World News: Panama's president denies making deal regarding free transit of US ships

This is The World Now, bringing you the latest stories from around the globe.

Beginning with the diplomatic dispute, between the U.S. and Panama, over usage fees for the Panama Canal.

Washington on Thursday, reversed claims made the day before, that an agreement had been reached, to allow passage through the Canal, free of charge.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Panama is "expected" to waive transit fees for U.S. government vessels, acknowledging a "process of laws and procedures" that Panama would need to navigate first.

The U.S. State Department announced Wednesday that a deal had been made that would save the U.S. millions of dollars annually.

However, Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino refuted the claim, stating that no such agreement exists and emphasized that neither he nor the constitution have the authority to alter canal fees.

He said the U.S. assertion was "intolerable" and instructed Panama's ambassador in Washington to confront the statement.

The Panama Canal Authority, responsible for setting the transit tolls, also denied any changes to fee structures.

Ukraine has bolstered its air defense capabilities, by receiving the first round of advanced fighter jets from its European allies, France and the Netherlands.

Ukraine announced on Thursday, the arrival of its first batch of French Mirage 2000 fighter jets, alongside U.S.-made F-16 fighters from the Netherlands.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov confirmed, that the aircraft will commence combat missions soon.

The exact number of jets delivered has not been disclosed for security reasons.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to France and the Netherlands for their support in strengthening Kyiv's air force.

The Netherlands has committed to providing F-16 fighters and training for Ukrainian pilots, and France has adapted the Mirage 2000 for air-to-ground strikes.

In Greece, the government declared a state of emergency on Thursday for the island of Santorini, following more than seven-thousand undersea earthquakes that began on January 31.

The most significant was a 5.2-magnitude quake on Wednesday.

This has prompted the evacuation of more than ten-thousand residents and workers on the island.

Authorities have closed schools, restricted access to coastal areas due to landslide risks, and deployed emergency services, including the army and police.

While damage has been minimal, the state of emergency is to stay in effect until March 3.

Also in Europe, Italy began its one-year countdown to the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics on Thursday, with an official ceremony and series of events taking place in Milan.

Celebrations included the unveiling of the Omega Countdown Clock, and the opening of the Sport Village, featuring free ice hockey and curling rinks for public use.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach officiated the event, expressing confidence in preparations, despite a century-old track in Cortina being incomplete.

The event will run from February 6 to 22 in 2026.

Choi Chi-hee, Arirang News.