Stepan Haftko
The Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine has recorded the beginning of a systemic crisis in the Russian banking services market. It is expected that in 2026, loyalty programs and cashback payments will be sharply limited.
The Czech Paralympic Committee will refuse to participate in the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Paralympic Games. This is a protest against the admission of athletes from Russia and Belarus under national flags.
The US aircraft carrier Gerald Ford passed through the Strait of Gibraltar on February 20, preparing for possible strikes on Iran. It may join the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to increase pressure on Tehran.
Global oil prices rose after Trump's ultimatum to Iran regarding its nuclear program. The price of Brent crude exceeded $83 per barrel, as the market anticipates sanctions against Iran.
Elina Svitolina defeated Coco Gauff in the semifinals of the WTA 1000 tournament in Dubai with a score of 6:4, 6:7, 6:4. She will play in the final against Jessica Pegula.
The Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council has recorded a new wave of coordinated Russian attacks aimed at discrediting Ukrainian citizens in EU countries. Russian propaganda is using the 2026 Olympics to spread fabricated stories about refugee crimes.
Explosions were reported in Russia's Udmurtia at the Votkinsk plant, which produces ballistic missiles for the "Iskander-M" and "Oreshnik" systems. Workshops No. 22 and No. 36, where the final assembly of missile technology takes place, were hit.
UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih, during a visit to Ukraine, emphasized a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. He also warned of critical underfunding of humanitarian operations.
Poland activated all available forces and resources in response to Russia's missile strike on Ukraine on February 17. Fighter jets were scrambled and air defense was put on alert.
Belgium summoned US Ambassador Bill White over his statements regarding the investigation into the moguls. The ambassador called it an "antisemitic" persecution, violating diplomatic norms.
On February 17, global gold prices fell by 1% to $4948 per ounce. This happened due to a stronger dollar and low liquidity in Asian markets.
Over the past day, the Ukrainian Defense Forces eliminated 890 Russian occupiers. Also destroyed were 614 UAVs, 71 units of automotive equipment, 4 artillery systems, 3 armored combat vehicles, and 2 tanks.
The third round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the US begins in Geneva. Moscow's territorial claims remain the main stumbling block.
On February 17, Russian troops launched a massive cruise missile attack on Ukraine. Air defense is actively working, but the threat remains high, especially for the western regions.
Two people were injured as a result of a drone attack on Odesa. A multi-story building was hit, and retail outlets and a car service station were damaged.
In the Krasnodar Krai, the Ilsky oil refinery caught fire after a UAV attack. The fire engulfed fuel tanks and a private residential building, injuring two people.
Former Rockstar North president Leslie Benzies has been accused of sexual assault as part of the 'Epstein files'. Benzies' lawyers deny the allegations, calling them 'categorically false'.
California is experiencing a powerful winter storm with thunderstorms, hurricane-force winds, and extreme precipitation, causing transportation collapse and the threat of landslides. Los Angeles authorities have declared maximum readiness and are calling for evacuation in at-risk areas.
The Kremlin has turned the Russian Orthodox Church into a soft power tool to solidify its position in Africa. Through the Patriarchal Exarchate, Moscow is luring clergy and spreading propaganda.
In Madagascar, Cyclone Gezani claimed the lives of 59 people, destroying over 25,000 homes. 420,000 residents are in need of assistance after the disaster.
ByteDance will restrict its video generation model Seedance 2. 0 after threats of lawsuits from Disney. Hollywood studios accused the developers of using "pirated libraries" to train the neural network.
Slovakia plans to acquire four more F-16V Block 70/72 Viper fighter jets to strengthen its air defense. This decision is related to the transfer of its entire fleet of MiG-29s to Ukraine.
FCA US has been hit with a class-action lawsuit over a faulty electric seat height adjuster in millions of its models. The defective part can lead to the collapse of the seat frame during a collision, endangering the lives of the driver and passengers.
Colombia's State Service for the Search for Missing Persons has confirmed the identification of the remains of Camilo Torres Restrepo, a Catholic priest and ideologue of "liberation theology. " He died in 1966 and will be reburied on the grounds of the National University of Colombia in Bogotá.
In Ecuador, the number of deaths in prisons has risen again, casting doubt on the effectiveness of President Noboa's government measures. Gangs have adapted to the new conditions and continue to carry out mass executions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi on February 16 in Geneva. The meeting took place ahead of the second round of talks between Tehran and Washington.
Thomas Pritzker, chairman of Hyatt Hotels, announced his resignation after the US Department of Justice released documents in the Jeffrey Epstein case. The billionaire called it a voluntary step to protect the hotel chain's reputation.
Due to the mass breakdown of garbage trucks, the capital of Cuba is on the verge of an ecological catastrophe. This is caused by financial restrictions from the United States and the inability to purchase spare parts.
Approximately 100 US military personnel have arrived in Nigeria to provide advisory and technical support in the fight against militants. American advisors will train Nigerian units and share intelligence.
France plans to acquire Polish Piorun MANPADS under the SAFE program, despite its own Mistral production. Some of the systems will be transferred to Ukraine to strengthen its defense against enemy aircraft.