talks, especially as U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policies affect all of America's trading partners. "I believe America's major trading partners around the world are all affected. So I think that our country also needs to be even more careful in negotiating with the United States." Park also said that he would seek "mutually beneficial" discussions during his talks in Washington by listening to what the U.S. has to say and explaining Seoul's positions. He also noted that talks on the tariff issue may continue following his visit, raising speculation that Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun could also visit the U.S. for high-level talks. Amid growing concerns over the impact Trump's tariffs may have on South Korea's economy, a business delegation led by the chairman of SK Group and the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chey Tae-won will visit Washington for a two-day trip starting Wednesday. It will mark the first visit by a Korean business delegation since the Trump administration took office last month. The Korea International Trade Association also plans to send a ten-member delegation to a number of southern states next month, to promote South Korea's investments in the region. The Federation of Korean Industries is also looking to send a delegation to the U.S. Faced with Trump's aggressive trade policies, South Korean businesses are expected to seek strategies to mitigate the risk of operating in the U.S. Lee Seung-jae, Arirang News.

K-wave AI News

2025/02/18 14:00

Hello and welcome to your AI guide to the latest cultural updates from Korea. Here's our top story. A diverse array of masterpieces will be up for sale on the domestic art auction market this week. Seoul Auction will present a rare, near-complete woodblock map of Korea created in 1861 by the renowned cartographer Kim Jeong-ho. This unpublished work, part of the original 'Daedong Yeojido,' or the Great Map of Korea, holds immense historical value. Other highlights include Paik Nam-June's 1974 robotic piece 'Hacker Newbie,' and iconic paintings by Kim Eun-ho and Lee In-seong. Meanwhile, K Auction will feature Pierre-Auguste Renoir's 1905 'Still Life with Strawberries,' and a work by British abstract artist Frank Bowling, offered for the first time in a major domestic auction. Writer Ye So-yeon has won the grand prize at the 48th Yi Sang Literary Award for her short story, "The Dog and the Revolution." Established in 1977 to honor the literary legacy of writer-poet Yi Sang, the Yi Sang Literary Award is widely regarded as Korea's most prestigious prize for short and mid-length fiction. The Dog and the Revolution follows the unique journey of Tae-su, a father from the 1980s student movement generation, and his daughter Su-min, a feminist of the 2020s, as they unite in an unexpected way. The judging panel hailed the story as "a revolutionary work that transcends ideology" and "a truly groundbreaking narrative of inclusion." Total ticket sales for Korea's performing arts market surpassed 1.4 trillion won, or roughly 970 million U.S. dollars last year. According to the culture ministry's latest report, total sales reached 1.45 trillion won, up 14.5% from 2023. The number of performances grew by 6%, exceeding 21,600. Among the genres, pop music saw the most significant growth, with ticket sales increasing by over 31% year-on-year. The report, however, found that the market remains heavily concentrated in the capital region. Based on these findings, the ministry plans to continue efforts to promote regional performances. That's all from me. Keep it tuned to the Kulture Wave.

[K-enter] BLACKPINK Jisoo's successful release of 'AMORTAGE' sweeping global music charts

2025/02/18 14:00

Time for our K-enter news with Walter Lee. Starting with a female K-pop star, some sweet achievements since her musical return on Valentine's Day last week? Jisoo from BlackPink has been the talk of the town for weeks here on the Kulture Wave, as February was expected to be a major month for her. Last Friday, she dropped her highly anticipated mini-album AMORTAGE, featuring the track "earthquake", along with songs like "Your Love," "TEARS," and "Hugs & Kisses." The album has been making waves globally, dominating music platforms over the weekend. Upon release, AMORTAGE quickly soared to the top of album charts around the world, including the iTunes rankings in more than 39 countries. On Spotify, it amassed over 5 million streams on its first day, securing a spot for "earthquake" on the Spotify Global Chart. In terms of album sales, AMORTAGE debuted at No. 1 on the Hanteo Chart and set a new record for the highest first-day sales by a solo artist in Korea this year. She is the final member of BlackPink to release her solo music within this past year, NOW we wait until we see all four of them reunite again in the latter half of the year. Next up, we have a fan meeting to talk about, who is holding the event? Super star boy group SEVENTEEN will host the "2025 SVT 9TH Fan Meeting SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND" on March 20 and March 21 at the Incheon Munhak Stadium, giving their fan group "Carat" a chance to meet their idols. Last year, SEVENTEEN’s fan meeting drew a total of 1.5 million attendees both online and offline. Considering the vast size of their fandom, this year’s event will take place in a large stadium. Online live streaming will also be available. In April, SEVENTEEN will head to Mexico to perform at Tecate Pa’l Norte 2025, the largest music festival in the Latin American region. They will be the first K-pop artists to ever participate in the festival. It’s great to see K-pop groups breaking into new music festivals around the world. It just proves that the genre is still expanding and not slowing down. And lastly some K-movie news Walter. If you are a fan of the "Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint" web-novel then I am sure you have been eagerly awaiting the movie adaptation. The live-action adaptation, which seems to be titled "Omniscient Reader: The Prophet", directed by Kim Byung-woo , has confirmed its July release but with no official date as of yet. The story follows Kim Dok-Ja played by Ahn Hyo-Seop , an ordinary man who unexpectedly finds himself transported into the fantasy world of a novel he was reading. It sort of reminds me of the movie "The NeverEnding Story". It has the highest production budget of all the Korean films scheduled for theatrical release in 2025, estimated at 30 billion Korean won, roughly 20 million US dollars. The star-studded cast, also includes Lee Min-ho , Nana, and guess who? Jisoo. Starting with Jisoo and ending with Jisoo. Thanks for all the K-enter news today Walter. Thank you Soa.

[Weather] Freezing day under sunny skies with dry air

2025/02/18 10:00

Today marks the second seasonal term of spring on the seasonal calendar, Woosoo. Around this time, ice starts to melt with spring rain. But, instead of warming up, temperatures are taking a step backward, making it feel like we're heading straight back to the winter. It felt like minus 9 degrees on the way to work in Seoul. On top of that, dry air continues, raising concerns about wildfire risks. Strong, gusty winds in some regions could make conditions even more dangerous, so please be extra cautious with anything that could start a fire. Afternoon temperatures will be 1 to 3 degrees lower today, Seoul gets up to 1 degree, Daegu at 5 degrees. Feels like temperatures in central regions will be below freezing even in the afternoon. So you will need to bundle up but don't have to worry about fine dust affecting your outdoor plans. It stays much colder than norms this week under bright skies, before warmer days arrive next week. Make sure to dress in layers to stay comfortable.

Delta plane flips on landing at Toronto airport, injuring at least 15

2025/02/18 10:00

Over in Canada, a Delta Air Lines plane crash-landed on Monday at Toronto Pearson International Airport, flipping upside down upon impact. The aircraft carried 76 passengers and four crew members. Emergency responders reported at least 15 injuries, with three critical injuries, including a child. While the cause of the crash is yet unknown, the flight was operating amid windy weather after a snowstorm. Initial investigations point to the recent heavy snowfall as the cause of the crash. All flights at the airport were suspended, causing delays and diversions.

China condemns U.S. State Department's deletion of statement on Taiwan

2025/02/18 10:00

China has condemned the United States, following a recent update to the U.S. State Department's website concerning Taiwan. The alteration has contrastingly received a welcome response from Taiwan. On Monday, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson criticized updates made by the U.S. State Department last week on its online fact sheet on Taiwan. The State Department removed the phrase that said it does not support Taiwan's independence. The Chinese spokesperson said the U.S.' position sent the wrong message to Taiwan's independence separatist forces and urged the U.S. to immediately rectify its mistakes. Conversely, the Taiwanese government described the updated language as "positive and friendly," reflecting the strengthening ties between Washington and Taipei.

Israel drone attack in southern Lebanon kills key Hamas leader

2025/02/18 10:00

Let's begin in southern Lebanon, where an Israeli attack has killed a Hamas leader. Right. Just before the deadline for Israel's full withdrawal from Lebanon, an Israeli drone strike killed the head of Hamas' military operations in the country. On Monday, the Israeli military confirmed that a targeted drone strike in Sidon, southern Lebanon, killed Muhammad Shaheen, the head of Hamas' operations department in Lebanon. Israel says Shaheen was involved in planning attacks against Israeli citizens with support from Iran. The incident occurred just one day before the February 18 deadline for Israel's full withdrawal from southern Lebanon, as stated in a recent ceasefire agreement. In response, Hezbollah's leadership has issued strict warnings, stating that any Israeli presence in southern Lebanon beyond the agreed-upon deadline will be considered an occupation, and they are prepared to take necessary actions.

[The Interview] Meet speed skater star Lee Na-hyun who completed Winter Asian Games medal sweep

2025/02/18 10:00

The latest Asian Winter Games in Harbin was another stage for Team Korea to prove their excellence on ice. It was also an opportunity to discover rising stars and their talents, including this speed skater who returned home with 4 medals. Our Park Kun-woo sat down with her. Two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze. South Korean speed skater Lee Na-hyun's achievements at the 2025 Asian Winter Games. Skating since the age of eight, Lee recalls how she began realizing her talent as a young child. "I won gold medals in most of the races when I first started. I was very into the sport since I was very young and I think I enjoyed every moment." That's how things continued. Last year, Lee broke the junior world record in the 500-meters and then went on to win medals in every race at the Asian Games this year. Although Lee humbly said it feels like she has just taken her first step in her career, she is hungry for more medals. "I would love to win so many races as possible." I'll try to get hundreds, but I think honestly like 10 to 15 is my goal right now." Showing her humility, she even said she first needs to improve her skills. "My goal is just to keep showing people that I improve in every races and also to show them good conditions in the Olympics. I would love to get a medal but first my goal is to do all the things that I practice in training." This mindset ties into her personal life motto. "I always tell myself let's not make this regrettable, let's show everything I've got. Keep training hard until your role model becomes your rival." Called the "Next Lee Sang-hwa," Lee spoke with admiration for her role model. "I love that nickname and I feel honored and it makes me feel like I have to do more harder. If I meet her I would say I'm a fan of you and I want to be like you so please watch how I do." Looking ahead, Lee plans to skate for at least another decade, leaving a message to her future self. "Ten years later I would tell myself to just enjoy skating like no need to get a medal, just keep pushing myself hard. Just do it, as you can always quit." She also expressed her desire to remain the first athlete that comes to mind when thinking of speed skating, while requesting more support for both the sport and herself. Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.

On-point: How will President Yoon make use of last 2 impeachment hearings?

2025/02/18 10:00

President Yoon now has just 2 hearings left to defend himself and prove the legitimacy of his martial law declaration. How will he make use of the remaining sessions? Let's turn to Professor Song Se-ryun. It's good to have you back. 1. Why do you think Yoon may not show up for today's hearing? Do you think he'll show up? Why? Or why not? 2. On Thursday, Han will appear as a witness. Why do you think the court decided to have Prime Minister Han Duck-soo as a witness after turning down requests from Yoon's side? Why the need? 3. At the 10th hearing on Thursday, Han and President Yoon will face each other for the first time since the martial law declaration in December, IF Yoon does attend today's hearing. What kind of statements do you expect to hear from Han? 4. Yoon's lawyers have filed a petition to change the date of the 10th hearing, arguing for more time as the president is also preparing for criminal trial proceedings. Will the court accept the request? Why? Or why not? 5. If the court accepts Yoon's request, the ruling day will be pushed back as well, right? Thank you Professor Song as always.

U.S. Secy. of State Rubio and Saudi crown prince meet on Mon.

2025/02/18 10:00

Ahead of the U.S.-Russia peace talks, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during his Middle East tour on Monday, where the two sides are presumed to have discussed Washington-Moscow talks. Considering close ties between U.S. President Donald Trump and bin Salman, Saudi is expected to play a mediating role in the scheduled peace dialogue. According to a statement released by the U.S. State Department, Rubio and bin Salman also "reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the ceasefire in Gaza and ensuring that Hamas releases all hostages, including American citizens." Rubio also discussed increasing economic and defense cooperation between the two countries.

U.S., Russia top officials to meet in Saudi Arabia on Tues. for talks to end Ukraine war

2025/02/18 10:00

U.S. and Russian officials are set to sit down in Saudi Arabia and detail out their plans to end the war in Ukraine but this time without the direct involvement of Ukraine and Europe in the talks. Choi Min-jung reports. High-ranking officials from Washington and Moscow are set to meet in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, to lay the groundwork for potential peace negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. The U.S. and Russia confirmed that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will meet, along with other top officials. This marks one of the first high-level in-person meetings between the two sides in years, and is expected to pave the way for a future U.S.-Russia summit. "President Trump mentioned Saudi Arabia when talking about a possible venue for a possible summit. It is understood that this place suits both American and Russian sides, so this joint decision was made." This development has raised concerns among leaders of Ukraine and Europe, who have been left out of the U.S.-led diplomatic effort. U.S. President Donald Trump's Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, said on Monday, that it was unrealistic for everyone to be at the table, but emphasized that no peace deal would be imposed on Kyiv. He also said the U.S. would act as an intermediary,.. alongside Ukraine and Russia as the two main protagonists. "The fact is, we're looking at you can have the Ukrainians, the Russian, and clearly the Americans at the table talking. But we've got to have specifics to get to a point." European leaders held an emergency meeting in France on Monday, and insisted they must have a say in the talks. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warned that Europe's security is "at a turning point." stressing the issue was not just about Ukraine but also Europe. And despite U.S. officials suggesting that Ukraine and Europe would have a role in peace talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday dismissed Tuesday's negotiations taking place without him, and told reporters that he "did not know anything about them." In response to recent U.S. statements about ruling out Ukraine's NATO membership, Zelenskyy cautioned the West against repeating past mistakes, warning that it could lead to a scenario similar to Afghanistan in 2021. Back then, the Taliban rapidly took control of Afghanistan after the U.S. and NATO withdrew their forces Choi Min-jung, Arirang News.