Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Geneva & Europe tightens sanctions on Russia - News (Feb 18, 2026)
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Today's Top News Topics
- 01
Ukraine-Russia peace talks in Geneva
— US envoy Steve Witkoff says the Switzerland talks showed “meaningful progress,” but Kyiv remains wary as Russia holds to maximalist demands and Ukraine seeks firm Western security guarantees. - 02
Europe tightens sanctions on Russia
— The EU is weighing a 20th sanctions package, including a potential ban on maritime services for Russian oil tankers and new anti-circumvention steps targeting re-exports via high-risk countries such as Kyrgyzstan. - 03
Sweden warns of hybrid threats
— Sweden’s MUST intelligence service says Russia is escalating hybrid activity and risk-taking in the Baltic region, with pressure likely to persist regardless of how the Ukraine war develops. - 04
Russia upgrades long-range air missiles
— RUSI analyst Justin Bronk reports wider Russian use of R-37M air-to-air missiles on Su-35s, extending theoretical engagement ranges to around 200 miles and complicating NATO air planning. - 05
US-Iran nuclear talks and threats
— Indirect US-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman, produced agreement on “guiding principles,” as military posturing grows with US deployments and Iranian drills near the Strait of Hormuz. - 06
Kenya rolls out twice-yearly PrEP
— Kenya received 21,000 starter doses of Lenacapavir for HIV prevention, a long-acting injectable PrEP given twice yearly, supported by Global Fund and additional expected US supply for phased rollout. - 07
New CRISPR light-based cancer test
— Researchers report an ultra-sensitive optical blood sensor combining CRISPR-Cas12a, quantum dots, DNA nanostructures, and second-harmonic generation to spot trace cancer biomarkers at sub-attomolar levels. - 08
Ethiopia’s fast shift to EVs
— After banning fossil-fuel car imports and cutting EV tariffs, Ethiopia has pushed EV adoption to nearly 6% of vehicles, leveraging cheap hydropower but still facing charger shortages and grid gaps. - 09
Japan exports surge despite tariffs
— Japan’s January exports jumped 16.8% led by Asia and Europe, while US-bound shipments fell amid tariff pressure—markets cheered as the yen firmed and equities gained.