European allies mobilize €33.1 billion to shield Ukraine as US funding shifts

NATO allies have pledged €33.1 billion (approx. 648.7 billion MDL) in new military support to fortify Kyiv’s air defenses. The announcement follows a high-level meeting in Brussels focused on countering intensified Russian attacks on energy infrastructure and civilian targets.

Belgian police and EPPO raid European Commission over €900 million real estate deal

Belgian federal police, acting under the authority of the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO), conducted raids on the European Commission’s headquarters and the Belgian sovereign wealth fund (SFPIM) on Thursday.

US pushes for Ukraine-Russia peace deal by June as new talks loom in February

The United States is intensifying diplomatic efforts to broker a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, aiming for a resolution by early summer 2026. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed a new round of high-level negotiations is scheduled for February 17-18.

Romania urges faster EU defense output at NATO ministerial

Romanian Defense Minister and Vice Prime Minister Radu-Dinel Miruta called for the urgent acceleration of European defense industrial production during the NATO Defense Ministers' meeting on February 12.

EU leaders retreat to moated fortress to debate €1 trillion joint debt plan

EU leaders gathered Thursday, February 12, at the isolated Alden-Biesen Castle in Limburg, Belgium. This informal "strategic retreat" aims to solidify European unity amid intensifying global security and economic threats

EU defense summit opens amid Franco-German industrial deadlock and US absence

EU Defense Ministers gathered in Brussels on Wednesday, February 11, to coordinate military support for Ukraine and defense innovation. High Representative Kaja Kallas led the session, which included an in-person exchange with Ukrainian Defense Minister Mihailo Fedorov.

EU moves to dismantle Russian crypto ecosystem in 20th sanctions package

The European Commission has proposed a comprehensive blanket ban on all Russian-linked cryptocurrency operations. This strategic shift aims to dismantle the financial infrastructure used by Moscow to bypass international restrictions.

Zelenskyy to reveal plan for presidential elections and peace referendum on February 24

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to unveil a comprehensive roadmap for national elections and a sovereignty referendum on February 24, according to sources cited by the Financial Times.

Russian food prices soar as cucumber costs reach parity with meat amid war economy

Russia's economy is entering a volatile contraction, with essential goods becoming a luxury for average citizens. Millions confront a mounting financial crisis as defense spending consumes nearly 40% of the national budget, fueling hyperinflation across the Federation.

ORION 26: 12,000 Allied troops converge in France for high-intensity drills

The French Armed Forces have launched a comprehensive three-month military mobilization to demonstrate France’s resolve in protecting its territory, citizens, and strategic interests.

Amnesty International exposes North Korea's 'Dystopian' execution of youth over foreign media

North Korean authorities are executing students for watching South Korean television shows, including the Netflix hit "Squid Game," and listening to K-Pop. A 2025 Amnesty International report, citing harrowing testimonies from defectors, details a regime increasingly reliant on public executions and forced labor to stifle foreign cultural influence.

Russia oil production drops for second month as US sanctions stifle exports

Russian crude oil output continued its downward slide in January for the second consecutive month. This decline stems from intensifying market access constraints triggered by United States sanctions.