Crisis talks in Abu Dhabi: peace or new conflicts in sight?

Crisis talks in Abu Dhabi: peace or new conflicts in sight?

On February 4, 2026, talks between Russia and Ukraine regarding the ongoing war in Ukraine took place in Abu Dhabi. These negotiations are planned as a two-day format, with the first day already taking place as attacks and civilian casualties continue in the region. US President Donald Trump held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the same day and tried to persuade Beijing to distance itself from Tehran.

In Nigeria, tragic attacks have been reported in two villages in Kwara State, killing at least 162 people. Additionally, a deadly incident in the Aegean Sea in which a Greek coast guard boat collided with a migrant boat resulted in at least 15 deaths. These events cast a dark light on the security situation in both regions.

Extreme weather and economic impacts

Storm Kristin caused devastating damage, loss of life and power outages in Portugal and Spain. In addition, a brief shutdown in the US led to delays in key economic data, increasing market uncertainty. Important economic data, including the JOLTS report and the jobs report, is due on February 5, 2026, which could influence market sentiment. Conditions could be further exacerbated by increasing weather extremes, causing power outages and delivery delays.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff is invited to Berlin to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Emmanuel Macron from France and Keir Starmer from the United Kingdom are also expected in Berlin to develop a common position for negotiations with Russia. The first version of a peace plan by Donald Trump in November 2024 was criticized by Ukraine and its European allies as being too lenient towards Russia.

Human rights aspects and international developments

In Iran, Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi suffered a brutal arrest during a mourning ceremony in Mashhad. She is known for her commitment to women's rights and freedom of expression. The Nobel Committee strongly condemned this violent arrest. Mohammadi had previously been temporarily released from Ewin Prison due to health problems.

International news also reports that Barham Saleh, the former Iraqi president, is set to become the new head of the UNHCR. He will be taken over at the turn of the year by Filippo Grandi, whose mandate expires at the end of the year. The UNHCR is suffering from cuts in contributions by many states, which have led to significant job cuts.

King Charles III has announced positive progress in his battle against cancer and stressed that his treatment schedule may be reduced in the new year. He calls for awareness about cancer and the importance of preventive examinations. In addition, the Meyer Werft in northern Germany is facing a billion-dollar order from MSC Cruises, which could ensure the shipyard's capacity to capacity until 2036.

After the flood disaster in 2021, the railway line in the Ahr valley became completely passable again. A new section of route between Walporzheim and Ahrbrück was officially put into operation. This includes 18 kilometers of tracks, 22 bridges, five tunnels and ten stations, with an investment volume of around 590 million euros.

This week's developments highlight the complexity and urgency of current global issues and challenges.