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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trumpclashed at a White House meeting that ended in disaster on Friday, prompting an outpouring of reaction from across the globe.

ZELENSKIY ON X

"Thank you America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. Thank you @POTUS, Congress, and the American people. Ukraine needs just and lasting peace, and we are working exactly for that."

In a social media post on Saturday:

"It is very important for us that Ukraine is heard and that no one forgets about it, neither during the war nor after. It is important for people in Ukraine to know that they are not alone, that their interests are represented in every country, in every corner of the world."

CANADIAN PRIME MINISTER JUSTIN TRUDEAU ON X

"Russia illegally and unjustifiably invaded Ukraine. For three years now, Ukrainians have fought with courage and resilience. Their fight for democracy, freedom, and sovereignty is a fight that matters to us all. Canada will continue to stand with Ukraine and Ukrainians in achieving a just and lasting peace."

GERMAN CHANCELLOR OLAF SCHOLZ

"No one wants peace more than the citizens of Ukraine! That is why we are jointly seeking the path to a lasting and just peace. Ukraine can rely on Germany – and on Europe."

FRENCH PRESIDENT EMMANUEL MACRON TO REPORTERS IN PORTUGAL:

"Russia is the aggressor, and Ukraine is the aggressed people. I think we were all right to help Ukraine and sanction Russia three years ago, and to continue to do so. We, that is the United States of America, the Europeans, the Canadians, the Japanese and many others. And we must thank all those who have helped and respect those who have been fighting since the beginning. Because they are fighting for their dignity, their independence, their children and the security of Europe. These are simple things, but they're good to remember at times like these, that's all.

ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER GIORGIA MELONI

"Every division of the West makes us all weaker and favours those who would like to see the decline of our civilisation. Not of its power or influence, but of the principles that founded it, first and foremost freedom. A division would not benefit anyone. What is needed is an immediate summit between the United States, European states and allies to talk frankly about how we intend to deal with the great challenges of today, starting with Ukraine, which we have defended together in recent years, and those that we will be called upon to face in the future. This is the proposal that Italy intends to make to its partners in the coming hours."

SPOKESPERSON FOR BRITISH PRIME MINISTER KEIR STARMER

"He retains his unwavering support for Ukraine and is playing his part to find a path forward to a lasting peace, based on sovereignty and security for Ukraine."

AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER ANTHONY ALBANESE

"We will continue to stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes, because this is the struggle of a democratic nation versus an authoritarian regime led by Vladimir Putin, who clearly has imperialistic designs, not just on Ukraine, but throughout that region."

CANADIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MELANIE JOLY ON X

"Canada remains committed to providing the necessary assistance to ensure Ukraine's security, sovereignty, and resilience."

DENMARK'S FOREIGN MINISTER LARS LOKKE RASMUSSEN ON FACEBOOK

"It's a punch in the gut for Ukraine. ... There must be room for robust conversations - even between friends. But when it happens in front of rolling cameras like that, there is only one winner. And he sits in the Kremlin."

FORMER RUSSIAN PRESIDENT DMITRY MEDVEDEV, DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF RUSSIA'S SECURITY COUNCIL, ON TELEGRAM

"A brutal dressing down in the Oval Office."

EUROPEAN COMMISSION PRESIDENT URSULA VON DER LEYEN ON X

"Your dignity honors the bravery of the Ukrainian people. Be strong, be brave, be fearless. You are never alone, dear President.

"We will continue working with you for a just and lasting peace."

MOLDOVAN PRESIDENT MAIA SANDU ON X

"The truth is simple. Russia invaded Ukraine. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine defends its freedom - and ours. We stand with Ukraine."

SPANISH PRIME MINISTER PEDRO SANCHEZ ON X

"Ukraine, Spain stands with you."

HUNGARIAN PRIME MINISTER VIKTOR ORBAN ON X

"Strong men make peace, weak men make war. Today President @realDonaldTrump stood bravely for peace. Even if it was difficult for many to digest. Thank you, Mr. President!"

NORWEGIAN PRIME MINISTER JONAS GAHR STOERE IN STATEMENT TO TV2

"What we saw from the White House today is serious and disheartening. Ukraine still needs the US's support, and Ukraine's security and future are also important to the US and to Europe. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has strong support in Ukraine, broad support in Europe, and he has led his people through a very demanding and brutal time, under attack from Russia. That Trump accuses Zelenskiy of gambling with World War III is deeply unreasonable and a statement I distance myself from. Norway stands with Ukraine in their struggle for freedom. We hope that the Trump administration also understands the importance of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine."

CZECH PRESIDENT PETR PAVEL ON X

"We stand with Ukraine more than ever. Time for Europe to step up its efforts."

DUTCH PRIME MINISTER DICK SCHOOF

"The Netherlands continues to support Ukraine. Especially now. We want lasting peace and an end to the war of aggression that Russia has started. For Ukraine, for all its inhabitants and for Europe."

ESTONIAN FOREIGN MINISTER MARGUS TSAHKNA ON X

"The only obstacle to peace is (Russian President Vladimir) Putin's decision to continue his war of aggression. If Russia stops fighting, there will be no war. If Ukraine stops fighting, there will be no Ukraine. Estonia's support to Ukraine remains unwavering. Time for Europe to step up."

POLISH PRIME MINISTER DONALD TUSK ON X

"Dear @ZelenskyyUa, dear Ukrainian friends, you are not alone."

GEORGIAN PRIME MINISTER IRAKLI KOBAKHIDZE

"Yesterday, once again, a clear line was drawn between the war party and the peace party. I am referring not so much to the debate between Trump and Zelenskiy, but to the subsequent reactions to this debate. President Trump and his peace efforts were condemned one after another by people responsible for allowing a bloody war and callously sacrificing Ukraine and the lives of thousands of Ukrainians."

GREEK FOREIGN MINISTER GEORGE GERAPETRITIS

U.S. support in the conflict in Ukraine is necessary, although Europe still needs to upgrade its own defence infrastructure, the minister said.

SWISS PRESIDENT KARIN KELLER-SUTTER ON X

"Switzerland remains firmly committed to supporting a just and lasting peace, while condemning Russia's aggression against a sovereign state."

JOHANN WADEPHUL, DEPUTY OF CONSERVATIVE PARTY-GROUP IN GERMAN PARLIAMENT, THE PARTY OF INCOMING CHANCELLOR FRIEDRICH MERZ, ON X

"The scenes from the White House are shocking. How can you stab the president of an invaded country in the back like this? Free Europe will not betray Ukraine!"

ITALIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER MATTEO SALVINI, LEADER OF THE FAR-RIGHT LEAGUE PARTY ON X

"Aim for PEACE, stop this war! Come on @realDonaldTrump".  Reuters

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trumpclashed at a White House meeting on Friday, prompting an outpouring of reaction from members of Congress and other officials.

U.S. NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR MIKE WALTZ ON X

"President Trump is trying to achieve peace and this economic deal was part of it. Instead, President Zelensky chose to come into the Oval Office and downplay American contributions to defending Ukraine and disrespect our country. Too many people are dying to keep demanding more."

PENNSYLVANIA GOVERNOR JOSH SHAPIRO

"The Oval Office should be a place where we advance American values – not where we retreat from them. When the President and Vice President attacked President Zelenskyy today, they served to undermine the safety and security of America and our national security interests. I support a diplomatic end to this war. Achieving this requires an honest reckoning of who started the war and who the aggressor is, and to that question, there is only one answer: Russia."

STATE DEPARTMENT SPOKESPERSON TAMMY BRUCE TO FOX BUSINESS

“What of course, we always recognize, and what's vitally important in the diplomatic world and the democratic world is that the people of Ukraine will decide those issues…. President Zelenskiy I think maybe is having some second thoughts, but he has a chance to turn this around, and he probably should, for the sake of his people."

"I remain hopeful that we can still achieve a real and lasting peace in Ukraine that ensures Ukraine will be free from further Russian aggression. I also urge President Zelensky to sign the mineral deal immediately. It will create an economic partnership between the United States and Ukraine. It is in both of our interests to get this deal done."

SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM OF TRUMP'S REPUBLICAN PARTY, SPEAKING TO REPORTERS:

"What I saw in the Oval Office was disrespectful and I don't know if we can ever do business with Zelenskiy again."

"He either needs to resign and send somebody over that we can do business with, or he needs to change."

REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE DON BACON

"A bad day for America's foreign policy. Ukraine wants independence, free markets and rule of law. It wants to be part of the West. Russia hates us and our Western values. We should be clear that we stand for freedom.-Rep. Bacon in an emailed statement."

SENATOR JEANNE SHAHEEN, RANKING DEMOCRAT ON THE SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE, ON WMUR TV IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

"It's distressing to see the President is walking away from our commitment in Ukraine, and doesn't seem to understand what a murderous dictator Vladimir Putin is."

REPUBLICAN SENATOR BILL HAGERTY, WHO WAS U.S. AMBASSADOR TO JAPAN DURING TRUMP'S FIRST TERM, ON X

"The United States of America will no longer be taken for granted. The contrast between the last four years and now could not be more clear. Thank you, Mr. President."

REPUBLICAN REPRESENTATIVE RALPH NORMAN ON X

"THIS is strong leadership that is ensuring we put the American people FIRST. Thank you @realDonaldTrump and @JDVance for standing up for our nation."

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DEMOCRATIC LEADER HAKEEM JEFFRIES IN A STATEMENT

"President Trump and his administration continue to embarrass America on the world stage. Today’s White House meeting with the President of Ukraine was appalling and will only serve to further embolden Vladimir Putin, a brutal dictator. The United States must not reward Russian aggression and continue to appease Putin.

"For three years, President Zelensky and the Ukrainian people have stood on the side of democracy, freedom and truth. Their success is in the national security interests of the United States. We should stand with Ukraine until victory is won."

DEMOCRATIC SENATOR JACK REED, RANKING MEMBER OF THE SENATE ARMED SERVICES COMMITTEE, IN A STATEMENT

“Today’s spectacle in the Oval Office was a political ambush and a shameful failure of American leadership.

“President Zelenskyy and the people of Ukraine are fighting for their very lives and existence. Unlike Donald Trump or JD Vance, I have traveled to Ukraine and seen firsthand the death and destruction wrought by Vladimir Putin against innocent people. To mock Ukraine and our allies is a travesty that only benefits (Russian President Vladimir) Putin."

“Furthermore, today’s cruel and callous display does great harm to U.S. standing in the world. Trump and Vance are communicating to the world that the United States is not to be trusted. Adversaries and allies alike will take note."

DEMOCRAT GREGORY MEEKS, RANKING MEMBER OF THE HOUSE FOREIGN AFFAIRS COMMITTEE, IN A STATEMENT

“The world just watched the supposed leader of the free world throw a temper tantrum in the Oval Office, lashing out at a war-time President fighting for his nation’s survival. Trump and (Vice President JD) Vance’s outburst did nothing to advance America’s interests or bring Ukraine closer to a just and sustainable peace." Reuters

Minister for Health and Population,Pradeep Paudel, has said citizen's access to health service could not be established until investment in health sector was increased.

In a discussion session on 'People's access to health services' organized during the ongoing 12th Nepal Literature Festival in Pokhara, Minister Paudel shared that the number of hospitals and health related human resources is less in Nepal as compared to the population.

"Human resources have increased in the Nepali Army, Nepal Police and civil service, but it has not been increased in the essential and sensitive sector like health sector", he argued.

It was necessary to ramp up investment in health infrastructure, human resources and health appliances as well as allocate 30 per cent of the total budget to the health sector in order to provide health services to citizens as ensured by the constitution, mentioned Minister Paudel.

He pointed out the need of making health insurance program further systematic by ending all anomalies seen in this regard, adding challenges are seen in course of implementing some of programs announced without guaranteeing resources.

Health Minister Paudel clarified that the government was committed for quality and accessible health service delivery. He shared, "An extensive reform is necessary in health system. Some of the projects have not been practically implemented in lack of resources despite policy-level arrangement."

He stressed the need of seeking long-term solution of problems seen in health sector by increasing investment.

Flights at Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) have been disrupted due to low visibility following bad weather.

Spokesperson at the TIA Office, Rinji Sherpa, said an aircraft of Qatar Airways flew from Doha to Kathmandu was diverted to Kolkata.

Similarly, Kathmandu-bound Nepal Airlines airplane from Malaysia and Air China's plane were also diverted.

A flight of Sichuan Airlines was cancelled due to bad weather. Likewise, many domestic flights were affected following the unfavourable weather.

According to TIA Office, flights on Kathmandu-Pokhara, Kathmandu-Bharatpur, Kathmandu-Nepalgunj, Kathmandu-Rajbiraj, Kathmandu-Biratnagar, Kathamndu-Janakpur, Kathmandu-Bhadrapur, Kathamndu-Bhairahawa routes were cancelled.

Similarly, most of the flights have been delayed. Sherpa added that however, flights have resumed normally from the afternoon. 

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has expressed his hope that the Third Nepal-Japan Friendship Summit-2025 would help further enhancing the bilateral relations between the two countries.

During his meeting with the Japanese delegation that has been here to attend the Summit and Nepali coordinators, at his official residence in Baluwatar today, the Prime Minister said the government-to-government and the people-to-people relations between Nepal and Japan are being expanded to export-import ties as well.

"Nepali have reached Japan for employment. Nepal's buckwheat is available in Japanese market and Nepal imports Golden Trout from Japan. Our friendship is deeper. We have nothing than friendship. Our friendship has blossomed like Sakura. Time demands to take these ties and partnership to a new height with the help of information technology." "Japan has proved that war ends with destruction and the peace leads to development," the Prime Minister said, adding that he wished for global peace.

The Summit (February 26-28) was jointly organised by the Lead Ex Nepal under the Idea Studio Nepal and the Fourth Valley Concierge Corporation. 

The Mahakali Highway has been obstructed due to a landslide at Kimtadi, Mahakali Municipality-5.

Chief District Officer Yagya Raj Joshi said that vehicular movement has been halted since this morning following the occurrence of the landslide.

Vehicles heading to the district headquarters from the Tarai and those exiting the district to various destinations have been stranded, said Lawaraj Awasthi, a staff with the Mahakali Counter Darchula.

A landslide had occurred at the same place in January also.

Traffic resumed after repairing the road. 

How is the state of air pollution in our federal capital? Those who breathe in the city air day in, day out know all too well. It will be no wonder if our relevant state organs at local, provincial and federal levels too know about air pollution in the city as it is a small world and those at the helm of those organs also take in the same air.

Recent data from IQAir, whose website claims that it operates the world’s largest free real-time air quality monitoring platform—empowering individuals, researchers and governments to monitor, understand and act to protect the health of populations around the globe—show how unhealthy, how polluted, how unbreathable air is becoming worldwide. 

For example, live AQI (air quality index) City Ranking of around 4 pm, February 27 has a faraway Dakar, the capital city of Senegal in Africa, as the city with the worst air quality ranking (235). Then come a series of cities in our immediate neighborhood, including Beijing, which stands third in terms of worst air quality with an AQI (air quality index) score of 188, Mumbai, which stands fourth with a score of 177, Kolkata (fifth) with a score of 167, Shanghai (sixth) with a score of 165 and Dhaka (seventh) with a score of 162. Per IQAir data, our federal capital is not lagging much far behind these mega cities as it figures as the ninth worst city in terms of air quality with a score of 153 as second-place Hanoi (196) and eighth-place Istanbul (155) give it some breathing space.

Per the website, AQI 0-50 is good, 51-100 moderate, 101-150 unhealthy for sensitive groups, 151-200 unhealthy, 201-300 very unhealthy and 301+ hazardous.   

Also on the list of most polluted countries, which is based on annual average PM 2.5 concentration (μg/m³), Nepal does not lag much behind, though it is not a country with a robust industrial base. Based on the data of the year 2023, Nepal stood eighth with a score of 42.4 on the list that featured Bangladesh on top with a score of (79.9), followed by Pakistan (73.7), India (54.4), Tajikistan (49), Burkina Faso (46.6), Iraq (43.8) and the UAE (43).

Let’s hope against hope that these unmasked data will prompt our competent authorities to take some serious measures to make the air breathable. 

An earthquake measuring 6. 1 on the Richter scale struck Sindhupalchowk in the wee hours of Friday, with its epicenter at Bhairab Kunda of the district.

According to the National Earthquake Monitoring and Research Center, the quake was recorded at 2. 51 am.

The tremor was also felt in Kathmandu Valley.

No immediate reports of damage or casualties have been received.