ANKARA (AA) - Here are the main topics Anadolu's English Desk plans to cover on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026 (coverage may change depending on developing/breaking stories):
US-Iran tensions ahead of expected talks
Strains between the US and Iran continue amid expanded US deployments in the Persian Gulf, with attention on possible additional naval assets amid US reports of Washington’s readiness to hold another round of negotiations in Geneva on Friday only if Iran provides a detailed nuclear proposal within the next two days.
Reactions to Netanyahu’s remarks on creating alliances 'around or in Middle East'
Reactions and statements following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks on creating “an entire system -- essentially a kind of hexagon of alliances -- around or within the Middle East” to confront “both the radical Shiite axis" and "the radical Sunni axis.” He listed India, Greece, the Greek Cypriot Administration, and unnamed Arab, African, and Asian countries as among members of the proposed alliance.
EU foreign ministers gather in Brussels
EU foreign ministers will meet in Brussels to discuss the bloc's support to Ukraine, situation in the Middle East, in light of the latest developments in the region, including in Gaza and the West Bank.
61st Human Rights Council
The opening of the 61st session of the Human Rights Council (HRC) is set to take place in Geneva. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will deliver remarks at the opening and later address the High-Level Segment of the 2026 Session of the Conference on Disarmament.
Germany’s Merz to address Ukraine support plans
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz will deliver remarks at an event organized by the Konrad-Adenauer Foundation in Berlin. He will discuss Germany's political, military, and economic support to Ukraine. Ukrainian Ambassador Oleksii Makeiev will also speak at the event.
Expected new round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks
Developments on the part of Moscow and Kyiv will be followed as another round of Russia-Ukraine peace talks is expected to be held in the coming weeks after three rounds of negotiations that took place in Switzerland and the UAE.
Russia to mark Defender of the Fatherland Day
Moscow will mark the Defender of the Fatherland Day, a holiday celebrating those who are serving or were serving in the Russian Armed Forces. As part of the celebrations, President Vladimir Putin will take part in a number of protocol events in Moscow, and hold a number of meetings and potentially make an address.
Potential visit by European officials to Kyiv ahead of 4th anniversary of Russia-Ukraine war
Developments in Kyiv, as a number of European officials may visit the country amid the fourth anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war on Feb. 24. In this context, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to arrive in Kyiv, according to some Ukrainian media outlets, including the RBC-Ukraine news agency.
Trump to attend event for ‘angel families’
US President Donald Trump will attend a ceremony in honor of Laken Riley and “angel families,” who have lost members to crimes committed by undocumented immigrants in the US. Trump is expected to sign a proclamation declaring Feb. 23 “Angel Family Day.”
UN Security Council to hold briefing on Central African Republic
The UN Security Council will hold a briefing and consultations on Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ most recent report on the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Valentine Rugwabiza, the special representative for the Central African Republic and head of MINUSCA, is expected to brief.
Blizzard expected to hit northeastern US
The impact of a severe winter storm that made landfall in northeastern US, with warnings of heavy snow and blizzard conditions. The potentially life-threatening storm has led to the cancellation of thousands of flights, as well as travel bans, including one spanning entire New York City.
Ongoing violence in Mexico after drug boss’ death in military operation
Violence has erupted across Mexico after the killing of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the ringleader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in a special forces operation. Oseguera, also known as “El Mencho,” was one of the country’s most wanted drug lords.
Release of political prisoners in Venezuela
Venezuela's authorities have begun releasing prisoners detained for political reasons following the passage of an amnesty bill last week that prompted hundreds of applications.
Mauritius, US to hold Chagos talks as focus sharpens on Diego Garcia base
Developments as Mauritius and the US are set to hold talks in Port Louis on Feb. 23-25 on security cooperation and arrangements for the joint US-UK military base on Diego Garcia in the Chagos archipelago. The talks come amid US-UK disagreements over the future of Diego Garcia and concerns about its potential use amid US-Iran tensions.
South Korea’s president hosts Brazilian counterpart
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva hold summit talks in Seoul, with the two leaders expected to discuss cooperation in trade, investment, climate, energy, space, defense industry, science, and technology, agriculture, education and culture, and people-to-people exchanges. Lula is on a state visit to South Korea, the first by any Brazilian president in 21 years.
North Korea likely to release details of ruling party congress
North Korea likely to release details of ruling Workers’ Party congress, held once in every five years. The 5,000-member meeting, held in the capital Pyongyang, shapes the nation’s direction for the next five years.
Turkish president to chair Cabinet meeting
Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will chair the Cabinet meeting at the Presidential Complex in the capital Ankara.
THE ECONOMY
German business climate
Germany’s ifo institute will release business climate index for the month of February. The index is in a downward trend.
SPECIAL REPORTS
4 years of Russia-Ukraine war: Is an end to the conflict near?
Report exploring whether the Russia-Ukraine war could be brought to an end in 2026 as renewed US-mediated negotiations have revived cautious debate.
The story traces recent diplomatic momentum, including three rounds of talks in Abu Dhabi and Geneva since early 2026 that produced a prisoner exchange but no breakthrough. It situates ongoing diplomacy within battlefield realities and geopolitical constraints, suggesting that while negotiations signal commitment to dialogue, the structural conditions for a definitive peace remain unresolved.
The report includes comments from Andrey Kortunov of the Russian International Affairs Council and Simon Schlegel, Ukraine program director at the Center for Liberal Modernity.
TIMELINE - Key turning points in 4 years of Russia-Ukraine war
Report on the main events over the past four years of the Russia-Ukraine war.
The story charts all major developments since Feb. 24, 2022, focusing on both military and political events, including the capture of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, early peace talks in Antalya and Istanbul, and the UN-backed Black Sea grain deal brokered by Türkiye.
The chronology also charts Ukraine’s EU accession process, the emergence of drone warfare units on both sides, and Russia’s acknowledgment of North Korean troop involvement.
The report further outlines major diplomatic and strategic developments in 2025, including Donald Trump’s return to the White House, tensions with Kyiv following an Oval Office clash, the formation of a UK-led “Coalition of the Willing,” and renewed peace negotiations.
Muslims in Colombia shape a uniquely Andean Ramadan
Report from Colombia’s capital Bogota, exploring how a small but growing Muslim community is blending Islamic traditions with local culture, creating a distinctly Andean expression of Ramadan.
The story centers on Syrian-born Sheikh Ahmed Tayel, who has led Bogota’s Muslim community for more than three decades, guiding a congregation increasingly made up of Colombian converts. It gives a glimpse into Ramadan iftars that feature both Middle Eastern dishes and local staples such as ajiaco, a traditional potato soup, symbolizing the fusion of cultures and identities.
The report also highlights Ramadan’s social dimension in Colombia, including charity efforts and food distribution to the poor, as well as interfaith outreach that has brought Catholic, Jewish, and Evangelical leaders together for shared iftars.