The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has announced that citizens of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will continue to enjoy visa-free travel within the bloc, even though the three countries have formally withdrawn from the regional organization.

This decision comes as ECOWAS seeks to maintain cooperation with the Sahel nations, which officially exited the bloc after a one-year notice period elapsed.

The three countries, currently under military rule, had announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS in 2024, citing disagreements with the organization.

Despite their exit, ECOWAS has assured that their citizens will still be recognized under the bloc’s protocols.

A statement released by the organization directed member states to continue recognizing national passports and identity cards bearing the ECOWAS logo.

Additionally, goods and services from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso will still be treated under the ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS) and investment policies.

“Member states are to recognize national passports and identity cards from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger until further notice,” the statement read.

“Citizens of these countries will continue to enjoy visa-free movement, residence, and establishment in accordance with ECOWAS protocols.”

The three former ECOWAS members have since formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a regional confederation aimed at strengthening their political and economic ties.

Russian President, Vladimir Putin has signaled a willingness to engage in peace talks with Ukraine but ruled out direct negotiations with President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he described as “illegitimate.”

Zelensky swiftly responded, accusing Putin of avoiding negotiations and using “cynical tricks” to extend the nearly three-year war.

The Ukrainian leader insisted that genuine peace was possible, but he claimed the Kremlin was obstructing efforts to end the conflict.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has been pressuring both sides to halt hostilities since taking office on January 20.

He has threatened tougher sanctions on Russia while asserting that Zelensky is ready to negotiate a settlement.

“If Zelensky wants to participate in negotiations, I will assign representatives to take part,” Putin said.

He argued that the Ukrainian president’s legitimacy had expired due to martial law, suggesting that alternative representatives could engage in talks.

Zelensky, in a post on X, said Putin was “afraid of strong leaders” and was deliberately prolonging the war.

Kyiv has also warned against being sidelined in any direct negotiations between Russia and the U.S., accusing Moscow of trying to manipulate Trump.

Putin also claimed that if Western military and financial support for Ukraine were halted, the war would end within two months.

“They won’t last a month without money and ammunition. Everything would be over in a month and a half or two,” he stated in an interview with Russian state media.

Despite Trump’s pledge to broker a swift ceasefire, the war continues to escalate.

On Wednesday, Russia said it had intercepted over 100 Ukrainian drones overnight, while Kyiv reported a Russian drone strike of its own.

Moscow also announced territorial gains, claiming its forces had captured the village of Dvorichna in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region.

The village, once under Russian control in 2022 before being reclaimed by Ukraine, is seen as a strategic position near the Oskil River.

Additionally, Ukrainian military analysts reported that Russian troops were advancing on the outskirts of Chasiv Yar, a key hilltop town that housed around 12,000 residents before the war.

Ukraine’s army has struggled in recent months, facing ammunition shortages and being outgunned by Russian forces along the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) frontline.

In response, Kyiv dismissed a deputy defense minister responsible for weapons procurement, after the defense minister accused him of failing to secure the timely supply of ammunition for troops.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has received an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump for a meeting at the White House, scheduled for February 4, 2025, according to a statement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office.

This marks Netanyahu as the first foreign leader to be invited to meet with Trump during his second term.

A White House official confirmed the invitation, adding that further details about the time and date would be provided once finalized.

The planned meeting follows Trump’s public claim of playing a key role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, after months of unsuccessful negotiations.

Following the ceasefire, Trump proposed a controversial plan to “clear out” Gaza, suggesting that Palestinians be relocated to neighboring countries like Egypt or Jordan.

This idea has sparked significant backlash from Egypt, Jordan, and several European nations.

During Trump’s first term, he often referred to Israel as having “never had a better friend” in the White House, a sentiment echoed by Netanyahu.

However, their relationship briefly soured after Netanyahu congratulated Joe Biden on his victory in the 2020 U.S. presidential election. Trump, who falsely claimed to have won, accused Netanyahu of disloyalty.

Despite this, soon after beginning his second term, Trump approved the shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, a delivery that had been blocked by the Biden administration.

Netanyahu thanked Trump for providing Israel with the means to defend itself.