KeyLang Daily News - 2026年2月18日

📰 English Version

Hello, and welcome to KeyLang Daily News for February 18th, 2026. I'm bringing you 20 key stories from around the world today. Let's begin.

🌍 Ukraine-Russia peace talks continue in Geneva

Ukrainian and Russian negotiators held the first day of US-mediated peace talks in Geneva on Tuesday. Both sides will continue discussions on Wednesday, though expectations for a breakthrough remain low. Analysts suggest both countries may be conducting talks primarily to demonstrate engagement to President Trump.

🌍 Tarique Rahman sworn in as Bangladesh Prime Minister

Bangladesh Nationalist Party leader Tarique Rahman was sworn in as Prime Minister after his party's decisive election victory. The ceremony was held at the national parliament building in Dhaka. Rahman's party secured a commanding two-thirds majority, returning to power after nearly two decades in opposition.

🌍 Iran and US reach agreement on nuclear deal principles

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that Tehran and Washington agreed on guiding principles for a potential nuclear agreement. He described the latest round of talks as more constructive than previous negotiations. However, he cautioned that reaching a final deal would still take considerable time.

🌍 Trump administration pursues multiple diplomatic initiatives

The Trump administration is simultaneously working on diplomatic solutions for three major conflicts this week. Officials are seeking to advance nuclear negotiations with Iran, end the Russia-Ukraine war, and promote a ceasefire in Gaza. Multiple high-level discussions are taking place across different venues.

🌍 Mexico declines Trump's peace board invitation

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Mexico has declined an invitation from President Trump to join his proposed Board of Peace initiative. The Mexican leader did not provide detailed reasons for the decision. No further information about the composition or purpose of the board was released.

🌍 Israeli political tensions rise as Bennett challenges Netanyahu

Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett suggested he would not serve in a government led by Benjamin Netanyahu. Bennett criticized what he called failed leadership following recent events. This marks the first time Bennett has explicitly indicated unwillingness to join a Netanyahu-led coalition government.

🌍 Turkish President visits Ethiopia to strengthen ties

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Ethiopia for his first official visit since 2015. He was received by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed at an elaborate ceremony in Addis Ababa. The visit aims to deepen bilateral relations between Turkey and Ethiopia across various sectors.

⚔️ Thousands rally in Kosovo over war crimes trial

Thousands of protesters gathered in Kosovo to oppose the war crimes trial of former Kosovo Liberation Army commanders. The Special Court in The Hague is hearing closing arguments this week in the high-profile case. The demonstrations reflect ongoing tensions over the judicial proceedings.

⚔️ Political violence escalates ahead of Colombia elections

Colombia is experiencing its worst political violence in over three decades ahead of March elections. A presidential candidate was assassinated and a congresswoman was kidnapped in recent incidents. Security monitoring groups report 170 at-risk municipalities, with 81 classified as extreme risk areas.

🌍 Pakistan Foreign Minister to brief UN Security Council on Palestine

Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar will participate in a UN Security Council briefing on Palestine in New York. The meeting will be chaired by the UK as Security Council president. Dar will reaffirm Pakistan's position calling for a permanent Gaza ceasefire and Palestinian statehood.

🏥 Pakistani opposition disputes account of former PM's medical examination

Opposition groups and Imran Khan's family rejected Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's account of the former Prime Minister's recent medical examination. The opposition accused authorities of attempting to distort facts about Khan's health condition. Concerns have been raised about the jailed leader's eye ailment and overall treatment.

⚔️ Human rights group calls for inquiry into Punjab police operations

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan demanded a judicial inquiry into deaths from Crime Control Department operations. The commission reported 924 deaths in 670 encounters over eight months in 2025. Only two police officers were killed during the same period, raising concerns about proportionality.

🌱 Mexico City declares environmental alert for third consecutive day

Mexico City has experienced only three days of acceptable air quality this year due to ozone accumulation. Warmer winter temperatures and dry conditions created ideal circumstances for pollution buildup. Environmental authorities extended the alert for a third straight day across the metropolitan area.

⚔️ France arrests nine suspects in far-right activist killing

French authorities detained nine people in connection with the fatal beating of a 23-year-old far-right activist in Lyon. The incident occurred during protests last week and has increased political tensions. The arrests come ahead of key elections in France.

🏥 Ebola transformed from global emergency to controllable disease

The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations announced that Ebola has been transformed from a global emergency to a preventable disease. New vaccines were deployed within days of a recent outbreak declaration in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The development represents significant progress in epidemic preparedness over the past decade.

⚔️ US reveals details on alleged Chinese nuclear test

US officials disclosed new information about an alleged secret Chinese nuclear test from 2020. They stated that a remote earthquake recorded that year was caused by Chinese nuclear testing activities. The revelation was made during an official event in Washington DC.

⚔️ Eleven killed in US strikes on alleged drug boats

US military forces killed eleven people in multiple strikes targeting alleged drug trafficking vessels. The operations are part of ongoing anti-narcotics efforts in the region. More than 130 people have reportedly died in similar US operations since September.

🎭 Syrian photojournalist publishes memoir on rebellion experience

Loubna Mrie released her memoir titled Defiance, detailing her experience as a Syrian photojournalist during the revolution. She joined the movement first as a protester and later documented events through photography. Her father allegedly worked as an assassin for the Syrian regime.

🌍 Iranian Supreme Leader warns against US military presence

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned that US warships deployed in the Gulf could be targeted and sunk. He stated that President Trump would not succeed in destroying the Islamic Republic. The Supreme Leader also expressed skepticism about the ongoing nuclear negotiations with Washington.

🌍 Pakistan congratulates new Bangladesh Prime Minister

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif congratulated Tarique Rahman on becoming Bangladesh's Prime Minister. Pakistani Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal attended the swearing-in ceremony in Dhaka. Both countries discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation and regional partnerships.

That's all for today's world news. From diplomatic breakthroughs to ongoing challenges, these stories reflect our interconnected world. Thank you for joining us on KeyLang Daily News. We'll be back tomorrow with more global updates.