Antonina Tumanova
The program for the voluntary return of compatriots to Russia recorded an anti-record in 2025, relocating only 27. 6 thousand people. The number of resettlers has been constantly decreasing since the beginning of Russia's "SMO," which deepens the demographic crisis in the country.
Over the past day, 201 combat engagements took place on the front. The enemy used 3191 kamikaze drones and carried out 2076 shellings.
Energy infrastructure facilities have been damaged in Russia's Belgorod, leading to power and heat supply disruptions. Power outages have partially affected Belgorod, Shebekino, and the Shebekino district.
Eight skiers' bodies were found after an avalanche near Lake Tahoe, with one person still missing. This avalanche became the deadliest in the US in almost half a century.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that protecting freedom of speech on social media is "pure nonsense," contradicting Donald Trump's foreign policy. European countries are considering banning social media for minors, while the US criticizes such actions as censorship.
The President of Ukraine noted that he was unaware of the admission of Russians and Belarusians to the Paralympics, but his initial reaction was that it was "disrespectful. "
Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko instructed to ensure readiness for the repair of public roads. Work will begin as soon as weather conditions permit, and funding is provided for in the 2026 budget.
The head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, held a two-hour closed-door meeting with the Ukrainian side after the official negotiations in Geneva. Medinsky confirmed the fact of the meeting, which took place at the InterContinental Hotel.
On February 19, hourly shutdown schedules and power restrictions for industrial consumers will be in effect in Ukraine. The reason is the consequences of Russian attacks on energy facilities.
Additional autonomous power generation equipment and diesel buses have been sent to Odesa. Individual houses are already being powered by generators, and repair crews are working around the clock.
In Kyiv, a 17-year-old teenager scattered flowers and defiled the wall near a memorial plaque to a defender. The police drew up a report for petty hooliganism, and the minor apologized to the fallen soldier's mother.
The Defense Forces continue to strike important enemy targets. An S-300VM air defense system launcher, UAV control points, and enemy troop concentrations have been hit.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting on operational work in communities, particularly in Kyiv, in the conditions of an emergency energy situation. Priority steps have been identified to ensure backup power and the development of distributed generation.
Since the beginning of the day, 102 aggressor attacks have been recorded, and shelling of border areas continues. The enemy is increasing activity in the Huliaipole direction, where 38 attacks have occurred.
Two Russian generals have been charged with ecocide and violating the laws of war for destroying the dam of the Oskil reservoir. Environmental damage is estimated at over 39.1 billion hryvnias.
Kyrylo Budanov announced the completion of another round of negotiations in Geneva, calling it difficult but important. The next round is scheduled for the near future.
The Swiss Foreign Ministry announced its readiness to host a new round of talks on Ukraine. This followed the third round of negotiations in Geneva on February 17-18.
Two traumatologist doctors in Dnipro were notified of suspicion after they accidentally operated on a child's healthy hand instead of the broken one. Forensic medical examination established the absence of medical grounds for the operation.
Two women, aged 40 and 45, who vacationed in Zanzibar, contracted tropical malaria. They did not undergo chemoprophylaxis and had numerous mosquito bites.
Ihor Zhovkva met with NATO Assistant Secretary General Boris Ruge. New defense support packages, which Ukraine expects to receive by February 24, were discussed.
Activists in Novosibirsk, Voronezh, Vladivostok, and Irkutsk have submitted applications for rallies against Telegram blocking on March 1.
Since the beginning of the day, 137 combat engagements have been recorded on the front. The occupiers carried out 2,538 shellings and used 5,847 kamikaze drones.
In Odesa, after Russia's night attack, critical infrastructure facilities have been switched to backup power. Additional tents and heating points are being deployed for people.
As a result of a drone attack on Zaporizhzhia, a woman was killed and six people were injured, including two children. Residential buildings were damaged.
Vilnius Airport suspended operations due to weather balloons from Belarus entering its airspace. This is already more than the tenth such incident since October 2025.
On February 18, a significant deterioration of weather conditions is expected in Ukraine, with the exception of the western regions. To coordinate rescue services, the Emergency Response Headquarters begins round-the-clock operation.
The first day of trilateral talks in Geneva has concluded. The political and military groups will continue their work tomorrow morning.
Trilateral talks in Geneva have concluded, and the Ukrainian delegation has left the meeting venue. The talks are expected to resume tomorrow.
The political part of peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by the United States in Geneva, has concluded. Military representatives from both sides continue discussions.
On February 18, hourly power outage schedules and power limitations for industrial consumers will be applied in all regions of Ukraine. The reason is the consequences of Russian attacks on energy facilities.