Russia’s Massive Drone-Missile Assault on Ukraine Strikes Cities as Peace Talks Loom – 2/4/2026, 4:24:28 PM

Top world news as of February 4, 2026, includes a massive Russian attack on Ukraine, ongoing Epstein files fallout in U.S. and U.K. politics, U.S. diplomatic meetings amid tensions, and the end of a U.S. government shutdown.[1][2][3]

Conflicts and Military Developments

• Russia launched a major assault on Ukraine with 450 drones and 70 missiles targeting the power grid in cities like Kyiv, Odesa, Sumy, and Vinnytsia, injuring at least 10 people just before U.S.-Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Abu Dhabi.[2]
• Sweden and Denmark are jointly procuring €245 million in mobile anti-aircraft systems for Ukraine amid escalating Russian long-range strikes.[2]
• In the Middle East, nearly 20,000 Palestinians seek to leave Gaza for medical care, while the Rafah border crossing with Egypt partially reopens under a ceasefire.[1]
• A U.S. aircraft carrier was approached by a likely Iranian surveillance drone, followed by harassment of a U.S.-flagged ship by Iranian boats; U.S.-Iran nuclear talks are set for Friday in Turkey.[4]

U.S. and Politics

• The U.S. government shutdown ended after President Trump signed a funding bill, shifting focus to ICE talks; Trump also met Colombia’s President Petro at the White House, saying “I like you” amid rising tensions.[1][3]
• Epstein files continue causing political uproar: fallout in U.S. and U.K., Clintons agree to testify in House probe, and Prince Edward urges remembering victims in reference to Prince Andrew.[1]
• Search intensifies for NBC’s Savannah Guthrie’s mother, reportedly taken “against her will” by Arizona police.[1][3]

Canada and Other News

• Hockey community mourns three junior players killed in an Alberta crash, including two from Kamloops.[1]
• Canada considers an online safety bill as other nations ban social media for kids; fisheries prepare to protect whales.[1]
• Air India grounds its Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet due to a fuel control switch issue.[1]
• Business: Elon Musk’s SpaceX to merge with xAI, forming the world’s most valuable private company.[1]

These headlines are synthesized from morning broadcasts and bulletins, focusing on global impact; regional stories like Canadian extortion crises or local infrastructure openings are noted but secondary.[1][2][3]