War in Ukraine
In the occupied territory of Crimea, Russia imposes its citizenship, depriving people of the opportunity to move, work, and receive medical care without Russian documents. This is a forced necessity for survival, not a voluntary choice, notes Akhtem Chiygoz.
Former Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko traveled outside Ukraine 58 times from 2018 to 2025, including during martial law. The defense emphasizes that he also returned to the country 58 times, without attempting to hide.
SBU drones carried out a deep strike on the Metafrax Chemicals plant in the Perm Krai, which is one of the largest methanol producers. The plant produces chemical components for explosives and is under sanctions.
The Kyiv Court of Appeal reduced the bail for ex-judge Oleksiy Tandyra to UAH 20 million. Prosecutors demanded detention without the right to bail for the accused in the fatal road accident.
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.
Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russians have carried out 401 attacks on the Naftogaz Group's infrastructure. In 2025, 229 attacks were recorded, exceeding the figures for the previous three years combined.
Ukraine, the US, and Russia are starting another round of negotiations. The head of the Ukrainian delegation, Rustem Umerov, thanked the US and Switzerland for their support.
The second round of indirect talks between the US and Iran in Geneva has concluded. Delegations from both sides have left the venue, and US envoys are preparing for talks with Ukraine and Russia.
Latvia will provide 10 million euros for the purchase of American weapons for Ukraine as part of the NATO PURL initiative. The government made this decision on February 17, which amounts to 0.25% of the country's GDP.
An explosion occurred in a military commandant's office building in Russia's Leningrad region, killing at least two people. The second and third floors partially collapsed, and people may be under the rubble.
Delegations from Ukraine, the US, and Russia have arrived in Geneva for trilateral talks. The meeting will take place behind closed doors on February 17-18.
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.
The European Commission has confirmed plans to adopt a new package of sanctions against Russia by February 24. This marks the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
France allowed the GRINCH tanker to leave its waters after the owning company paid a multi-million euro fine. The vessel was detained on suspicion of sanctions evasion and belonging to Russia's "shadow fleet."
SBU drones hit the Tamanneftegaz oil terminal in Russia's Krasnodar Krai for the second time in a month. As a result of the attack, a fire was recorded at the oil transshipment complex.
The SBU and National Police detained a Russian agent who blew up a car in Odesa on February 16, injuring the owner. The 33-year-old unemployed Odesa resident was recruited through Telegram channels and received instructions from a curator in Russia.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the destruction of a Russian Ka-27 helicopter in occupied Crimea. Three enemy UAV control points in Zaporizhzhia and Kursk regions were also hit.
Six civilians in Sumy, including women aged 20 and 61, and men aged 60, 76, 45, and 42, were injured in an enemy attack on the city center. Buildings and cars were damaged, and the condition of the injured is assessed as non-life-threatening.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the damage to the Ilsky oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar Krai on the night of February 17. Logistics facilities and a communication hub of the occupiers in the occupied territories were also hit.
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.
Talks involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia in Geneva will continue today and tomorrow. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that news should not be expected today.
Roskomnadzor will completely block Telegram in Russia from April 1, 2026. This will happen by analogy with Instagram and Facebook, the application will not be downloaded via mobile and fixed networks.
The Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the destruction of the Iskander storage site in occupied Crimea and the Rubikon piloting point in Zaporizhzhia. In total, more than 10 enemy military facilities were hit between February 9 and 14.
Iranian media confirmed indirect talks between the US and Iran in Geneva. Iran demands a complete lifting of sanctions and confidence-building measures regarding its nuclear program.
Russia massively attacked civilian and critical infrastructure in several regions of Ukraine, including energy facilities and railway infrastructure in four regions. In some regions, water and heat supply have been temporarily suspended; there are no casualties.
One Russian 'Shahed/Geran' type drone can contain up to 12 transistors manufactured by the German company Infineon Technologies. Russia receives these components through shadow schemes, bypassing sanctions.
Several hits on civilian infrastructure objects in the city center have been recorded in Sumy. The threat of repeated strikes remains, there are no preliminary casualties.
US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and General Alex Hrynkevych are in Geneva for talks between Ukraine, the US, and Russia. They arrived as part of the American delegation to discuss an end to the war in Ukraine.
Russia launched a combined attack on energy infrastructure, causing blackouts in five regions and heating disruptions in Sumy and Odesa. Three people were killed in a strike on a vehicle carrying employees of the Sloviansk TPP.
Last week, the Armed Forces of Ukraine liberated 201 square kilometers of territory, taking advantage of the Russians' loss of Starlink. This is the largest recaptured territory since June 2023.