Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Hungary's and Slovakia's ultimatums should be addressed to the Kremlin. He emphasized the need to increase pressure on Russia and the importance of investing in Ukraine's defense industry.
The occupiers were unable to collapse the energy system thanks to the efforts of Ukrainian energy workers and the support of international partners.
Three of the four individuals detained in Moldova in connection with the preparation of contract killings in Ukraine, allegedly orchestrated by Russian special services, have been placed under arrest for 30 days. Among them is the suspected organizer of the scheme, who acted on the instructions of Russian special services.
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko announced the detention of a group that was preparing contract killings of prominent Ukrainians and foreigners under the supervision of Russian special services. Among the potential victims was Andriy Yusov, a representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
The National Police thwarted a plan by Russian special services to destabilize Ukraine. An agent-combat group that was preparing a series of high-profile assassinations has been detained.
In Odesa, an indictment has been sent to court against a group that illegally took orphaned children abroad for adoption. The perpetrators trafficked at least 13 children, disguising their activities as "hosting programs."
The program for the voluntary return of compatriots to Russia recorded an anti-record in 2025, relocating only 27. 6 thousand people. The number of resettlers has been constantly decreasing since the beginning of Russia's "SMO," which deepens the demographic crisis in the country.
Law enforcement agencies of Ukraine, Poland, and Moldova conducted operation "Rubicon", liquidating a transnational drug network. 104 people were detained, 34 drug laboratories and 74 warehouses were uncovered.
On the M-15 highway (Odesa – Reni), the movement of freight transport, buses, and minibuses is temporarily restricted due to bad weather. Passenger cars move without restrictions, and checkpoints operate as usual.
Georgia's "friendliness" rating towards Russia increased from 15 to 19. 4 points over the year, according to a study by a Russian institute. The country is now in the category of "Relatively friendly/unfriendly communication regimes."
The State Border Guard Service is restricting traffic through checkpoints on the border with Moldova starting at 5:00 AM on February 18, 2026. The restriction applies to freight vehicles and passenger transport due to severe weather conditions.
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.
A three-year-old Ukrainian girl, abducted by her father in October 2025, has been found in Moldova. The girl was handed over to her mother, and the father was detained for extradition to Ukraine.
The European Union is not yet ready to set a date for Ukraine's accession, as stated by Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs and EU chief diplomat Kaja Kallas. They emphasize the need to resolve issues in the Western Balkans and Moldova, and also link Ukraine's membership to a peace agreement.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is holding the European front. He emphasized that some politicians might think about personal interests rather than stopping Russian tanks.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha considers talks about fixing the date of Ukraine's accession to the EU, previously mentioned as 2027, to be realistic. Ukraine is working to overcome the Hungarian veto, emphasizing a common path with Moldova.
Infobusinesswoman Bohdana Honcharuk, who calls herself a "spiritual millionaire," has found herself at the center of a scandal. She is accused of withdrawing funds from Russia and Belarus, which has prompted a reaction from Monobank, PrivatBank, and People's Deputy Danylo Hetmantsev.
Ukraine and Moldova have signed a protocol to supplement the agreement on border crossing points, creating a legal basis for the opening of a new international road border crossing point. It will operate 24/7 for passenger and cargo traffic, increasing throughput capacity and export/import efficiency.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of Moldova Alexandru Munteanu. They discussed the consequences of Russian shelling of energy infrastructure and the common path to EU membership.
In Ukraine, after the heating season, an increase in electricity tariffs and other utility services is expected. The NBU explains this by the need to restore energy infrastructure after damage.
Moldovan Prime Minister Alexandru Munteanu arrived in Kyiv for talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. He expressed solidarity with Ukraine and commitment to peace.
The representative of Moldova at the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, singer Satoshi, visited the final of the Ukrainian National Selection for Eurovision 2026. At the end of his performance, he shouted words of support for Ukraine and assured that Moldova has always been and will be a good friend and neighbor to Ukrainians.
The passage of freight vehicles across Ukraine's state border with Moldova has been restored. Processing is carried out in normal mode in both directions.
Police found a drone near Sofia village in Drochia district, Moldova. The area has been cordoned off, and special services are conducting an inspection.
Moldovan President Maia Sandu stated that she is not preparing to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, believing that there are many worthy candidates, especially those who sacrifice themselves for peace. She expressed gratitude for the nomination but noted that the true contenders are people who give their lives for peace in their country.
Due to black ice, the processing of freight vehicles at the Ukrainian-Moldovan border has been temporarily suspended. This applies to Odesa and Vinnytsia regions.
Due to bad weather and ice, truck traffic is restricted on the border with Moldova in Vinnytsia, Odesa, and Chernivtsi regions. Drivers are advised to adjust their routes.
Due to bad weather in Odesa and Chernivtsi regions, truck traffic to Moldova has been temporarily suspended. The restrictions apply to the Palanca – Mayaky – Udobne, Tudora, Rososhany – Brychen, Sokyriany – Oknytsia, and Mamalyha – Kryva border crossing points due to severe ice.
Due to black ice, the processing of cargo vehicles has been suspended at the Palanca – Mayaky – Udobne and Tudora border crossing points. Drivers are asked to take this into account when planning their routes.
NAC "Naftogaz of Ukraine", in partnership with ORLEN, has secured the supply of almost 100 million cubic meters of American liquefied natural gas. The next batches of American gas are contracted for February-March.
