Blackout
A devastating storm system with tornadoes and squally winds hit Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida. Thousands of households were left without power, but there were no fatalities.
A deep cyclone has hit New Zealand's North Island, leaving tens of thousands of households without power. Flights in Wellington have been canceled due to wind gusts of up to 193 km/h.
The governor of the Belgorod region reported a massive attack that led to significant damage to energy facilities. Emergency crews are assessing the extent of the destruction and beginning restoration work.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that continuous Russian air strikes on the capital's critical infrastructure over two months have brought the city to the brink of disaster. 3.5 million residents are enduring the harshest winter since the start of the full-scale invasion.
In Odesa and Chornomorsk, some consumers were left without electricity and water due to an accident at the energy company's equipment. Critical infrastructure facilities have been switched to backup power.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of North Macedonia Hristijan Mickoski. They discussed the situation at the front, the consequences of Russian attacks on the energy system, and defense cooperation.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced agreements in Munich regarding energy and military aid to Ukraine by February 24. He emphasized the need for air defense to counter Russian terror.
Over the week, the occupiers launched about 1300 drones, over 1200 aerial bombs, and 50 missiles, almost all ballistic, at Ukraine. The main target of the strikes is energy infrastructure, and residential infrastructure has also been attacked.
New Zealand authorities have updated warnings for extreme rainfall and stormy winds. Extensive flooding has already led to the death of at least one person.
Cuba has canceled its annual cigar festival due to fuel shortages and power outages caused by the US oil embargo. This decision will affect the country's revenues and the global market for premium cigars.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha met with EU High Representative Kaja Kallas. They discussed peace efforts, strengthening sanctions against Russia, and Ukraine's EU membership.
In Kyiv, utility services are restoring the supply of coolant to homes in Troieshchyna. Specialists are working to ensure that water in the heating system reaches its destination and to bleed air.
President Zelenskyy informed US Secretary of State Rubio about the situation at the front and the consequences of Russian strikes. Diplomatic process, aid to Ukraine in winter, and strengthening resilience were discussed.
On February 14, 2026, President Zelenskyy received the Ewald von Kleist Award on behalf of the Ukrainian people. In his speech, he thanked the leaders of European countries, the EU leadership, the presidents of the USA and Azerbaijan, and also mentioned Viktor Orban.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan's diplomatic mission in Ukraine has been attacked three times.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with heads of international investment companies in Munich, discussing attracting investments in energy and drone production. Ukraine has lost 10 GW of electricity and needs 15 billion euros annually for drones.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Munich Security Conference. The details of the meeting are currently unknown.
Ukrainian and Czech Presidents Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Petr Pavel discussed military support for Ukraine. The talks focused on ammunition supplies and the Czech Republic's participation in the PURL initiative.
The Ukrainian leader also discussed the consequences of Russian strikes on energy infrastructure, thanked Azerbaijan for its support, and outlined prospects for joint energy projects.
Due to the forecasted cold snap and the risk of new shelling, the energy system remains under increased load and in a state of readiness.
Andriy Sybiha appealed to the G7 countries to increase energy assistance to Ukraine and strengthen its air defense. He noted that Ukraine needs about $15 billion to finance air defense.
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation of the National Security and Defense Council, stated that Russia will continue strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure in February 2026. The aggressor country does not intend to stop the war.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that not only people but also animals, including the dog Patron, are unbreakable in Ukraine. He noted that Ukrainians are becoming stronger despite terrible difficulties.
Ukraine has more experience in drone defense than anyone else in the world, shooting down almost 90% of Russian drones. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine and its partners are producing more interceptor drones.
In Kyiv, heating has been restored in 400 buildings after the attack on February 12. Utility workers continue to work on restoring heat supply to other buildings.
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said that China is providing crucial support to Russian aggression. He could end the war by calling Putin and stopping the sale of dual-use technologies.
In Kyiv, educational institutions in 5 districts are temporarily merged to continue in-person learning. This decision was made after the massive attack on February 12, which left 315 buildings without heating, including 163 kindergartens and 141 schools.
Energy supply stabilization continues in Ukraine after the shelling. Relevant ministries and heads of regional military administrations are preparing resources to respond to new attacks amid severe cold.
The SBU conducted searches at the main office of "Kyivteploenergo" on February 12 and 13, seizing technical documentation. This happened after a massive attack that left part of the capital without heat, and blocked restoration processes.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha met with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi to report on Russian strikes that threaten nuclear safety. Ukraine proposed amending the IAEA Statute to limit Russia's rights.