Vladimir Putin
Vladimir Putin signed a decree subordinating Rosgvardia to the General Staff of the Russian Federation, headed by Valery Gerasimov. This will strengthen Gerasimov's control over security forces, rewarding his loyalty.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine seeks a specific date for EU accession so that Russia cannot block the process. He emphasized that Ukraine will do everything to be ready for accession by 2027.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that negotiations to end the war are impossible in Moscow or Minsk. Ukraine is ready to meet in any territories except for the Russian Federation and Belarus.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that Ukraine received almost all military aid from the Alliance. Partner support is critically important for Ukraine.
Sergei Lavrov claims that Russia has not received a 20-point peace plan for Ukraine, neither officially nor unofficially. He called further versions of the agreement "attempts to rape the American initiative" by Zelensky and his patrons.
French President Emmanuel Macron seeks to involve European partners in resuming dialogue with Putin. He sent his advisor to Moscow, reopening technical channels for discussion.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will visit Hungary and Slovakia next week. The visit comes after Donald Trump endorsed Viktor Orban, who is trailing in the polls ahead of the elections.
A report by the Munich Security Conference warns of a possible new Russian war against the Baltic states within two years after a potential ceasefire in Ukraine. Russia could also start a "local" war against one neighbor within six months.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Russia remains open to cooperation with the United States, but does not hope for a restoration of economic ties. He noted that the United States seeks economic dominance.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claims that Russia is not going to attack Europe. However, in the event of a European attack on Russia, a full-fledged military response will be provided.
The Russian State Duma supported amendments allowing the FSB to disconnect the internet and other communication services in response to "security threats. " This will strengthen state control over communications in Russia.
The US has proposed an energy de-escalation initiative to Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine has confirmed the proposal, Russia has not yet responded.
The Kremlin continues to reject security guarantees for Ukraine, citing the 2022 "Istanbul Protocol. " This document would leave Ukraine defenseless against aggression.
The European Commission spokesperson stated that contacts with Putin are possible under certain conditions, but there are currently no signals of Russia's readiness for peace. She also confirmed the absence of a common EU position on resuming interaction with the Kremlin but noted a change in the attitude of some member states.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Russia has always violated its commitments. He emphasized that Europe must speak with one voice regarding Russia and increase the cost for the Putin regime for continuing its aggression.
US President Donald Trump refused to extend the New START nuclear treaty, calling it a "poorly negotiated deal. " He stated that the US is focused on creating a new, modernized treaty.
China maintains its nuclear forces at the minimum necessary level and will not participate in nuclear disarmament talks. Beijing expresses regret over the expiration of the New START treaty between Russia and the United States.
On February 5, the New START Treaty, the last agreement limiting strategic nuclear weapons, expires. Military analyst Ivan Stupak spoke about the consequences for Ukraine and the world.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that the termination of the New START Treaty is a consequence of Russia's fragmentation of the global security architecture. He emphasized that Russia can and must be deterred, despite its nuclear blackmail.
Baku military court sentenced former leaders of the unrecognized Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. Among them are the ex-president, commander of the armed forces, and other high-ranking officials.
European Commissioner for Sport Glenn Micallef condemned FIFA President Gianni Infantino's call to reinstate Russians in international football. He emphasized that sport does not exist in a vacuum and reflects societal values.
Melania Trump confirmed that she is in contact with Putin's representatives to expedite the return of Ukrainian children. Thanks to her efforts, 15 children have already been returned to Ukraine.
The released US Department of Justice documents in the Jeffrey Epstein case indicate his numerous attempts to establish contact with Vladimir Putin. The Russian leader's name is mentioned over 1,000 times in the case materials.
The Strategic Offensive Arms Treaty between Russia and the US expires on February 5, 2026. Moscow proposed to Washington to voluntarily adhere to the restrictions, but received no response.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for China's participation in nuclear arms limitation talks. This is due to the significant growth of the country's nuclear arsenal.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Russia is not winning the war, its economy is in recession, and combat losses are increasing. Ukraine, meanwhile, is intensifying its campaign of deep strikes against military targets on Russian territory.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Russian troops are attacking facilities related to the military complex. Russia demands Ukraine's consent to the Kremlin's terms.
Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping assessed relations between their countries as "exemplary" during their first direct talks this year. Bilateral trade has exceeded $200 billion for three consecutive years.
The leadership of "United Russia" has identified five key candidates for the party list for the 2026 State Duma elections. Among them are the head of "Yunarmia" Vladislav Golovin and war correspondent Yevgeny Poddubny.
Donald Trump's approach to peace talks between Ukraine and Russia could lead to an agreement that will not stop the war. This would create conditions for a new Russian invasion, The Telegraph notes.