Ukraine
A former drone operator of the Russian army voluntarily surrendered to the Armed Forces of Ukraine and provided valuable information about the internal structure and training methods of Russian special forces.
In the Lviv region, a 42-year-old man shot dead his two minor children with a hunting rifle, and then committed suicide. The family was considered well-off and was not registered with social services.
Hungary and Slovakia have approached Croatia regarding the transportation of Russian oil via the Adriatic pipeline. This decision is due to the cessation of transit through the Ukrainian branch of the Druzhba oil pipeline after Russian attacks.
As of the evening of February 15, 217 combat engagements were recorded. Russian troops carried out over three thousand drone attacks and dropped 131 guided aerial bombs.
The Russian army is increasingly relying on foreign fighters from Asia and Africa due to its inability to replace losses. Thousands of mercenaries from various countries are fighting for Russia, often under pressure and deception.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced new aid packages for Ukraine, emphasizing air defense missiles as a priority. Decisions on energy and a new sanctions package against those involved in the war are also expected.
Ukraine is preparing a new package of sanctions against Russian individuals who support the war and use sports for military purposes. President Zelenskyy stated that this would be a signal to the world, as Ukrainians are forbidden from mentioning the victims of Russian aggression at the Olympics.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that 90% of Ukrainians are against holding elections without a ceasefire. Elections are possible if there is a ceasefire for two to three months and changes are made to the legislation.
The new BAE Systems plant in Glascoed, which was supposed to increase the production of shells for Britain and Ukraine, has not yet opened. The delay is due to the decision to double the facility's capacity.
A Kantar CZ poll showed that 62% of Czech citizens support the continuation of the ammunition initiative for Ukraine. Only 36% oppose this initiative.
President Zelenskyy named three key steps for Donald Trump to stop Russian aggression. These are providing security guarantees to Ukraine, demanding Moscow to cease fire, and increasing support for Ukraine if Putin refuses.
On February 16, scheduled power outages will be in effect in all regions of Ukraine. The reason is the consequences of Russian attacks on energy facilities.
Russians use song contests in Donetsk to militarize Ukrainian children, imposing a cult of war on them. Schoolchildren performed patriotic songs about the heroes of the "Great Patriotic War."
Ukrainian polar explorers recorded a rare appearance of a king penguin near the Vernadsky station on Booth Island. This species usually lives thousands of kilometers away, but researchers saw it during a chick count.
California Governor Gavin Newsom stated in Munich that Trump's presidency is not a long-term norm for the US. He urged Europe to maintain stable cooperation with the United States.
129 combat engagements took place at the front during the day. The Defense Forces repelled 39 attacks in the Pokrovsk direction and are holding back the enemy.
In Ukraine, the seasonal increase in the incidence of influenza A continues, doctors remind about typical symptoms and possible complications. Early prescription of antiviral therapy and vaccination reduce the risks of infection.
President Karol Nawrocki stated that Poland should consider developing its own nuclear weapons. This is due to the growing threat from Russia and discussions about a potential European nuclear defense.
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.
At the Munich Security Conference, Kaja Kallas rejected the notion of a "declining Europe," emphasizing its resilience. She called Russia the main threat but noted that Russia is not a superpower.
The Kharkiv region continues to eliminate the consequences of bad weather, which caused flooding of residential areas in six districts. SES rescuers made 17 trips, pumping water from flooded areas.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that continuous Russian air strikes on the capital's critical infrastructure over two months have brought the city to the brink of disaster. 3.5 million residents are enduring the harshest winter since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Hillary Clinton criticized Trump's position on Ukraine, calling it disgraceful. She stated that attempts to force Kyiv to capitulate to Putin are shameful.
Kaja Kallas believes that the EU should define its key demands to Russia before peace talks begin. She emphasizes that it is important to know what to ask for at the negotiating table.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Prime Minister of North Macedonia Hristijan Mickoski. They discussed the situation at the front, the consequences of Russian attacks on the energy system, and defense cooperation.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced agreements in Munich regarding energy and military aid to Ukraine by February 24. He emphasized the need for air defense to counter Russian terror.
Over the week, the occupiers launched about 1300 drones, over 1200 aerial bombs, and 50 missiles, almost all ballistic, at Ukraine. The main target of the strikes is energy infrastructure, and residential infrastructure has also been attacked.
Precipitation is expected in Ukraine in the next two days, and from February 17 - a drop in temperature. Night and day temperatures will reach 1-9° below zero.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated that Moscow is ready to ensure no strikes in Ukraine on election day if Kyiv decides to hold elections.
Deputy Head of the Russian Foreign Ministry Mikhail Galuzin stated that Russia is ready to discuss with the US the idea of temporary external administration of Ukraine under UN auspices.