Doha, Qatar hosted a round of political consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Qatar and Hungary on February 3, 2026. Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring avenues for cooperation, with delegations led by Dr. Ahmed bin Hassan Al Hammadi and Henrietta Balajthy, respectively.
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that the nation's GDP grew by 1% in 2025, a deliberate slowdown from previous years attributed to government efforts to combat inflation. This figure aligns with some earlier forecasts, as the Central Bank implemented tight monetary policies.
German federal prosecutors arrested five men on Monday, February 2, 2026, for allegedly violating EU sanctions. The suspects are accused of exporting over €30 million in industrial goods, including mechanical and technical components, to at least 24 Russian arms manufacturers since February 2022, using a sophisticated network of shell companies.
The Kremlin has reiterated its long-standing offer to process or store Iran's enriched uranium, aiming to de-escalate regional tensions. This comes as Iran continues to enrich uranium to 60% purity, a level close to weapons-grade, and amid heightened US-Iran friction.
The UK Foreign Office summoned Russian Ambassador Andrey Kelin on February 2, 2026, to revoke the accreditation of a Russian diplomat. This move is a direct reciprocal response to Russia's expulsion of a British diplomat last month over unsubstantiated spying allegations. The UK condemned Russia's 'unprovoked and unjustified decision' and 'baseless accusations'.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed a desire for enhanced defence cooperation with Europe, including revisiting participation in the EU's €150 billion Security Action for Europe (SAFE) fund. This push comes amidst global security concerns and precedes upcoming trade discussions with EU officials in London.
Canada's Governor General Mary Simon is undertaking a historic visit to Greenland from February 4 to 7, 2026, to open the first Canadian consulate in Nuuk. The visit aims to reinforce cultural bonds between Inuit communities and enhance Canada's Arctic engagement, marking the first such visit since 1982.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that trilateral peace talks involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States have been rescheduled to take place on February 4 and 5 in Abu Dhabi. The discussions aim to find a resolution to the ongoing conflict, with previous talks having been postponed to align participants' schedules.
Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council, lauded former US President Donald Trump as an effective leader pursuing peace, while simultaneously questioning Trump's August 2025 assertions about repositioning US nuclear submarines near Russian territory. Medvedev stated that Moscow had found no evidence of such deployments.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on February 1, 2026, reaffirming Moscow's unwavering support for Beijing's 'one-China' principle regarding Taiwan. Shoigu stated Russia views Taiwan as an inseparable part of China and opposes any form of independence for the island.
Ukraine's Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announced on February 1, 2026, that initial measures taken by SpaceX to prevent the Russian Federation from using Starlink satellite internet for attack drones are yielding 'real results.' This development follows reports of Russia integrating Starlink terminals into its drones to extend their operational range and bypass Ukrainian electronic warfare systems. Ukraine plans to implement a system requiring registration for all Starlink terminals to ensure only authorized devices function within the country.
The Russian Federation faces increasing financial strain in 2026 as it continues to fund its war in Ukraine. Projections for the budget deficit vary, with official targets at 1.6% of GDP, though some analysts anticipate a higher figure. Significant portions of the federal budget are allocated to defense and security, while the government explores tax hikes and increased borrowing to cover expenditures.
Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on February 1, 2026, reaffirming Moscow's 'consistent and unwavering support' for China's position on Taiwan. Shoigu emphasized adherence to the 'one-China principle' and expressed concern over destabilization in the Taiwan Strait. The meeting underscored the deepening strategic coordination between the two nations.
US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee has stated that Turkey is unlikely to acquire F-35 strike fighters. He cited the necessity of Senate approval and Turkey's continued possession of Russian military hardware, specifically the S-400 air defense system, as significant impediments to any potential sale.
Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko extended congratulations to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia on his 17th enthronement anniversary. Lukashenko highlighted the Patriarch's spiritual leadership and underscored the crucial importance of genuine unity between Belarusians and Russians in the face of global challenges.
Satellite imagery confirms Russia is reactivating a long-abandoned military garrison in Petrozavodsk, Republic of Karelia, to house the newly formed 44th Army Corps. This development, approximately 160-175 kilometers from the Finnish border, follows Finland's 2023 NATO accession and signals a significant military infrastructure expansion in the region.
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have signed a letter of intent to create a joint 'Military Mobility Zone' aimed at standardizing border crossing procedures and accelerating the movement of military equipment and personnel across the region. This initiative, signed on January 30, 2026, seeks to enhance regional defense and NATO's eastern flank security.
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania have signed a letter of intent to establish a joint 'Military Mobility Zone' in Tallinn. This initiative aims to standardize border crossing procedures and facilitate the rapid movement of military equipment and personnel, akin to a 'military Schengen zone,' bolstering regional defense and NATO's eastern flank.
Lithuania has proposed to Poland the creation of Europe's first cross-border economic zone in the strategically vital Suwałki Gap, focusing on defense and technology industries. The initiative, put forth by Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, aims to stimulate economic development and enhance regional security. The proposal has been 'received positively by both sides'.
Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has confirmed the relocation of her office and some staff from Vilnius, Lithuania, to Warsaw, Poland. The move, effective January 30, 2026, is attributed to a 'changing security situation' and 'reduced security' in Lithuania, which she stated posed a risk to her and her team. This decision follows Lithuania's downgrade of her security status in late 2025.
