Good morning. U.S. President Donald Trump said an agreement to end the war in Ukraine is “getting a lot closer, maybe very close” after this weekend. More on that below, along with the biggest sporting moments in 2025 and where to travel in 2026. Let’s get to it.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is greeted by U.S. President Donald Trump at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla., on Sunday.Joe Raedle/Getty Images
TOP STORY
Zelensky meets Trump in Florida
The latest: Trump said Sunday that he believes both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, truly want peace, as the U.S. President welcomed the “brave” Ukrainian leader for talks at his Florida resort yesterday. Though some of the thorniest details in negotiations remain unresolved, Zelensky said an agreement on security guarantees for Ukraine has been reached.
On the ground: Russia intensified its attacks on Ukraine’s capital in the days before the meeting. On Saturday, Russia attacked Ukraine’s capital with ballistic missiles and drones, Ukrainian authorities said.
What’s next: Trump said he’d call Putin after the meeting with Zelensky and also reach out to European leaders. He tempered his optimism, saying it will be clear “in a few weeks” whether negotiations to end the war will succeed.
Somalis attend a demonstration in Mogadishu on Sunday as Israel becomes the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as independent state.Feisal Omar/Reuters
World
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland sparks celebration and anger
The latest: Israel’s decision to give diplomatic recognition to the breakaway region of Somaliland has sparked anger across much of Africa and the Arab world, with some leaders predicting that it could pave the way for the deportation of Gaza Palestinians to the secessionist state.
Context: Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has been fighting for global recognition for more than three decades. On Friday, Israel became the first country to support Somaliland’s independence. Over the weekend, Somaliland officials said the diplomatic recognition agreement had no connection to Palestinian issues. Israel did not comment.
What’s next: The United Nations Security Council has called an emergency session on Monday afternoon to discuss the Israeli move and its ramifications.
The Signature Walk Venture takes you into the heart of Australia on this breathtaking five-day, four-night guided walk through the World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.Tasmanian Walking Company/Tasmanian Walking Company
How We Live
Where to travel in 2026
The latest: Some globetrotters chase destinations where something fresh is unfolding – places where they can proudly say, “I was there when …” For 2026, we asked travel experts to pinpoint 10 destinations poised for a standout moment. The resulting list is an eclectic mix to spark that delicious feeling of anticipation.
Where’s next: Maybe this is the year you cheer on the world’s best at Italy’s Winter Olympics, check out the recently unveiled Grand Egyptian Museum, or venture into the untamed beauty of a new national park in northern Quebec. Some old favourites are there too: Scotland’s whisky heartland; the heart of the Australian outback; and the heart of Canadian co-host for the FIFA World Cup, Toronto.
Workers search the shore for any items that may be the result of a grounded ship after the MSC Baltic III washed up off the coast.Fred Lum/The Globe and Mail
Environment
Grounded ship risks an environmental disaster
The latest: In a province with a long and dangerous maritime history, the Coast Guard is being put to the test. Since MSC Baltic III came to Newfoundland’s Cedar Cove in February, officials have been wary of what will happen when it splits apart. The cargo ship lost power during a ferocious blizzard and removing it will be the largest response operation in Canadian waters yet.
What’s next: It’s inevitable that the ship will crack in two this winter, said Bruce English, senior response officer with the federal agency’s Marine Environmental and Hazards Response team. This poses a threat to the marine environment, mainly because of the residual fuel still on board and the 46 remaining shipping containers, some of which contain substances harmful to marine life such as flaxseed oil.
Investing
Competition intensifies among stock-trading platforms
The latest: The vast majority of Canadian equities are listed on the TSX or TSX Venture Exchange, but there are a total of 18 different marketplaces owned by five separate companies where those securities can be traded. According to data from the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization, the TSX and TSX-V are still the largest players in the space, but alternative trading system (ATS) platforms compete to be the venue of choice for the buying and selling of securities.
What’s next: Jeff Foster, a two-decade veteran of Toronto Stock Exchange parent TMX Group Ltd., is preparing to launch a new ATS in early 2026. CIX Trading Inc. will let investors buy and sell Canadian stocks outside of regular trading hours and will also allow for fractional trading, which makes it possible to acquire fractions of a single share.
Bookmarked
- In memory of: Brigitte Bardot, French screen siren turned animal-rights activist, dies at 91.
- For your happiness: How to find your joy in the year ahead? Six Canadians offer their tips
- For your memories: Old family photos collecting dust? Here’s how to get rid of them without letting go of the memories.
- For your finances: Five changes to your taxes coming in 2026 that you need to know, including New RRSP contribution limits, tax brackets and more.
- Conversation starter: Dear Gen Z, you’re not watching the world end – you’re about to build a new one, writes Doug Saunders.
The Quote
I procrastinated for two weeks. I did not resort to AI; it felt like cheating to use an unfeeling machine to lament and contextualize the loss of someone I loved.
— Ian Brown, feature writer
On the art of eulogizing someone you adore, Ian Brown tried to follow three rules: Be candid, don’t overpraise and be aware that family members can be an unreliable source of information.
The Shot
U.S. player Brady Tkachuk's fight with Canada's Sam Bennett was not the only scuffle at the 4 Nations Face-Off on Feb. 15.Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press
The Blue Jays’ grip on our collective sports conscience is impressive when you consider how many significant sports moments happened around that fall run. The Globe sports desk shares the (other) biggest moments of 2025.