Oleksandra Vasylenko
The Minister of Youth and Sports of Ukraine expressed gratitude to representatives of the governments of the countries of the "free world" who, according to him, will also not participate in the official events of the Paralympics.
Ukraine imposed sanctions against Lukashenka due to his assistance to Russia in the war, including the supply of components and the deployment of a radar network. Lukashenka's meetings with occupation administrators and his statements about cooperation with temporarily occupied regions also became a reason.
Russia has classified key economic data, concealing the real level of poverty and the state of the economy. 168 tables were removed from statistical compilations, and 115 indicators stopped being updated in the Unified Interdepartmental Information and Statistical System (EMISS).
Business investments in solar generation will partially mitigate risks but will not solve problems for large consumers.
The relevant ministry believes that the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to participate in the Paralympic Games under national flags is outrageous and effectively contributes to the "normalization" of Russia's war against Ukraine.
The energy crisis of 2025-2026 forced Ukrainian enterprises to reduce production and change working hours. Small businesses found themselves in the most vulnerable position, and electricity prices increased by 60%.
Slovakia is modernizing Cold War-era nuclear shelters, despite Prime Minister Fico's statements that there is no threat from Russia. An audit revealed the critical condition of most structures, and demand for private bunkers is growing.
Rumors about American pilots with combat experience in Afghanistan and the Middle East, who are now performing combat missions in Ukraine, were spread by foreign media.
Heavy snowfall led to the cancellation of the men's aerials qualification, where four Ukrainians were scheduled to compete. The women's qualification has been postponed to 2:45 PM Kyiv time.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has introduced the possibility of concluding a one-year contract for volunteers aged 60 and over. The changes also concern the awarding of military ranks in a shorter period and guarantees of service in the chosen position for contract soldiers.
The relevant issue will be considered in court in the near future.
Overdue mortgage debts of Russian citizens reached 276 billion rubles by the end of 2025, increasing by 76. 6% over the year. The total volume of non-performing loans of individuals in the Russian banking system amounts to 2.3 trillion rubles.
Ukrainian intelligence has released information on 39 enterprises of the Kalashnikov concern, some of which are still not under sanctions. These companies produce reconnaissance and attack drones, guided munitions, and other military equipment.
Oleksiy Kuleba explained that only empty state and communal buildings will be converted into housing for IDPs, without touching private property. The pilot phase of the program starts in Kyiv, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Poltava regions.
Over the week, 12,290 new cases of flu and ARVI, including COVID-19, were registered in Kyiv. Three people died from complications: two from flu, one from COVID-19.
Experts warn of a possible Russian attack on the Bortnychi Aeration Station, which could lead to sewage system disruption, environmental pollution, and increased epidemiological risks in Kyiv. Currently, there are no alternative solutions, and the station's shutdown would cause a systemic collapse for the capital.
On February 17, no significant precipitation is expected in most regions of Ukraine, but on February 18-19, the cold snap will intensify. In Kyiv, precipitation is unlikely on February 17, but black ice will persist on the roads.
In Khmelnytskyi region, 1730 sets of protective equipment worth UAH 14 million were purchased for the State Emergency Service, which turned out to be unsuitable. The prosecutor's office informed two officials about suspicion due to abuse of office.
After a sharp change in weather, Kyiv's roads and sidewalks turned into an icy trap. Drivers are pushing cars, and public transport is at a standstill due to black ice.
Iran is proposing that the United States include an economic component in a new nuclear deal, which would entail mutual benefits in exchange for limiting nuclear activities and easing sanctions. Tehran is talking about possible agreements in the energy, mining, and aviation sectors.
In the Kharkiv region, the evacuation of 19 horses from the frontline Stary Saltiv community has been completed. The operation lasted ten days, and the animals were transported to the Kharkiv Hippodrome.
Ukrainian polar explorers recorded a rare appearance of a king penguin near the Vernadsky station on Booth Island. This species usually lives thousands of kilometers away, but researchers saw it during a chick count.
California Governor Gavin Newsom stated in Munich that Trump's presidency is not a long-term norm for the US. He urged Europe to maintain stable cooperation with the United States.
The US Indo-Pacific Command intercepted the Panamanian-flagged tanker Veronica III, which was transporting Iranian oil in violation of sanctions. The vessel was tracked from the Caribbean Sea to the Indian Ocean.
In Ukraine, the seasonal increase in the incidence of influenza A continues, doctors remind about typical symptoms and possible complications. Early prescription of antiviral therapy and vaccination reduce the risks of infection.
In Rivne, a 36-year-old man set his own 74-year-old father on fire during an argument over money. The victim died at the scene, and the perpetrator was detained.
At the Munich Security Conference, Kaja Kallas rejected the notion of a "declining Europe," emphasizing its resilience. She called Russia the main threat but noted that Russia is not a superpower.
A 23-year-old Ukrainian woman exceeded the speed limit on the S17 highway from Lublin to Warsaw, driving almost 200 km/h when the permitted speed was 120 km/h. She received a fine of 2,500 zlotys and 15 penalty points, explaining her haste by a visit to a beauty salon.
The Kharkiv region continues to eliminate the consequences of bad weather, which caused flooding of residential areas in six districts. SES rescuers made 17 trips, pumping water from flooded areas.
Hillary Clinton criticized Trump's position on Ukraine, calling it disgraceful. She stated that attempts to force Kyiv to capitulate to Putin are shameful.