Top world news stories as of February 5, 2026, include the expiration of the New START nuclear arms treaty, a new US-EU-Japan critical minerals partnership, French arrests for alleged Chinese spying, and President Trump’s call with China’s Xi Jinping amid the high-profile disappearance of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mother.[1][2][4]

Key International Developments

  • New START Treaty Expires: Russia declared on February 4 it is no longer bound by nuclear warhead limits under the New START agreement, set to end February 5, freeing both Russia and the US from restrictions; campaigners warn of a potential arms race involving China.[1]
  • US-EU-Japan Minerals Partnership: On February 4, the US, EU, and Japan announced coordinated policies like price floors to counter China’s dominance in critical minerals (e.g., rare earths for tech and defense).[1]
  • France Spy Arrests: Four people, including two Chinese nationals, were arrested January 31 for allegedly using an Airbnb in Gironde to intercept military data via Starlink and other systems for China.[1]
  • Russia Freight Derailment: Freight cars carrying fuel derailed and caught fire near Moscow, sparking explosion concerns and sabotage suspicions.[4]
  • Trump-Xi Call: President Trump described his February 4 call with China’s President Xi as “excellent” and “thorough,” discussing Taiwan, Russia-Ukraine, and a potential April China visit; China urged US caution on Taiwan.[2]

US-Focused Headlines with Global Ties

  • Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Missing: NBC’s Savannah Guthrie and family pleaded for the safe return of her abducted mother, Nancy, from Arizona; Trump offered support, directing federal law enforcement resources.[2][3][4]
  • Trump Assassination Attempt Sentencing: Ryan Routh, who hid with a rifle to target Trump pre-2024 election, received life in prison on February 4 after a 2025 conviction.[1]
  • Immigration Enforcement Shifts: Trump administration plans to withdraw 700 agents from Minnesota (2,000 remain); broader crackdowns eyed for five unnamed cities; federal judge halts warrantless arrests in Oregon.[3][4]
  • Washington Post Layoffs: The outlet began cuts on February 4, gutting sports and international coverage amid financial losses post-2026 Winter Olympics scaling.[1]

These stories dominate headlines from major outlets like The Straits Times, NBC, and ABC, focusing on geopolitics, security, and US domestic issues with international implications.[1][2][4] Local US events (e.g., Spokane homicide, weather) appear secondary.[3]