United States
President Zelenskyy accepted the US proposal to hold the next round of negotiations to end the war, where the issue of territory will be discussed. Ukraine may approve a peace proposal through a parliamentary vote or a national referendum.
The President held a conference call regarding ongoing Russian attacks. Instructions were given to strengthen infrastructure protection and ensure the heat package program.
American pop singer Britney Spears has transferred the rights to her music catalog to the publishing company Primary Wave. The deal is estimated to be worth around $200 million.
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said he expects more announcements of commitments under the PURL initiative to supply Ukraine with American weapons. Allies have pledged to purchase more than $4.5 billion worth of weapons.
Commander-in-Chief of the Norwegian Armed Forces, General Eirik Kristoffersen, warned of a possible Russian invasion of the country's northern territories. The goal could be to create a buffer zone to protect the nuclear arsenal on the Kola Peninsula.
The head of US intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, is winding down the activities of a group that monitored foreign interference. The decision is explained by the desire to reduce the "politicization" of intelligence and reallocate resources to combat real threats.
Global oil prices are rising due to the escalating geopolitical situation around Iran, which negates the impact of increased US inventories. The US is considering seizing tankers with Iranian oil and deploying an aircraft carrier group.
The price of gold rose by 0. 3% to $5,038.66 per ounce after weak retail sales data in the US. This strengthened market expectations for a loosening of the Fed's monetary policy.
The federal ICE agency is stepping up measures against activists who harass agents during operations. The number of criminal cases for interfering with law enforcement has sharply increased.
In Nigeria, on February 3, 2024, an armed group killed 21 people in the town of Doma, Katsina State. This happened after the termination of a non-aggression pact concluded by the community with criminals last September.
The office of US Vice President J. D. Vance deleted a post about the 1915 "Armenian genocide," calling it a technical staff error. This happened after Vance's visit to the Tsitsernakaberd memorial complex in Yerevan.
US and Iran diplomatic efforts have reached a stalemate, despite positive statements from leaders. The lack of clear agreements and new provocations from Tehran increase the likelihood of American airstrikes.
The European Parliament has approved the resumption of a trade agreement with the United States, which was suspended due to tariff threats over Greenland. The agreement will be valid for 24 months, provides for the abolition of EU tariffs on US industrial goods and a 15% US rate on most EU goods.
The US has deployed Patriot air defense systems on mobile trucks at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar for more agile position changes. This decision allows US forces to respond more quickly to potential Iranian attacks, despite ongoing negotiations in Oman.
The United States and Azerbaijan signed a strategic partnership agreement in Baku, providing for economic and security cooperation. The document paves the way for expanding American influence in the South Caucasus and strengthening regional stability.
Kaja Kallas stated that she would propose a list of concessions that Europe should demand from Russia for a settlement of the conflict in Ukraine. Among the conditions are the return of Ukrainian children and restrictions on Russian armed forces.
OpenAI has begun placing ads in basic versions of ChatGPT for registered adult users in the US. This is a step to increase revenue amid the company's growing expenses.
President Zelenskyy announced Ukraine's participation in two important international security events this week, including the Munich Security Conference. New support packages for Ukraine's defense are expected.
Georgia is patiently awaiting the restoration of relations with the United States after US Vice President J. D. Vance visited Armenia and Azerbaijan, bypassing Tbilisi. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that Georgia is ready to restore the partnership without preconditions.
European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, will embark on a tour of EU countries. The goal is to persuade governments and the defence industry to ramp up missile production for Ukraine and European stockpiles.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stated that the country might join the nuclear race due to concerns about Iran's nuclear ambitions. Ankara does not wish to disrupt the fragile balance of power in the region but may be forced to do so.
The United Nations is awaiting a decision on the payment of almost $4 billion in debt by the United States. The UN Secretary-General warned of a possible financial collapse if member states do not pay their contributions.
American TV channel Newsmax has signed a licensing agreement to launch Newsmax Ukraine in spring 2026. The channel will produce its own news and retransmit Newsmax content.
President Zelenskyy met with Oksana Markarova, Ukraine's former Ambassador to the USA. They discussed Ukraine's reconstruction and strengthening international ties to defend against Russian aggression.
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.
Yelyzaveta Sydorko set a national record in the 500-meter distance at the 2026 Olympics, completing it in 43. 337 seconds. Despite the high result, she could not advance to the quarterfinals, finishing fourth in her heat.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that the people who booed US Vice President J. D. Vance at the Winter Olympics showed "European pride." This occurred after a series of critical remarks about Europe from American officials.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has refused to resign despite pressure over the appointment of Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador. He has vowed to continue fighting to prevent the populist Reform party from coming to power.
Chinese J-16 fighter jets performed dangerous maneuvers near Taiwanese F-16 aircraft during military exercises in December. One J-16 fired decoy flares, another flew in a firing-ready position.
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker denied that the US had set a new deadline for peace talks on Russia's war against Ukraine. He stated that setting deadlines is dangerous.