Why Trump wants a deal on Ukraine's minerals

Hello. US President Donald Trump said he hopes a deal granting the US access to Ukraine's minerals could be signed very soon. Correspondent Abdujalil Abdurasulov explains what we know about the negotiations. As tensions between Israel and Hamas flare up, Middle East analyst Sebastian Usher examines the prospects for the Gaza ceasefire agreement. And finally, an aeronautical company in the US shows off its flying car prototype.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Trump seeks to seal Ukraine minerals deal

Trump said Zelensky could be invited to the White House within the next few weeks to sign the minerals' deal. Credit: Reuters

A deal for Ukraine's resources was first presented by President Volodymyr Zelensky in September to offer a tangible reason for the US to continue supporting his country against Russia. But when confronted with US demands for a reported 50% share of its rare earth minerals, Zelensky refused. The provisions of a second draft of the deal appeared to be even tougher than in the first document, reports Abdujalil Abdurasulov from Kyiv. Ahead of his meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House, which focused on the war in Ukraine, President Trump wrote on his platform Truth Social that he hoped the deal would be signed very soon, adding that he was also discussing economic deals with Russia. Get the latest.

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Gaza ceasefire future once again in doubt

UN Secretary General António Guterres warned a resumption of hostilities must be avoided at all costs. Credit: EPA-EFE

One more exchange of Palestinian prisoners and Israeli hostages was planned to take place before the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is due to end on 1 March. But that has now been delayed indefinitely by Israel, with Hamas responding that further steps in the Gaza ceasefire deal are conditional on Palestinian prisoners being freed as agreed.

What do we know about the second phase of the agreement?

Talks on the second phase have not yet started. No arrangements for the release of other living hostages, due to take place in the second phase, have yet been made.

What does Hamas want?

Hamas has offered to release the remaining hostages due to be freed in the second phase in one go, but only if Israel pulls all its forces out of Gaza and there is a permanent end to the war.

What is Israel's position?

Israel has demanded the complete disarmament of Hamas, which the group has so far rejected. In Israel, voices on the right demand the government resumes its war against Hamas, while the families of the hostages - backed by much of Israel - say securing the release of the remaining hostages is what matters above and beyond all else.

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And finally... in the US

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it's a real-life flying car. Footage shows a concept version of an airborne automobile performing a vertical take-off before flying over an SUV. But technological and regulatory hurdles mean there's still a long way to go before you find yourself flying to work.