Asia - Pacific

 Ukrainian president expects war prisoners' swap with Russia ‘very soon’

Ukrainian president expects war prisoners' swap with Russia ‘very soon’

‘We count on another round of negotiations being organized very soon, as early as this February, and on that round becoming truly productive,’ says Volodymyr Zelenskyy

Diary.
Current events in Turkiye and the world, leaders’ schedules and international events will be on the Diary page
5.7 magnitude quake jolts Afghanistan
20.02.2026

5.7 magnitude quake jolts Afghanistan

No immediate reports of damage or casualties

China’s US bond holdings fall to lowest since 2008 as other countries buy more
20.02.2026

China’s US bond holdings fall to lowest since 2008 as other countries buy more

Beijing continues multiyear selloff of US Treasury bonds as Canada and Belgium increase holdings, helping offset China’s withdrawal, expert says

Drums, prayer and steaming bowls: Ramadan in China’s Muslim communities
20.02.2026

Drums, prayer and steaming bowls: Ramadan in China’s Muslim communities

In Najiaying and other Muslim areas across China, the fasting month unfolds as both a spiritual journey and communal celebration

Zelenskyy expresses hope for defense cooperation between Ukraine and Japan
20.02.2026

Zelenskyy expresses hope for defense cooperation between Ukraine and Japan

In interview with Kyodo News, Ukraine’s president says ready to meet Japanese premier ‘in any format’

Russian non-energy exports total $157B in 2025
20.02.2026

Russian non-energy exports total $157B in 2025

Total volume of $157B represents around 5% increase from estimated figure, says Russian deputy industry and trade minister