War in Ukraine
The SBU reports an increase in the recruitment of Ukrainians by Russian special services posing as Ukrainian law enforcement officers. They use fake summonses and online dating to blackmail and coerce individuals into subversive activities.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said that Hungary would support US peace efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine. Orbán believes that the war would not have started if Donald Trump had been the US president.
President Zelenskyy has instructed the Commander of the Air Force, the Minister of Defense, and the head of Ukrenergo to prepare additional protective measures. This is due to intelligence information about Russia's preparation for a massive strike.
Law enforcement officers are still involved in fabricated persecution of businesses, but most judges understand when a case is a setup. Ex-judge Oleksandr Sytnikov spoke about how to recognize pressure on business and the reaction of judges.
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.
Naftogaz signed a grant agreement with the EBRD for €85 million to purchase imported gas. Funds from the Norwegian government will ensure a stable heating season.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the defeat of a communication hub, a UAV control point, and areas of concentration of enemy manpower in the occupied territories. The strikes were carried out in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
The European Commission has reduced its public criticism of the Orban government to avoid accusations of interference and to not fuel his anti-Brussels campaign. Brussels fears that strong statements could be used by Orban as proof of pressure from the EU.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is ready for compromise, but not at the cost of its territories. He emphasized the importance of security guarantees, which must precede any territorial concessions.
Ukraine received a grant of $690 million from Japan and Canada under the G7's ERA mechanism. The funds will be used to finance priority expenditures, including pensions and social programs.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that a wider range of issues, including territories, would be discussed at the trilateral talks in Geneva. The Russian delegation will be headed by Vladimir Medinsky, and Kirill Dmitriev and Igor Kostyukov will also participate.
As of morning, consumers in four regions are without power due to enemy attacks, and in seven regions due to bad weather. Emergency shutdowns have been implemented in some regions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Donald Trump could impose sanctions against Russia's entire energy sector. This would be a serious signal for Europeans who have not yet sanctioned Russian nuclear energy.
The commander and chief of staff of the Russian Black Sea Fleet were notified of suspicion for the missile strike on Lviv on July 6, 2023. As a result of the attack, 9 civilians were killed and 17 architectural monuments in the UNESCO buffer zone were damaged.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that allowing an aggressor to take anything is a big mistake. He emphasized that Putin cannot be stopped with kisses or flowers.
In the Kharkiv region, police and volunteers conducted a special operation to evacuate animals. 19 horses, two dogs, and puppies were removed from the horse club.
In Lozova, Kharkiv region, train traffic has been restored on the damaged section, but on February 16, temporary changes in traffic are in effect in a number of regions. Some routes have been shortened or replaced by buses due to enemy attacks and unfavorable weather.
In Kyiv, 1,500 buildings remain without heating, with 1,100 high-rise buildings in the Dniprovskyi and Darnytskyi districts unable to receive heat due to critical infrastructure damage. More than 200 repair crews are working to restore the heat supply.
A Ukrainian refugee was killed in North Carolina by her ex-boyfriend, who traveled from Ohio. He shot her and her new partner while she was caring for her younger siblings.
Russian media reported that Switzerland allegedly pledged to ensure safe passage for the Russian delegation to the talks in Geneva. The negotiations on settling Russia's war against Ukraine will take place on February 17-18 in a trilateral format.
Russia attacked Ukraine with four "Zircon" missiles, one ballistic missile, one Kh-31P, and 62 drones. Two "Zircons" and 52 drones were shot down; information regarding the three missiles is being clarified.
The High Anti-Corruption Court acquitted Volodymyr Orlov, former first deputy head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration, in a bribery case. The court concluded that the accusations in the case, which lasted more than two years, were unfounded.
Over the past day, 235 combat engagements took place on the front, half of which occurred in the Pokrovsk, Huliaipole, and Kostiantynivka directions. The enemy launched one missile and 79 air strikes, using 4,757 kamikaze drones.
Teremky metro station is operating as usual, train traffic is unchanged. The ceiling of one of the exits was damaged due to previous shelling.
Within a day, the Armed Forces of Ukraine eliminated 1180 occupiers and destroyed 601 drones. Additionally, 26 artillery systems and 169 units of automotive equipment were disabled.
Poland will denounce the Ottawa Convention from February 20, 2026, to produce anti-personnel mines for border protection. The decision is part of the "Eastern Shield" strategy due to Russian aggression and the experience of the war in Ukraine.
In the Bryansk and Belgorod regions of the Russian Federation, significant problems with energy supply arose after a night attack. This led to power and heating outages in residential areas.
The FSB and GRU are recruiting ex-Wagner recruiters to create a network of "disposable agents" in EU countries. They organize sabotage and reconnaissance of NATO facilities, particularly on "shadow fleet" vessels.
A Ukrainian delegation led by Budanov went to Geneva for another round of consultations on ending the war. The negotiations will take place on February 17-18 with the mediation of Washington in a trilateral format.
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.