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Ukraine Invasion: Part 60

985 replies

MagicFox · 14/01/2026 12:28

We have got to thread 60. So many thanks as always to regular contributors and to those providing updates. For the 60th time, Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

**
Agreed thread guidance:

A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events

B. If you post a link please tell us where it leads/give a precis of the content

C. Discussion and debate is welcome, but please keep it respectful

D. Please keep on topic

OP posts:
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413
LlttledrummergirI · 21/02/2026 08:18

Kyiv Post,

  • A Texas investor linked to Donald Trump’s family, Gentry Beach, secretly signed a deal in fall 2025 with Russian energy giant Novatek to develop natural gas fields in Alaska, The New York Times reports.
The newspaper notes this may be the first known agreement between a US citizen and a major Russian company since the Kremlin began signaling interest in restoring economic cooperation with Washington. Beach said his motivation was business, not politics, declining to disclose details as the project remains in early stages and faces significant obstacles.
  • Multiple-time Ukrainian kickboxing champion and World Cup winner Dmytro Rusetsky was killed in action while defending Ukraine.
A highly talented athlete, mentor and coach, Rusetsky devoted his life to developing young fighters and training champions. He was not only a formidable competitor in the ring but also a courageous defender of his country. “His strength of spirit, dedication and love for Ukraine will remain in our memory forever,” said Olga Pavlenko, president of the Ukrainian Kickboxing Federation. He was killed on Feb. 15 in combat against Russian forces in the Sumy region.
  • Volodymyr
  • Zelensky said Ukraine will NOT pull back from Donbas,
  • (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/70448) describing Russia’s demands as an
  • “ultimatum,” and called on Japan to open a “corridor for dialogue” on
  • strengthening air defense.
  • Multiple-time Ukrainian kickboxing champion and World Cup winner Dmytro Rusetsky was killed in action while defending Ukraine.
A highly talented athlete, mentor and coach, Rusetsky devoted his life to developing young fighters and training champions. He was not only a formidable competitor in the ring but also a courageous defender of his country. “His strength of spirit, dedication and love for Ukraine will remain in our memory forever,” said Olga Pavlenko, president of the Ukrainian Kickboxing Federation. He was killed on Feb. 15 in combat against Russian forces in the Sumy region.
  • Russian forces struck an oil and gas facility in the Poltava region overnight.
The attack damaged company property and sparked a fire. More than 150 firefighters and around 50 emergency vehicles from the State Emergency Service in Poltava were deployed to extinguish the blaze. According to the head of Naftogaz, Russian troops have attacked the group’s facilities more than 20 times since the beginning of the year.
  • Hungary’s
  • opposition has blasted a campaign video by Viktor Orbán’s
  • (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/70454) ruling party showing a young girl in
  • tears as her father is executed in war.
The graphic clip comes amid heated debate over whether Budapest could be drawn deeper into the Ukraine war.
  • “Thanks to our delegation for their patience in all discussions with the Russian side — which have not always been adequate,” Zelensky said after the team returned to Kyiv from Switzerland.
He stressed that a leaders-level meeting is needed to resolve issues that cannot be settled at the team level, adding that Ukraine is ready. Zelensky also said a prisoner exchange is expected soon, and a new round of negotiations is planned for February.
  • At the carnival in the Portuguese city of Loulé, striking pro-Ukraine figures took center stage — a knight-styled Zelensky with a battle dog facing off against Putin, depicted as a red cockroach.
The Ukrainian-themed section of the parade was co-organized by a Ukrainian woman living in Portugal, turning a festive celebration into a bold political statement. Loulé Carnival is one of Portugal’s most famous and traditional pre-Lenten festivals, known for its large-scale floats, political satire and oversized caricatures of global leaders. Each year, the parade blends humor, art and current events — often using exaggeration and symbolism to comment on international politics.
  • The US Supreme Court has ruled that all global tariffs imposed by President Trump under emergency powers were unlawful, Reuters reported.
Meanwhile US stock indexes reacted immediately, surging on the news.
  • Hungary’s
  • opposition is accusing Viktor Orbán’s ruling party of crossing a line after a
  • controversial AI-generated campaign clip (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/70454)
  • showed a young girl watching her father executed in war — imagery widely seen
  • as referencing the war in Ukraine.
Critics say the video exploits fears about the Ukraine war and Hungary’s potential involvement, using shock tactics ahead of parliamentary elections. Opposition leader Péter Magyar has demanded an apology, calling the footage manipulative and morally unacceptable.
  • Ukraine’s
  • Unmanned Systems Forces blasted three Russian Tor-M1 air defence systems
  • (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/70465) in a pre-dawn strike on Friday, according
  • to USF chief Robert “Madyar” Brovdi.
The high-value kit — worth an estimated $75 million.
  • Hungary has blocked a €90 billion EU loan package for Ukraine, the Financial Times reported, threatening a potential budget shortfall in Kyiv.
The joint borrowing plan requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU states, but Budapest opposed it at the last minute. The package had been agreed in December as a financial safety net for Ukraine. Without the funds, Ukraine could face a budget deficit as early as April, and its €8 billion IMF program — tied to EU support — may also be at risk.
  • The Moscow Hit and the War Inside the Kremlin: Inside Moscow, a bold assassination attempt targeted GRU deputy chief Vladimir Alekseyev. Point of Impact uncovers the plot, local assets, and its wider implications for the war.
  • On Feb. 6, 2026, an assassination attempt targeted Vladimir Alekseyev, deputy head of Russia’s GRU and a key architect of the invasion of Ukraine, inside a luxury apartment building in Moscow.
This episode of Point of Impact reconstructs the operation — from recruitment and surveillance to the close-range shooting. It explores Alekseyev’s GRU career, his alleged links to Wagner operations and war crimes, claims of a Ukrainian proxy network in Moscow, the escape and arrests, and Russia’s response. As Moscow blames Ukraine and Kyiv denies involvement, one conclusion stands: the war has reached the corridors of Russian power. https://www.kyivpost.com/videos/70467
  • I’m allowed to destroy the country. I’m even allowed to impose a devastating embargo on a foreign country. I can embargo them. I can do anything I want — but I can’t charge one dollar, Trump said on tariffs.
Video: Clash report
  • Ukrainian tennis player Elina Svitolina has reached the final of the WTA 1000 tournament in Dubai and wrote a message on the camera after her victory.
The world No. 9 defeated fourth-ranked Coco Gauff in a thrilling three-hour semifinal, winning 6–4, 6–7(13), 6–4. In the final on Feb. 21, Svitolina will face another American, world No. 5 Jessica Pegula.

Zelensky Rules Out Donbas Withdrawal, Warns DPRK Troops Learning Drone Warfare in Russia

Zelensky says Ukraine will not withdraw from Donbas, calling Russia’s terms “an ultimatum,” and urges Japan to open the “corridor for dialogue” on air defense.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/70448)

MsWilmottsGhost · 21/02/2026 09:39

Thanks all for your continued contributions to this thread.

I read this summary this morning

www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2026/feb/20/a-war-foretold-cia-mi6-putin-ukraine-plans-russia

MissConductUS · 21/02/2026 10:51

⚡️ Analysis: Syrskyi’s flawed, unfinished corps system key for Ukraine’s front-line stability
The Ukrainian leadership’s announcement in February 2025 that its Armed Forces and National Guard would transition to a corps-based command system sparked a glimmer of hope that the chronic command issues plaguing the country’s defense could be alleviated, if not solved.
The changes meant that instead of holding Ukraine’s 1,000+ km-long front line in an overstretched and chaotic string, brigades would unite in command groups of around 3-6 brigades, under a new corps leadership structure that would be directly responsible for their units.
Now, a year in, the reforms’ results have been mixed, as expected.

This was a smart and necessary reform. Prior to this, command was fragmented, which hurt coordination and resource sharing between units. What it didn't solve was Ukraine's ongoing shortage of front-line soldiers. The other remaining problem with Ukraine's command structure is the large number of senior officers who trained under the old Soviet style command doctrine, which emphasizes central control of tactical decisions and discourages initiative on the part of front-line troops and officers.

Analysis: Syrskyi's flawed, unfinished corps system key for Ukraine's front-line stability

The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. Whether or not this apparent Chinese proverb is authentic, it applies for the Ukrainian military's corps reform as much as it does for trees. The Ukrainian leadership's anno...

https://kyivindependent.com/analysis-a-year-since-its-creation-ukraines-flawed-unfinished-corps-system-will-be-key-for-front-line-stability/

blueshoes · 21/02/2026 14:28

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-19-2026/

Key Takeaways

  1. Western sources continue to indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s objectives are not limited to control of Ukrainian territory — in line with ISW’s longstanding assessment based on repeated Kremlin public statements.
  2. Western sources tied Putin’s unwillingness to compromise in negotiations to his belief that the Russian economy can continue to support a protracted war, which is consistent with ISW’s longstanding assessment of Putin’s theory of victory.
  3. The Kremlin is attempting to distract the United States with bilateral economic deals in order to secure concessions during US-led peace negotiations on Ukraine.
  4. The Ukrainian defense industrial base (DIB) continues to move toward self-sufficiency, but Western support remains critical to this endeavor.
  5. Russian forces have reportedly adapted their Geran-2 drones to be “mothership” drones that carry first-person view (FPV) drones deeper into the Ukrainian rear.
  6. Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Kupyansk. Russian forces recently advanced near Slovyansk.
Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
blueshoes · 21/02/2026 14:31

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-20-2026/

Key Takeaways

  1. The Kremlin continues cognitive warfare efforts to attempt to convince the West to abandon Ukraine by projecting the false narrative that Russian battlefield victory in Ukraine is inevitable and that Russian forces are making widespread battlefield gains.
  2. The Kremlin continues to crack down on former pro-Russian proxy forces and separatist leaders who criticized the Kremlin to consolidate control over the Russian information space.
  3. Russia’s war in Ukraine is increasingly impacting the Russian people, forcing the Russian Presidential Administration and the ruling United Russia Party to invest in mitigating strategies ahead of the September 2026 State Duma elections.
  4. Ukrainian and Moldovan authorities prevented a Russian attempt to assassinate prominent Ukrainians and destabilize Ukraine.
  5. Leaked messages from a senior Russian general support ISW’s assessment that the Russian military command itself condones and encourages war crimes against Ukrainian prisoners-of-war (POWs).
  6. Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Novopavlivka and Hulyaipole. Russian forces recently advanced near Hulyaipole.
Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
DesdamonasHandkerchief · 21/02/2026 18:15

MsWilmottsGhost · 21/02/2026 09:39

Thanks all for your continued contributions to this thread.

I read this summary this morning

www.theguardian.com/world/ng-interactive/2026/feb/20/a-war-foretold-cia-mi6-putin-ukraine-plans-russia

Thanks for posting that excellent article @MsWilmottsGhost
Hindsight’s a wonderful thing but Zelenskyy’s head in sand attitude to the possibility of a russian invasion before the war began doesn’t come across well.

PerkingFaintly · 21/02/2026 18:32

Yes, thank you @MsWilmottsGhost . Essential reading.

notimagain · 21/02/2026 19:40

It's an good article but TBF some of it smacks of course of hindsight being 20/20.

Looking back many an attack has been preceeded by intelligence and events that should have given politicians a hint ( in recent history examples being the Falklands through to Oct 7) but those politicians got caught flat footed so I wouldn't single President Z out as being an outlier...

Where I think the article is spot on is making the point that the whole run up to Gulf War 2/the "dodgy dossier" etc really clobbered the credibility of some intelligence services in the eyes of many nations...

Ultimately though the trick is making sure there isn't a repeat.

blueshoes · 22/02/2026 03:08

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-21-2026/

Key Takeaways

  1. Ukrainian forces continue to hold defensive lines and push back Russian advances in southern Ukraine.
  2. The Kremlin is intensifying its efforts to restrict Internet usage and set informational conditions to block Telegram in Russia.
  3. Ukrainian forces continued their long-range strike campaign against Russian defense industrial and energy assets on the night of February 20 to 21, including with Ukrainian-produced FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles.
  4. Ukrainian forces continued their mid-to-long-range strike campaign against Russian military assets in occupied Ukraine on the night of February 20 to 21.
  5. Russia has been using Belarusian infrastructure to support Russian drone operations against Ukraine and incursions into NATO airspace.
  6. Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Kupyansk, Novopavlivka, and Oleksandrivka.
LlttledrummergirI · 22/02/2026 11:23

The Kyiv Independent
⚡️ Russia injures at least 15 (https://kyivindependent.com/russia-injures-8-in-missile-and-drone-attacks-across-odesa-sumy-and-kherson/) in missile and drone attacks across Odesa, Sumy, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson.
The main target was Odesa Oblast, where two people were injured after drones tore into houses and a four-storey apartment block.

⚡️ Teaser video hints at Flamingo strike (https://kyivindependent.com/drone-strikes-russian-ballistic-missile-factory-over-1-300-km-from-ukraines-border/) on key Russian ballistic missile factory.
The Votkinsk Plant is a strategic, state-owned defense enterprise and one of the most important missile factories in Russia.

⚡️ Ukraine returns 2 children (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-returns-two-children-from-russian-occupied-kherson-oblast/) from Russian-occupied Kherson Oblast.
The children were returned under the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, which finds and returns Ukrainian children from occupied territories and Russia.

⚡️ Slovakia's Fico threatens to halt electricity supplies to Ukraine (https://kyivindependent.com/slovakian-prime-minister-threatens-to-halt-electricity-supplies-to-ukraine-as-oil-dispute-escalates/) as Russian oil dispute escalates.
Such a move would break energy market rules, one expert told the Kyiv Independent.

⚡️ Ukraine hits Russian planes, ships in Crimea (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hits-russian-planes-ships-and-artillery-in-major-strikes-on-occupied-territories/), artillery in major strikes on occupied territories.
The final extent of the damage on the Crimean Peninsula is still being assessed, the General Staff said.

Europe’s green transition is now a matter of energy security (https://kyivindependent.com/europes-green-transition-is-now-a-matter-of-energy-security/)
“Europe’s approach to energy security long rested on a simple idea: scale equals safety. That assumption is now being tested in Ukraine — and increasingly proven wrong,” writes Erika Tserkasina, Climate Systems and Energy Policy unit expert, in this op-ed.
Photo: Andrew Kravchenko / Bloomberg via Getty Images.

⚡️Zelensky introduces new sanctions on Russian shadow fleet (https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-new-sanctions-russian-shadow-fleet/).
President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Feb. 21 that Ukraine is imposing new sanctions targeting the captains of Russia's shadow fleet.
"Today, Ukraine has introduced new sanctions against the captains of vessels involved in transporting Russian oil – 225 captains," Zelensky said. "We will continue to consistently impose sanctions and make them global against everyone who helps Russia earn money for war."

⚡️Update: Ukraine condemns Hungarian, Slovak 'ultimatums' (https://kyivindependent.com/slovakian-prime-minister-threatens-to-halt-electricity-supplies-to-ukraine-as-oil-dispute-escalates/) amid energy dispute.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry on Feb. 21 condemned what it described as "ultimatums and blackmail" from Hungary and Slovakia after the two countries threatened to halt emergency electricity supplies amid a growing dispute over Russian oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline, and as Ukraine grapples with a worsening energy crisis.

⚡️Russia kills 4 in Sumy Oblast, strikes ambulance (https://kyivindependent.com/russia-kills-4-in-sumy-oblast-strikes-ambulance-carrying-minor-hospitalized-in-blast-targets-mondelez-factory/) carrying minor hospitalized in blast, targets Mondelez factory.
A Russian drone attack in northeastern Ukraine's Sumy Oblast killed two brothers and a married couple, while a missile strike damaged a production facility belonging to U.S. multinational company Mondelez, authorities reported Feb. 21.

⚡️14 hospitalized, police officer killed as explosions rock western Ukraine's Lviv in terrorist attack (https://kyivindependent.com/14-hospitalized-officer-killed-as-explosions-rock-western-ukraines-lviv-in-terrorist-attack/).
Explosions as a result of a terrorist attack shook Lviv, hospitalizing 14 and killing a police officer, authorities reported overnight on Feb. 22.

⚡️Explosions reported in Kyiv.
Explosions took place in Ukraine's capital at around 4:00 a.m. local time on Feb. 22, according to a Kyiv Independent journalist on the ground.
An air raid alert was issued moments earlier.

⚡️Explosions rock Kyiv as Russia launches ballistic missiles (https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-rock-kyiv-as-russia-launches-ballistic-missiles-at-ukraines-capital/) at Ukraine's capital.
Several rounds of explosions have been reported in Kyiv overnight on Feb. 22 as authorities warn ballistic missiles are heading towards the city.

⚡️Ukraine reportedly strikes oil depot (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-reportedly-strikes-oil-depot-in-russian-occupied-luhansk/) in Russian-occupied Luhansk.
Ukraine struck an oil depot in Russian-occupied Luhansk overnight on Feb. 22, Telegram news channel Exilenova+ reported.

⚡️Update: Explosions rock Ukraine's capital as Russia launches ballistic missiles, injuring 2 (https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-rock-kyiv-as-russia-launches-ballistic-missiles-at-ukraines-capital/) in Kyiv Oblast.
Several rounds of explosions were reported in Kyiv overnight on Feb. 22, leaving one person and a child injured in nearby suburbs as Russia launched ballistic missiles at Ukraine.

⚡️Russian attacks kill 11, injure 38 (https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-11-injure-38-in-ukraine-over-past-day/) in Ukraine over past day
Russia launched a large-scale combined drone and missile attack in the early hours of Feb. 22, firing 50 missiles and 297 long-range kamikaze drones, predominantly towards Kyiv and its suburbs.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported downing 33 missiles and 274 drones.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
LlttledrummergirI · 22/02/2026 11:24

UNITED24Media

  • Russia has begun selling gold from its reserves. In January, the Central Bank of the Russian Federation reduced its gold holdings for the first time in a long period, taking advantage of a surge in global prices to a historic high, Bloomberg reports.
According to the publication, Russia’s gold reserves decreased by 300,000 ounces to 74.5 million ounces. This is the first recorded decline since October last year. In January, the average gold price stood at $4,700 per ounce. Preliminary estimates suggest the move could bring about $1.4 billion to the Russian budget. Despite the physical reduction in volume, the monetary value of the remaining reserves rose by 23% due to record gold prices.
  • “If the President of Ukraine does not restore oil supplies to Slovakia on Monday, on the same day I will ask the relevant Slovak companies to stop the extraordinary supply of electricity to Ukraine,” Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said.
  • 🔥 Ukraine has proposed that the European Union use the Odesa–Brody oil pipeline instead of Druzhba.
While Druzhba is being restored, Ukraine has suggested that the EU consider ensuring safe oil supplies to member states — including Hungary and Slovakia — using Ukrainian transit infrastructure. This could be done either through Ukrainian pipelines or by sea, with transshipment at ports and further transportation via the Odesa–Brody pipeline to EU countries.
  • ❗Two people were killed in the Sumy region as a result of a Russian strike on a civilian car.
A 61-year-old man and a female passenger died in the attack. The 56-year-old wife of the deceased was injured, the Sumy Regional Prosecutor’s Office reported.
  • The European defense industry must urgently increase production capacity for countering ballistic missiles, as current volumes remain critically low, Ukraine’s Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov said during a video conference with representatives of the E5 group — France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom.
Ukraine proposed launching joint projects with European partners to develop and produce solutions against ballistic missile threats. At the same time, Fedorov noted that Ukraine is already implementing its own initiatives in this area. He also stressed the need to continue funding the PURL program, which is currently the key mechanism for obtaining PAC-3 missiles for Patriot systems. The minister thanked partners for the specific decisions made during the Ramstein-format meeting. He separately expressed gratitude to Boris Pistorius for initiating additional deliveries of PAC-3 missiles. Ukraine has already begun receiving missiles under these agreements. “The rapid implementation of agreements within hours is an example of how we should work,” Fedorov emphasized. He also said Ukraine is preparing proposals to increase economic pressure on Russia, including asymmetric measures against the Russian “shadow fleet.” To implement these steps, Ukraine is counting on the leadership of European countries.
  • ⚡️ The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry responded to what it called energy blackmail by Hungary and Slovakia.
“Such actions, amid massive and deliberate Russian shelling of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and Moscow’s attempts to leave Ukrainians without electricity, heating, and gas during severe frosts, are provocative, irresponsible, and endanger the energy security of the entire region,” the ministry said. The Foreign Ministry added that the governments of Hungary and Slovakia are not only supporting the aggressor, but are also harming their own commercial energy companies.
  • A large-scale rally was held in Washington to mark the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.
Hundreds of people gathered near the Russian embassy in the US capital to show support for Ukraine. Participants held Ukrainian flags and posters calling for solidarity and increased assistance to Kyiv, as the war remains a challenge not only for Ukraine but for the entire international security system. The rally in Washington was part of solidarity events taking place in various countries around the world.
  • Spectacular chase — a Ukrainian drone shoots down an enemy fixed-wing drone.
  • ❗️Russians attacked Kyiv with ballistic missiles.
  • Footage shows the interception of Russian Shahed-136 kamikaze drones by a Ukrainian Air Force helicopter crew in the southern direction.
  • The Main Intelligence Directorate has released footage showing the daily life of legionnaires in the Zaporizhzhia direction. January 2026.
  • A 2022-model T-72AMT is in service with tank crews of the 22nd Separate Mechanized Brigade.
T-72 tanks of this type began arriving in the brigade’s tank battalion in 2023. At the time, they were delivered alongside T-72 Ural tanks upgraded to the T-72AV standard — shown in the last photo.
  • The Russians struck the American company Mondelez in Trostianets overnight.
This was announced by Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
  • “The war hasn’t reached a stalemate”: Russia is losing more soldiers than it is recruiting, Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi said in an interview with Le Monde.
According to him, 2025 became the first year of the war in which Russian losses exceeded recruitment. Russia mobilized and drafted 406,000 troops, while total losses — killed and wounded — amounted to about 418,000. “The war hasn’t reached a stalemate. It is being fought in all domains: on land, in the air, and at sea. It is no longer possible to speak only about land warfare. The emergence of technological weapons such as drones has changed the very psychology of war. An infantryman is literally worth his weight in gold,” Syrskyi said. Each side uses between 6,000 and 8,000 FPV drones daily, along with hundreds of reconnaissance UAVs. At the same time, Russia retains an advantage in the use of guided aerial bombs (KABs). Ukraine is intensifying strikes deep inside Russian territory. “Seven hundred nineteen targets were hit in 2025,” Syrskyi noted, adding that the estimated damage to the enemy exceeds $15 billion.
  • Russia attacked Ukraine’s civilian and critical infrastructure with drones and missiles.
The enemy also struck railway infrastructure in the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, Mykolaiv, and Odesa regions. Two locomotives were damaged. Train traffic was not suspended. Emergency and repair teams are already working to eliminate the consequences of the attacks.
LlttledrummergirI · 22/02/2026 11:25

Live: Ukraine

  • Tonight, drones and missiles attacked Russia, local and monitoring Telegram channels report.
In the city of Votkinsk, Udmurtia, a plant producing ballistic missiles, specifically "Iskanders" and "Oreshniks," was attacked. Eleven people are known to be injured. The plant is located approximately 1,400 km from the state border with Ukraine; monitoring channels write that it was hit by a "Flamingo" missile. The co-founder of the Fire Point company posted a video on X showing the launch of a "Flamingo" — without context. In Neftegorsk, Samara region, drones struck an oil refinery. Several storage tanks are on fire. Also, the governor of the Belgorod region reports attacks on the region's critical infrastructure. Video: Denys Shtilierman / X
  • A Russian general in his correspondence calmly talks about the executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war and sends photos of severed ears. Journalists from "Schemes" obtained access to these messages.
The author of the correspondence is Major General Roman Demurchiev. He is the deputy commander of the 20th Combined Arms Army of the RF, which is fighting, in particular, on the Lyman axis. In his messages, he harshly criticizes the command of the Russian army and special services, complains that he has no satisfaction in the war. A separate topic in the Russian general's correspondence is the torture and murder of Ukrainian prisoners of war. Demurchiev routinely shares stories about this with his commander. In particular, he described how, in the Makiivka area, his subordinates killed three Ukrainian prisoners of war with entrenching tools. The Russian general also sent photos of severed human ears to his colleagues and his wife. He suggested "gifting" prisoners to FSB representatives or "disposing" of them. Photo and video: "Schemes"
  • 🇸🇰Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico stated that he is initiating the cessation of electricity exports from Slovakia to Ukraine if Ukraine does not ensure the restoration of Russian oil transit to Slovakia by Monday.
"If Zelenskyy thinks that blackmailing Slovakia over oil will bring Ukraine closer to the EU, he is severely mistaken," Fico stated.
  • In Crimea, Ukrainian troops attacked Russian ships and an aircraft, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed.
On the night of February 21, in the Inkerman area (Crimea), two Project 22460 "Okhotnik" border patrol ships were hit. In Yevpatoria, on the territory of an aircraft repair plant, two Be-12 aircraft were struck. Additionally, in the Astrakhanka area of the Zaporizhzhia region, a "Tornado-S" multiple launch rocket system was attacked.
  • 🇭🇺🇸🇰Hungary and Slovakia are threatening to stop electricity imports to Ukraine if the transit of Russian oil via "Druzhba" is not restored.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has given until Monday to restore transit; otherwise, he will ask Slovak companies to stop emergency electricity supplies. According to him, there were more such supplies in January alone than in all of 2025. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán also did not rule out that his country would stop supplying electricity to Ukraine. The transit of oil through "Druzhba" via Ukraine stopped at the end of January due to massive Russian attacks. Hungary and Slovakia, which are landlocked, are critically dependent on this route.
  • In the Sumy region, Russians attacked a civilian car — two people died. Another person was injured.
  • ⚡️The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine has called the threats by Hungary and Slovakia to stop electricity supplies due to the halt in "Druzhba" oil transit a form of blackmail.
The Ministry noted that they are ready to use the Early Warning Mechanism — a tool within the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the EU that allows the parties to respond quickly to threats in the energy sector. They added that the threats from Hungary and Slovakia jeopardize the energy security of the entire region and play into Russia's hands. Ukraine is in constant contact with the European Commission regarding the consequences of shelling, including attacks on the "Druzhba" oil pipeline. Repairs are ongoing there, despite the risk of new attacks. Ukraine has also proposed alternatives for supplying non-Russian oil.
  • In the Czech Republic, hundreds of people attended rallies dedicated to the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
At an event in Prague, President Petr Pavel emphasized that how the war in Ukraine ends will affect all of Europe for many years to any. He also noted that he respects Czech society for not allowing itself to be poisoned by Russian propaganda and the talk of politicians about Ukrainian refugees as a burden. "For our economy, they bring in more than they receive from it. Treating them negatively is unfair," Petr Pavel emphasized. Photo – CTK
  • As a result of a nighttime terrorist attack in Lviv, a 23-year-old police officer was killed, the police reported.
At almost one o'clock in the morning, police officers responded to a call regarding a break-in at a store. After their arrival, several explosions occurred. 24 people were injured in the blast. The Prosecutor's Office has launched an investigation into the fact of a terrorist act with grave consequences.
  • Kyiv right now: Russia has attacked the capital with ballistics, cruise missiles, and drones.
  • Destroyed houses in Sofiivska Borshchahivka (a suburb of Kyiv) as a result of Russian strikes.
  • Russians attacked Ukraine with 50 missiles and 297 drones. Air defense destroyed 33 missiles and 274 unmanned aerial vehicles.
Hits from 14 missiles and 23 UAVs were recorded at 14 locations, while debris falls occurred at five sites. In particular, in the Kyiv region, 15 people have already been injured as a result of the Russian attack, including 4 children. One person died, reported the head of the Regional Military Administration Mykola Kalashnyk. The highest number of casualties occurred in the Fastiv district, where rescuers pulled eight injured individuals from under the rubble after a building was destroyed. Casualties are also reported in the Boryspil, Vyshhorod, Obukhiv, and Bucha districts.

🪐 Subscribe to Live: Ukraine
(https://t.me/liveukraine_media)

LlttledrummergirI · 22/02/2026 11:25

Kyiv Post,

  • Russia’s Votkinsk Plant in Udmurtia — a key producer of Iskander-M missiles — was hit overnight, regional authorities confirmed. (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/70486) Damage was reported at the site, and flights were suspended at Izhevsk airport in the aftermath.
  • Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán threatened to block Europe’s €90 billion ($105 billion) loan to Ukraine, (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/70477) until oil transit to Hungary is resumed via Russia’s Druzhba pipeline.
  • Zelensky insisted that Ukraine is “definitely not losing” (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/70490) its war against Russia, while a Wall Street Journal correspondent recounted in a podcast interview that the Ukrainian leader had privately told his closest advisers to prepare for another three years of fighting.
  • Slovak PM Fico warned he may halt emergency power to Ukraine (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/70500) if oil transit isn’t restored, as Kyiv faces energy shortages after Russian strikes disrupted Druzhba flows.
  • President Donald Trump has announced a 15% tariff on all countries, according to his latest post.
Just a day earlier, he had signaled plans for a 10% tariff.
  • Two huge explosions rock Lviv just 10 minutes apart with no air raid siren sounded.
City council deputy Ihor Zinkevych said the explosions struck the central district. A large police presence rushed to the scene, where a body was reportedly found lying on the road. The cause of the blasts remains unclear, with witnesses describing shattered windows and a strong smell of burning. Photo: RBC Ukraine
  • Police officers killed and injured in Lviv explosions, National Police reported.
The blasts occurred after patrol police units arrived at the scene following a call. Further details are expected. A suspect, identified by officials as a Ukrainian citizen, has been detained after twin explosions struck patrol officers responding to a late-night break-in.

Iskander Missile Plant Hit in Strike Deep Inside Russia’s Udmurtia

Russia’s Votkinsk Plant in Udmurtia, which produces Iskander-M missiles, was hit overnight, regional authorities confirmed, with damage reported and flights suspended at Izhevsk airport.

https://www.kyivpost.com/post/70486

MsWilmottsGhost · 22/02/2026 17:12

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 21/02/2026 18:15

Thanks for posting that excellent article @MsWilmottsGhost
Hindsight’s a wonderful thing but Zelenskyy’s head in sand attitude to the possibility of a russian invasion before the war began doesn’t come across well.

Yes a lot of people thought Putin wouldn't invade. It seemed so unbelievable at the time.

So much changed during COVID. A lot of authoritarian old men seemed to go a bit bonkers at their loss of control in the face of an unstoppable epidemic. I remember Putin's giant empty rooms and ridiculous long tables, and I suspect billionaires and presidents were no more immune to that than the crazy old bloke next door..

blueshoes · 23/02/2026 03:21

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-22-2026/

Key Takeaways

  1. Russian forces conducted another large, combined strike package overnight on February 21 to 22 and appear to be shifting their target set from primarily energy infrastructure to include Ukrainian water and railway infrastructure.
  2. Ukrainian officials accused Russian intelligence services of coordinating an improvised explosive device (IED) attack on a shopping center in Lviv City on February 22 that killed one and injured at least 25.
  3. Russia is likely escalating a sabotage campaign intended to degrade Ukrainians’ trust in their security and destabilize Ukrainian society.
  4. Russia is reportedly selling man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) to Iran, likely to repair its reputation among Iran and Russia’s other allies.
  5. Russian forces recently advanced near Slovyansk.
Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
DesdamonasHandkerchief · 23/02/2026 11:30

Live:Ukraine

⚡️ Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi gave an interview to the French broadcaster Le Monde. Here are the highlights:

In 2025, Russia managed to mobilize 406,000 troops, while total losses in killed and wounded amounted to approximately 418,000. This is the first time such a situation has occurred since the beginning of the full-scale invasion.

Last year, the Russian Federation was preparing a large-scale offensive to fully capture the Donetsk region, advance in the Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kherson regions, and create a "buffer zone" in the Kharkiv and Sumy regions.

Daily, Ukraine and Russia deploy 6,000 to 8,000 FPV drones, as well as hundreds of reconnaissance UAVs. At the same time, the RF holds an advantage in the air due to guided aerial bombs and missiles.

Despite Moscow's claims about the alleged capture of 97% of Kupyansk's territory, the city remains under Ukrainian control. The situation around Pokrovsk is difficult; however, the city is also under the control of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

⚡️ Tonight, Russians struck the American company Mondelēz in Trostyanets.

This was reported by Foreign Minister Sybiha. A missile hit one of the production buildings.

Mondelēz was among the first major US investments in Ukraine. The company produces confectionery products — Milka and Korona chocolates, Oreo and Tuc cookies, Barni biscuits, and Lyuks chips.

⚡️ "They don't look like they want to fight each other": Trump's special envoy Witkoff on ending the war between Russia and Ukraine.

Witkoff stated that "the problem lies with the leaders" [With the aggressors leader if we’re honest] who find it "difficult to create a deal." He also reported that new negotiations in a trilateral format could take place within the next three weeks.

In addition, in Witkoff's opinion, "Putin has always been honest" with him. Supposedly, it was precisely his meetings with Putin that were extremely important for a future agreement.

⚡️ The National Police detained a woman who organized the terrorist attack in Lviv, which resulted in the death of a police officer and injuries to 25 other people; they also released a video showing how she prepared the crime scene.

It is believed that improvised explosive devices planted in trash cans detonated.

The perpetrator was identified as a 33-year-old resident of the Rivne region. Following instructions from a so-called "handler" from the Russian special services, the woman manufactured improvised explosive devices and installed them in predetermined locations.

⚡️ UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated that he hopes to become the first defence secretary to deploy British troops to Ukraine, as this would signal the end of the war.

He also expressed gratitude for the military support and generosity of the British people, who "opened their doors" to Ukrainian refugees in the first weeks after the start of Russian aggression.

🇭🇺Hungary will block the EU's 20th sanctions package against Russia but has not yet decided whether to stop supplying electricity to Ukraine.

At the EU Council meeting tomorrow, a regular package of anti-Russian sanctions is expected to be approved. However, Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that his country will block this decision.

He added that as long as Ukraine does not restore oil transit to Hungary and Slovakia via the "Druzhba" pipeline, his country will not allow the adoption of decisions important to Kyiv, referring also to the $90 billion EU loan.

Yesterday, Hungarian authorities threatened to block electricity supplies to Ukraine, but today Szijjártó stated that one must act "extremely cautiously" in this matter, as it could affect Hungarians in Transcarpathia.

The transit of oil through "Druzhba" via Ukraine stopped at the end of January due to massive Russian attacks. Hungary, like Slovakia, is critically dependent on this route as they are landlocked.

⚡️ In the Kyiv region, there are already 17 injured following the nighttime RF attack; four of them are children. One person died.

Approximately 100 houses, enterprises, cars, a church, warehouses, and office premises were damaged in the region.

During the day, Russians shelled other regions of Ukraine as well. Here is what is known about the consequences:

🔴 Dnipropetrovsk region. RF troops struck Nikopol with artillery at least 4 times — three women were injured, and a high-rise building and a market were damaged.

🔴 Mykolaiv region. Due to a "Shahed" attack on Mykolaiv, a married couple — a 58-year-old man and woman — were injured, and their house was damaged.

🔴 Zaporizhzhia region. Russians struck Novomykolaivka with guided aerial bombs (KABs) — a woman was killed, and another was injured. Private houses were damaged.

🔴 Kherson region. In the morning, Kherson was under attack — two people were injured there.

🔴 Sumy region. A 36-year-old man was injured due to a KAB strike on private houses.

⚡️ In Belgorod, Russia, power outages are reported in several districts following a missile attack.

⚡️ Drones have hit the "Kaleykino" oil pumping station in the Russian Republic of Tatarstan, according to local reports.

This is the region's main oil pumping station. It receives oil from various pipelines and serves as a major hub in the main system.

In Belgorod, a series of explosions also occurred overnight. Power has gone out in several districts, and there are disruptions in water and heating supplies.

⚡️ Russians attacked Ukraine with a missile and 126 drones; air defense shot down 105 UAVs. Here is what is known about the consequences of the attacks:

Odesa region. As a result of the Russian attack, two people died and three others were injured. One of the drones hit an apartment in a high-rise building.

Zaporizhzhia. One person died and another was injured during a drone attack. A 33-year-old man was killed; a 45-year-old man was wounded.

Kharkiv. According to preliminary information, two people were injured as a result of the Russian attack this morning, including a 55-year-old man.

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 23/02/2026 11:37

United 24 Media:

🔹 Ukraine’s Air Assault Forces (DShV) have officially confirmed a major offensive operation currently underway on the Oleksandrivsk axis. The high-stakes mission is designed to shatter Russian plans for an advance into the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Led by the Commander of the Air Assault Forces, General Oleh Apostol, the operation involves elite units including the 82nd Bukovyna and 95th Polissia Air Assault Brigades.

The primary objective is the total destruction of Russian groupings and their expulsion beyond the administrative borders of the Dnipropetrovsk region.

Despite heavy Russian resistance and the deployment of significant enemy reserves, Ukrainian paratroopers have maintained a high operational tempo.

Details: https://united24media.com/latest-news/ukraines-elite-airborne-forces-are-on-the-counteroffensive-what-we-know-so-far-16144

🇭🇺 Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán said there are no threats to his country’s energy security due to the suspension of oil supplies through the Druzhba pipeline, but announced three “countermeasures” against Ukraine.

Hungary will not resume diesel exports to Ukraine until oil transit through Ukrainian territory is restored.

Budapest will also refuse to approve the allocation of a military loan to Ukraine that was previously agreed in Brussels.

In addition, Hungary will block the 20th package of EU sanctions against Russia.

🔸 Russian neutral skier Dariya Nepryaeva was disqualified for taking German athlete Katharina Hennig's skis.

The women's 50km classic mass start occurred on February 22 on the Valtellina track at Tesero during the Milano Cortina Olympics. The 23-year-old Nepryaeva competed as neutral and initially placed 11th. At the 21.6km mark, Nepryaeva changed skis and grabbed Hennig's. Officials ruled it an equipment violation and disqualified Nepryaeva from the race. Hennig finished 9th using backup skis.

🇮🇷 Iran has signed a €500 million deal with Russia to supply 500 Verba MANPADS and 2,500 missiles over three years from the Russian manufacturers, the Financial Times reports, citing leaked documents.

According to the publication, the agreement was signed in Moscow in December. Deliveries are scheduled in three tranches from 2027 to 2029. The contract was reportedly concluded between Rosoboronexport and a representative of Iran’s Ministry of Defense.

The Verba is a modern portable system with infrared guidance, capable of targeting cruise missiles, low-flying aircraft, and drones. It is operated by a small mobile unit, allowing for rapid deployment and dispersed air defense without stationary radar systems.

🔹 Russians hung a banner reading “Victory Will Be Ours” on their embassy building in Seoul.

The banner, in the colors of the tricolor, appeared in the city center on the eve of the anniversary of the war in Ukraine.

South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs demanded that the provocative banner be removed, but the embassy refused, according to the Korea JoongAng Daily. (Photo 1)

🔸 Iran has officially declared the land, naval, and air forces of European Union member states as terrorist organizations.

According to the Iranian Foreign Ministry, this move is a reciprocal response to the EU’s February 19, 2026 decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. Iran cited its 2019 law on “Reciprocal Measures in Response to the US Designation of the IRGC as a Terrorist Organization” as justification, stating that EU forces now fall under the same classification.

🔹 Air defense remains the most difficult issue, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with the BBC.

“Unfortunately, our partners are not yet granting licenses for us to produce, for example, Patriot systems or at least missiles for the systems we already have. So far, we have not succeeded in this,” he said.

“How can Ukraine be made stronger in this war? Everything is clear — close the sky. If civilians are protected, our backs are covered, people can work, children can attend school, the economy functions, there is revenue, there are taxes that go to the front. In this way, we strengthen the army. Unfortunately, this is not yet available. We need licenses at least for missiles,” the president added.

❗️ President Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained what Ukraine’s victory in the war would mean.

“Victory means restoring normal life for Ukrainians and stopping the killings. I believe that stopping Putin today and preventing the occupation of Ukraine is a victory for the whole world,” the president said.

🔸 Putin has already started World War III, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with the BBC.

“The question is how much territory he can seize and how to stop him,” the president noted.

Other key statements:

▫️ Withdrawing from Donbas would be a betrayal and would divide Ukrainian society, but Putin would not stop there.
“That would probably satisfy him for a while… he needs a break… In my opinion, he can recover in no more than a couple of years.”

▫️ Holding elections is possible, but security guarantees for Ukraine must come first. At the same time, President Zelenskyy said he has not yet decided whether he will run again.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
DesdamonasHandkerchief · 23/02/2026 11:43

Kyiv Independent:

⚡️Moscow shuts down all 4 airports during Ukrainian drone attack, Russian officials say.

Twenty drones have been shot down en route to Moscow during the afternoon of Feb. 22, Mayor Sergey Sobyanin claimed. The attack grounded flights at Moscow's Domodedovo, Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky airports.

⚡️Update: 12 hospitalized after suspected terrorist attack in Lviv.

Twelve people have been hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the explosions that rocked Lviv early on Feb. 22. Two are in serious condition, Lviv Mayor Andrii Sadovyi said.

All of the injured victims, with the exception of one teenager, are law enforcement employees.

"This is a hostile special operation aimed at killing as many law enforcement officers as possible," Sadovyi said.

⚡️Update: 'The attack was organized by Russia' — Zelensky shares new details of Lviv terror plot.

"It was indeed a terrorist attack, cynical and cruel," President Volodymyr Zelensky said of the explosions that killed a police officer and injured 25 in Lviv on Feb. 22.

Zelensky said some facts were already clear, including that perpetrators were recruited via Telegram.

"The attack was organized by Russia," he said.

⚡️'Mr. Nobody Against Putin' wins BAFTA award for best documentary.

The documentary has received wide acclaim for the fact that it shows how the war against Ukraine is not just "(Russian President Vladimir) Putin's war" but a war sustained by both a climate of fear and open support among the populace within Russia.

⚡️ These are the indicative estimates of Russia’s combat losses as of Feb. 23, according to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
DesdamonasHandkerchief · 23/02/2026 11:47

Kyiv Post:

⚡️ On reported tensions with Zelensky, Kyiv Mayor Klitschko criticized public infighting and urged politicians to “forget about political games” while the war rages, saying national unity is key counter to Russia.

⚡️ Russia has accused the UK of involvement in an assassination attempt on Lt. Gen. Vladimir Alekseyev, a senior GRU officer.

Alekseyev, seen as a key organizer of Moscow’s auxiliary mercenary forces, was shot inside his apartment building on Feb.6. He survived and was hospitalized.

⚡️ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia has been losing an average of 30,000–35,000 personnel per month since December, while mobilizing 40,000–44,000 troops monthly until recently.

According to Zelensky, the current net loss in the Russian contingent fighting on Ukrainian territory amounts to 8,000–10,000 personnel per month.

He added that each kilometer of Russian advance costs roughly 157 soldiers killed.

Zelensky also noted that Ukraine is losing less territory this year. While around 4,200 square kilometers were lost in 2023, January and February of this year show different figures, with approximately 300 square kilometers regained.

⚡️ Putin declares Russia’s nuclear arsenal an “absolute priority” after last arms treaty with US expires.

Kremlin chief said strengthening the country’s nuclear triad is key to “guaranteeing Russia’s security” and maintaining global strategic balance.

⚡️ The EU is set to miss its deadline on fresh sanctions against Russia as Hungary blocks the 20th package on the anniversary of Putin’s full-scale war against Ukraine.

Brussels will still debate new penalties as the invasion marks four years, but a breakthrough is not expected, Reuters reports.

⚡️ Iran has signaled it is ready to make new concessions on its nuclear program, but only if Washington lifts sanctions and formally recognizes Tehran’s right to enrich uranium.

The proposal follows two rounds of negotiations earlier this month that revealed sharp disagreements between Iran and the United States.

notimagain · 23/02/2026 12:02

Piece in the link (hope it works out of area) below was on French prime time news last night...

French language but a few interesting snippets..

The things are causing massive damage...
The locals have worked out how to eavesdropping on the drones' cameras so can get a rough idea of where it's headed, where is safe...
Even in daylight they are hard/almost impossible to hit.

www.franceinfo.fr/monde/europe/manifestations-en-ukraine/guerre-en-ukraine-a-kramatorsk-les-habitants-sous-le-feu-des-drones-russes_7822961.html

PerkingFaintly · 23/02/2026 14:55

Thanks, @notimagain , yes I can read that.

MMBaranova · 23/02/2026 19:21

Zelenskyy’s head in sand attitude to the possibility of a russian invasion before the war began doesn’t come across well.

He wasn't the man he is now.

He ran on slogans and policies that were anti-corruption, optimistic and techy. And he was just different. Familiar but politically new. And playing a character he had in a way played through his media-comedy life.

His stance on the war (which was then in a frozen phase) is in the top part here.

Source: https://geohistory.today/volodymyr-zelensky-campaign-platform-english/

Ukraine Invasion: Part 60
dibly · 24/02/2026 02:17

Four years and with no end in sight. Massive respect to the Ukranian people, Slava Ukraine.

DesdamonasHandkerchief · 24/02/2026 06:32

Yes four years today, difficult to get your head round.

ReleaseTheDucksOfWar · 24/02/2026 08:44

In haste

Am back - thank you so much for doing the roundups @LlttledrummergirI @DesdamonasHandkerchief and as ever @blueshoes !

A lot of scurrying around atm but Ill pick up the roundup later on.

Again, many thanks

Slava Ukraini

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