870 Mexico eliminates El Mencho. EU prepares sea blockade of Russia

23 Feb 2026The leader of the CJNG cartel, El Mencho, was killed in Mexico, leading to retaliation from the cartel. The US provided intelligence support for the operation. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, in an interview with the BBC, claimed that Russia has started World War III and must be stopped to prevent the collapse of the rules-based international order.The 20th sanctions package against Russia, which aims for a complete oil blockade, faces resistance from several EU countries, including Greece, Cyprus, Malta, and Italy, due to potential economic repercussions. Despite this, the sanctions are expected to eventually pass. The UK is pushing for direct involvement in the conflict, with its Defence Secretary expressing a desire to send British troops to Ukraine.On Thursday, 26th, there will be a series of high-stakes negotiations: Russia and Ukraine in Geneva, followed by Iran and the United States. Lindsey Graham advocates for military action against Iran, despite the risks, while reports suggest Trump is considering limited strikes on Iran’s missile facilities, potentially escalating to a larger conflict. Additionally, the UK media is focussing on allegations against Keir Starmer regarding child offenders and the ongoing controversy surrounding Prince Andrew’s potential removal from the line of succession.