China’s yuan replaces US dollar as ‘primary’ currency for Russia’s foreign trade (www.scmp.com)
Hamas Divisions Over U.S.-Backed Cease-Fire Proposal Stall Negotiations (www.wsj.com)
archive.ph/2AnOc...
Russia condemns Ecuador over decision to hand Russian military hardware to US for Ukraine - RIA (www.reuters.com)
MOSCOW, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Russia’s foreign ministry on Friday condemned a decision by Ecuador to hand over Russian-made military hardware to the United States for use in Ukraine as a “reckless” breach of contract, the RIA news agency reported....
Exclusive: Ukraine must adapt to a reduction in Western military aid, embattled army chief says (www.cnn.com)
Ukraine’s embattled army chief, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, says Ukraine must adapt to a reduction in military aid from its key allies and focus ever more strongly on technology if it is to win its war against Russia....
Russian commanders are being accused of 'complete stupidity and incompetence' for failing to plan for drone attacks: ISW (www.businessinsider.com)
Russian military bloggers criticized Russian tactics in Ukraine, a US think tank said....
Israel accuses Australia of forgetting ‘Hamas’s culpability’ for Gaza war as ministers consider UNRWA funding (www.theguardian.com)
As an Australian, no we didn’t. We just had it put in context. Jews around the world are great people, the Israeli government and the hardline supporters are absolute monsters. I hope the Australian government tells them as much. Israel deserves no support and everything that may happen when it’s withdrawn.
China threatens Ukraine because of Chinese companies added to list of war sponsors (www.yahoo.com)
Mass Grave in Gaza Points to “Execution-Style” Killings by Israeli Forces (www.democracynow.org)
More video and eyewitness info on Al Jazeera so far...
Romanian doctor from Ukraine offers free medical assistance to soldiers with mobile clinic (www.romania-insider.com)
A doctor from the Romanian community in Chernivtsi (Cernauti) has transformed a bus into a mobile dental clinic, which he uses to travel the front lines giving free medical assistance to soldiers fighting against Russia....
U.S. plans to raise tariffs against Canadian softwood lumber producers (www.theglobeandmail.com)
The U.S. Department of Commerce plans to raise tariffs levied against Canadian softwood lumber producers, marking the latest salvo in the long-running trade dispute....
Fate of 6-year-old girl in Gaza unknown after ambulance team sent to rescue her vanishes, aid group says (www.cbsnews.com)
Florida’s new anti-gay bill aims to limit and punish protected free speech (www.theguardian.com)
No evidence of antisemitic 'gas' chant at pro-Palestinian Sydney protest, police find (www.sbs.com.au)
Edited footage of protesters chanting "gas the Jews" at a rally outside the Sydney Opera House in October was shared on social media, but NSW Police said an extensive investigation found no evidence of it happening.
Canada considers sanctions on settlers in West Bank over violence (news.yahoo.com)
OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canada is looking at imposing sanctions on “extremist” settlers in the West Bank, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday, a day after U.S. action against four Israeli men accused of being involved in violence in the occupied territory....
Weird ancient tree from before dinosaurs found in Canadian quarry (www.cbc.ca)
Italy to supply admiral for EU Red Sea naval mission (www.reuters.com)
ROME, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Italy will provide the admiral in command of a European Union Red Sea naval mission to protect ships from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militia, Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said on Friday....
Saudi Arabia willing to make concessions on Palestinians for peace with Israel (m.jpost.com)
Belgium summons Israeli ambassador after its building in Gaza is bombed (www.reuters.com)
S. Korea’s military service controversy: ‘Senior Army’ as a solution? (www.chosun.com)
As South Korea faces a military manpower shortage due to its low birth rate issue, opinions have emerged suggesting the recruitment of women or the male individuals aged 55 to 75 to fill the gap. However, public opinion in Korea remains divided on these proposals, and debates surrounding military service are expected to...
Armenia can no longer rely on Russia for military and defence needs - PM Pashinyan (www.reuters.com)
Pashinyan questions Russian alliance Suggests closer ties with United States and France Armenia needs new national security strategy - Pashinyan Armenia is home to Russian military facilities...
Ukraine support package worth €50bn agreed by EU leaders (www.bbc.com)
All 27 EU leaders have agreed a €50bn (£42bn; $54bn) aid package for Ukraine, after Hungary stopped blocking the deal....