Politics
The US and Iran have agreed to hold talks in Oman, but are still arguing over the agenda
The meeting in Muscat is scheduled for Friday morning, with Tehran insisting on discussing only the nuclear programme and Washington wanting a broader range of topics. The talks are taking place against the backdrop of increased US military presence in the region and incidents at sea and in the air.
EU ambassadors agree on €90 billion in aid to Ukraine for 2026–2027
The European Union has agreed on a mechanism to provide Ukraine with €90 billion in financial and defence support. The first tranche is expected in early Q2, and the funds are intended to strengthen budgetary stability, defence capabilities and Kyiv`s position in negotiations.
Iranian boats attempted to stop an American tanker in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Washington.
Off the coast of Oman, Iranian military boats approached a tanker flying the US flag and demanded that it prepare for boarding. The incident occurred amid mutual threats between Iran and the US and preparations for negotiations on Tehran`s nuclear programme.
Xi Jinping called for a "grand plan" to develop relations between China and Russia amid nuclear risks
The leaders of China and Russia held their first talks this year via videoconference. Xi Jinping stated the need for a strategic plan for bilateral relations, while Vladimir Putin promised to take a responsible approach to the issue of terminating the START III treaty with the United States.
Another round of negotiations involving Ukraine, the United States and Russia has concluded in Abu Dhabi.
Peace talks in Abu Dhabi continued in the format of trilateral meetings and working groups. According to the American side, over the past year, the list of unresolved issues between Ukraine and Russia has been significantly reduced, but key problems remain the most difficult.
Japan plans to provide Ukraine with $6 billion in aid in 2026
Since the start of the full-scale war, Japan has already provided Ukraine with more than $15 billion in support. In 2026, Tokyo plans to allocate another $6 billion, in particular to support the state budget and the energy sector.
Ukraine has agreed with its partners on a three-stage plan to respond to Russia`s violation of the future ceasefire.
In the event of systematic violations of the ceasefire, a phased response is envisaged within 24 and 72 hours, including action by European forces and support from the United States. The mechanism was discussed in December and January, ahead of a new round of consultations in Abu Dhabi.
The US shot down an Iranian drone near the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea.
The incident occurred amid attempts to organise nuclear talks between Washington and Tehran. After reports of the drone being shot down, oil prices rose by more than $1 per barrel.
Ukraine, the United States and Russia have begun a new round of trilateral peace talks in Abu Dhabi
Consultations began on 4 February in the UAE following Russia's massive attack on Ukraine. Negotiations are taking place in several stages with the involvement of working groups and final synchronisation of positions.
Media reports confirm death of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi in Libya
The son of the former Libyan ruler was shot dead during an armed attack at his residence. The investigation is establishing the circumstances and motives behind the murder.
Before Ramstein, Ukraine, NATO, Britain and Germany agreed on military support priorities
The defence ministers of Ukraine, the United Kingdom and Germany, together with the NATO Secretary General, agreed on key areas of assistance to Kyiv, with a focus on air defence and financing arms purchases in 2026.
A container ship bound for Russia was detained in Estonia on suspicion of smuggling
A ship flying the flag of the Bahamas was stopped in Estonian territorial waters during a joint operation by customs, police and the navy. The ship is suspected of smuggling cargo from Ecuador.
