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Global Politics Team
24 February 2026 |
The World Today
The War in Ukraine: President Zelenskiy marks the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion by urging European partners to sustain their support
On 24 February, the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, President Zelenskiy called for sustained international support, given visible divisions among its European partners. The EU member states sought agreement on a new sanctions package against Russia and a 90 billion euro loan for Kyiv, but Hungary maintained its veto on both measures. Addressing the European Parliament on the occasion, Zelenskiy called on the bloc to defend shared values and put forth that EU membership would guarantee Ukraine’s future security after a peace settlement, stating Kyiv could be ready by 2027. The EU is exploring interim benefits before full accession reforms are completed. “Russians must learn that Europe is a union of independent nations and millions of people who do not tolerate humiliation and will not accept violence,” he said. The commemoration in Kyiv included prayers attended by senior European leaders, however, no major Western heads of government were present. Zelenskiy further called for tighter sanctions and additional air defence missiles, criticising countries continuing to purchase Russian oil. Moscow saw no official anniversary ceremonies. Peskov stated that Russia is open to diplomacy, but he did not provide details on when further talks could take place. On platform X, President Macron wrote: “One day, Russians will grasp the enormity of the crime committed in their name.”
The US: President Trump to deliver the State of the Union address to Congress at a politically sensitive moment
On 24 February, President Trump will deliver the State of the Union address to Congress at a politically sensitive moment. His approval ratings have declined, public concern over Iran has increased, and economic pressures with respect to rising living costs continue as the November midterm elections approach. The prime-time address, his second since returning to office 13 months ago, provides an opportunity to consolidate support for the Republican Party. However, it follows a turbulent period given the domestic and international challenges. Recent developments include the Supreme Court ruling invalidating his global tariff regime and statistics showing slower economic growth along with inflation accelerating. The Department of Homeland Security remains largely shut down due to partisan disagreement over immigration enforcement following the Minneapolis shootings. Meanwhile, Washington has increased military deployments to the Middle East as tensions with Iran over its nuclear program escalate. According to media reports and White House officials, the address may outline the administration’s position on Iran. The President is also expected to defend the economic situation and respond to the tariff ruling. Advisers have called on the President to prioritize voters’ economic concerns as opinion polls suggest limited public confidence in his cost-of-living promises.
Iran and China: Tehran nears deal with Beijing for advanced anti-ship missiles amid rising US pressure
On 24 February, Reuters reported that Iran is set to finalize a deal with China for the purchase of CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles. These missiles, manufactured by China, have a range of 290 kilometres and use low-altitude and high-speed flight to avoid air defence systems on naval platforms. The sources state that the initial talks regarding the purchase of these missiles began two years ago and intensified after the brief Israel-Iran conflict in 2025, which left Iran’s missile arsenal depleted. Iranian military and government leaders, including Deputy Defense Minister Massoud Oraei, reportedly visited China to advance negotiations. Neither Iran nor China has released information regarding the terms of the deal, including the time frame for delivery and the price of the missiles. An Iranian foreign ministry official stated, Iran is prepared to activate existing military and security agreements with its allies. China’s Foreign Ministry said it was unaware of the reported missile negotiations, while its defence ministry did not comment. The White House declined to directly address the talks, but President Donald Trump warned that the United States would take “very tough” action if Iran fails to reach a nuclear deal, underscoring rising tensions that also implicate China.
Mexico: President Sheinbaum's military raid reflects break from predecessor's policy but could trigger backlash, reports Reuters
On 23 February, Mexico carried out its biggest security operation in a decade, killing Nemesio Oseguera-“El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that the operation was a firm response to organized crime, a departure or a trun from the “hugs not bullets” policy of her predecessor Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. El Mencho, who had a price of USD 15 million on him from US authorities, had long been considered invincible. The United States, under Donald Trump, had pressed Mexico to make more efforts against cartels and lauded the raid. Supporters of the CJNG created 250 roadblocks in 20 states, burning cars and businesses. Analysts predict that while rates of homicide had been declining, a cartel war could turn this around. The government is now left with a tough decision. The government must now weigh whether to deepen its actions against CJNG while continuing operations against the Sinaloa Cartel.
The Indian Neighbourhood Today
Nepal: Kathmandu witnesses 498 disasters in the month of Magh
On 24 February, the Himalayan reported that the Nepali month of Magh of the fiscal year 2082/083 (Vikram Samvat (BS) calendar), which is from mid-January to mid-February, recorded 498 disaster incidents across Nepal. The incidents resulted in 22 deaths and 103 injuries, out of which eight were men, and 14 were women and 43 men and 60 women, respectively. 153 people were displaced, and 2,707 police personnel were mobilised for emergency response. The estimated financial loss from these incidents reached NPR 12,73,89,800. Nepal Police reported that the disasters include fire, floods, landslides, lightning strikes, animal attacks, epidemics, windstorms, snowfall, avalanches, cold waves, heavy rainfall, boat accidents, altitude sickness, earthquakes, snake bites and other related events.
Bangladesh: Students protest at the University of Dhaka
On 24 February, Dhaka Tribune reported that students of the University of Dhaka staged a protest in front of Shahbagh Police Station, demanding justice for fellow student Nayem Uddin, who was allegedly assaulted during a Dhaka Metropolitan Police anti-drug drive at Suhrawardy Udyan. The demonstration began at 13:00 hours, with a student delegation entering the police station for talks an hour later. Protesters called for an end to what they termed unwarranted police action, accountability for those responsible for the assault, and the formation of a lawful investigation committee.
Myanmar: Junta escalates airstrikes in Kachin state
On 23 February, Irrawaddy reported that the Myanmar military junta has intensified aerial attacks in Kachin State, targeting areas like Laiza, Waingmaw, and Momauk since 18 February. The attacks, which include drone strikes and airstrikes, have killed civilians and damaged homes. The escalation follows a drone attack on Myitkyina Airport on 20 February, which the junta blamed on the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). KIA spokesperson Colonel Naw Bu denied the allegations, stating they don't target civilians. The Kachin Human Rights Watch expressed concern over potential civilian casualties, citing 23 killed and 25 injured in January alone. The KIA has recently captured 14 towns in Kachin State, seizing most junta bases in Bhamo and Waingmaw.
Myanmar: Justice For Naypyidaw urges for fresh sanctions against the junta
On 24 February, Irrawaddy reported that Justice For Myanmar (JFM) had urged the EU, UK, Canada, US and Australia to impose fresh sanctions on vessels and companies involved in supplying aviation fuel to Myanmar’s military junta, warning that the fuel trade is enabling deadly airstrikes against civilians. Citing data from Myanma Port Authority showing jet fuel imports nearly doubled from 64,562 tonnes in 2024 to 106,604 tonnes in 2025, JFM said the surge fueled an unprecedented number of aerial attacks as the junta prepared for a “sham election.” Referencing investigations by Amnesty International and Reuters, the group alleged that some shipments were carried by vessels linked to Iran’s “shadow fleet” and called for sanctions on specific ships, their owners and managers, as well as on junta-controlled Myanma Petrochemical Enterprise. JFM spokesperson Yadanar Maung said coordinated action could disrupt a supply chain stretching “from Vietnam to Iran,” adding that Canada remains the only country to have comprehensively banned aviation fuel exports and related services to Myanmar.
Sri Lanka: Railway service disrupted, giving way to criticism of administration
On 24 February, the Daily Mirror reported that railway services were disrupted in Sri Lanka. The Railway Station Master’s Union warned that operational failures would cause severe hardship among the public. Operational failure of public infrastructure is increasingly viewed as an administrative shortcoming rather than a technical failure. In addition to this, union warnings are a significant pressure mechanism in Sri Lankan politics. Railways also remain a primary low-cost option for working-class commuters.
Iran: Tehran attempts anti-ship missile deal
On 24 February, Reuters reported that while US forces are accumulating around Iran, the nation is now close to fulfilling a deal with China that involves anti-ship missiles. The Chinese CM 302 supersonic missiles have a range of roughly 290 kilometres. They are capable of dodging several ship-based defence systems. An Israeli intelligence expert commented that it would be a “game changer” for the conflict. Meanwhile, members of the Chinese foreign ministry claimed they were not aware of any such deal. The White House, on the other hand, has not directly commented on the matter. While not too many details have been released, this procurement could shift the nature of the situation in the Gulf.
