Andrii Tymoshchenkov
King Charles III of Great Britain expressed concern over the arrest of his brother, Prince Andrew, who is suspected of abuse of power. He emphasized the need for a full and fair investigation.
Relations between the US and Iran are escalating over Tehran's nuclear program, threatening a major war in the Middle East. Ukraine is interested in peace to avoid rising oil prices and the strengthening of the Russian Federation.
Former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi gave an interview where he spoke about the failure of the 2023 counteroffensive and SBU searches. Political observer Hennadii Dubov analyzed the interview, noting that it is not a bid for elections, but an element of political criticism of the current government.
Today, February 18, Muslim communities in many countries around the world begin celebrating Ramadan. This is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, dedicated to fasting, prayer, and spiritual self-improvement.
Talks between Ukraine and Russia in Geneva brought no breakthrough, with Zelenskyy accusing Russia of stalling for time. Expert Zhelikhovsky believes that Moscow is using the negotiations to gain time on the battlefield.
In Zaporizhzhia, a 56-year-old man died on February 17 as a result of a grenade explosion in an apartment building. Police are investigating the incident and establishing the origin of the ammunition.
In the Russian Federation, where internet censorship and surveillance of the opposition already prevail, the innovations are becoming another element of totalitarian control.
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine reports that the Kremlin uses passportization as a lever of influence in the occupied regions of Georgia. Support depends on the loyalty of local elites.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that Russia has not attacked any EU country, and Ukraine is only defending itself. He added that the security of Hungary and other EU states is guaranteed by NATO.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha responded to Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó's statement, emphasizing that Budapest's position ignores the real price Ukraine is paying for Europe's security. Sybiha stressed that Ukraine is deterring Russian aggression, preventing it from spreading to other European countries.
Adviser to the President of Ukraine Dmytro Lytvyn denied information about disagreements or internal influence within the Ukrainian negotiating team. The President's Office noted that the negotiating team is united, and talk of "divisions" or "influences" is untrue.
The heads of two defense state enterprises organized a scheme of fictitious employment to secure mobilization deferrals. They demanded $12,000 for processing and deferral.
SBU counterintelligence exposed a 17-year-old Kharkiv resident who, on FSB's instructions, was manufacturing explosives for terrorist attacks in crowded places. She was detained while transporting a bomb, with ready-made devices and components seized.
The President of Ukraine reported that the political component of the negotiations on ending the war remains difficult. The parties agreed to continue the dialogue, but without significant progress on the political front.
The President of Ukraine reported significant progress in the military aspect of the negotiations on ending the war. The military agreed on approaches to monitoring the ceasefire, provided there is political will.
The SBU detained a Russian agent who was preparing new missile strikes on thermal power plants in the capital region. The perpetrator was collecting information on the technical condition of the thermal power plants after the previous shelling.
The Polish government stated that President Karol Nawrocki's words about supporting the nuclear program were not discussed with the Council of Ministers. The government spokesperson emphasized that competence in nuclear policy matters belongs to the Council of Ministers.
The Ministry of Energy discussed the consequences of Russia's massive attack on infrastructure, especially in the Odesa region and on the left bank of Kyiv. Ukraine will receive 10 generators from Estonia, 32 boilers from Italy, and equipment from other countries.
The High Anti-Corruption Court chose a pre-trial restraint for former Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko in the form of detention. The alternative is a bail of 200 million hryvnias, the term of arrest is 60 days.
Russia is deliberately striking American business facilities in Ukraine, attacking the Boeing office and the Flex factory. This is happening simultaneously with the Kremlin's statements about its readiness to reset economic relations with the United States.
The Verkhovna Rada discussed the security and transparency of post-war elections, including risks associated with special polling stations. MP Herashchenko emphasized the problems of falsification and the formation of election commissions in de-occupied territories.
Russian architect Anastasia Kucherova, who lives in Italy, carried the Ukrainian team's sign at the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Milan.
The Verkhovna Rada has developed clarifications to legislative proposals on elections, concerning the role of military unit commanders in organizing the electoral process. This will provide election commissions with the necessary premises.
Former Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko stated in court his readiness to post bail of 20-30 million hryvnias. He is suspected of participating in a criminal organization and legalizing over 7.4 million US dollars.
People's Deputy Roman Lozynsky announced the development of safeguards to prevent manipulation during the voting of servicemen. The changes concern clarifying the submissions of military unit commanders regarding the number of voters at special polling stations.
People's Deputy Roman Lozynskyi stated that special polling stations for military personnel are only possible under clear security circumstances. This minimizes the risks of abuse and guarantees the electoral rights of military personnel.
The working group has prepared amendments for the implementation of electoral rights for military personnel and security forces. The draft law takes into account voter identification and expands terminology.
In Zakarpattia, rescuers from the State Emergency Service assisted a 22-year-old Kyiv resident and a 21-year-old Zhytomyr resident who were freezing on the Chornohora ridge. The tourists were taken to the village of Hoverla and handed over to medics.
The US continues diplomatic efforts to end the war but considers negotiations difficult. US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker noted that territory is a key issue and President Trump plays an important role in the negotiation process.
As a result of shelling in the Kherson community, critical infrastructure was damaged, causing a power outage in part of the city. There is no electricity supply in the Dniprovskyi district, and possible water outages in the KhBK district and the center.