Ukraine
The German Chancellor believes that the war will end when one of the two sides is exhausted - either militarily or economically.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un drove a multiple rocket launcher capable of carrying a nuclear warhead, calling it one of the most powerful in the world. This demonstration took place amid North Korea's support for Russia in the war against Ukraine.
Russia attacked Ukraine with 37 Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas, and other types of attack UAVs. Air defense forces shot down or suppressed 29 enemy drones in the north, south, and east of the country.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is actively building anti-corruption infrastructure and combating instances of corruption. He emphasized that Russia will use the issue of corruption for disinformation and to divide society.
The Italian government has expressed disagreement with the decision of the International Paralympic Committee to admit athletes from Russia and Belarus to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Paralympic Games. Italy calls on the IPC to reconsider this decision.
Holding elections in Ukraine requires several months, not weeks, as the Russians believe. President Zelenskyy is ready to discuss this issue with parliament if there is a two-month ceasefire.
In Ukraine, potato prices have been rising since the beginning of the week, due to a decrease in quality stocks in storage facilities. Currently, prices are 7-14 UAH/kg, which is 17% higher than last week.
Over the past day, 237 combat engagements were recorded on the front, almost half more than the day before. Most attacks occurred in the Huliaipole and Pokrovsk directions.
First Deputy Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal met with US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright to discuss energy partnership. The countries plan cooperation on liquefied natural gas supplies, the use of Ukraine's gas transmission system, and nuclear energy.
The Polish Ministry of Sport and Tourism will not participate in the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games in Milan. This decision was made due to the admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes using their national symbols, which is unacceptable in the context of aggression against Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the next round of peace talks will take place in Switzerland. He emphasized that the venue is important because the war is happening in Europe.
Kremlin special representative Kirill Dmitriev stated that the US will lift sanctions against Russia, as they have cost American businesses over $300 billion. He claims that the portfolio of potential US-Russian projects amounts to over $14 trillion.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson called on Europe to truly support Ukraine by providing it with all weapons, including long-range missiles. He emphasized the need to stop Russia's "shadow fleet" activities and unfreeze Russian assets.
President Zelenskyy expressed doubts that negotiating teams can resolve territorial issues between Ukraine and Russia. According to him, a peace agreement must be approved by the Ukrainian people.
Over the past day, 201 combat engagements took place on the front. The enemy used 3191 kamikaze drones and carried out 2076 shellings.
At the trilateral talks in Geneva, Ukraine and Russia made significant progress, agreeing to inform their leaders and continue working on a peace agreement. According to White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, another round of negotiations will take place.
The President of Ukraine noted that he was unaware of the admission of Russians and Belarusians to the Paralympics, but his initial reaction was that it was "disrespectful. "
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the results of the negotiations in Geneva are insufficient. He emphasized the need for further meetings, preferably in February, with the participation of European countries.
At the 2026 Olympic Games, biathlete Daryna Chalyk, in her debut relay, moved the Ukrainian team up one position, finishing the race in 9th place. The athlete will continue the competitive season, despite her desire to return home.
The head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, held a two-hour closed-door meeting with the Ukrainian side after the official negotiations in Geneva. Medinsky confirmed the fact of the meeting, which took place at the InterContinental Hotel.
The Cabinet of Ministers instructed to prepare the necessary resources to overcome the consequences of spring floods. The Ministry of Economy and other agencies will provide proposals for supporting people and businesses.
On February 19, hourly shutdown schedules and power restrictions for industrial consumers will be in effect in Ukraine. The reason is the consequences of Russian attacks on energy facilities.
Four South Africans, deceptively recruited by Russia to fight in Ukraine, have been repatriated. They were recruited by the daughter of a former South African president, who promised them jobs as security guards.
In Kyiv, a 17-year-old teenager scattered flowers and defiled the wall near a memorial plaque to a defender. The police drew up a report for petty hooliganism, and the minor apologized to the fallen soldier's mother.
The Defense Forces continue to strike important enemy targets. An S-300VM air defense system launcher, UAV control points, and enemy troop concentrations have been hit.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting on operational work in communities, particularly in Kyiv, in the conditions of an emergency energy situation. Priority steps have been identified to ensure backup power and the development of distributed generation.
Talks between Ukraine and Russia in Geneva brought no breakthrough, with Zelenskyy accusing Russia of stalling for time. Expert Zhelikhovsky believes that Moscow is using the negotiations to gain time on the battlefield.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine state that the admission of Russian and Belarusian athletes under national flags to the Paralympic Games is unacceptable. This decision undermines trust in international sports and justifies the crimes of the aggressors.
Two Russian generals have been charged with ecocide and violating the laws of war for destroying the dam of the Oskil reservoir. Environmental damage is estimated at over 39.1 billion hryvnias.
Before starting a renovation, it is important to determine the scope of work, take measurements, and make a list of materials, taking into account a 5–10% reserve. The choice of materials depends on the room conditions and habits, and delivery across Ukraine simplifies the process.