The navies of the Philippines, the US, and Japan concluded four-day joint exercises in the South China Sea from February 20 to 26, 2026. The drills strengthened the trilateral defense partnership and interoperability of the fleets.
President Zelenskyy signed decrees imposing sanctions against 225 captains of vessels exporting Russian oil products. Sanctions were also imposed on 46 Russian citizens, 2 Iranian citizens, and 44 Russian companies serving the military-industrial complex.
A moderate eruption of the Canlaon volcano occurred on the Philippine island of Negros, lasting two minutes. A plume of smoke rose over 2000 meters, leading to an elevated alert level.
The Swedish company Saab is building a portfolio of potential orders for over 300 JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighters. Ukraine could order up to 150 aircraft, and Canada – 72, with the possibility of localizing production.
HP, Dell, Acer, and Asus are considering purchasing memory chips from Chinese manufacturers like CXMT due to the global supply crisis. This could help address rising prices and the threat to new product launches.
Thai Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow stated that the ceasefire agreement with Cambodia is fragile. The countries extended the truce for three months and are taking measures to reduce tensions.
ICC judges rejected defense arguments regarding the health of former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte. The 80-year-old politician was deemed fit to participate in hearings after a thorough medical examination.
The HUR reports the elimination of Filipino citizen John Patrick, who fought for Russia and died during a "meat assault" in the Donetsk direction. His training lasted only a week, after which he was sent to the front line.
The death toll after the ferry sinking in the Philippines has risen to 18, with 24 people still missing. 317 people were rescued.
The inter-island cargo-passenger ferry Trisha Kerstin 3 sank off an island in the southern Philippines. 316 passengers were rescued, 15 bodies were found.
In the Philippines, rescuers detected signs of life at the site of a massive landfill collapse in the village of Binaliw, Cebu City. The tragedy, which occurred on January 8, 2026, claimed the lives of four workers, with over 30 people still missing.
In the Philippines, rescuers are searching for dozens of people missing after a landslide at a landfill. Four deaths have been confirmed so far, and 12 people have been hospitalized.
New research reveals that the first humans settled Sahul (Australia and New Guinea) about 60,000 years ago via two main migration routes from Southeast Asia. This confirms the "long chronology" of settlement and refutes assumptions about the displacement of the first settlers by later waves of migration.
US Secretary of State Rubio announced the imposition of restrictions against two ICC judges, Gocha Lordkipanidze and Erdenebalsuren Damdin. This decision was made under an executive order aimed at countering attempts by the court to prosecute citizens of states that are not members of the ICC.
The US Senate has approved a national defense bill worth almost $900 billion, which includes $800 million for Ukraine for 2026-2027. The funds will be distributed in equal parts for the procurement of weapons.
The first place in the national beauty pageant "Miss Ukraine – 2025" was won by 18-year-old Odesa resident Valeriia Lisovska. The winner was chosen based on the jury's evaluations and online voting by Ukrainians. She was highly praised for her preparation, personal charm, and the implementation of a charitable project.
The U. S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued travel advisories for Cuba, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Guangdong Province due to outbreaks of chikungunya. This incurable mosquito-borne disease causes symptoms of fever and joint pain, and in severe cases can lead to hospitalization and death.
The EU's Copernicus Climate Change Service reported that 2025 is likely to be the second or third hottest year on record. This year will also mark the end of the first three-year period where the average global temperature has exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius compared to pre-industrial levels.
The US says Xi Jinping is trying to build an alternative world order, relying on allies among anti-democratic states such as Russia and North Korea. The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission published its annual report with dozens of recommendations.
Fatima Bosch from Mexico became the new "Miss Universe" in Thailand, concluding a season of beauty pageants marked by scandals. Previously, a participant left the event due to an insult, and two judges resigned, accusing the organizers of rigging.
California is preparing for heavy rains and snowstorms from the Pacific Ocean, which could bring a month's worth of precipitation to Los Angeles. This could cause floods and landslides, especially in areas affected by fires.
Storm "Claudia" has hit several European countries. In Portugal and Spain, it has already caused heavy rains and floods. The storm further threatens Great Britain and Ireland, where a yellow alert has been declared.
Taiwan evacuated over 8,300 people due to Typhoon "Fung-Wong," which brought record rainfall to the east coast, causing floods. In the port city of Suao, over 1,000 homes were flooded, where 648 mm of precipitation fell.
A section of the Hongqi Bridge in Sichuan province, which was built earlier this year, has collapsed. The cause was cited as geological instability, with no casualties or injuries reported.
Typhoon Fung-wong caused the death of 18 people, floods and landslides in the Philippines, forcing more than 1. 4 million people to evacuate. The weakened storm is now approaching Taiwan, where more than 3,300 people have already been evacuated.
China conducted military exercises in the disputed waters of the South China Sea, simulating attacks on military bases and ships. The maneuvers took place amid rising tensions in the region and territorial disputes.
Tropical Typhoon Fung-wong, having intensified into a "super typhoon," caused two deaths in the Philippines, as well as flooding and destruction. Over 1.4 million residents of the region were displaced, and the storm is moving towards Taiwan, weakening.
Philippine authorities have begun a mass evacuation of over 100,000 people from eastern and northern regions due to the approaching Super Typhoon "Fung-Wong. " A storm warning has been issued nationwide, and the highest, fifth, level of danger has been declared in some provinces.
The International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Philippine Senator Ronald dela Rosa, who led the drug war of then-President Rodrigo Duterte. The ICC denied this claim, and Duterte was arrested in March on a warrant linking him to killings during his drug war.
The Philippines is conducting 10-day "Sea, Sky, and Land" military exercises with the United States, simulating scenarios to counter an invasion where China is the main threat. The exercises are taking place in the South China Sea and the northern part of Luzon, a region that the United States considers a key breakthrough point in the event of a conflict with the PRC.
