In 2026, Ukraine ranked 20th in the global military power rating among 145 countries, according to Global Firepower. The rating takes into account over 60 indicators, including army size and economic potential.
Federal immigration authorities in the US allowed the self-deportation of a suspect in a $100 million jewelry heist. This enabled him to avoid trial and potential imprisonment.
A group of plaintiffs has filed a lawsuit in a US court against Meta Platforms, accusing the company of making false statements regarding the privacy and security of messages on WhatsApp. The plaintiffs claim that Meta has access to users' "private" messages.
This week, negotiations focused on economic issues and control over the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. No agreement has been reached, but Moscow proposes to share the plant's electricity.
Russia has intensified its attacks on energy infrastructure, other infrastructure, and residential buildings, using drones, aerial bombs, and missiles. Zelenskyy reported over 1,700 drones, 1,380 aerial bombs, and 69 missiles in a week.
Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Mohammad Pakpour, announced the increased combat readiness of forces. This comes amid the deployment of American warships in the Middle East region.
US President Donald Trump has stated the possibility of ground strikes against drug cartels in Mexico, Central, and South America. He noted that he knows the cartels' routes and wants to achieve the same success as in the fight against maritime drug smuggling.
The bodies of three people, who likely died from hypothermia, have been found in New York. Winter storm "Fern," which began on Saturday, brought record-breaking cold and snowfalls to the United States.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and US President Donald Trump held talks, discussing the war in Ukraine and security in the Arctic. The leaders agreed on the need for a lasting ceasefire and support for Ukraine.
The US suggests that successful trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi could lead to a meeting between Zelenskyy and Putin. Before this, the parties are expected to meet in Kyiv or Moscow.
In Minneapolis, US federal agents shot a man, marking the second fatal incident this month amid increased immigration enforcement. The city's mayor and governor have called for a halt to the Trump administration's operations.
US President Donald Trump promises to impose 100% tariffs on all Canadian goods if Ottawa concludes a trade agreement with Beijing. According to him, China will "eat Canada alive, completely devour it."
The negotiations between Ukraine and Russia in Abu Dhabi took place in a bilateral format, in addition to the trilateral one with the participation of the United States. The parties discussed "unresolved elements" of a peace agreement and confidence-building measures.
At least 32 schoolchildren have been killed during protests in Iran, according to the Iranian service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. The human rights organization HRANA counted 54 fatalities under the age of 18.
Trilateral talks between Ukraine, the US, and Russia will take place on February 1 in Abu Dhabi. This was reported by Axios journalist Barak Ravid.
Russia sent Oleksandr Zorin, a GRU officer who recruited Syrian mercenaries for the Wagner PMC, to trilateral talks with Ukraine and the United States in Abu Dhabi. Zorin, who was born in Kharkiv, participated in negotiations regarding "Azovstal" and in Istanbul.
The US has published a new national defense strategy for 2026, with the main priority being the security of US territory and the Western Hemisphere. The strategy envisages limited support for allies and relations with China "based on strength."
DTEK CEO Maksym Timchenko stated that Ukraine is approaching a humanitarian catastrophe due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure. The restoration of the energy sector is estimated at 65–70 billion dollars, which will require the construction of a new energy system.
A poll showed that 61% of Germans perceive Trump as a threat to Germany. 52% advocate for a decisive German course towards the US president.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on the results of the meeting of the Ukrainian delegation with Russians and Americans in Abu Dhabi. Discussions focused on possible parameters for ending the war.
According to Ukrainian officials, the trilateral talks between the US, Russia, and Ukraine in Abu Dhabi were "positive" and "constructive. " The next round of talks will take place in Abu Dhabi next week.
A powerful winter storm has swept across the US, causing snow, ice, and power outages. Over 9,000 flights have been canceled, and 16 states have declared a state of emergency.
International partners at the G7+ "Energy Ramstein" meeting confirmed their readiness to continue supporting Ukraine. Countries will provide over $400 million, almost €23 million, €23 million, €60 million, €10 million, and other aid packages.
Russian media reported the start of the second day of talks in Abu Dhabi involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia. The meetings are being held in various formats, and a White House representative called them productive.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Russia's night attack on Ukrainian cities, including Kyiv and Kharkiv, disrupted peace talks in Abu Dhabi. Russian missiles hit not only Ukrainians, but also the negotiating table.
The Pentagon plans to reduce its role in deterring North Korea, transferring primary responsibility to South Korea. This could lead to a reduction in American troops on the Korean Peninsula.
On February 11, a summit of Western Hemisphere military leaders will take place in Washington, chaired by General Dan Caine. The goal is to create a united front against terrorist organizations and drug cartels that are destabilizing the region.
On January 23, the US Southern Command destroyed a smuggler's vessel in the Pacific Ocean, resulting in two deaths. This is the first operation since the detention of Nicolás Maduro, part of a campaign against drug trafficking.
Donald Trump could be removed from the US presidency without impeachment. Washington is discussing the application of the 25th Amendment due to his letter to the Prime Minister of Norway regarding Greenland.
Oil prices rose 3% after Trump's statement about sending a fleet to Iran and new US sanctions. This heightened concerns about fuel supplies and supply shortages.
