💥🇺🇦 Ukraine faces intensified Russian drone and missile attacks (0.92)

Ukraine is facing a severe escalation in Russian attacks, with over 2,000 drones and 1,200 guided bombs launched in just one week. President Zelensky reported significant damage to energy infrastructure, leading to reduced electricity production at nuclear plants. He called for urgent international support for air defense systems to counter the ongoing aggression. Recent strikes have resulted in civilian casualties and extensive property damage, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis amid freezing winter conditions. read →

🏛️⚓ UK considers seizing Russian tankers from shadow fleet (0.83)

The UK is considering military operations to seize tankers linked to Russia's shadow fleet, a move that could escalate tensions with Moscow. Discussions with NATO allies are ongoing, focusing on intercepting vessels suspected of evading sanctions. This consideration follows a recent US operation that successfully seized a tanker, raising concerns about potential Russian retaliation. Over 200 vessels in the shadow fleet complicate enforcement efforts, as Moscow continues to reflag tankers to evade detection. read →

🏛️🤝 India signs major trade agreement with the US amid farmer protests (0.83)🎁

India has signed a major trade agreement with the US, reducing tariffs on Indian goods to 18% and committing to $500 billion in imports over five years. While the government touts the deal as a gateway to a $30 trillion market, farmers express deep concerns about potential competition from US agricultural products. Protests are planned as farmers fear the agreement could flood local markets with cheaper imports, threatening their livelihoods. This shift also signals a significant realignment in India's trade orientation, moving closer to Western economies. read → 🎁 today's freebie

🏛️ Estonia bans entry of over 1,000 Russian soldiers (0.75)

Estonia has banned entry for over 1,000 Russian soldiers involved in the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the need for EU coordination on similar restrictions. Interior Minister Igor Taro stated that the ban is a preventive measure for community security, highlighting the risks posed by veterans returning from war. This decision follows an earlier ban on around 200 soldiers announced in January 2025, and Estonia is urging other EU countries to adopt similar measures. read →

🏛️🤝 India and Malaysia deepen semiconductor ties (0.65)

India and Malaysia have pledged to enhance cooperation in the semiconductor sector during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Malaysia. The leaders signed agreements covering semiconductors, AI, health, and renewable energy. Malaysia, the sixth-largest semiconductor exporter globally, plays a vital role in the industry, while India aims to become a global semiconductor hub by 2030, with significant investments planned in the sector. read →

🏛️ Trump's Peace Council to meet for Gaza reconstruction on 19 February (0.65)

The first meeting of U.S. President Donald Trump's Peace Council is set for 19 February 2026 in Washington, D.C., aiming to raise funds for Gaza's reconstruction. At least 35 countries, including Israel and Saudi Arabia, will participate, while many European nations have declined, viewing the council as a rival to the UN. The meeting will also address the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, which includes disarming Hamas and establishing an International Stabilisation Force. The council's broad mandate and Trump's veto power have raised concerns among Western allies. read →

🕊️🇺🇦 US pressures for Ukraine-Russia peace talks by June (0.65)

The U.S. is pressuring Ukraine and Russia to reach a peace agreement by June 2026, following trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi. President Zelensky confirmed Ukraine's participation in upcoming negotiations in Miami, while highlighting ongoing Russian demands for territorial concessions. He also revealed a proposed $12 trillion economic cooperation package between the U.S. and Russia, which Ukraine does not recognize without its involvement. The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for further discussions. read →

⚖️🛡️ Iran–US nuclear talks amid military tensions (0.65)

Iran and the US are set to continue negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program, with Iran insisting on retaining uranium enrichment despite US pressure. The US has bolstered its military presence in the Gulf, using it as leverage in talks. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is meeting with President Trump to discuss limits on Iran's missile capabilities. Concurrently, Iran is restructuring its military, signaling readiness for potential conflict while maintaining its stance on nuclear enrichment. read →

🏛️⚡ Lecornu unveils multi-year energy programming for France (0.92)

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu has announced the multiannual energy programming (PPE), confirming the construction of six new nuclear reactors and setting a target for 60% of energy consumption to come from electricity by 2030. The decree, expected to be signed soon, aims to balance nuclear expansion with renewable energy development. The Renewable Energies Union expressed cautious optimism but remains vigilant about production targets, warning that insufficient growth could lead to significant job losses in the sector. read →

🏛️📜 Push for proportional representation in France ahead of 2027 elections (0.73)

Around sixty political figures, including former President François Hollande, are calling for the introduction of proportional representation in France's legislative elections before the 2027 presidential election. They argue that the current majoritarian system undermines democracy and could lead to authoritarianism. However, government spokesperson Maud Brégeon dismissed the proposal as a 'presidential debate' and stated that changes would not be feasible before 2027. A bill for proportional representation has already been submitted to the Assembly, reflecting a significant push for electoral reform. read →

🏛️📉 France proposes bill to suspend benefits amid social fraud concerns (0.58)

Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou has backed a bill allowing the suspension of unemployment and social benefits amid serious fraud suspicions. The Senate's proposal, set for review by the National Assembly from 24 to 27 February, includes new detection methods like phone records and biometric verification. With social fraud estimated at €14 billion in 2025, the government aims to recover up to €3 billion through these measures. read →

🚆⚖️ Investigations and strikes follow Adamuz and Gelida rail accidents (0.96)

The Adamuz and Gelida rail accidents have led to ongoing investigations and a nationwide strike in Spain. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is set to address Congress on 11 February regarding safety concerns following the accidents, which resulted in 46 deaths and numerous injuries. The strike, scheduled for 9 to 11 February, will affect all rail services, highlighting demands for improved safety protocols. Additionally, the government's failure to comply with EU resilience directives may increase potential compensation liabilities for the state. read →

🏛️🔍 Alicante's public housing scandal exposes corruption and favoritism (0.93)

Alicante's Les Naus public housing scandal has revealed serious allegations of corruption, with 140 units allegedly allocated to public officials and their relatives amid a housing crisis. Key figures, including Urban Planning councillor Rocío Gómez, have resigned as investigations are launched into potential conflicts of interest. The political fallout has led to calls for Mayor Luis Barcala's resignation from both opposition parties and former allies, highlighting the urgent need for reform in public housing allocation processes. read →

🌧️🏛️ Storm Marta causes mass evacuations and emergency response in Andalusia (0.89)

Storm Marta has led to the evacuation of over 11,000 residents in Andalusia, with significant emergency operations underway. The Spanish government has committed resources for recovery efforts, while the Guadalquivir River remains at red alert. Authorities are urging continued caution as they manage the aftermath of the storm, which has severely impacted infrastructure and public safety across multiple provinces. read →

📉📊 Castilla-La Mancha faces persistent poverty challenges despite slight improvements in 2025 (0.81)

A preliminary report by EAPN reveals that Castilla-La Mancha has a poverty rate of 34%, significantly higher than the national average of 25.7%. Despite slight improvements in some indicators, many residents face everyday poverty, with 51.6% struggling to cover monthly expenses. The region's average income is over €2,200 below the national average, highlighting ongoing economic challenges. The report emphasizes the need for stronger regional social policies to address these persistent issues. read →

🗳️🏛️ Aragón's snap elections signal political shifts and coalition challenges (0.76)

Aragón will hold its first snap regional elections on 8 February 2026, prompted by President Jorge Azcón's failure to secure budget approval. With 1,036,325 eligible voters and eight parties contesting, polls indicate a potential rise in support for Vox, complicating Azcón's path to governance. The elections reflect broader national political dynamics, with both PSOE and PP framing the contest as a test of their leaders. Voter turnout may be affected by a significant decrease in postal vote requests, raising questions about participation levels. read →

🌧️🗳️ Portugal holds presidential runoff amid severe storm disruptions (0.92)

Portugal's presidential runoff on 8 February 2026 faced significant disruptions due to severe storms, leading to the postponement of voting in three municipalities to 15 February. Approximately 36,000 voters were unable to participate, although turnout by midday reached 22.35%, surpassing the first round. Candidates António José Seguro and André Ventura are competing to succeed Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, with Seguro currently leading in the polls. The National Elections Commission is set to begin counting votes after polls close at 7:00 p.m. read →

🌧️🏛️ Calls for comprehensive recovery support after storms in Portugal (0.81)

In the wake of severe storms in Portugal, the Associação da Hotelaria, Restauração e Similares de Portugal (AHRESP) is urging the government to provide comprehensive aid to all affected businesses, not just those in declared calamity zones. The state of calamity has been extended to 68 municipalities until 15 February 2026, with support measures potentially reaching €2.5 billion. Meanwhile, Bank of Portugal governor Álvaro Santos Pereira criticized the country's disaster prevention failures, calling for urgent reforms and better planning to enhance resilience against future crises. read →