**Summary:** US President Donald Trump's controversial Peace Council convened for its first session in Washington, one month after its founding in Davos. The council, chaired by Trump, aims to resolve global conflicts, though the initial focus is expected to be on the Gaza Strip, where Trump plans to present a multi-billion aid package.

- The council's core mission is to solve global conflicts, not exclusively the pacification of the Gaza Strip.
- Trump intends to present a multi-billion package for humanitarian aid and reconstruction in Gaza during the meeting.
- The council is also tasked with establishing an International Stabilization Force (ISF) for order in Gaza; only Indonesia has concretely offered troops (5,000 to 8,000 soldiers).
- Key hurdles in Gaza include Hamas's refusal to disarm, despite an Israeli deadline of about two months mentioned by Israeli Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs.
- Several European countries, including Spain, Belgium, Norway, and Sweden, have rejected participation, citing doubts about compatibility with the UN framework.
- The council currently has about two dozen members, including Hungary, Israel, Belarus, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.

**Why it matters:** The first session is a crucial test for the council's mandate and legitimacy, especially concerning the disarmament of Hamas and the establishment of a Palestinian transitional administration, which will determine the start of reconstruction in Gaza.

**Confidence:** 95

Nahost: "Bewährungsprobe": Erste Sitzung von Trumps Friedensrat

Trump lanza su Junta de Paz por Gaza: quién va, quién falta, qué busca y qué pinta la ONU

F.A.Z. Frühdenker: Was bringt die erste Sitzung von Trumps Friedensrat hervor?

Trump's Controversial Peace Council Holds First Session in Washington

**Summary:** On February 19, 2026, Ukraine's General Staff reported that Russia lost 830 military personnel and significant equipment in the preceding 24 hours, bringing total estimated losses to over 1.25 million personnel since February 24, 2022. Separately, a Ukrainian UAV platoon commander stated that Ukrainian forces 'defeated' NATO troops during the 'Hedgehog-2025' exercises due to NATO forces' poor reaction to drone threats.

- Russian losses over the past day included 830 personnel, 3 armored fighting vehicles, and 21 artillery systems.
- The 'Hedgehog-2025' exercise, held in Estonia, involved Ukrainian pilots demonstrating drone threats against NATO forces.
- The Ukrainian UAV commander noted NATO infantry reacted slowly to simulated drone threats and their equipment was clustered.
- The Ukrainian drone pilots' group won the exercise scenario, which lasted five days and included logistical and humanitarian missions.
- The results of 'Hedgehog 2025' reportedly showed a British brigade was 'virtually destroyed' by Ukrainian drone operators.

**Why it matters:** The reports highlight ongoing high-intensity conflict with significant Russian attrition, alongside Ukraine demonstrating advanced tactical capabilities, particularly in drone warfare, to NATO partners.

**Confidence:** 95

rss.unian.net - "Генералы благодарили нас": военный рассказал, как ВСУ "разгромили" войска НАТО на учениях

espreso.tv - За добу війни в Україні РФ втратила 3 бронемашини, 21 артсистему та 830 військових

Russia's Reported Losses Mount; Ukraine Claims 'Victory' in NATO Drills

**Summary:** Peace talks between Ukraine and Russia in Geneva concluded after only two hours, following previous US-brokered rounds in Abu Dhabi that yielded no major breakthrough. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused Russia of deliberately stalling negotiations.

- The talks were described by Ukrainian delegation leader Rustem Umjerow as "intensive and substantial," while Russian chief negotiator Vladimir Medinsky called them "difficult, but factual."
- The US delegation included special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
- Zelenskiy expressed skepticism about Russia's peace will and noted progress on military issues but not on political ones.
- Medinsky announced that another meeting would take place in the near future.
- The meeting occurred just days before the fourth anniversary of Russia's 2022 invasion.
- The EU Commission also presented a strategy to support eastern EU regions bordering Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine.

**Why it matters:** The continuation of high-level peace talks, even if brief and inconclusive, remains a critical diplomatic effort to end the ongoing war in Ukraine, while internal political dynamics, such as US pressure on Ukraine, influence the negotiation climate.

**Confidence:** 95

orf.at - Stärkungsplan für Grenzregionen zu Russland und Ukraine

tagesschau.de - Verhandlungen über Ukraine-Krieg nach zwei Stunden beendet

kathmandupost.com - Ukraine peace talks end in Geneva after Zelenskiy says Russia stalling

Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks End Abruptly in Geneva After Two Hours

**Summary:** Hungary has stopped exporting diesel fuel to Ukraine and will not resume supplies until oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline is restored, according to Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó. Szijjártó stated this decision is a direct consequence of Ukraine halting Russian crude oil transit via the pipeline on January 27th, which he characterized as a "purely political decision."

- Hungary's MOL company has ordered 500,000 tons of Russian crude oil for sea transport via Croatia, expected by early March.
- The transit of Russian crude oil via the Druzhba pipeline through Ukraine stopped on January 27th.
- Ukraine justified the halt by citing a Russian air attack on a Western Ukrainian oil facility on that day.
- Hungary claims to have strategic oil reserves sufficient for over three months.

**Why it matters:** This action escalates energy-related tensions between Hungary and Ukraine, directly linking diesel supply to the operational status of the Druzhba pipeline, which is crucial for Russian oil supply to Hungary and Slovakia.

**Confidence:** 98

Сійярто: Угорщина не постачатиме в Україну дизпаливо, поки не запрацює нафтопровід \"Дружба\"

Сіярто заявив, що Угорщина припиняє постачання дизельного палива до України

Krieg in der Ukraine: Ungarn liefert der Ukraine keinen Diesel mehr

Венгрия остановила экспорт дизеля в Украину: шантажируют для возобновления работы \"Дружбы\"

Hungary halts diesel exports to Ukraine over halted oil transit via Druzhba

**Summary:** Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in an Axios interview that he finds it unfair that US President Donald Trump publicly calls for compromises from Ukraine but not from Russia. Zelensky emphasized that the path to lasting peace is not "giving victory" to Russian dictator Vladimir Putin.

- Zelensky noted that Trump has twice recently claimed responsibility for concessions lies with Ukraine.
- Zelensky thanked Trump for peacekeeping initiatives, noting that contacts with US representatives like Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff do not involve such pressure.
- The monitoring of a ceasefire, agreed upon during Ukrainian-American-Russian negotiations in Geneva, will involve the US side.
- The military aspects of the Geneva talks were constructive, with agreement on how to monitor a ceasefire if political will exists.
- The cost to restore the Darnytsia TPP in Kyiv could be 700 million euros, with restoration taking up to three years.

**Why it matters:** The event highlights ongoing diplomatic tensions regarding peace negotiations, specifically concerning perceived pressure from a key ally (USA) on Ukraine versus Russia, alongside critical domestic infrastructure recovery needs.

**Confidence:** 95

Зеленський: У Женеві домовились про моніторинг припинення вогню американцями - Українська правда

Украине скоро понадобится еще 9,5 ГВт: в "Укрэнерго" рассказали подробности - RSS.UNIAN.NET

Шлях до миру не полягає у "даруванні перемоги" Путіну: Зеленський дорікнув Трампу, що той більше тисне на Україну, ніж на РФ - ESPRESO.TV

Zelensky criticizes Trump for pressuring Ukraine more than Russia

**Summary:** The second day of trilateral negotiations between Ukraine, the USA, and Russia took place in Geneva on February 18, 2026, with the humanitarian track, specifically prisoner exchanges and civilian release, being a key discussion point for the Ukrainian delegation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tasked his delegation to ensure the talks are productive and increase chances for peaceful solutions, while also stating that Russia is attempting to delay negotiations that could reach a final stage.

- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting with the Ukrainian team before the start of the delegations' work.
- The Ukrainian delegation aims for guaranteed security and a reliable, long-term peace.
- The Russian delegation's chief negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky, described the talks as "difficult, but businesslike" and announced a new round soon.
- Previous day's meetings on February 17 included bilateral talks between Ukraine and America, as well as multilateral discussions involving Russian and European representatives (Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland).

**Why it matters:** The ongoing negotiations in Geneva address critical issues like prisoner exchanges, while Ukraine's leadership expresses concern that Russia is trying to stall progress towards a potential final diplomatic stage.

**Confidence:** 95

У Кремлі відмовчуються щодо ініціативи Зеленського про зустріч із Путіним у Женеві

Зеленський: На переговорах обговорять обмін полоненими та звільнення цивільних

Мединський заявив, що переговори в Женеві закінчилися: Були важкі, але ділові

Зеленский обвинил РФ в затягивании переговоров в Женеве

Зеленський: на перемовинах у Женеві мають обговорити кроки для обміну військовополоненими та звільнення цивільних

Ukraine and Russia hold second day of talks in Geneva with focus on POW exchange

**Summary:** Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska stated he was unaware of the sexual assault complaint against the National Police's Deputy Operational Director (DAO), José Ángel González, until the day before, following González's resignation. The Ministry of Interior has opened an internal investigation into a commissioner allegedly involved in coercing the complainant.

- The resignation of José Ángel González followed his citation by a Madrid court regarding a complaint filed by a National Police inspector.
- The complaint includes allegations of sexual assault, coercion, psychological injury, and misuse of public funds.
- Interior has relieved Commissioner Óscar San Juan, the former DAO's right-hand man, of his duties pending an internal inquiry into alleged coercion.
- The opposition PP, led by Alberto Núñez Feijóo, accused the Government of "protecting and covering up" the alleged aggressor until the case became public.
- Marlaska expressed feeling "manifestly disappointed" with González, stating that if they had known earlier, the resignation would have been requested sooner.

**Why it matters:** The case involves a high-ranking police official accused of serious crimes, leading to political fallout and calls for the resignation of the Minister of the Interior.

**Confidence:** 98

Última hora de la actualidad política, en directo | Marlaska asegura que desconocía “hasta ayer” la denuncia por agresión sexual contra el jefe de la Policía: “No lo he tapado”

Marlaska, sobre el DAO denunciado por agresión sexual: "Hay desconocimiento, no lo he tapado"

Marlaska asegura que desconocía el caso de agresión sexual y aparta a la mano derecha del exjefe de la Policía

Marlaska afirma que no "sabía nada" de la denuncia por agresión sexual contra el jefe operativo de la Policía: "No lo he tapado"

Minister Marlaska denies knowledge of sexual assault complaint against Police DAO

**Summary:** UK inflation, measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI), fell to 3.0% in the year to January, down from 3.4% in December, reaching its lowest level since March 2025. This development reinforces expectations that the Bank of England (BoE) may cut interest rates as soon as March.

- The fall was driven by lower prices for motor fuels, food (especially bread & cereals and meat), and airfares.
- Core inflation, excluding volatile items like energy and food, decreased to 3.1% from 3.2% in December.
- The BoE's target for inflation is 2%; analysts expect this target to be reached around April.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves cited budget choices, including £150 off energy bills and a rail fare freeze, as bringing inflation down.
- Conservative shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride blamed Labour's economic mismanagement for inflation remaining above target and noted rising unemployment.

**Why it matters:** The significant drop in the annual inflation rate, which aligns with economist forecasts, increases the likelihood of the Bank of England cutting its benchmark interest rate from 3.75% at its next meeting.

**Confidence:** 100

UK inflation rate falls to 3% in year to January - follow live - BBC News

UK inflation cools markedly in January, boosting odds of Bank of England rate cut

UK inflation falls steeply to 3 per cent prompting hopes of interest rate cut: Live

What could upcoming inflation figures mean for interest rates in the united kingdom ?

Inflation falls to its lowest level in almost a year to fuel hopes of interest rate cut

UK Inflation Drops to 3% in January, Fueling Interest Rate Cut Hopes