Top world news stories as of February 5, 2026, include the expiration of the New START nuclear treaty, ongoing US-brokered Russia-Ukraine peace talks, a new US-EU-Japan critical minerals partnership, French arrests for alleged Chinese spying, and the life sentence for Trump assassination attempt suspect Ryan Routh.[1][2]
Nuclear Arms Control
Russia announced on February 4 that it is “no longer bound” by limits on nuclear warheads as the New START treaty expires today, February 5, freeing both Russia and the US from restrictions and raising fears of a new arms race.[1] President Putin had offered to extend compliance for a year, but received no US response.[1]
Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks
Russia and Ukraine held a second day of US-brokered talks in Abu Dhabi on February 5, joined by US envoy Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and NATO’s Supreme Allied Commander.[2] Ukrainian President Zelenskyy called for security guarantees amid ongoing Russian attacks on power grids and a 31% rise in civilian casualties last year.[2]
Critical Minerals Partnership
The US, EU, and Japan launched a partnership on February 4 to counter China’s dominance in critical minerals like rare earths, used in smartphones, jets, and EVs, via coordinated trade policies.[1]
France-China Spying Case
French authorities arrested four people, including two Chinese nationals, on January 31 for allegedly spying on military data via satellites like Starlink from an Airbnb in Gironde.[1]
US Domestic News with Global Ties
Ryan Routh, 59, received a life sentence on February 4 for attempting to assassinate President Trump in 2024 with a rifle at a Florida golf course; he represented himself at trial.[1] Separately, The Washington Post began layoffs on February 4, cutting its sports desk and international coverage amid financial losses.[1]
These stories dominate headlines from major outlets like The Straits Times and KSAT, with live bulletins from Republic TV and Euronews providing broader coverage.[1][2][3][4]
