The European Commission has proposed a new round of sanctions against Russia, aiming to weaken its war economy, according to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The plan includes a full ban on maritime services linked to Russian crude oil, aiming to increase pressure on Moscow ahead of the war’s fourth anniversary.

The US Department of Justice’s release of 3 million pages of files on Jeffrey Epstein has prompted misinformation, including fake images linking New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani to Epstein. Mamdani condemned the fabrications as damaging in light of their viral spread.

Ahead of critical nuclear talks in Oman, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert warned the US against underestimating Iran’s negotiating tactics, highlighting the significance of these discussions in shaping future relations and security dynamics in the region.

Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe, warned that proposed reforms to the European Convention on Human Rights regarding migration could threaten broader human rights protections. His comments follow an open letter from nine EU countries advocating for changes by May 2025.

Warsaw Mayor Rafał Trzaskowski stated that the outcome of Russia’s war against Ukraine will significantly affect global perceptions of Western resolve. He emphasised the need for a peace agreement reflecting Ukrainian priorities and warned against initiatives perceived as rewarding Russian aggression.

European Investment Bank President Nadia Calviño urged European Council President António Costa to prioritise the Savings and Investments Union, stressing the need for new frameworks to redirect savings into innovative businesses, aiming to enhance Europe’s competitiveness ahead of the informal European Council on 12 February.