Ukraine
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.
Former Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko stated that his son's education in Switzerland is being paid for by a wealthy kum. He refused to name the relative.
Heavy snowfall led to the cancellation of the men's aerials qualification, where four Ukrainians were scheduled to compete. The women's qualification has been postponed to 2:45 PM Kyiv time.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trilateral talks involving Ukraine, the US, and Russia will take place today in Geneva. The Ukrainian delegation arrived in Geneva on Monday to discuss security and humanitarian issues.
The relevant issue will be considered in court in the near future.
President Zelenskyy reported that the Russian attack was aimed at damaging Ukraine's energy infrastructure. As a result of the strike, 9 people were injured, the railway was damaged, and Odesa is experiencing heat and water outages.
The former Deputy Minister of Social Policy will be tried for official negligence. He is accused of signing a contract for UAH 23.7 million for the "E-social" system, which was never launched.
Russia launched 29 missiles, including 4 ballistic missiles, and 396 drones at Ukraine. 25 missiles and 367 drones were shot down, while 4 ballistic missiles and 18 drones hit their targets.
Over the past day, 201 combat engagements were recorded, the enemy launched two missile strikes and carried out 81 air strikes. The Russians used 4574 kamikaze drones and carried out 2306 shelling attacks.
Poland scrambled military aircraft on the night of February 17 due to Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine. Polish military also recorded objects resembling balloons from Belarus.
Poland activated all available forces and resources in response to Russia's missile strike on Ukraine on February 17. Fighter jets were scrambled and air defense was put on alert.
US President Donald Trump advised Ukraine to act "fast" regarding negotiations. This happened before peace talks in Geneva, where the main topic will be territories.
The third round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, Russia, and the US begins in Geneva. Moscow's territorial claims remain the main stumbling block.
On February 17, Russian troops launched a massive cruise missile attack on Ukraine. Air defense is actively working, but the threat remains high, especially for the western regions.
The Kremlin has turned the Russian Orthodox Church into a soft power tool to solidify its position in Africa. Through the Patriarchal Exarchate, Moscow is luring clergy and spreading propaganda.
Slovakia plans to acquire four more F-16V Block 70/72 Viper fighter jets to strengthen its air defense. This decision is related to the transfer of its entire fleet of MiG-29s to Ukraine.
France plans to acquire Polish Piorun MANPADS under the SAFE program, despite its own Mistral production. Some of the systems will be transferred to Ukraine to strengthen its defense against enemy aircraft.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger stated that the volume of military aid to Kyiv is constrained by a lack of funding. The company is ready to increase supplies but requires clear financial guarantees.