Ukraine has announced plans for presidential elections and a peace referendum by mid-May, even amid ongoing conflict. Russian attacks on infrastructure, combined with extreme winter conditions, have left many Ukrainians without electricity, heating or other basic necessities in temperatures of -20°C. From daily life to diplomacy, the conflict is taking its toll—highlighting just how resilient the country must be.
Tensions also escalated in Moscow on 6th February, when Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev, deputy head of Russia’s GRU military intelligence, was shot in what Russia claims was a Ukrainian-ordered assassination. Alexeyev has since recovered after surgery, but the attack has sent shockwaves through diplomatic and intelligence circles, showing just how high-stakes and complex the Russia–Ukraine conflict has become.
Across the globe, Europe is debating how to stay competitive with the US and China, the US is offering Bangladesh alternatives to Chinese defense systems and Canada mourned a tragic school shooting in British Columbia. Extreme weather worldwide continues to remind us that the planet is sending urgent signals: New York plunged to -20°C, rivers froze, Spain got a year’s worth of rain in just 20 days, wildfires raged in Chile and Arctic sea temperatures hit record highs.
In the US, debates over greenhouse gas regulations continue to stir the pot about how to tackle climate change, at the same time as there are reports that President Trump is considering dismantling or restructuring the National Center for Atmospheric Research, which conducts research and maintains supercomputing facilities on behalf of the government and 129 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada.
Looking ahead, the 62nd Munich Security Conference (13–15 February, Munich, Germany) will bring together around 200 representatives from over 115 countries, including nearly 60 heads of state and government. Confirmed participants include US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. Panels and side events will cover the war in Ukraine, transatlantic relations, climate and energy security, AI and cyber risks and global defense cooperation.
Climate scientists are also warning that human-driven warming could disrupt vital ocean currents, with potentially dramatic effects on northern Europe. If the currents are breached, most of the world would continue to warm—but Iceland could experience winter extremes plunging to -50°F, becoming largely encased in sea ice for the first time since Viking settlement. “At that point, Iceland would be one giant glacier”, said Hildigunnur Thorsteinsson, director general of the Icelandic Meteorological Office.
What grabbed your attention this week? Which crises or stories do you think matter most? Join GRF 412 & 413 to discuss, share ideas, and connect the dots—because every story affects us all.
- Global Risk Forum 412
- Thursday, 12th February at 17:00 GMT / 12:00 EDT
- REGISTRATION >>
- Global Risk Forum 413
- Friday, 13th February at 10:00 GMT
- REGISTRATION >>
