Kyiv hit by massive missile strike as Zelenskyy calls for U.S. pressure on Russia
The Ukrainian capital came under a “massive” Russian missile attack early Thursday (12 February), with explosions heard across the capital accordi...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 12th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Canadian police have identified the suspect behind the deadly rampage in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia, as 18-year-old Jesse Van Rootselaar, who died by suicide at the scene. Investigators confirmed that Van Rootselaar, a former student who had transitioned to female, killed her mother and stepbrother at their home before attacking the school, leaving nine people dead (including Van Rootselaar) and dozens injured. While a specific motive remains under investigation, authorities noted the suspect had a history of police contact regarding mental health concerns, as Prime Minister Mark Carney led national tributes to the community.
A White House meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ended without a definitive agreement on how to proceed with Iran. While Mr Trump insisted that diplomatic negotiations with Tehran must continue to test the viability of a deal, Mr Netanyahu emphasised Israel’s security red lines, reportedly pushing for a harder stance on ballistic missiles. During the visit, the Israeli leader also formally signed his country into President Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ initiative for Gaza, a move seen as an attempt to align strategic priorities ahead of further talks.
Italy has formally declined to join President Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’, with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani citing constitutional constraints that prevent Rome from signing the charter. The decision aligns Italy with other major Western powers-including the UK, France, and Germany-who have opted out of the new international body established to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction and global conflict resolution. Despite refusing membership, Rome confirmed it remains committed to independent humanitarian efforts in the Middle East, whilst the U.S. administration prepares for the board's first leader-level meeting in Washington on 19 February.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan have held closed-door talks in Ankara, signalling a continued thaw in relations between the historic rivals. The leaders discussed complex disputes regarding maritime borders in the Aegean and migration management, with Mr Erdoğan describing the territorial issues as difficult but solvable within the framework of international law. The summit concluded with a mutual reaffirmation of ‘good neighbourliness’ and a commitment to maintain open communication channels, despite ongoing military tensions over island sovereignty.
Voters in Bangladesh have headed to the polls for a watershed election that marks a decisive attempt to transition from revolutionary upheaval to democratic stability. With the former ruling Awami League absent from the ballot, The contest pits two coalitions led by former allies, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and the Islamist Jamaat‑e‑Islami, with opinion polls giving an edge to the BNP. The election also serves as a de facto referendum on the ‘July Charter’, a package of constitutional reforms designed to dismantle authoritarian structures and redefine the nation's geopolitical alignment in South Asia.
The United States and Azerbaijan signed a strategic partnership in Baku on Tuesday (10 February) encompassing economic and security cooperation as Washington seeks to expand its influence in a region where Russia was once the main power broker.
“Peace is not just about signing treaties - it’s about communication, interaction and integration,” Sultan Zahidov, leading adviser at the AIR Center, told AnewZ, suggesting U.S. Vice President JD Vance's visit to the South Caucasus could advance the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis arrived in Ankara on Wednesday, where Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan held an official welcoming ceremony at the Presidential Palace, marking the start of high-level talks between the two NATO allies.
Europe heads into the Munich Security Conference, 13 February, amid deepening unease over U.S. policy, as President Donald Trump’s hard-line stance on defence, trade and territory fuels doubts about Washington’s long-term commitment to transatlantic security.
The European Union is preparing a further expansion of its sanctions against Russia, with Central Asia emerging for the first time as a distinct point of focus.
A Republican lawmaker accused on Wednesday (11 February) Attorney General Pam Bondi of concealing the names of Jeffrey Epstein’s powerful associates. The claim was made during a heated House hearing on the Justice Department’s handling of the files.
The Ukrainian capital came under a “massive” Russian missile attack early Thursday (12 February), with explosions heard across the capital according to authorities. The assault unfolded as uncertainty lingers over upcoming U.S.-brokered peace talks.
The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly backed a measure on Wednesday (11 February) disapproving President Donald Trump's tariffs on Canada, a rare rebuke of the president and leaders of his party in the Republican-majority House.
Russia has attempted to "fully block" Meta Platforms-owned WhatsApp in the country, a company spokesperson told Reuters on Wednesday, as Moscow promotes home-grown platforms and seeks greater control over its internet space.
The suspect in a deadly school shooting in western Canada was an 18-year-old woman who allegedly killed her mother and stepbrother before attacking her former school. Investigators have not provided a motive for what is being described as one of the worst mass killings in Canada.
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