February 20, 2026 US to unveil platform aiming to bypass internet censorship in China, Iran and beyond State Department launches Freedom.gov to promote secure internet access worldwide as America approaches its 250th anniversary, countering censorship.
February 20, 2026 As war losses near 2 million, Russia accused of trafficking foreign recruits from Africa, Asia As the Ukraine war nears its fifth year, a new report alleges Russia is recruiting vulnerable foreign nationals through deceptive tactics that may amount to human trafficking.
February 20, 2026 NORAD scrambles jets to intercept Russian bombers near Alaska NORAD launched F-16s and F-35s to intercept Russian Tu-95s and Su-35s in Alaska's air defense zone Thursday during routine military patrol operations.
February 19, 2026 Russia urges Iran, 'all parties' in Middle East to show restraint amid US military buildup Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov is calling on Iran and "all parties" in the Middle East to show restraint as the U.S. continues military buildup.
February 19, 2026 Zelenskyy dismisses Putin’s 'historical s---' in peace talks as ‘delay tactic,’ urges focus on ending the war Ukrainian president suggested Geneva talks with Russia produced limited progress, accusing Moscow of stalling peace negotiations through historical arguments.
February 18, 2026 House Republicans threaten to force Russia sanctions vote after giving leadership 'one last chance' House Republican Reps. Don Bacon and Brian Fitzpatrick plan a possible discharge petition to force a vote on Russia sanctions for the Ukraine war, citing an urgent need for action.
February 18, 2026 Russia gets Paralympic slots under national flag; Ukraine officials boycott over 'outrageous decision' Ukrainian officials announced a boycott of the Paralympic Games after Russia and Belarus were awarded slots to compete under their national flags, sparking international controversy.
February 18, 2026 Ukraine makes fastest gains in years as Russia talks stall, exploiting cracks in Kremlin command Ukrainian forces exploit Russian communication disruptions to mount successful counteroffensive east of Zaporizhzhia, pushing back enemy advances.
February 17, 2026 Russia sentences American to 4 years for allegedly trying to take Kalashnikov rifle stocks: report American sentenced to four years in Russian jail for allegedly trying to smuggle Kalashnikov rifle stocks through Moscow airport security checkpoint.
February 16, 2026 China pledges aid to Ukraine as US officials warn Beijing is quietly fueling Russia’s war China accused of enabling Russia's war while offering Ukraine humanitarian aid at Munich conference. U.S. official says Beijing could end conflict.