**Summary:** Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince, has been released from police custody after being arrested on Thursday morning on suspicion of misconduct in public office. The arrest followed the US Department of Justice releasing new documents related to convicted paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein.

  - Andrew was detained during an 8am raid on his new home at Wood Farm on the Sandringham estate.
- Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest occurred just after 10am on Thursday.
- The arrest is understood to relate to allegations of passing sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein while serving as a trade envoy.
- King Charles III was reportedly not warned beforehand, though Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood's team was briefed.
- King Charles III issued an unprecedented statement saying 'the law must take its course'.

  **Why it matters:** This marks the first arrest of a modern royal in modern times, causing significant scandal for the monarchy, with King Charles III expressing 'deepest concern'.

Ehemaliger Prinz Andrew: Andrew Mountbatten Windsor verlässt Polizeiwache

Andrew is released from custody: Shamed former Prince is driven from police station after being arrested

Former Prince Andrew Released from Custody After Arrest on Suspicion of Misconduct

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump officially extended anti-Russian sanctions for another year, citing that Russia's actions and policies continue to pose an extraordinary threat to US national security and foreign policy. The extension affects restrictions initially imposed in 2014, 2018, and 2022.

  - The extension continues restrictions on Russian finances, companies, and individuals involved in the aggression against Ukraine.
- The national emergency regime, introduced by Executive Order No. 13660 in 2014, is maintained for another year past March 6, 2026.
- The initial 2014 sanctions targeted those who facilitated Russia's occupation of Crimea.
- The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, previously indicated that the US administration has largely exhausted options for new sanctions, focusing instead on enforcement.
- The decision was announced in an official document published in the US Federal Register.

  **Why it matters:** The renewal of sanctions underscores the ongoing US commitment to maintaining economic pressure on Russia due to the war in Ukraine, despite Russia's claims that the US will eventually be forced to lift them.

Трамп продовжив на рік низку санкцій США проти РФ

Трамп офіційно подовжив санкції проти Росії — термін

Трамп продлил санкции против России из-за вторжения в Украину

Donald Trump przedłużył sankcje USA wobec Rosji na kolejny rok

Trump Extends US Sanctions Against Russia for Another Year

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump announced a $10 billion US contribution to his Board of Peace during its inaugural meeting in Washington, DC, which focused on Gaza reconstruction and establishing an international stabilization force. Nine member nations pledged an initial $7 billion for Gaza reconstruction, and five countries committed troops to the International Stabilization Force (ISF).

  - The ISF commander, US army Maj.-Gen. Jasper Jeffers, stated the force will initially deploy in Rafah, southern Gaza, with a long-term goal of 20,000 troops and 12,000 trained police.
- Nine contributing nations (including Kazakhstan, Morocco, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Kuwait, Azerbaijan, UAE) raised $7 billion for reconstruction.
- The UN will contribute $2 billion for humanitarian assistance, and FIFA will raise $75 million for soccer-related projects.
- The Board of Peace includes Israel but notably lacks Palestinian representatives.
- Trump suggested the Board of Peace might eventually have an ambitious mandate to tackle conflicts worldwide, potentially rivaling the UN.
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Gaza reconstruction will not occur until Hamas disarms.

  **Why it matters:** This initiative represents a significant, US-led effort outside established UN frameworks to manage the reconstruction and security of Gaza following years of conflict, raising concerns about undermining the UN's role.

Trump hosts 1st Board of Peace meeting, announces pledges for reconstruction-peacekeeper funding for Gaza | CBC News

Trump vaticina que su Junta de Paz “supervisará” a la ONU para que “funcione bien” | últimas | EL COMERCIO PERÚ

Trump está recaudando miles de millones de dólares en dinero público. Eso no es bueno - Vanguardia

Trump announces billions of dollars in Gaza aid at Board of Peace meeting | Gaza News | Al Jazeera

La Administración Trump planea detener a los refugiados que no hayan obtenido la ‘green card’ | Inmigración en Estados Unidos | EL PAÍS US

Trump promete que EU dará 10,000 mdd para Junta de Paz en Gaza… sin aclarar de dónde saldrá el dinero - El Financiero

Trump's Board of Peace announces $10B US pledge for Gaza reconstruction

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump held the first meeting of his Peace Council in Washington on February 19, 2026, attended by over 40 global leaders and representatives, focusing initially on Gaza. Trump claimed the organization is the most important of its kind in terms of power and prestige, and insisted most invited nations have accepted membership.

- The meeting took place at the Washington Peace Institute, recently renamed after Donald Trump.
- Attendees included the presidents of Argentina (Javier Milei) and Paraguay (Santiago Peña), and Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orbán.
- Trump mentioned that the Council is expected to commit over $5 billion for humanitarian and reconstruction efforts in Gaza, though he previously stated $5 billion.
- Mexico, Romania, Italy, and the Czech Republic will participate as observers.
- Trump claimed to have ended eight wars, including the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine.
- The US President was accompanied by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

**Why it matters:** The Peace Council, initially intended for Gaza's peace plan and reconstruction, is now intended by Trump to resolve global conflicts, potentially weakening the role of the United Nations, which many European powers view with reticence.

**Confidence:** 0

Trump eröffnet in Washington erste Sitzung des "Friedensrats" | tagesschau.de

Trump dice que la FIFA ayudará a recaudar 75 MDD para Gaza | El Informador

Trump sostiene la primera reunión de la Junta de Paz; este es el papel de México | El Informador

Trump, al presidente de Paraguay: "¡Qué joven tan guapo! No significa que me gustes. No me gustan los hombres jóvenes. Las mujeres, sí"

Trump Inaugurates First Session of US-Led 'Peace Council'

**Summary:** Kenya's National Intelligence Service reported to parliament that over 1,000 Kenyan citizens have been recruited by the Russian army to fight in the war against Ukraine, a figure much higher than previously stated. Nairobi has condemned Russia for using its citizens as "cannon fodder."

  - Recruitment involved collusion with corrupt airport and immigration officials in Nairobi, as well as employees of Russian and Kenyan embassies.
- Recruits often traveled on tourist visas, transiting through Istanbul and Abu Dhabi, or via Uganda, South Africa, and DRC to avoid checks.
- As of February 2026, 89 Kenyan recruits were on the front line, 35 were in training camps, 39 were hospitalized, and 28 were missing.
- Recruits were reportedly promised salaries up to $2,400 per month, plus bonuses up to $8,300.
- Kenya's Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi, is scheduled to visit Moscow next month.

  **Why it matters:** The scale of recruitment, allegedly involving official corruption and circumventing travel controls, highlights a significant international issue regarding foreign fighters in the Ukraine conflict.

Більше тисячі кенійців воюють на боці РФ проти України, — розвідка Кенії

Guerre en Ukraine : plus de 1 000 Kenyans enrôlés dans l’armée russe, Nairobi accuse Moscou d’utiliser ses citoyens comme de la "chair à canon"

Over 1,000 Kenyans Recruited by Russian Army for Ukraine War, Nairobi Accuses Moscow

**Summary:** Iran is reportedly restoring key military facilities damaged by Israeli attacks in 2024 and 2025, with satellite imagery showing new construction and fortifications at sites like Parchin, Isfahan, Natanz, Shiraz, and Qom. This activity occurs while the US threatens military action if nuclear negotiations fail.

- Iran built a concrete shield over a new military facility identified as Taleghan 2 near Parchin, which was previously hit by Israel in October 2024.
- The US threatened military action against Iran if negotiations regarding its nuclear program fail.
- Satellite images indicate Iran buried tunnel entrances at a nuclear facility bombed by the US during Israel's 2025 war and reinforced defenses at the Natanz tunnel complex.
- The US military may be ready to strike Iran as early as Saturday, though President Donald Trump has not made a final decision.
- The White House press secretary stated there are "many reasons and arguments in favor of striking Iran," but diplomacy remains the priority.

**Why it matters:** The ongoing military preparations by the US and Iran's defensive infrastructure upgrades highlight extreme tension in relations, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear program and ongoing negotiations.

**Confidence:** 95

CBS News: США підготувалися до потенційної операції проти Ірану - espreso.tv

В Иране ремонтируют военные объекты из-за угроз США: The Independent рассказало подробности - rss.unian.net

Iran repairs military sites after Israeli attacks amid US threats

**Summary:** Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, brother of King Charles III, was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office at his Sandringham residence on February 19, 2026. The arrest is linked to his past association with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and a probe into newly released Epstein files.

- The arrest occurred on his 66th birthday after plain-clothes officers arrived in unmarked cars at the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk.
- Thames Valley Police confirmed the arrest of a man in his sixties from Norfolk on suspicion of misconduct in public office.
- Searches are being carried out at addresses in Berkshire (likely Royal Lodge, Windsor) and Norfolk.
- The allegations stem from his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, and claims he may have passed confidential government economic information to Epstein while serving as a UK trade envoy.
- Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor had previously relinquished his princely titles, including Duke of York, following the Epstein scandal.

**Why it matters:** This event represents a significant crisis for the British Royal Family, escalating scrutiny over Prince Andrew's past associations following the release of new documents related to Jeffrey Epstein.

**Confidence:** 95

King Charles' brother Andrew arrested on suspicion of misconduct, reports say

Former prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested by U.K. police: media reports

Früherer Prinz Andrew laut Medienberichten festgenommen

Polizei vor Sandringham: Britische Medien: Andrew festgenommen

Detienen al expríncipe Andrés por “sospechas de mala conducta en un cargo público”

La policía británica detiene a Andrés Mountbatten-Windsor por sus vínculos con el pederasta Epstein

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office: Live updates

King Charles' brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested by UK police

**Summary:** The United States is reportedly urging NATO allies not to invite Ukraine to official meetings during the July NATO summit in Ankara. Washington also opposes the participation of four Indo-Pacific partners in the main summit events, though they might attend parallel events.

- The US position is partly explained by a desire to reduce the number of meetings during the summit.
- The US is also pushing for NATO to cut back on 'activities outside the area of responsibility,' a move internally dubbed 'return to factory settings.'
- The four Indo-Pacific partners whose participation in main events is opposed by the US are Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and South Korea.
- NATO headquarters stated that information on the format of partner participation will be announced later.
- The traditional public forum parallel to the summit may be canceled in favor of a NATO Defense Industry Forum, officially cited as a cost-saving measure.

**Why it matters:** This reported US effort suggests a strategic shift within the Alliance to focus on core Euro-Atlantic defense, potentially sidelining broader partnerships and crisis management initiatives that Ukraine's presence symbolizes.

**Confidence:** 95

США хочуть, щоб Україну не запрошували на липневий саміт НАТО, - Politico

США хотят не допустить участия Украины на официальных встречах саммита НАТО, - Politico

US Pushing Allies to Exclude Ukraine from Key NATO Summit Meetings