German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticized Donald Trump's approach to Russia's war against Ukraine. He stated that Trump's actions could have strengthened Putin's confidence and complicated negotiations.
A powerful blizzard brought over 76 cm of snow to some areas of the northeastern US, paralyzing traffic. Thousands of homes were left without electricity, and about 7,400 flights were canceled.
The Kremlin manipulates international law to create a false legal justification for aggression and to absolve itself of responsibility for violating Ukraine's borders in 2014 and 2022.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the Alliance will stand with Ukraine "through all future challenges. " He emphasized the importance of continuous military assistance to Ukraine and called on Putin to demonstrate seriousness about peace.
The US is pushing for a deal on Ukraine by July 4, the 250th anniversary of US independence. However, there are no signs that Putin is ready to compromise on his demands, Bloomberg notes.
The US met with a Russian delegation in Geneva and plans to meet with a Chinese delegation to discuss a multilateral nuclear arms control treaty. This comes amid US calls for a broader agreement that includes China and Russia.
The Ukrainian leader emphasized: Russia is paying too high a price for the war, Ukraine is approaching its end, but still needs guarantees from the US and the European community. In particular, this refers to EU membership.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, addressed Ukrainians from a bunker on Bankova Street, where his first conversations with world leaders took place at the beginning of the war. He emphasized the resilience of the Ukrainian people and expressed a desire to one day come there with the US President.
Russian Urals crude oil is selling at its largest discount in almost three years, reaching $30. 62 per barrel relative to Brent. This is a consequence of Western sanctions, particularly those imposed by the United States.
Former British ambassador Peter Mandelson has been arrested by detectives investigating allegations of misconduct in public office. This follows his friendship with convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Marshal of the Polish Sejm, Włodzimierz Czarzasty. Discussions focused on Ukraine's integration into the EU, defense support, and energy security.
Naftogaz Group has for the first time secured the supply of liquefied natural gas from the USA through the Deutsche ReGas LNG terminal in Germany. After regasification, the gas will be delivered to Ukraine to meet the country's needs in February.
The Head of the President's Office, Kyrylo Budanov, emphasized that peace talks must prevent a repeat of Russian aggression. He noted that Ukraine is moving forward in negotiations, but the parties need to make final decisions.
In two months of Defence City's special regime operation, only one company has received resident status. Expert Ihor Garbaruk believes that the problem lies in the lack of a systemic approach by the state and the need to refine legislation.
Ukraine considers sanctions against Alexander Lukashenka as a first step. A legal framework is being prepared for further strengthening of the sanctions policy due to support for the war against Ukraine.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Hungary's and Slovakia's ultimatums should be addressed to the Kremlin. He emphasized the need to increase pressure on Russia and the importance of investing in Ukraine's defense industry.
President Zelenskyy announced that approximately seven thousand Ukrainians are being held in Russian prisons, where they are treated more harshly than political prisoners from other countries. He also stated Ukraine's readiness to assist in the release of Belarusian political prisoners.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to Donald Trump's words about a "dictator. " Zelenskyy denied the accusations, emphasizing that he is not a dictator and did not start the war.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine wants to see a foreign contingent closer to the front line, not in rear cities. France and Britain are ready to provide a brigade each, and other countries are also expressing readiness.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that regaining control over all territories of Ukraine is a matter of time, but currently it would lead to millions of casualties. The President emphasized the lack of resources and weaponry for such a step.
As the fourth anniversary of the war approaches, Ukraine's birth rate is falling, and the number of people struggling with fertility or postponing the decision to have children is growing. Since the beginning of the war, Ukraine has lost about 10 million people, and the birth rate has fallen below one.
The Russian dictator announced his intention to strengthen the country's nuclear triad. This comes amid the suspension of the last bilateral pact with the United States on limiting strategic offensive arms.
In Asian trading, Bitcoin fell to $64,300, erasing gains made after the US elections. The reasons were macroeconomic uncertainty and conflicting statements from Washington regarding trade agreements.
Kim Jong Un re-elected as General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea. Pyongyang plans to redouble efforts to accelerate its military nuclear program.
Oil prices are falling after the US announced a tariff increase on imports to 15%. This has heightened investor concerns about a slowdown in the global economy.
Delta Airlines suspends operations at New York and Boston airports until Tuesday due to winter storm. Over 8,500 flights canceled, up to 50 cm of snow and zero visibility expected.
US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said that Washington is increasing its military presence in the Middle East, but Tehran has not yet made concessions. Trump is considering limited military strikes.
India has suspended trade talks with the US after the Supreme Court overturned Trump's previous tariffs, leading to the imposition of a 15% rate. This decision affected an agreement to reduce tariffs on Indian goods and purchase US products.
Great Britain could become the country most affected by new US import duties due to significant exports of services and goods. A fall in the pound and an impact on the Bank of England's monetary policy are predicted.
The US and Iran will resume nuclear talks in Geneva on February 26, mediated by Oman. Diplomats hope for a swift conclusion to the agreement's preparation amid the US military presence in the region.
