Security experts are warning about the growing influence of artificial intelligence in online disinformation campaigns after a British academic discovered a deepfake video using his likeness. Professor Alan Read of King’s College London was surprised to see a video circulating on social media in which a synthetic version of his face and voice delivered a political rant he had never made. Researchers say such videos, suspected to be mainly of Russian origin, are part of a wider trend of AI-generated content designed to spread misleading narratives and undermine trust in democratic institutions. Some campaigns have criticised European leaders or attempted to discredit Ukraine during the ongoing war. Experts say newer AI tools have made it easier and cheaper to create highly realistic videos, allowing influencers to reach large audiences quickly. The speed and scale of these synthetic messages pose a growing challenge for governments, regulators, and technology companies as they seek to limit the spread of coordinated disinformation online.

Looking on at the conflict in the Middle East, the president of the European Investment Bank (EIB), Nadia Calviño, has urged Europe to strengthen its ‘strategic autonomy’ more quickly. She warned that conflict and geopolitical uncertainty threaten economic stability and investment. European leaders are particularly concerned about the possibility of another energy shock after Iranian strikes in the Gulf unsettled global markets. Gas prices in Europe recently surged sharply, while oil prices also rose. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 disrupted supplies of cheap Russian gas, Europe has worked to diversify energy sources, turning to partners such as the USA, the Gulf states, and Azerbaijan. Calviño said European businesses have adapted, though higher energy costs still affect competitiveness compared with regions with cheaper power. She also emphasised Europe’s commitment to cooperation, international law and peaceful engagement, expressing hope that diplomatic tensions will ease despite the difficult global environment.

Tensions flared in Brussels as Hungary vetoed both an emergency EU loan for Ukraine and a new sanctions package against Russia. Foreign minister Péter Szijjártó accused Ukraine of disrupting oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline for political reasons and alleged misleading statements. Ukraine maintains the pipeline was damaged by a Russian drone strike and says repairs are complicated by ongoing attacks. The dispute left financial aid and punitive measures in limbo, frustrating member states supportive of Kyiv. Slovakia aligned with Hungary, intensifying divisions. Critics, who argue that repeated vetoes risk paralysing EU decision-making, have revived debate over reforming unanimity rules. With Hungary facing a heated domestic election campaign, some diplomats believe the standoff is as much political as technical. Meanwhile, Ursula von der Leyen insists that support for Ukraine will continue despite internal discord.

Four Russian soldiers have described severe brutality within their own ranks during the war in Ukraine, including alleged executions of troops who refused orders. In a BBC documentary, two men said they witnessed commanders shoot soldiers at close range for declining to join assaults described as near-suicidal. One claimed he saw about 20 bodies of comrades executed by fellow troops, a practice reportedly referred to in slang as being ‘zeroed’. Another said he was tortured, electrocuted and humiliated after refusing deployment, and that others were forced into repeated, deadly attacks. The men, now in hiding, spoke from an undisclosed location. Moscow has not released official casualty figures (other sources estimate more than a million) and says allegations of misconduct are investigated, insisting its forces act ‘with utmost restraint’. The accounts could not be independently verified, but they add to growing claims about harsh discipline and heavy losses within Russian units.

After two days, negotiations between Russia, Ukraine and the USA ended without a ceasefire agreement, highlighting how far apart both sides remain. Discussions addressed military monitoring and possible prisoner exchanges, yet the central dispute over territory continues unresolved. Russia insists on control of the eastern Donbas region, while Ukraine rejects surrendering sovereign land and seeks security guarantees against future invasion. The status of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant also remains contested. After years of war, millions remain displaced and daily attacks continue to endanger civilians. Diplomats describe the talks as substantive but difficult, with further meetings expected. European representatives have struggled to be included in the negotiations, and  Zelensky said European participation was ‘indispensible’ for any final agreement. 24 February will be the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Across Europe, leaders face a difficult decision over Russian steel imports. Although finished steel was banned after the invasion of Ukraine, semi-finished steel continues to enter the EU because several countries rely on it for infrastructure projects. Nearly three million tonnes arrive each year, worth billions of euros. Some lawmakers argue these purchases indirectly strengthen Russia’s war capacity, while others warn that a sudden ban would harm industries and delay construction. Negotiations are now under way to decide whether imports should end immediately or continue until 2028 as previously planned. The debate reveals a deeper struggle: balancing economic stability with moral responsibility during wartime. The outcome could shape Europe’s unity, economic resilience, and witness to justice, reminding believers that political decisions carry spiritual weight.

Southern Baptists are seizing a remarkable evangelistic opportunity as the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold in Milan / Cortina. International Mission Board (IMB) missionaries serving across Italy have partnered with hundreds of American volunteers to proclaim the hope of Christ to the nations gathered for the Games. Outreach strategies include distributing Bibles and copies of John’s gospel, hosting welcoming hospitality points, and engaging in Olympic pin trading – each pin carrying a QR code linking to a multilingual gospel presentation. Kim Cruse of Tennessee is leading a team and encouraging bold, faith-filled conversations, reminding volunteers that many people are more spiritually open than we assume. Teams have prepared using AI chat tools to practise engaging with varied worldviews. Missionaries Dylan and Isaura Jeronimo-Lancaster are welcoming faithful church partners, reflecting the power of long-term collaboration. Volunteers testify that such global events offer a rare, God-given opportunity to impact lives from every continent with the timeless message of Christ.

Severe storms across southern Europe and north-west Africa have forced mass evacuations and widespread emergency responses. Storm Leonardo brought intense flooding to Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with rivers reaching record levels and transport disrupted. In parts of southern Spain thousands fled homes, while northern Morocco evacuated over 140,000 residents as dams filled and rainfall continued. Mountain areas recorded extraordinary totals in little more than a day. A second system, Storm Marta, though less intense, added further rain, strong winds and coastal waves. This contrasts sharply with northern and eastern Europe, where persistent high pressure caused extreme cold and record low temperatures. Meteorologists say the unusual pattern has lasted weeks, steering storms south while trapping cold air elsewhere. Although the rainfall has eased drought conditions in Morocco, communities now face recovery, displacement and rebuilding after damage and loss. Update: Portugal’s interior minister has resigned after criticism of her handling of the storms.  See

Suspected sabotage on northern Italy’s railway network caused major disruption as crowds gathered for the opening of the Winter Olympic Games. Authorities reported several coordinated incidents, including fires on rail infrastructure, severed electrical cables and a rudimentary explosive device near Bologna, a key national transport hub. Delays stretched for hours across routes linking major cities such as Venice and the Adriatic coast. Officials described the attacks as serious and possibly intended to coincide with the international event, drawing comparisons with similar disruption during the Paris Olympics in 2024. No group has claimed responsibility, and investigations continue while services return to normal. Despite the tension, ceremonies proceeded across multiple venues in Milan and the mountain regions. Italy had earlier foiled cyber-attacks, claimed to be of Russian origin: see

Renewed Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have left millions without power during freezing winter conditions. Volodymyr Zelensky said more than two hundred repair crews are working around the clock in Kyiv, where over 1,100 apartment buildings remain without electricity. Elsewhere, cluster munition strikes in eastern towns such as Druzhkivka killed civilians and injured many more. The attacks, whose effect was exacerbated by temperatures as low as -20C, followed a week’s pause requested by Donald Trump. Families have sheltered in metro stations, warming centres and makeshift tents as generators are brought in. Energy officials warn repairs will take time, with some key facilities severely damaged. The governor of a Russian town near the border said work was continuing to restore power and water services following a Ukrainian missile strike there earlier in the week. While US, Ukrainian and Russian representatives meet again in Abu Dhabi to discuss a peace plan, there are few signs of progress. As winter deepens, ordinary Ukrainians face exhaustion, grief, and uncertainty alongside continuing violence.