The U. S. Department of Homeland Security has shut down due to a lack of funding. Congress failed to reach an agreement on restrictions on immigration officers' tactics.
The White House has published a collection of Valentine's Day cards, some of which have political content. Among them are images with Nicolás Maduro and phrases about Greenland.
On Friday, February 13, the US military struck a drug traffickers' vessel in the Caribbean Sea, eliminating three narco-terrorists. The operation was authorized by Commander General Francis L. Donovan.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is ready for elections under the condition of a ceasefire. This requires a secure infrastructure and time for preparation.
President Zelenskyy indicated that the Kremlin seeks to normalize relations and ease sanctions through negotiations. He called on the Trump administration to increase pressure on Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has made many compromises, including the fact that Putin and his entourage are not in prison. He noted that this is the biggest compromise the world has already made.
Separate diplomatic talks, concerning the war in Ukraine and Iran, are scheduled for Tuesday in Geneva. The US delegation will meet with Iranians through Omani mediation, and then hold trilateral talks with Ukraine and Russia.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will not lose in the confrontation with Russia, and the Trump administration understood this. He noted that one kilometer of occupied land costs Russia 170 casualties.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio canceled a meeting with European leaders on the war in Ukraine at the Munich Conference. This raised concerns in Europe about a change in sentiment in Washington.
President Zelenskyy stated that strong security guarantees, a reconstruction agreement, and increased pressure on Russia would accelerate the end of the war. He called for sanctions against Russian nuclear energy and hopes for peace next year.
French President Emmanuel Macron called for strengthening Europe's global position, criticizing US trade and foreign policy. He emphasized the need to protect its own interests, particularly regarding Ukraine and tariffs.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha emphasized the need to ban the issuance of visas to Russian military personnel and their family members. He noted that this would deprive them of the opportunity to visit Europe, Canada, and the United States.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that the US is ready to ratify future security guarantees in Congress. This is fundamental for Ukraine, which has an almost ready draft of bilateral security guarantees.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that without US President Donald Trump, ending the war between Russia and Ukraine is unrealistic. He noted that Trump personally and his leadership offer a chance to accelerate peace efforts.
US President Donald Trump said that Volodymyr Zelenskyy must act to conclude a deal with Russia. Otherwise, he will miss a great opportunity.
Ukrainian officials say the Trump administration is pressuring them to make concessions to Russia. Zelensky expresses disappointment that the US is pressuring Kyiv more than Moscow.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that Europe's financing of Ukraine's defense gives the continent the right to participate in peace negotiations. Europe has already spent over 200 billion euros to support Ukraine.
Hungary's opposition Tisza party maintains a 10% lead over Prime Minister Orbán's Fidesz party in February. This is according to a poll conducted by the Idea Institute ahead of the April 12 parliamentary elections.
The United States and Taiwan have signed a trade agreement that provides for the reduction of customs duties and the expansion of access for American goods to Asian markets. Taiwan undertakes to purchase billions of dollars worth of American goods and invest in energy equipment.
Donald Trump is not confident in the effectiveness of pressuring Russia and fears disrupting the negotiation process. Expert Stanislav Zhelikhovsky explained that Trump needs quick results for the elections, and sanctions do not provide an immediate effect.
Ukraine, the US, and Russia are planning another round of talks next week, possibly in Miami or Abu Dhabi. The main stumbling block remains territory, particularly Russia's demand to control the entire Donbas.
For the first time since the Cold War, European countries are discussing the development of their own nuclear deterrence capabilities. This is due to a possible loss of confidence in the US nuclear umbrella.
Venezuelan lawmakers have postponed the adoption of an amnesty bill due to disagreements over its application. Thousands of opposition supporters are demanding the release of all political prisoners.
US President Donald Trump may withdraw from negotiations to end the war between Ukraine and Russia. This could happen before the US congressional election season.
Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon's policy chief, called for NATO to be based on partnership, not dependence, during talks in Brussels. This comes amid the absence of the US Secretary of Defense and rising allied defense spending.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban urged not to send money to Ukraine, stating that "war harms business. " He also called German leader Friedrich Merz a "weak leader" without naming him.
President Zelenskyy accepted the US proposal to hold talks on ending the war, where the issue of territories will be discussed. International expert Stanislav Zhelikhovsky believes that Russia is not interested in a ceasefire and does not expect quick results.
Germany has nominated Bundeswehr Inspector General Carsten Breuer for the position of Chairman of the NATO Military Committee. The new chairman will take office in the summer of 2027.
The death toll in Iran from last month's protests has reached 7,002, exacerbating internal and external tensions. The Norwegian Nobel Committee has called for the release of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi due to ill-treatment.
Oil prices rose due to investor concerns about escalating tensions between the US and Iran. Brent futures rose to $69.67, and WTI to $64.92.
