Newshour

US cuts health aid to Zimbabwe

The United States is ending its health programmes in Zimbabwe, including HIV treatment for one point two million people. The US embassy said Harare had pulled out of negotiations over a new health aid agreement which would have provided 367 million dollars over five years. The US has been renegotiating aid to Africa following the abolition of USAID by President Trump.   Also on the programme: The influential economist, Larry Summers, resigns from Harvard over the Epstein files and the Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, apologises to staff about his links with the convicted sex offender; and we'll hear why Emperor penguins are facing the threat of extinction.   (Photo shows a health official opening a rapid HIV test during the launch of Lenacapavir, a long‑acting HIV prevention injection outside Harare, Zimbabwe on 19 February 2026.Credit: Philimon Bulawayo/Reuters)

Trump's State of the Union address claims US in 'golden age'

US President Donald Trump makes the longest-ever State of the Union address, claiming America's enjoying a golden age. But will his message on the economy be enough to persuade voters worried about persistent high prices? Also in the programme: Sri Lanka's former intelligence chief has been arrested in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed more than 270 people; and we'll hear from the small Norwegian club inside the Arctic Circle that's shaking up European football. (Photo shows US president Donald Trump delivering the State of the Union address at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. on 24 February 2026. Credit: Kenny Holston/Reuters)

Ukrainians reflect on four years of war

It's officially four years since the war in Ukraine began. One of the striking things that has happened to mark it has been a united statement of encouragement for Ukraine from leaders of the G7 group of countries, including the US. We hear from a Ukrainian mother and son about the impact of four years of war on their lives and the decisions they've made. Also in the programme: Russian dissidents tell the BBC they’ve seen fellow troops executed on commanders’ orders during the conflict; a look at what might be coming up in President Trump’s State of the Union address; and why a nineteenth-century Ghanaian artefact is being kept from public view. (Photo: People take part in a protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine to mark the fourth anniversary of the start of the war, in Zurich, Switzerland, 24th February 2026. Credit: Andreas Becker/EPA/Shutterstock)

Russia-Ukraine war enters fifth year

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky says Vladimir Putin 'has not achieved his goals' and Ukraine will do everything to achieve peace and justice, on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. European leaders are in Kyiv and commemorative events are being held across Ukraine. We hear from Ukrainians about how their lives have changed. Also in the programme: UK’s first baby born from a transplanted womb from a deceased donor; and researchers have discovered how a horse produces its distinctive whinny. (Picture: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen before a meeting of 'Coalition of the Willing' in Kyiv. Credit: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout)

Violence unleashed in Mexico after death of drug lord

Unrest has erupted in at least 20 states across Mexico, and thousands of troops have been deployed to maintain order after the country's most wanted cartel leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes - known as "El Mencho" - died after being captured on Sunday. Also on the programme: US and Iranian officials have confirmed that negotiations over Iran's nuclear programme will resume on Thursday; and we hear from Lauren Wyatt, who has Tourette's syndrome and is an advocate for the National Neurodiversity Youth Council, about the racial slur shouted by a man at the Bafta film awards who also lives with the condition. (Photo: A burnt bus on the highway connecting Mexico City with the state of Puebla, following roadblocks and arson attacks carried out by members of organized crime after the death of Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho". Credit: REUTERS/Paola Garcia)