Continental Breakfast — February 5, 2026
Continental Breakfast
What Europe is reading this morning
Thursday, February 05, 2026
Story 1
NEW START Expires: Nuclear Arms Control Enters the Void
For the first time since 1972, no binding limits on US-Russian nuclear arsenals. UN chief Guterres calls it 'a grave moment'; Pope Leo XIV urges both sides to avert an arms race.
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UK · The Guardian 'Grave moment': end of US-Russia nuclear pact comes at worst possible time, UN chief warns → Stark warning; Medvedev says expiry should 'alarm everyone' |
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France · Le Monde The end of US-Russia nuclear treaty is a dangerous signal for deterrence La fin du traité nucléaire russo-américain est un signal dangereux pour la dissuasion → Grim; could spark proliferation to more states |
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EU · Politico EU The last US nuclear weapons treaty with Russia is dying → Trump administration 'has not formally responded' to Russian overtures |
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EU · Reuters Explainer: What is New START and why does its expiry matter? → Wire service Q&A; void with no successor talks |
Story 2
Abu Dhabi Talks Day 2: Productive Words, Deadly Strikes
US-brokered trilateral talks called 'substantive and productive,' but Russia's attacks continue unabated. Zelensky reveals 55,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed; prisoner exchange expected.
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UK · The Guardian Ukraine and Russia hold 'productive' first day of US-led peace talks in Abu Dhabi → Cautiously optimistic; major obstacles remain |
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Spain · El Mundo Los ataques rusos eclipsan las conversaciones de paz con Kiev en Abu Dhabi Los ataques rusos eclipsan las conversaciones de paz con Kiev en Abu Dhabi → Russian attacks eclipse talks; Witkoff 'productive and constructive' |
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EU · Euronews Ukraine to change negotiating stance after Russia's massive strike → Record missiles, Kyiv adjusting approach |
Story 3
Mandelson Scandal Threatens Labour Government
Met Police investigation widens as Maxwell email confirms Andrew photo is real. Starmer admits Mandelson 'lied repeatedly'; MPs force release of vetting files. Transparency International EU demands probe into Mandelson's time as Commissioner.
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UK · The Guardian Email appears to confirm photo of Andrew and Virginia Giuffre is real → Maxwell confirms photo taken at her home; Andrew's alibi demolished |
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Germany · Der Spiegel Jeffrey Epstein: Peter-Mandelson-Affäre erschüttert Großbritanniens Regierung Jeffrey Epstein: Peter-Mandelson-Affäre erschüttert Großbritanniens Regierung → 'Explosive reach into Starmer's inner circle' |
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France · Le Monde Au Royaume-Uni, Keir Starmer fragilisé par de nouvelles révélations sur les liens entre Jeffrey Epstein et Peter Mandelson → Starmer accused of poor judgment; shockwave from Epstein files |
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UK · BBC News MPs back plan to release Mandelson files after Labour anger → Parliament approves document release amid police probe |
Story 4
France Raids X, Summons Musk
Paris prosecutors raid X offices; investigation covers Grok deepfakes, Holocaust denial, child abuse images. Spain announces under-16 social media ban; Musk calls Sánchez a 'tyrant.'
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France · Le Monde Paris prosecutors raid French offices of Elon Musk's X Perquisition au siège français de X, le réseau social d'Elon Musk → 'Political attack,' Musk says; Grok probe widens |
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UK · The Guardian French HQ of Elon Musk's X raided by Paris cybercrime unit → Sánchez pledges to protect children from 'digital wild west' |
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EU · Reuters Paris prosecutors cybercrime unit searches French office of Musk's X → Musk and Yaccarino summoned for questioning |
Also Noted
• Xi and Putin hold video call, hail 'grand plan' for ties ahead of Ukraine war anniversary
• Italy blocks Russian-linked cyberattacks on Winter Olympics sites
• Two arrested for sabotage attempt on German Navy ships in Hamburg
• Germany seeks expanded spy powers to counter hybrid threats
• Le Pen appeal trial threatens her 2027 presidential bid
• EU has 'open mind' on UK customs union talks
• EU sanctions having 'significant impact' on Russian economy, says envoy
Continental Breakfast · Dispatches from Europe
Headlines translated where necessary. Coverage angles reflect editorial interpretation.
