Latest in FirstFT: Marco Rubio arrives in Saudi Arabia for Ukraine talks
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Thanks to Trump, Saudi Arabia Gets a Big Week in Diplomacy
Riyadh is hosting U.S., Russian and Arab officials for high-stakes talks on Ukraine and Gaza, more proof of its regional clout and warm relations with President Trump.The New York Times - 1d -
Mohammed bin Salman wants an alternative to Trump’s Gaza plan – but one that most benefits Saudi Arabia | Madawi al-Rasheed
The crown prince sees Hamas as a regional threat, and may propose a deal that risks sidelining Palestinians. Saudi Arabia has suddenly experienced a diplomatic awakening after lukewarm engagement ...The Guardian - 1d -
Could Vinícius Júnior really leave Real Madrid for Saudi Arabia? Here's what we know
Vinícius Júnior is among the biggest stars at one of the world's top clubs, yet talk of a $1bn Saudi move won't go away. Here's what you need to know.ESPN - 19h -
Rubio on Trump's Ukraine rhetoric: 'Joe Biden had frustrations with Zelensky'
Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended President Trump's frustration with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amid ongoing peace negotiations involving their war with Russia and shared that the ...The Hill - 12h -
As Russia Talks Peace, Moscow Threatens New Ukraine Region
Moscow’s forces are three miles from Dnipropetrovsk, a province they have never invaded. If they cross in, the advance would be a morale blow to Ukraine and complicate any territorial negotiations.The New York Times - 20h -
U.S. envoy says talks with Ukraine are positive amid Trump criticism of Zelenskyy
Ukraine and European allies are being vigilant after a meeting between U.S. Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Kellogg praised what he called a "positive" ...CBS News - 15h -
Trump says he's had 'good talks' with Putin but not Ukraine
President Donald Trump said he's had "good talks" with Russia's Vladimir Putin but not with Ukraine, and that he's "sick" of how Volodymyr Zelenskyy has handled the war.ABC News - 7h -
Theo James arrives in 'The Monkey' — twice
After 'The White Lotus' and 'The Gentlemen," the British-born actor takes his biggest risk yet in a dual role that doubles down on terror and comedy.Los Angeles Times - 21h -
Trump says he ‘had very good talks with Putin’ and again criticizes Ukraine – live
US president also accuses Kyiv of talking ‘tough’ but having few bargaining chips in latest remarks in feud with Ukrainian president Zelenskyy. French far-right leader cancels CPAC speech over ...The Guardian - 10h -
FirstFT: Ceasefire under threat after Hamas accused of violation
Also in today’s newsletter, Japanese to court Tesla for Nissan investment, and Eric Adams’ Faustian pact with TrumpFinancial Times - 21h -
Rubio’s Dilemma: Cutting Trump’s Deal With ‘Bloodthirsty’ Putin
As a senator, Marco Rubio prided himself on challenging tyrants. But as secretary of state, President Trump has tasked him with helping to potentially turn Russia from an enemy into an ally.The New York Times - 13h -
In Private Remarks on Russia, Rubio Tries to Reassure Europeans
European officials were not sure what to make of the secretary of state’s measured assessment of Washington’s apparent pivot toward Moscow.The New York Times - 4h -
Group of mostly Asian migrants deported from U.S. arrive in Costa Rica
The flight of 135 deportees, half of them minors, included families from China, Afghanistan, Russia and more.NBC News - 17h -
China Defends South Africa’s G20 Ambitions as Rubio Snubs Meeting
The absence of Secretary of State Marco Rubio hung over the year’s first high-level meeting of the world’s largest economies, with diplomats fretting over turbulent times.The New York Times - 1d -
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What to Know About the Saudi Crown Prince’s Role in Global Diplomacy
The kingdom’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, was once shunned in diplomatic circles. Now he is playing an important role in negotiations over Gaza and Ukraine.The New York Times - 1d -
5 takeaways from Musk's CPAC talk
Elon Musk served as one of the main attractions at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Thursday evening with a late-scheduled appearance that saw him wield a chainsaw and discuss ...The Hill - 1d -
Chess: Carlsen wins again as he qualifies for the $1.5m Saudi Esports World Cup
The Norwegian world No 1 is in pole position at the Chessable Masters despite endgame lapses. Magnus Carlsen’s dominance of online chess has continued this week as the world No 1 is in pole ...The Guardian - 1d -
2025 Saudi Cup predictions, odds, horses, contenders: Expert who nailed Breeders' Cup shares picks
Horse racing expert Michelle Yu, who recently hit the exacta in the Breeders' Cup Classic, offers her best bets for the 2025 Saudi Cup on Saturday at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaCBS Sports - 12h -
Ukraine war briefing: Trump turnaround as he acknowledges Russia invaded Ukraine
US president earlier drew criticism after saying Kyiv ‘should have never started’ war; Trump predicts Ukraine will soon sign minerals deal with US. What we know on day 1,095. See all our Ukraine ...The Guardian - 5h -
Ukraine or Russia: Whose Side Is Trump On?
Nick asks former UK foreign secretary Jeremy Hunt.BBC News - 2d -
Your Questions Answered: War In Ukraine
Your questions answered on America's relationship with Ukraine - and the rest of Europe.BBC News - 1d -
Thursday Briefing: Trump and Zelensky Feud Over Peace Talks
Plus, Cambodia’s returned treasures.The New York Times - 2d -
Right-Wing Media Praises U.S.-Russia Talks as ‘Breath of Fresh Air’
Many of President Trump’s media allies were quick to celebrate this week’s negotiations, a contrast to the deep unease expressed by the foreign policy establishment.The New York Times - 2d -
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‘Interesting discussions’: Donald Trump and Tiger Woods hold talks on golf’s rift
Woods joins PGA delegation at White House on Thursday LIV representatives also present in Washington Donald Trump’s involvement in professional golf’s peace talks has ramped up, with Tiger Woods ...The Guardian - 1d -
Russia Closes In on Another Ukrainian Region, Even as Peace Talks Pick Up
Russian troops are three miles from Dnipropetrovsk, a region they have never invaded. If they cross into it, the advance would be a morale blow to Ukraine and complicate any territorial negotiations.The New York Times - 22h -
‘Like a cruel auction’: what Ukrainians think of Trump’s peace talks with Putin
Ukrainians inside the country and abroad express their hopelessness, anger and defiance at negotiations between Washington and Moscow. Europe live – latest updates “I don’t think that this ...The Guardian - 19h -
Inside the week that upended U.S.-Ukraine relations
Tensions between the Trump administration and the Ukrainian government had been escalating behind the scenes for the past week.NBC News - 1d -
Ros Atkins on... the fight for Ukraine's critical minerals
The BBC's Analysis Editor Ros Atkins looks at why the US wants access to Ukraine's minerals.BBC News - 1d -
Trump to hold meetings on Ukraine with French and British leaders
One day after an angry exchange between Presidents Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Zelenskyy met in Kyiv with Keith Kellogg, Mr. Trump's special envoy. A planned joint news ...CBS News - 1d -
How Trump's comments on Ukraine are rattling European allies
The diplomatic dispute between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has upended international protocols and rattled U.S. allies in Europe. Charles Kupchan, senior fellow at the Council ...CBS News - 1d -
Trump's Ukraine policy alarming European leaders
There is alarm in Europe as leaders try to come to terms with the major foreign policy shift on Ukraine from the Trump administration. This week President Trump blamed Ukraine for Russia's invasion ...CBS News - 18h -
The Art of the Sellout: Trump is giving away the store in Ukraine
If Trump were truly the master negotiator he claims to be, he would understand that you don’t start by announcing what you’re willing to concede for free.The Hill - 13h -
Watch: Trump speaks on Ukraine to coalition of governors
President Trump gave remarks Friday morning from the White House to the National Governors Association, as scrutiny mounts over his Ukraine rhetoric. His comments follow an address before the ...The Hill - 12h -
Trump's hostility toward Ukraine creates a conservative rift
President Donald Trump’s recent show of hostility toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has opened a rift in Republican circles.NBC News - 6h -
OpenAI CFO talks possibility of going public, says Musk bid isn't a distraction
The interview with finance chief Sarah Friar comes during a pivotal time, with the startup reportedly in talks to close a $40 billion investment from SoftBank.CNBC - 1d -
Trump Elevates Kremlin Talking Points, a Familiar Pattern From His First Term
President Trump’s description of President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine as a “Dictator without Elections” echoes the Kremlin’s messaging.The New York Times - 1d -
As Truce Talks Stall, Fears Mount for Israeli Hostages in Gaza After 500 Days
“I was in Gaza. I survived. Keith survived. Others will not,” said Aviva Siegel, who with her husband was taken hostage on Oct. 7, 2023. She urged the Israeli government to secure the release of ...The New York Times - 22h -
Federal worker fired by Trump administration talks about losing her dream job amid major cuts
Katie Sandlin thought she landed her dream job at the NIH as an educator. She spent her life savings to move from Alabama to just outside Washington, D.C. After only a few weeks on the job, she was ...CBS News - 17h