**Georgian Police Arrest Opposition Leaders**
On February 2, the Georgian police arrested two opposition leaders during a street protest against the ruling party. The protesters were trying to block a major highway in Tbilisi, but authorities warned that this was a criminal offense.
Former Tbilisi Mayor Gigi Ugulava and Nika Melia, leader of the EU-friendly party “Akhali”, were among those arrested. Both men had been imprisoned under the current government on charges widely criticized as politically motivated.
The protest took place near the capital’s main shopping center, with thousands of demonstrators attempting to block the highway. Several other protesters were also detained, and at least one was injured. The protesters chanted slogans like “Fire to the oligarchy” and “No justice – no peace”.
The ruling Georgian Dream party claimed a sweeping victory in last year’s elections amid allegations of fraud and intimidation. The disputed results triggered mass demonstrations in Tbilisi.
**Ukraine Update**
In Ukraine, drone attacks targeting civilians have become common in the southern city of Kherson. Local residents have described the violent campaign as a “human safari”.
At least four people were killed and 84 rescued after an attack on February 1, which Ukraine’s General Staff says was carried out by Russia using a targeted guided aerial bomb strike.
The Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law banning “childfree propaganda” in November last year. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the alleged bombing of a nursing home in Kursk Oblast, comparing it to Russian war crimes in Chechnya, Syria, and Ukraine.
**Russia-Ukraine Conflict**
The conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues, with both sides trading accusations. The NATO Chief Mark Rutte insisted that Ukraine was not losing the war against Russia.
In another development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the first step for Ukraine is to hold a high-level meeting with Donald Trump, before moving on to a format for peace talks that includes Ukraine, Russia, the U.S., and the EU.
