Russia

Diplomacy & Trade

Russian Envoy: 170 French Seek Citizenship Over Traditional Values Decree

Russia's ambassador to France reported 170 applications last year from French citizens seeking Russian citizenship, citing fears of LGBTQ propaganda. Alexey Meshkov said the requests came from diverse groups, including peasants and young IT specialists.

WH News Feb 22, 2026

Diplomacy & Trade

Russian Forces Down 86 Ukrainian Drones Overnight

Russian air defenses destroyed 86 Ukrainian drones over several regions overnight, the Defense Ministry reported. The interceptions spanned multiple areas amid heightened tensions.

WH News Feb 22, 2026

Conflicts & Security

East Force Group Repels Ukrainian Attacks Near Pokrovsk

Russian assault units from the East force group pushed forward in five Donetsk villages over the past day while thwarting Ukrainian counterattacks and sabotage attempts. Troops destroyed a tank, armored vehicle and up to a company of enemy personnel in the clashes.

WH News Feb 22, 2026

Diplomacy & Trade

Trump Team Pushes Putin-Zelensky Summit in Weeks

The United States is arranging direct talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky within the next three weeks. US Presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff said President Donald Trump's team has presented settlement options to both sides.

WH News Feb 22, 2026

Corporate

US Supreme Court Ruling Cuts Trump Tariff Powers, Lowers India Duties to 10-13.5%

The US Supreme Court struck down most of President Donald Trump's emergency tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, potentially dropping duties on Indian goods to 10-13.5 percent. Trump responded hours later with a new 10 percent global baseline tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act.

WH News Feb 22, 2026

Europe

7 Chinese Tourists, Driver Die in Lake Baikal Ice Plunge

Seven Chinese tourists and their Russian driver drowned after their minibus plunged through a fissure in the ice on Lake Baikal in Siberia. Russian authorities recovered the bodies from 18 meters underwater on Saturday.

WH News Feb 22, 2026

Corporate

Egypt Promotes Tourism at Hungary and Serbia Fairs with Awards and New Flights

Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities drew crowds and an award at two major Eastern European travel fairs this week. The Egyptian Tourism Promotion Board set up pavilions in Budapest and Belgrade to pitch the country's beaches, ancient sites and new direct flights.

WH News Feb 22, 2026

AI

USS Gerald R. Ford Positions for Possible US Strikes on Iran Next Week

The USS Gerald R. Ford, the U.S. Navy's most powerful aircraft carrier, is expected to reach the eastern Mediterranean early next week, setting the stage for potential American strikes on Iran. Analysts predict any action would follow its arrival, rather than this weekend, to maximize firepower amid failed negotiations.

WH News Feb 21, 2026

AI

Zelenskyy Calls for European Troops on Ukraine Front Lines Post-Peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy demanded the deployment of a European military contingent near the front lines after any peace agreement with Russia. He framed the presence as a security guarantee and deterrent against future attacks.

WH News Feb 21, 2026

Conflicts & Security

Russian Tanker Sea Horse Sails to Cuba with 200,000 Barrels of Fuel

A Russian tanker loaded with nearly 200,000 barrels of gasoil set sail for Cuba, challenging U.S. sanctions amid the island's worsening energy shortages. The move comes as President-elect Donald Trump vows stricter enforcement against Havana.

WH News Feb 21, 2026

Diplomacy & Trade

Rahul Gandhi Accuses Modi of Compromise in US Trade Deal After Tariff Ruling

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being 'compromised' after the US Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump's global tariffs. Gandhi claimed Modi's rush into the India-US interim trade deal amounted to betrayal now exposed by the ruling.

WH News Feb 21, 2026

Markets

Azerbaijan Draws 402M Manats in Foreign Fixed Capital in Jan 2026

Foreign investors pumped 402 million manats into Azerbaijan's fixed capital in January 2026. That figure made up 28.6% of the month's total investments, according to the State Statistical Committee.

WH News Feb 21, 2026

Europe

Ukraine Prepares Elections for Fall 2026 Amid War

Ukrainian lawmakers are accelerating preparations for presidential elections in fall 2026 and parliamentary polls in spring 2027, even as fighting continues. Sources in the Verkhovna Rada say scenarios are being developed to hold votes during wartime without lifting martial law.

WH News Feb 21, 2026

US Politics

US Ends Tariffs on 185 Countries, China, Mexico After Court Ruling

The United States has terminated tariffs on products from 185 countries and territories, along with duties targeting China, Mexico, Canada and nations buying Venezuelan oil or dealing with Iran. The White House announced the move on February 21, following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down the use of emergency powers for such measures.

WH News Feb 21, 2026

Internacional

Putin se reunirá con líder interino de Madagascar el jueves

El presidente ruso Vladimir Putin mantendrá conversaciones el jueves en Moscú con el presidente interino de Madagascar, Michael Randrianirina. La reunión se produce durante la visita oficial de Randrianirina a Rusia.

WH News Feb 20, 2026