Hegseth softens stance on Ukraine’s NATO goal as Trump doubles down

Their remarks added to the anxiety, in Washington and across Europe, surrounding Trump’s plan to pursue a deal that would end the Russia-Ukraine war.

Source: Washington Post

Trump’s tariffs could spur push to rewrite North America trade pact

The Trump administration is trying to rewrite numerous trade rules to extract concessions from allies and adversaries.

Source: Al Jazeera

Mapped: Russia’s and Ukraine’s competing visions for peace

As Washington seeks to resolve the war in Ukraine with peace negotiations, these maps show what each side in the conflict is pushing for.

Source: Washington Post

Oh, Canada! Can Trump just take it? – podcast

On the first day of his second term in office, Donald Trump suggested he wanted the US to ‘expand’ its territory. Few thought he could actually mean taking Canada and …

Source: The Guardian

‘Time is running out’: frailty of freed hostages raises pressure on Netanyahu

Relatives and supporters anxious for return of remaining hostages urge Israeli PM to maintain ceasefire deal

• Israel Gaza war: latest news updates

Still frail less than a week after his …

Source: The Guardian

JD Vance says he fears Europe’s ‘threat from within’

Source: Financial Times

Peruvian policeman in capybara costume makes Valentine's drug bust

Video shows the moment police use fancy dress to carry out a drug raid in Lima, Peru.

Source: BBC

China extends reach in South Pacific with Cook Islands deal

No details have been released, but analysts and environmentalists fear it will pave the way for closer security ties and the start of deep-sea mining.

Source: Washington Post

Starmer chooses AI security over ‘woke’ safety concerns to align with Trump

UK government switches strategy on AI regulation in hope of better ties with new US administration

Source: Financial Times

DR Congo singer killed filming music video in war-torn Goma

Delcat Idengo, well-known for his critical songs, died after releasing a track condemning the city's rebel occupation.

Source: BBC

Goa man found guilty of rape and murder of Irish backpacker eight years ago

Family of Danielle McLaughlin say justice has finally been achieved after Vikat Bhagat convicted in India

The family of a young Irish woman raped and murdered in India eight years …

Source: The Guardian

Sweet romance: Japanese boys start buying into gift giving on Valentine’s Day

Women are traditionally expected to buy chocolates for male colleagues on Valentine’s Day but teenage boys are shunning the one-sided custom

It has been several years since Japanese women first …

Source: The Guardian