Switzerland
A study has found that the tropical disease chikungunya can be transmitted by mosquitoes across much of Europe. Rising temperatures allow the infection to spread as far north as southern England.
Another round of trilateral Ukraine-US-f negotiations took place in Geneva, described as intensive and substantive. The next stage is to coordinate decisions for consideration by the presidents, which should be real, not formal.
President Zelenskyy held a meeting with Ukrainian negotiators before the second day of talks in Geneva. He noted that Russia is trying to prolong the negotiations and set the task of making them productive.
US President's Special Envoy Steve Vitkoff announced significant progress after the first day of trilateral talks in Geneva. Both sides agreed to inform their leaders and continue working towards reaching an agreement.
Rustem Umerov met with representatives of the USA, France, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland. The parties discussed the results of the negotiations and synchronized approaches for further steps.
Former Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko stated in court his readiness to post bail of 20-30 million hryvnias. He is suspected of participating in a criminal organization and legalizing over 7.4 million US dollars.
The SAP prosecutor requested the arrest or bail of UAH 425 million 984 thousand for former Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko. He is suspected of participating in a criminal organization and laundering over USD 7.4 million.
Ukraine, the US, and Russia are starting another round of negotiations. The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umerov, thanked the US and Switzerland for their support.
The second round of indirect talks between the US and Iran in Geneva has concluded. Delegations from both sides have left the venue, and US envoys are preparing for talks with Ukraine and Russia.
Former Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko stated that his son's education in Switzerland is being paid for by a wealthy kum. He refused to name the relative.
Iranian media confirmed indirect talks between the US and Iran in Geneva. Iran demands a complete lifting of sanctions and confidence-building measures regarding its nuclear program.
In Kropyvnytskyi, the "Bim" animal shelter was flooded due to a river overflow, and rescuers and volunteers evacuated hundreds of animals. Among those rescued were dogs, puppies, and cats, which were transferred to temporary foster care.
The relevant issue will be considered in court in the near future.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi on February 16 in Geneva. The meeting took place ahead of the second round of talks between Tehran and Washington.
President Zelenskyy announced that the Ukrainian delegation is already in Geneva for the next round of negotiations on February 17. Russia rejects proposals for a ceasefire, continues assaults and strikes on cities.
The Russian delegation will arrive in Geneva early on Tuesday morning and stay until Wednesday evening. The Ukrainian negotiating team has already left for Switzerland for consultations.
Snow avalanches in the European Alps have claimed the lives of several skiers, and a train has derailed in Switzerland. A high risk of avalanches persists due to unstable snow cover.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said that the Russian delegation would leave for Geneva tonight. The negotiators have clear instructions to act within the framework of the Anchorage understanding.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States is the only country that can compel Ukraine and Russia to negotiate. The US is not imposing an agreement, but merely seeks to help end the devastating war.
Russian media reported that Switzerland allegedly pledged to ensure safe passage for the Russian delegation to the talks in Geneva. The negotiations on settling Russia's war against Ukraine will take place on February 17-18 in a trilateral format.
The SAP and NABU have served a notice of suspicion to former Minister of Energy of Ukraine Herman Halushchenko in the "Midas" case. He is accused of money laundering and participation in a criminal organization linked to a fund on the island of Anguilla.
A Ukrainian delegation led by Budanov went to Geneva for another round of consultations on ending the war. The negotiations will take place on February 17-18 with the mediation of Washington in a trilateral format.
On the Italian side of Mont Blanc, two skiers died as a result of an avalanche. The incident occurred on the Couloir Vesses route; one victim was evacuated but died in the hospital.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a decree on sanctions against 91 maritime vessels of Russia's shadow fleet. These vessels were used to transport oil in circumvention of sanctions.
The Swiss Federal Council has approved an aid package for Ukraine worth up to 32 million Swiss francs to overcome the energy crisis. The aid includes 18 gas power generation modules and 80 diesel generators.
Lindsey Vonn suffered a fracture in her left leg during the downhill competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. The athlete underwent orthopedic surgery and is in stable condition.
The logistics major was served with a notice of suspicion for corruption, fraud, and evasion of duty. He received bribes for substituting food products, embezzled part of the supplies, and systematically traveled abroad.
Today, an additional 9 MW of capacity is planned to be launched in Kyiv. This will help stabilize the electricity supply after Russian attacks.
The first medals of the XXV Winter Olympic Games have been awarded in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. Franjo von Allmen from Switzerland and Frida Karlsson from Sweden won gold in their disciplines.
US President Donald Trump will hold the first official meeting of the Peace Council in Washington on February 19. This council is a key element of his 20-point plan, which helped achieve a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.