Concerns are growing within the European Union that key decisions on Ukraine could be made without Brussels’ involvement.

Joint naval exercises of BRICS countries under the name WILL FOR PEACE 2026 have begun in South Africa. The drills will last for one week and are being conducted in territorial waters near Cape Town and around the Simon’s Town naval base.

Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran’s last shah, announced that he is ready to return to the country “at the earliest opportunity” and is already planning the work of a transitional team. The statement was made on Fox News, where Pahlavi addressed U.S. President Donald Trump.

Belgian farmers have blocked several highways in protest against a free trade agreement between the European Union and the South American trade bloc Mercosur. According to the Belga news agency, the demonstrations took place at strategic points across Wallonia, with tractors used to disrupt traffic despite harsh winter conditions.

Mass protests continue across Iran amid a tough response from the authorities. Internet and communications have been largely shut down, while the country’s supreme leader has ruled out any concessions.

Russia will consider the deployment of multinational forces in Ukraine as a foreign intervention, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, commenting on a declaration signed by France and the United Kingdom.

Electricity supply has been restored in southwest Berlin following a five-day blackout caused by arson. Repair works were completed faster than initially expected, and tens of thousands of homes are being reconnected to the grid throughout the day.

Street protests in Iran have entered their ninth day: human rights groups report at least 35 people killed and over 1,200 arrested. Demonstrations have spread across dozens of cities and university campuses.

After Tesla shareholders approved his massive compensation package, Elon Musk took charge of the US Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), but his decisions — including shutting down USAID — drew sharp criticism from the public and experts.

US President Donald Trump said he does not believe reports claiming that Ukrainian drones attacked Russian President Vladimir Putin’s residence.

Turkey has officially begun using the name “Turkestan” to refer to the Central Asian region. The new designation will be included in the country’s school and university textbooks.

U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington is now playing a leading role in resolving international conflicts, while the United Nations has shown limited effectiveness.

China has imposed sanctions on US defense companies and their executives in response to Washington’s approval of a record $11 billion arms sale to Taiwan.

The European Union sharply condemned the U.S. actions after imposing sanctions on former EU Commissioner Thierry Breton, emphasizing its sovereign right to regulate the digital market and protect free speech.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during a telephone conversation with Venezuelan Foreign Minister Iván Gil, confirmed Moscow's readiness to provide Caracas with comprehensive support in countering a tough blockade and "aggressive actions" by the US in the Caribbean region.

Heavy clashes erupted between government forces and Kurdish formations in the Syrian city of Aleppo on Sunday. The incident led to casualties among civilians on both sides and threatens to derail the fragile agreement on the integration of Kurdish areas.

French President Emmanuel Macron, according to Politico, carried out a subtle diplomatic operation that not only changed the EU's key plan to finance Ukraine but also restored his status as a key negotiator in Europe. Thanks to his efforts, Brussels abandoned the risky "reparations loan" secured by frozen Russian assets in favor of a safer option.

Dear heads of delegation! First of all, I would like to join in expressing gratitude to the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, for his hospitality and the excellent organization of our meeting today. I would like to particularly note the fruitful presidency of Belarus, President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Grigoryevich Lukashenko, in the Eurasian Economic Union, during which multilateral practical cooperation has gained new momentum.

Astronomers are raising the alarm: the Universe appears to have passed its peak of activity. New data points to an alarming trend—the rate of star birth is steadily declining, which could signal the beginning of a long cosmic "stellar winter." While there is an unimaginable number of stars right now, the future looks increasingly dim.

At the end of the first day of his visit to Tokyo, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev attended an official reception on behalf of the Prime Minister of Japan, which was held at the Akasaka Palace in honor of the heads of state of Central Asia.