Daily World News Digest — Monday, February 23, 2026

40 articles analyzed · 7 sources · 5 key highlights

Key Highlights

Overview

Monday, February 23, 2026, brought a cascade of major international developments spanning trade disputes, violent conflicts, and diplomatic maneuvering. China called on the United States to cancel Trump-era tariffs following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down many of the president's trade measures, while Trump responded by unveiling new global import duties. Violence flared across multiple regions, from Mexico's most wanted drug lord killed in a clash with security forces to deadly bombings in western Ukraine and Pakistan's strikes along the Afghan border. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts intensified around Iran's nuclear program and territorial tensions surrounding Greenland.

Major Developments

### US-China Trade Tensions Escalate The ongoing trade war between the world's two largest economies took a dramatic turn after the US Supreme Court struck down many of President Trump's tariff measures, ruling he lacked authority under a 1977 law. China immediately urged the United States to cancel the unilateral tariffs, viewing the ruling as vindication of its position. However, Trump quickly countered by unveiling new global import duties of up to 15% under different legal authorities, effectively circumventing the court's decision. This cat-and-mouse dynamic reflects the deepening economic confrontation between Washington and Beijing. As Georgetown University professor Abraham Newman noted in a separate interview, the concept of "weaponized interdependence" has fundamentally transformed international politics, with both the US and China increasingly using economic tools as instruments of coercion. ### Death of El Mencho Marks Turning Point in Mexico's Drug War Mexico's most wanted man, El Mencho, leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, died following a clash with security forces assisted by US intelligence. The BBC's Will Grant examined the extensive power wielded by the cartel chief, whose organization had become one of Mexico's most violent and expansive criminal enterprises. The death represents a significant victory for both Mexican and US authorities, though history suggests that leadership vacuums in drug cartels often trigger violent succession battles. ### Ukraine Faces Continued Violence on War's Fourth Anniversary As Russia's invasion of Ukraine approaches its fourth anniversary on February 25, violence continued to escalate. A bombing in the western city of Lviv killed a 23-year-old policewoman and wounded 24 others in what President Volodymyr Zelensky blamed on Russia, describing it as a terrorist act. The attack on Lviv, far from the eastern front lines, signals Russia's continued willingness to strike civilian areas across Ukraine. Separately, Russia launched scores of missiles and drones at Ukrainian energy and rail infrastructure on Sunday, continuing Moscow's strategy of targeting critical civilian systems during freezing winter temperatures. The attacks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, with Hungary blocking EU sanctions packages until Ukrainian oil supplies resume—highlighting the continued divisions within Europe over support for Kyiv. ### Iran-US Nuclear Talks Set for Geneva Oman confirmed that direct talks between the United States and Iran will take place in Geneva on Thursday, focusing on Tehran's nuclear program. Iran's foreign minister expressed confidence that a deal could be reached, stating Iran is negotiating "only nuclear" at present. The talks come amid increased US military presence in the Middle East, with Iranian officials noting that President Trump appears "curious" as to why Tehran hasn't "capitulated" to pressure. Domestically, Iran faced continued student protests at five universities in Tehran and one in Mashhad, held around memorials for those killed in previous demonstrations. The dual-track approach of external diplomacy and internal repression reflects the complex pressures facing Tehran's leadership. ### Greenland Rejects US Overtures In an unusual diplomatic exchange, Greenland rejected President Trump's offer to send a US hospital ship to the Arctic island, after Trump mocked its healthcare system and suggested a "great hospital boat" was heading there. The incident is part of Trump's broader push for influence or even acquisition of Greenland, which has been met with resistance from both Greenlandic authorities and Denmark. Al Jazeera spoke with residents who expressed concerns about Trump's threats of a takeover, highlighting the tensions between Arctic sovereignty and great power competition.

Regional Conflicts and Security

Pakistan claimed to have killed at least 70 militants in strikes along its border with Afghanistan, reflecting the ongoing instability in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border region. Meanwhile, in Sudan, the government condemned RSF chief Mohamed Dagalo's visit to Uganda, where he met with President Yoweri Museveni to discuss ending the country's devastating civil war. Syria moved out the last residents of the al-Hol desert camp, which long housed relatives of alleged ISIL members, marking a symbolic closure of one chapter in the fight against the Islamic State group.

Political Developments

North Korea's rubber-stamp party congress re-appointed Kim Jong Un as leader of the ruling party in a move that surprised no one. In Hong Kong, the Court of Appeal prepared to deliver verdicts on 12 opposition activists seeking to overturn convictions or reduce sentences in the city's largest national security trial to date, with heavy police presence surrounding the proceedings. Venezuela saw more than 200 political prisoners launch a hunger strike, demanding inclusion in a new amnesty law they say excludes many detainees, particularly those facing military-related charges. The law was approved by Congress as part of reforms backed by Washington following former president Nicolas Maduro's January ouster.

Outlook

The coming days will bring clarity on several fronts: Thursday's Geneva talks between the US and Iran could prove pivotal for Middle East stability, while Monday's Hong Kong court ruling will test the limits of judicial independence under national security pressures. The fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 25 will likely bring renewed focus on the stalemated conflict and Europe's divisions over support. Meanwhile, the US-China trade dispute shows no signs of resolution, with both sides digging in despite economic costs. The international system continues to fragment along competing axes of power, with smaller nations like Greenland, Ukraine, and various Middle Eastern states caught between great power competition.