New sanctions target Russian web hosting service over suspected ransomware operations

The U.N. General Assembly has called on all nations to respect the Olympic truce during the upcoming 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, following three violations by Russia. The appeal emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace and allowing athletes from all countries to participate without hindrance.

The U.K. has confirmed that it is monitoring the Russian spy ship Yantar, which is operating near British waters. The defense secretary has issued a warning to President Putin, indicating the U.K.'s readiness to respond to any potential threats in the region.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll arrived in Kyiv on a fact-finding mission as the U.S. pushes for new peace talks to end the Russia-Ukraine war. Driscoll is scheduled to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his visit.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on Wednesday. This meeting comes as Zelenskyy prepares to meet with U.S. military leaders in Kyiv on Thursday, amid reports of U.S. efforts to facilitate a peace deal with Russia.

Ukraine's military has launched four U.S.-made ATACMS missiles at the southern Russian city of Voronezh, according to the Kremlin. This action has drawn accusations from Russia that Ukraine is targeting civilian areas with the missiles, which were provided to Kyiv by the Biden administration in 2023 under specific usage restrictions.

President Donald Trump held a friendly meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman at the White House, characterized by warm gestures and discussions on significant investments. Trump praised the prince's leadership and announced new Saudi investments in the U.S., while avoiding inquiries about Saudi Arabia's human rights issues.

The European Union introduced a new defense package aimed at enabling quicker deployment of tanks and troops across its 27 member states in response to rising concerns about Russian military activities. This initiative seeks to enhance the EU's readiness to address potential conflicts.

A Russian attack on Ternopil, Ukraine, resulted in the deaths of 25 individuals, including three children. The assault targeted both civilian infrastructure and populated areas, leading to a significant escalation in violence. In response, Poland has scrambled jets to bolster its air defenses amid rising tensions in the region.