AnewZ Morning Brief - 24 February, 2026

AnewZ Morning Brief - 24 February, 2026
Reuters

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 24th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.

Former UK ambassador to U.S. Peter Mandelson released on bail

Peter Mandelson, the former UK ambassador to the United States, has been released on bail following his arrest on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The 72-year-old was detained by the Metropolitan Police in Camden as part of an investigation linked to the Jeffrey Epstein files, with search warrants executed at properties in Wiltshire and London. The probe was launched after Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government handed over communications regarding Mandelson's diplomatic appointment, details of which are set to be published next month. He denies any wrongdoing.

Mexico violence leaves 62 dead following cartel leader’s death

At least 62 people have been killed in Mexico after the death of the notorious cartel leader Nemesio ‘El Mencho’ Oseguera Cervantes that sparked nationwide violence. The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel died following a military raid, prompting gang members to torch vehicles and establish roadblocks across more than a dozen states. As the government deploys thousands of additional troops to quell the unrest, the operation comes amidst heightened pressure from the U.S. to crack down on drug trafficking ahead of critical trade reviews.

Severe blizzard paralyses U.S. east coast causing travel chaos

A powerful winter storm has brought much of the U.S. east coast to a standstill, dumping more than 60 cms of snow and forcing the cancellation of nearly 5,700 flights. Major cities including New York and Boston have faced significant disruption, with public transport suspended in several states and National Guard troops deployed to assist emergency efforts. While conditions in New York are expected to ease, authorities have urged residents to remain indoors as power outages affect thousands of homes across the region.

Ukraine war enters fifth year with rising civilian toll

Marking four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion, United Nations data reveals that 2025 was the deadliest year for civilians since the war began, while military casualty estimates now run into the hundreds of thousands on both sides. Russia currently controls approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, and despite regular prisoner exchanges, thousands of soldiers remain missing and more than 19,000 children are alleged to have been forcibly deported.

Zelenskyy rejects territorial concessions as displacement crisis grows

As the war continues, nearly four million Ukrainians remain internally displaced, facing dwindling aid and precarious living conditions. Amidst U.S.-backed peace talks, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly rejected Russian demands to cede the remaining unoccupied territories of the Donbas region, emphasising that the struggle is about the safety of the populace rather than just land. With millions more living as refugees abroad, the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen as frontline settlements are erased by the ongoing artillery battles.

Tags