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The U.S. House has voted to try to block tariffs on Canadian goods, while Britain plans to expand its troop presence in Norway and EU leaders remain divided over economic strategy and joint borrowing.

These developments come as authorities have not confirmed the cause of a temporary airspace closure over El Paso, Russia moves to restrict WhatsApp, and Germany considers joining an allied fighter jet programme.

More below ⤵️

Top 5 Stories

1️⃣ 🇺🇸🇨🇦 House votes to block Trump tariffs amid party divisions: The U.S. House passed a narrow resolution seeking to overturn tariffs on Canadian goods, but it still requires Senate approval and the president’s signature, making its future uncertain. The vote exposed Republican divisions, drew criticism over economic and diplomatic fallout, and comes as legal challenges move through the courts.

2️⃣ 🇬🇧🇳🇴 U.K. to double Norway troop presence over Arctic concerns: Britain plans to raise its troop deployment in Norway from 1,000 to 2,000 within three years and expand joint Arctic operations with Nato allies citing increased Russian activity. The effort will include exercises, surveillance, and infrastructure protection under an existing pact focused on submarines and undersea cables.

3️⃣ 🇪🇺🇫🇷🇩🇪 EU leaders split over economic strategy and eurobonds: France is expected to clash with a Germany–Italy alignment over joint borrowing, industrial policy, deregulation, and trade at an EU retreat focused on competitiveness. Paris is pushing for common debt and protections while Berlin and Rome favour market-led reforms, leaving consensus uncertain.

4️⃣ 🇺🇸 El Paso airspace closure sparks confusion over cause: A brief 10-day airspace shutdown over El Paso disrupted travel before being lifted, with differing explanations including cartel drones and a possible military test involving a laser and a balloon. Authorities said they had little notice and officials have not confirmed the exact reason, leaving details unclear.

5️⃣ 🇺🇸🇮🇱🇮🇷 Trump urges diplomacy with Iran while keeping military option open: Donald Trump said he encouraged Benjamin Netanyahu to continue negotiations with Iran while warning force remains possible if talks fail. Iranian officials signalled potential common ground on nuclear issues as regional tensions persisted and deaths from protest crackdowns remained disputed.

Major Story

🇺🇦 Zelensky weighs election referendum

Volodymyr Zelensky is reportedly preparing to announce a spring election and a referendum on a potential peace deal with Russia, with the announcement expected on 24 February following pressure from the United States. Washington has set a June deadline for Kyiv and Moscow to finalise an agreement, with Zelensky saying US officials want the war to end by early summer and may push both sides to meet that timetable. Russia continues to demand Ukraine withdraw from the Donbas region, a condition Kyiv has rejected, while the European Union says it is developing its own plan and insists any deal must have European approval. 

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said pressure should be placed on Russia, including demands for military concessions, rather than on Ukraine. Separately, Zelensky met senior military leaders to review weaknesses in air defence and said changes were underway, though reports about the election and referendum plans rely on unnamed sources and have not been publicly confirmed.

Other News

1️⃣ 🇪🇺 EU backs law allowing asylum transfers to third countries: The European Parliament approved a measure permitting member states to send asylum seekers to safe third countries without prior ties if agreements are in place, while exempting unaccompanied minors. The vote split lawmakers, with critics warning of rights risks and supporters saying it could speed processing.

2️⃣ 🇷🇺 Russia moves to block WhatsApp and promote state messaging app: Authorities attempted to fully restrict WhatsApp and continued tightening limits on other platforms as part of a wider push toward a state-backed super app used across the public sector. Officials cited legal and security concerns, though it remains unclear if a permanent nationwide ban will be enforced.

3️⃣ 🇩🇪🇯🇵🇬🇧 Germany considers joining allied fighter jet programme: Berlin is reportedly exploring entry into the Global Air Combat Program with Japan, the U.K. and Italy amid tensions in its existing joint project with France and Spain. Italian officials signalled openness while Japan declined to confirm any request, leaving the outcome uncertain.

4️⃣ 🇵🇰🇦🇫 Pakistan warns Taliban rule worsening security after mosque bombing: Pakistan’s president said conditions in Afghanistan resemble or exceed those before 9/11 following a suicide attack in Islamabad that killed 31 people and raised tensions. Officials cited arrests and alleged militant links to Afghanistan, claims denied by Kabul and India, while analysts said details remain disputed.

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