Ukraine Invasion: Part 60

[MagicFox]

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 🇺🇦

**
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Dont worry @ReleaseTheDucksOfWar, have another day off, I’ll do it now

Live:Ukraine

⚡️Since the end of January this year, in the Oleksandrivka direction, Ukrainian troops have regained control over 400 square kilometers of territory and 8 settlements, reported Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. (Photo 1)

⚡️ The best thing would be for Ukraine and Belarus to be members of the EU. From the perspective of economy, geopolitics, and independence, this is the right thing to do, — Zelenskyy.

I would very much like the war to end and for something to change in the relations between our countries. After all, the Belarusian people did not start a war against Ukraine.

⚡️ "There are different attitudes toward World War III. I believe Putin has already started it": Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave an interview to the BBC, key points:

◾Air defense is currently the most urgent need. Ukraine needs licenses for missiles to be able to "close the sky" and strengthen the army.

"Unfortunately, partners are not yet granting licenses for us to produce, for example, 'Patriot' systems ourselves or to produce at least the missiles for the systems we already have."

◾According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine is protecting the world from a "large-scale World War III."

"I believe Putin started it. The question is how much territory he can seize and how to stop him. Today, we are the outpost, and we are stopping Putin."

◾Regarding funding: the President says that funding is insufficient, but Europe "mostly helps Ukrainians." Specifically, he mentioned PURL, through which American weapons are purchased.

◾"Europeans will be able to help when we transition the army to contracts": Zelenskyy stated that currently, Europe is not providing funding for the program to transition the troops from mobilization to contracts, but this is a priority.

🇵🇱The Polish Foreign Minister criticized Hungary's ultimatum and the blocking of €90 billion for Ukraine.

Radosław Sikorski stated that Hungary violated solidarity among EU countries by using the European agenda to conduct a political struggle and turn its own society against Ukraine.

Sikorski emphasized that he expected a much greater sense of solidarity between Hungary and Ukraine.

"What fundamentally shocks me is that Ukraine is defending itself against the might of the Russian army, and the Hungarians once understood what that was like. Budapest was attacked twice in the 20th century, once by the Red Army," Sikorski stated.

🇮🇷Iran has concluded a secret €500 million deal with the RF to restore air defense systems damaged during the war with Israel, FT reports, citing sources.

The agreement for the supply of 500 "Verba" man-portable launchers and 2,500 9M336 missiles was concluded by "Rosoboronexport" and the Moscow representative of the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics of Iran.

According to FT, one missile costs €170,000, and a launcher costs €40,000. The package also includes 500 "Mowgli-2" night vision sights. Deliveries are scheduled for 2027–2029, but Iran may have received some systems earlier.

Iran's Ambassador to Moscow, Kazem Jalali, effectively confirmed the military shipments from the RF, stating that recent flights demonstrate the implementation of defense agreements.

Contracts for arms supplies between Iran and Russia were concluded as early as October 2021 — before the start of the full-scale war against Ukraine. As Bloomberg reported in January 2026, citing sources, one of the packages was worth approximately $2.7 billion.

🇭🇺"Hungary does not hate Ukraine, but the Ukrainian state hates Hungary": Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó once again accused Ukraine of an "anti-Hungarian" position.

According to him, the European Commission "behaves like a Ukrainian commission," allegedly placing Ukraine's interests above Hungary's interests.

Szijjártó also stated that the "Druzhba" oil pipeline was not damaged by RF attacks. In Budapest's opinion, it was Ukraine that "made a strategic decision" to stop the supply of Russian oil to Hungary to "support the Hungarian opposition in the elections."

"That's it. It is a purely political decision by Ukraine. It is pure blackmail against Hungary aimed at changing our position on Ukraine, EU membership, and everything like that. So, when the Ukrainians decide to restore oil supplies, we will be able to review the situation [regarding the blocking of €90 billion and the blocking of the sanctions package]. The ball is in their court, not ours," Szijjártó stated.

⚡️A new prisoner exchange with Russia could take place as early as this week, stated the Head of the President's Office Kyrylo Budanov in a comment to RBC-Ukraine.

He did not specify how many prisoners are involved but declared a "significant" number.

Budanov also added that a new round of negotiations is expected on February 26–27.

⚡️ Ukraine is facing a demographic catastrophe — the war has crashed the birth rate and is destroying the reproductive health of Ukrainians, CNN writes.

Ukraine has already lost about 10 million people due to deaths, emigration, and occupation, and the average number of children per woman has fallen below 1 (compared to 1.4 in Europe and 1.6 in the US).

Doctors from the Kyiv clinic "Nadiya" record an increase in miscarriages, chromosomal abnormalities, deterioration in the quality of eggs and sperm, as well as cases of premature menopause in young women. The cause is chronic stress and war conditions.

Due to the high average age of military personnel (around 43 years), it is primarily people with families who are dying. Ukraine is turning into a country of widows and orphans.

⚡️The European Union has extended sanctions against Russia for another year — until February 2027.

The decision will take effect today, on the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion by the RF.

🇸🇰Slovakia is stopping the provision of emergency electricity assistance to Ukraine, stated the country's Prime Minister Robert Fico.

"As of today, if the Ukrainian side turns to Slovakia with a request for assistance in stabilizing the energy grid, it will not receive such help," he noted.

Slovakia, like Hungary, demands that Ukraine restore the transit of Russian oil through the "Druzhba" pipeline, which was damaged during Russian attacks. Both countries are critically dependent on this route as they are landlocked.

⚡️ There is no possibility of exchanging peace for impunity, — Deputy Head of the Office of the President Sergiy Kyslytsya at the international "Justice Conference."

Kyslytsya noted that Russia has indeed persistently promoted the idea that the end of the war must occur in a way that does not involve any type of responsibility — neither administrative, nor civil, nor criminal. This idea appeared along with the so-called "28-point plan."

"And there is a fundamental point here. The directives provided to the Ukrainian delegation by the President remain in effect: there is no possibility of exchanging peace for impunity. Regarding a scenario that would involve impunity, Ukraine has not conducted negotiations with either the American side or the Russian side," noted the Deputy Head of the OP.

⚡️ In Mykolaiv, an explosion occurred on the territory of a non-operating gas station. As a result, seven police officers were injured.

Law enforcement officers arrived for a shift change and parked their cars there. Two of them are in critical condition. Doctors are fighting for their lives.

"The day before yesterday, a terrorist attack against police officers occurred in Lviv. This is not a coincidence. The enemy is deliberately trying to kill Ukrainian police officers who stand daily for the protection of people and the state," stated the Head of the National Police.

A version regarding a terrorist act is being verified, — Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the explosion in Mykolaiv.

🇸🇰Slovak Prime Minister Fico threatened to review the position regarding Ukraine's membership in the EU due to the situation with the "Druzhba" oil pipeline.

He claims to receive intelligence reports that the pipeline is actually in working order. Fico also stated that Ukraine allegedly did not allow the Slovak ambassador to view the site of the damage.

⚡️ European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in Kyiv.

⚡️ "Today marks exactly four years since Putin was supposed to take Kyiv in three days": President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed Ukrainians on the fourth anniversary of the RF invasion.

In the video, the President showed for the first time the bunker on Bankova where he worked during the first days of the full-scale war and held conversations with world leaders.

"Remembering the beginning of the invasion and looking at today, we have every right to say: we have protected our independence, we did not lose our statehood, and Putin did not achieve his goals. Ukraine exists, and not only on the map," Zelenskyy said.

In his address, he thanked Ukrainians for their resistance, noted Ukraine's development in the military-industrial complex, and emphasized that the agreement to end the war "must not just be signed, but accepted by Ukrainians."

Forgot Photo of regained land:

United 24 Media:

❗️The Russians did not raise the issue of elections during the negotiations — their main focus was territory, saying: “Give us Donbas — that’s their position,” said Head of the Presidential Office Kyrylo Budanov.

He confirmed that the next round of negotiations will take place on February 26–27. In general, Budanov assessed the talks positively, noting that “movement is slow, but it is there.”

According to Ukrainska Pravda, one of the key issues in the upcoming round will be control over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is currently occupied by Russian forces.

🔹 “The actions of Budapest and Bratislava are currently playing into the hands of the Russian aggressor. We call on the governments of Hungary and the Slovak Republic to act constructively and responsibly,” said Andrii Sybiha.

“The problems with the transit of oil through the Druzhba pipeline were caused by the Russian strike on January 27. Neither the Hungarian nor the Slovak government condemned the attack on the oil infrastructure.

Instead, these countries resort to blackmail and ultimatums, threatening to block the twentieth package of sanctions and the European loan, as well as to stop the supply of electricity, gas, and fuel to Ukraine.

These two countries cannot hold the entire EU hostage. The ultimatums from Hungary and Slovakia should be directed only at the Kremlin.”

🔸 “Such wars don’t end on their own, but we are approaching a moment when everyone will have to make final decisions,” said Kyrylo Budanov.

Budanov noted that negotiations are not going smoothly, but the parties are nearing a point where final decisions must be made:

“We are definitely moving forward and approaching a moment when all sides will have to decide: continue this war or move toward peace. I hope justice will prevail.”

He added that such wars either end with a just resolution or “inevitably return in even larger and more dangerous forms”:

“Peace without consequences for the aggressor is an invitation to repeat it. Attack, kill, destroy—and nothing will happen to you.”

🔹 Ukrainian forces have regained control of roughly 400 square kilometers of territory and eight settlements during an ongoing offensive operation in the southern operational zone, Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said following a frontline visit.

Syrskyi said Ukrainian troops are continuing both defensive and offensive operations along one of the most contested sectors of the front, where Russian forces maintain sustained pressure through artillery strikes, drones, armored vehicles, and small assault groups attempting infiltration.

Details: https://united24media.com/latest-news/ukraine-spearheads-southern-assault-liberates-400km2-in-one-month-16166

🇺🇦🇸🇰 Ukrenergo responded to statements by Robert Fico about stopping emergency electricity supplies from Slovakia.

The company said this decision will not affect the operation of Ukraine’s unified power system.

Ukrenergo noted that it last requested such assistance more than a month ago, and in a small volume. In general, these supplies were rare and short-term.

No official notification has been received from the Slovak operator SEPS regarding unilateral termination of the contract. Both parties remain members of ENTSO-E and have a valid mutual assistance agreement.

On February 23, SEPS sent a letter proposing revised payment terms. Ukrenergo said it will review the proposal promptly.

There are currently no restrictions on commercial electricity imports from Slovakia. The capacity of cross-border interconnectors is allocated based on auction results, the statement said.

🇺🇦🇬🇧 “Unbroken Ukraine.” In London, British director Nicholas Kent presents a play about 12 years of war.

Kent is preparing the premiere of the Ukraine Unbroken project at the Arcola Theatre. The production spans events from the 2014 Maidan to the full-scale invasion and the present day.

The performance consists of five short plays by British and Ukrainian authors, including Natalka Vorozhbyt.

The stories explore the themes of protest, Russian illusions about the “SVO,” the fate of draft evaders, captured North Korean soldiers, and children abducted by Russia.

The performance will feature live bandura music by Maria Petrovskaya.

A quarter of the proceeds from theatre merchandise sales will be donated to Save Ukraine to support the return of deported Ukrainian children.

🔹 The total need for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction amounts to $588 billion, according to Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, citing the RDNA5 report presented jointly by the World Bank, the Government of Ukraine, the European Commission, and the UN.

The assessment reflects data as of the end of December 2025 and does not include destruction from January–February 2026.

“Damage in 2025 alone reached $64 billion. The pace of destruction has more than doubled.

Russia caused the greatest damage to housing, transport and logistics infrastructure, and the energy sector.

This report provides internationally recognized damage estimates. They can be used in reconstruction planning and in future claims against the aggressor state.

The report also outlines potential sources of recovery financing and estimates that about 40% could come from the private sector.

Together with the World Bank, we are moving to the next stage and developing a model for the Economy of the Future.

We launched it last year. It is a long-term development model for the coming years, defining the necessary steps, funding sources, and reforms to build a strong economy and coordinate the actions of the government and all partners.

Our task is not only to rebuild what was destroyed, but to create a more resilient economy and ensure the state’s long-term sustainability.”

🔸 Today marks exactly four years since Putin started his three-day push to take Kyiv. And that says a great deal about our resistance, about how Ukraine has fought all this time. Behind those words stand millions of our people, immense courage, incredibly hard work, endurance, and the long path Ukraine has been pursuing since February 24.

Looking back at the beginning of the invasion and reflecting on today, we have every right to say: we have defended our independence, we have not lost our statehood; Putin has not achieved his goals. He has not broken Ukrainians; he has not won this war. We have preserved Ukraine, and we will do everything to secure peace and justice. Glory to Ukraine!

❗️A meeting of the “coalition of the willing” and the summit “Ukraine – the States of Northern Europe and the Baltics” will take place in Kyiv today, presidential spokesman Serhii Nykyforov said.

Arrivals in the capital include António Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, as well as the leaders of Croatia, Estonia, Latvia, Iceland, Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.

Kyiv Post:

⚡️ Russia is waging war not only with missiles, but also by recruiting people through social media and inciting arson and terrorist attacks, Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said.

He noted that police recently thwarted a series of planned high-profile killings, adding that the recent attack on law enforcement officers in Lviv shows continued efforts to destabilize Ukraine.

⚡️ On the eve of the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, beams of remembrance were lit at honorary burial sites across Lviv.

In cemeteries throughout the community, people gathered for prayer and lit candles in memory of the fallen.

⚡️ On the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, European leaders also arrived in Kyiv:

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenković and Foreign Minister Gordan Grlić-Radman
Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Siliņa
Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir
Finnish President Alexander Stubb
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre

⚡️ Thousands gathered in cities across Europe and the United States to mark four years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine — rallying in solidarity and calling for continued support for Kyiv.

Kyiv Independent:

⚡️ Exclusive: Mounting concern in Brussels over Ukraine’s reform backslide

As Ukraine pushes for a fast-tracked entry to the EU, senior European officials say they are worried about progress on key reforms needed to secure the country’s European aspirations.

Ukraine failed to complete 11 reforms in the last three months of 2025 required to unlock European funds, according to RRR4U, a consortium of Ukrainian think tanks, and is on track to miss more reforms in the first three months of 2026 — putting a total of five billion euros ($5.8 billion) of EU funding at risk.

⚡️Ukraine could have contract army if European partners helped with funding, Zelensky says.

"The same thing (Vladimir) Putin is doing: he pays each person money for a contract. We want this as well, but we do not have enough funds," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

⚡️ Ukraine signals new talks with Russia on Feb. 26–27, Kremlin yet to confirm.

"We are in the process of preparing," the President's Office head Kyrylo Budanov said.

⚡️Update: Ukrainian drones strike 'critical' Druzhba oil pipeline hub in Russia's Tatarstan, SBU source confirms.

Six explosions rocked the Kaleykino oil pumping station near Almetyevsk, triggering a large fire, an undisclosed source in the agency told the Kyiv Independent.

⚡️Ukraine strikes logistics warehouse, ammunition depot, other military targets in Russian-occupied territories, General Staff says.

Ukrainian forces struck four Russian military targets on the occupied Crimean Peninsula and in the occupied parts of Donetsk and Mykolaiv oblasts, the General Staff said on Feb. 23.

⚡️ EU's 'powerful signal' to Russia stalls as Hungary blocks 20th sanctions package ahead of war anniversary.

"This is a setback and a message we didn't want to send today," EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said.

Budapest also blocked a planned 90 billion euro ($107 billion) EU loan for Kyiv.

⚡️Anti-graft agency detains Ukrainian security official as inter-agency conflict reignites.

The National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) said on Feb. 23 that it had detained a Security Service (SBU) employee in what appears to be the continuation of a long-running conflict between the two agencies.

The NABU said it had detained an employee of the Security Service's Kyiv branch and charged him with receiving a $68,000 bribe from two people. The employee was allegedly bribed for removing them from military enlistment officers' wanted lists and arranging a fake deferment from conscription.

⚡️NGOs urge Ukrainian government to drop peace deal referendum idea.

"The attempt to impose the legitimization of peace agreements on Ukrainians through a referendum is unlawful and unacceptable, contradicts Ukraine's Constitution and laws, and threatens the national interests of our state," the statement read.

⚡️ After 4 years of war, it's time to Ukrainize Europe

"Not NATO, but Ukraine has become the cornerstone of EU security in 2026," writes Andriy Lyubka, Ukrainian poet, essayist, and translator, in this op-ed.

"In this rather bizarre way, Ukraine's true European integration is already taking place. The documents have yet to be signed, but in practice, we are integrated into the European Union on many levels. And if the EU wishes to survive and strengthen itself as a geopolitical actor, it has to integrate Ukraine. To be more precise, it must mutually integrate with Ukraine."

⚡️ 'No coincidence' — Explosion in Mykolaiv injures 7 police officers, day after terrorist attack in Lviv.

"The enemy is deliberately trying to kill Ukrainian police officers who stand guard every day," the chief of Ukraine's National Police, said.

⚡️ Slovakia threatens to cut power supplies to Ukraine unless oil imports resume

Slovakia will cut power supplies to Ukraine unless oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline resumes, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico said on Feb. 23.

However, a Ukrainian official told the Kyiv Independent that Kyiv would still be able to import emergency electricity supplies from Slovakia despite Fico's announcement.

⚡️ Exclusive: Whistleblower confirms details of death, torture in Brazilian-led foreign fighter unit in Ukraine

A former member of Advanced Company, a Brazilian-led foreign fighter unit operating under Ukraine’s military intelligence (HUR), has come forward on the record to corroborate details of a recent Kyiv Independent investigation into the death of 23-year-old recruit Bruno Gabriel Leal da Silva at the unit’s base in Kyiv late last year.

Daniel Santos Reis told the Kyiv Independent the unit regularly used beatings and torture as "discipline," and that a beating preceded the death of Leal da Silva.

⚡️ Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant left with just 22 reactor operators, far below safety levels

Nearly four years after Russia occupied the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, thousands of employees have fled or gone into hiding — leaving just 22 licensed nuclear specialists where hundreds are needed to run the plant safely, a representative of Ukraine's state-run nuclear firm Energoatom said at a briefing in Kyiv organized by Legal Action Worldwide on Feb. 23.

⚡️Moscow police vehicle targeted in blast at major railway station, 1 officer killed.

An explosion at Moscow's Savyolovsky railway station square killed one traffic police officer and wounded another on Feb. 23, according to Russia's Interior Ministry.

The incident in the Russian capital occurred on the same day that law enforcement facilities across Ukraine were targeted in a series of blasts.

⚡️Explosion during ammunition demonstration injures two students at Dnipro school.

An explosion occurred at a school in the city of Dnipro on Feb. 23 during a classroom demonstration of ammunition, injuring two children, according to regional police.

⚡️Zelensky warns Belarus can no longer deny involvement as Russian drone systems operate there, says peaceful relations depend on free leadership and pro-EU future.

President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Feb. 23 in an interview with Belarusian independent outlet Dzerkalo that Russia has deployed Shahed drone repeaters in Belarus to help coordinate attacks on Ukraine, noting that Minsk can no longer deny responsibility.

Looking beyond the war, Zelensky said he hopes relations between Kyiv and Minsk can eventually normalize under democratic change.

⚡️ No red carpets for Russia: The danger of normalizing aggression

“There is only one path to lasting peace. Russia must end its aggression, withdraw forces from Ukraine’s sovereign territory, and respect internationally recognized borders. Only then can normal relations resume. Until that moment, there can be no return to normal,” writes Baiba Braze, Foreign Minister of Latvia, in this op-ed.

⚡️ Ukraine proposes 'doable solutions' in Druzhba oil dispute as tensions with Hungary escalate.

"We demand Budapest stop dragging Ukraine into Hungary's domestic politics," Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said.

⚡️ Editorial: This war can last another 4 years – but it doesn’t have to

The next chapter of this war is not predetermined.

It can be another four years of hesitation, incrementalism, and tens of thousands more Ukrainian graves.

Or it can be the chapter in which the West finally decides that managing the war is no longer enough — and chooses instead to help Ukraine end Russia’s aggression once and for all.

⚡️ At least 3 killed, 28 injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over the past day.

Russia launched 133 drones and an Iskander-M ballistic missile at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said.

Thank you very much @DesdamonasHandkerchief another day is helpful! Ill take over tomorrow then =)

@ReleaseTheDucksOfWar

'Anyone who runs is shot': Watch Russian soldiers describe killings of troops who refuse orders
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/cx2rql99rwxo

[Edited to add link to fuller article with same video:]
Russian soldiers tell BBC they saw fellow troops executed on commanders' orders
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cz7gw3l395ro

UK announces biggest sanctions package against Russia four years on from full-scale invasion of Ukraine

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-announces-biggest-sanctions-package-against-russia-four-yearson-from-full-scale-invasionof-ukraine

Welcome back @ReleaseTheDucksOfWar hope you had a relaxing break.

Thank you to all who continue to post daily updates and comments. You are all very much appreciated. 4 years on and here we still are…

@ReleaseTheDucksOfWar definitely deserves plaudits for the lions share over the last few years. Hopefully in a year, we will ve able to discuss the peace.

I hope you had a fabulous break.

Heroiam slava!

Ukraine remembers its dead as war enters a fifth year
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/clyg7r3nd3ko

Absolutely @ReleaseTheDucksOfWar you're the best!

BBC2 tonight (Tue 24 Feb) at 21:00: "The Zero Line: Inside Russia's War".
Russian soldiers and civilians filming in secret, contains violent and disturbing scenes.

Repeated Wed 25 Feb at 23:30.

Four years into the three day special military operation, and Ukraine remains unbowed. Made a Ukrainian armed forces donation in honour of the day, I trust they'll use it well. Slava Ukraini.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-23-2026/

Key Takeaways

1. Kremlin officials used the February 23 Defender of the Fatherland Day holiday to set conditions to mitigate any domestic backlash that may result from limited rolling reserve involuntary callups in the future.
2. Putin is setting conditions to offset the significant financial issues that any future limited involuntary reserve callup would cause.
3. Ukrainian forces continue to liberate territory in southern Ukraine.
4. Ukrainian officials have offered differing assessments of control of terrain in southern Ukraine, in large part reflecting the tactical intricacies of the current frontline situation.
5. Russia is strengthening its ability to collect intelligence and disrupt enemy satellite communications, which may bolster its strategic capabilities in the event of a future potential confrontation with NATO.
6. Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Kupyansk and Oleksandrivka. Russian forces recently advanced in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

The United Kingdom and Australia have introduced their largest sanctions packages against Russia in four years.
🇬🇧 The new UK sanctions cover nearly 300 individuals and companies of the RF. "Transneft," through which over 80% of Russian oil exports are transported, became a key target.
The sanctions also affected 175 companies of the 2Rivers network — one of the world's largest operators of the shadow fleet — and 48 oil tankers.
🇦🇺 Australia's new sanctions are directed against 180 individuals, companies, and shadow fleet vessels associated with Russia. Additionally, the country introduced restrictions for the first time regarding cryptocurrency organizations that conduct cross-border payments to bypass sanctions against the RF.

Explosions occurred overnight in the Smolensk region of the Russian Federation locals report that the "Dorogobuzh" chemical plant was under attack.
This plant in the RF produces ammonium nitrate, which is used in the manufacturing of explosives.

⚡️Representatives of Ukraine and the United States will meet on February 26, with the primary topic of discussion being an aid package for Ukraine's recovery, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

🇺🇸The United States aims to conclude a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia by July 4 — the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, Bloomberg writes.
However, European officials and NATO representatives are skeptical of such a deadline. Sources told the publication that there are currently no signs that Putin is ready to conclude a deal that does not satisfy his demands.

🇪🇺🇵🇱Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski stated that Ukraine's accession to the EU requires a realistic assessment of the readiness of both Kyiv and the bloc itself, and expressed doubt regarding the feasibility of fixing 2027 as the accession date.

🇪🇺🇭🇺The EU will present a plan for a total phase-out of Russian oil on April 15 — three days after the elections in Hungary, Bloomberg writes, citing a document reviewed by journalists.
Hungary and Slovakia are the only EU countries that continue to import Russian oil. Currently, the opposition "Tisza" party is leading the polls for the Hungarian parliamentary elections.
Details of the oil ban are not yet known, but the European Commission previously stated that the phased-in cessation must be completed no later than the end of 2027.

Over the course of 4 years of the full-scale invasion, Air Defense Forces have destroyed over 140,000 aerial targets. In particular, nearly 45,000 Shaheds and 300 ballistic missiles.
The Air Force reports the destruction of:
▪️86 Kh-47 M2 "Kinzhal" aeroballistic missiles
▪️709 "Kalibr" cruise missiles
▪️2,459 Kh-101 cruise missiles
▪️13 Kh-22/Kh-32 cruise missiles
▪️12 "Oniks" anti-ship missiles
▪️261 "Iskander-K" cruise missiles
▪️274 "Iskander-M/KN-23" ballistic missiles
▪️11 "Zircon" anti-ship missiles
▪️540 guided aircraft missiles
▪️44,700 "Shahed" type strike UAVs
▪️14,900 reconnaissance UAVs
▪️7,500 "Lancet" UAVs
▪️70,300 other types of UAVs
Over the 4 years, Defense Forces aviation has destroyed 9,000 aerial targets and struck command posts, logistics facilities, and areas of enemy manpower and equipment concentration.

Russians are actively buying real estate near military facilities in European countries. These properties could be used for espionage and the preparation of sabotage, writes The Telegraph, citing Western intelligence.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

A large package of air defense missiles arrived in Ukraine two days ago, including PAC-2 and PAC-3 interceptors for the Patriot system — Zelensky

Ukraine’s Western allies MUST ramp up “military, financial and humanitarian aid” (www.kyivpost.com/post/70661) if Kyiv is to prevail against Russia, NATO chief Mark Rutte warned.
“This support is essential. Ukraine needs more, because a promise of help does not end the war. Ukraine needs ammunition today and every day until the bloodshed stops.”

Putin’s spokesman Peskov said Russia has NOT FULLY achieved its objectives in Ukraine (www.kyivpost.com/post/70673) and will continue pursuing them.

Ukraine‘s Defense Minister Fedorov has outlined a three-point strategy against Russia, (www.kyivpost.com/post/70677) aimed at securing the skies, strengthening the frontlines, and cutting Moscow’s access to war funds.

4 Years of Russia’s Full-Scale War Against Ukraine – Some Takeaways (www.kyivpost.com/opinion/70629)
Incredible to think that Putin has been allowed for so long to get away his barbaric imperialistic war against Ukraine and destruction of the international order.

Zelensky was met with a standing ovation in the European Parliament (www.kyivpost.com/post/70754) on Tuesday as he addressed MEPs by video on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Thanking lawmakers for their “consistent support,” the Ukrainian leader urged the EU to press ahead with major decisions — including a €90 billion financial package to shore up Kyiv’s war effort.

Ukraine launches “Kill Zone” simulator to teach public how to identify Russian military hardware on the battlefield. (www.kyivpost.com/post/70570)
Developed by the country’s Unmanned Systems Forces, the game uses real battlefield imagery and guides players on how to spot hidden equipment and recognize key signs of enemy presence.

Thousands of Georgians took part in a Georgia–Ukraine Friendship March in Tbilisi [yesterday].
Participants gathered near the Ukrainian embassy and plan to march to the Georgian parliament.

The bestselling author Stephen King expressed his support for Ukrainians on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion as part of the Ukraine WOW initiative. https://t.me/Kyivpost_official/34927

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Russia is buying up real estate near military bases in Europe, reports The Telegraph.

European intelligence agencies say individuals linked to Moscow are purchasing houses, warehouses, land plots, and even islands near military facilities and critical infrastructure. These include areas close to airbases, naval ports, submarine cable routes, and energy sites.
According to sources, some of these properties could be used for surveillance or as potential sabotage sites in the event of a crisis. It is possible that equipment has already been installed at some locations.
Examples cited by intelligence services include:
▫️ An island in Finland equipped with piers, a helipad, and surveillance systems;
▫️ Property near F-35 bases and naval facilities in Norway;
▫️ Real estate linked to the Russian Orthodox Church near strategic sites in Scandinavia;
▫️ Suspicious acquisitions near British and Mediterranean military assets.
European capitals believe this may be part of a broader hybrid strategy and preparation for possible operations.

🔥 Russian Transneft reduced oil intake by about 250,000 barrels per day after an attack on an oil pumping station in Tatarstan, Reuters reports.
Supplies from Tatneft were affected the most. Kaleykino is a key hub with capacity of up to 1 million barrels per day. It ensures transportation of oil from Western Siberia to the ports of Novorossiysk and Primorsk, as well as to the Druzhba pipeline and Russian refineries.
According to Reuters sources, two tanks with a capacity of 50,000 tons caught fire as a result of the attack.

The total need for Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction amounts to $588 billion, according to Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, citing the RDNA5 report presented jointly by the World Bank, the Government of Ukraine, the European Commission, and the UN.
The assessment reflects data as of the end of December 2025 and does not include destruction from January–February 2026.
“Damage in 2025 alone reached $64 billion. The pace of destruction has more than doubled.
Russia caused the greatest damage to housing, transport and logistics infrastructure, and the energy sector.
This report provides internationally recognized damage estimates. They can be used in reconstruction planning and in future claims against the aggressor state.
The report also outlines potential sources of recovery financing and estimates that about 40% could come from the private sector.[...]"

As Europe's most brutal war reaches its 4th year, we're launching Sky Defense — a lasting fundraiser for air defenses to protect Ukraine from terrorist russia.
We're raising funds for drones, electronic warfare devices, vehicles for mobile air defense units, and everything that can help intercept russian weapons.
From now on, you can now become a monthly supporter of the Sky Defense program, helping Ukraine on a regular basis. russia tries to subdue Ukrainians with terror. And yet, Ukraine stands strong. Against all odds. Against thousands of missiles and drones.
Stand with Ukraine. Protect Ukraine’s sky. Help Ukraine withstand this war: u24.gov.ua/sky-defense?utm_source=telegram&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=sky-defense&utm_content=u24-media (https://www.google.com/url?q=u24.gov.ua/sky-defense?utm_source%3Dtelegram%26utm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_campaign%3Dsky-defense%26utm_content%3Du24-media&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1771943920826126&usg=AOvVaw0PlWTlqJQy6qAnikml_kRR)

The UN General Assembly, on the anniversary of the start of the full-scale war, adopted the resolution initiated by Kyiv, “Supporting a Lasting Peace in Ukraine.” The United States abstained.

“We appreciate the readiness of the Nordic and Baltic countries to continue supporting Ukraine — at least €12.5 billion in defense assistance this year and no less than €918 million to strengthen energy resilience.

🤔 “Hungary and Slovakia have an alternative.” European Council President António Costa announced Ukraine’s plan to restore the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Speaking in Kyiv, Costa said an agreement had been reached for Ukraine to assess the work needed to restore the damaged pipeline. The EU, he noted, should support its member states in resolving such issues.
He stressed that Hungary and Slovakia have alternative oil supply routes, including via the Adriatic pipeline from Croatia.

🇰🇵 Kim Jong-un has appointed his 13-year-old daughter to a senior position in North Korea’s missile department, which oversees the country’s nuclear forces, Newsweek reports. [well that's a bit different from planning to sneak out late with your friends and party]

Canada will provide $2 billion in military assistance to Ukraine for the 2026–2027 fiscal year, continuing its support and helping equip the Armed Forces of Ukraine, said David McGuinty.
Ottawa will deliver more than 400 armored vehicles, including 66 LAV 6 armored combat vehicles produced by General Dynamics and 383 Senator armored vehicles manufactured by Roshel.
McGuinty also announced the extension of Operation UNIFIER for three more years, until 2029. Under this mission, the Canadian Armed Forces provide training and capacity building for the Ukrainian military. The updated mandate increases the number of deployed Canadian personnel, allowing greater flexibility and a faster response to Ukraine’s operational needs. [...] The new measures increase economic pressure on Russia by targeting energy revenues, financial intermediaries including cryptocurrency infrastructure, and weakening both traditional and hybrid military capabilities, including artificial intelligence systems and drone production.

Former Prime Minister of Finland Sanna Marin received the Order of Princess Olga, 1st Class, in Kyiv.
Marin arrived in the capital on the fourth anniversary of the invasion. The award was presented by Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Ihor Zhovkva.

The composer of the film "2000 Meters to Andriivka" has been nominated for the 2026 Composer’s Choice Awards.
American composer Sam Slater is up for Best Music for a Documentary Film.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights (picking up from noon yesterday)

⚡️Russian strike temporarily delayed (kyivindependent.com/russian-strike-temporarily-delayed-production-of-ukraines-flamingo-missiles-zelensky-says/) Flamingo missile production, Zelensky says.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said a Russian strike on a Ukrainian defense manufacturing facility temporarily delayed the rollout of Ukraine's domestically produced long-range Flamingo cruise missiles.

⚡️US abstains from UN vote (kyivindependent.com/us-abstains-from-un-vote-on-lasting-peace-in-ukraine-on-4th-anniversary-of-war/) on 'lasting peace in Ukraine' on 4th anniversary of war.
"Is not missing children, shelling of cities, and the killing of innocents enough? It is not a business deal — it is war," former Special Envoy Keith Kellogg said in a scathing post after the U.S. declined to support the resolution.

⚡️US, Ukraine to hold talks in Geneva (kyivindependent.com/us-ukraine-to-hold-talks-in-geneva-feb-26-trump-envoy-says/) Feb. 26, Trump envoy says.
Witkoff said he would meet with Ukraine's security chief Rustem Umerov on Feb. 26, though the primary purpose of his visit would be negotiations with Iran.

⚡️ Update: Russia says Ukraine's alleged efforts to obtain nuclear arms will impact peace process (kyivindependent.com/medvedev-threatens-nuclear-strikes-against-ukraine-uk-france/).
Top Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov also said that Moscow would brief Washington on the alleged plan.
The comments come after Russian intelligence accused France and the U.K. of seeking to provide Kyiv with nuclear weapons.

⚡️ Update: Ukraine, UK deny (kyivindependent.com/medvedev-threatens-nuclear-strikes-against-ukraine-uk-france/) Russia’s claims of planned nuclear arms transfer.
"There is no truth in this," a U.K. defense official told the Kyiv Independent. "Four years into a war he thought he would win in a week, this is a desperate attempt by Putin to distract from his failures."

⚡️ Russia warns of possible Black Sea pipeline sabotage (kyivindependent.com/russia-warns-of-possible-black-sea-pipeline-sabotage/) plots, claims threat to peace talks.
Moscow has previously cited alleged Ukrainian sabotage or attacks as grounds for escalating tensions.

⚡️In rare strike, Ukraine uses ATACMS (kyivindependent.com/in-rare-strike-ukraine-uses-atacams-to-hit-russian-command-posts/) to hit Russian command posts.
The last confirmed use of ATACMS by Ukrainian forces ⚡️was reported on Nov. 18.

⚡️ UK exempts Druzhba pipeline (kyivindependent.com/uk-exempts-druzhba-oil-pipeline-from-russia-sanctions-amid-hungary-ukraine-row/) as it unveils its biggest Russia sanctions package, document shows.
London unveiled nearly 300 new sanctions to mark the war's anniversary, aiming primarily at Russia's oil exports, a key revenue stream helping Moscow fund its all-out invasion.

⚡️As Russia rained missiles on Ukrainian cities last fall, US issued warning to Kyiv (kyivindependent.com/as-russia-rained-missiles-on-ukrainian-cities-last-fall-us-issued-warning-to-kyiv-over-drone-strike-on-black-sea-port-ambassador-says/) over Black Sea drone strike, ambassador says.
The U.S. State Department warned Ukraine in November 2025 that its strike on Russia's Novorossiysk port threatened American economic interests, Ukrainian Ambassador to the U.S. Olha Stefanishyna said on Feb. 24.
The notice came amid Russia's aerial assault against Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure, which escalated as temperatures plunged.

⚡️ Most of Ukraine remains exposed (kyivindependent.com/most-of-ukraine-remains-exposed-to-russian-ballistic-missiles-zelensky-says) to Russian ballistic missiles, Zelensky says
[He] said that about 80% of Ukraine's territory lacks protection against Russian ballistic missiles, highlighting Kyiv's continued need for additional air defense systems.

⚡️ Update: Zelensky says Orban should seek energy ceasefire (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-proposes-doable-solutions-in-druzhba-oil-dispute/) in Ukraine to protect Druzhba pipeline.
"Orban should talk to Putin, perhaps about an energy ceasefire or something similar," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

⚡️ Medvedev threatens (kyivindependent.com/medvedev-threatens-nuclear-strikes-against-ukraine-uk-france/) UK, France with nuclear strikes after Ukraine arms transfer allegations.
Medvedev's threats follow claims by Russian intelligence that Paris and London are working to provide Ukraine with nuclear arms and delivery systems to "secure more favorable terms" in negotiations.

⚡️ 2 Ukrainians detained for registering Starlink terminals for Russian soldiers for 'easy money (kyivindependent.com/2-ukrainians-detained-for-registering-starlink-terminals-for-russian-soldiers-for-easy-money/).'

'You can't turn off your emotion' — Inside a Ukrainian morgue (kyivindependent.com/you-cant-turn-off-your-emotion-inside-a-ukrainian-morgue-as-war-deaths-mount/) as war deaths mount
Four years into Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, experts at the Kharkiv Oblast forensic medical bureau — the oldest in Ukraine and founded in 1797 — continue to work tirelessly in what they see as their battle to bring justice to Ukrainians killed by Russia's war.
Overstretched by the sheer volume of corpses from the battlefield or from indiscriminate Russian attacks on civilian areas, in addition to bodies from non-war-related deaths, the experts are coping with the stress day to day.

Ukraine peace referendum idea ‘unlawful’, NGOs urge Zelensky to reconsider plan (kyivindependent.com/ngos-call-on-ukraines-government-to-drop-peace-deal-referendum-idea/)
Around 50 civil society groups in Ukraine have called on the authorities to abandon the idea of approving a potential peace deal with Russia through a referendum, according to a statement published by Ukrainian media watchdog Detector Media on Feb. 23.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 3h
⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — FEB 25, 2026
■ Casualties exceed 1k, but land-based equipment losses are below average; no territorial gains confirmed
■ New on front page: Less drone activity but increased shelling
■ Overnight 🇷🇺 attacks: 115 drones; 83% intercepted, 11 locations affected ■ Only one 🇺🇦 strike reported; 30-day 🇷🇺/🇺🇦 strike ratio below 20x

From UNITED24 Media Today

The war in Ukraine has created an environmental paradox: industrial and transport emissions have decreased, but pollution has risen due to explosions, fires, and the widespread use of diesel generators, the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine reports.

Ukrainian scientists conducted the world’s first comprehensive study of how a full-scale war affects air quality — from the immediate impact of missile strikes to long-term nationwide changes.

The findings were published in the international journal Environmental Science and Pollution Research (Q1).

What the study found:

▫️ After missile and drone attacks, pollutant concentrations near monitoring stations increased on average by 100–400%, and in some cases by more than 1,000%.

▫️ In the long term, the situation proved paradoxical. In large cities and industrial regions, some pollution indicators decreased due to destroyed enterprises, reduced transport activity, and changes in the energy sector.

▫️ Data from the Sentinel-5 Precursor satellite showed an overall decrease in NO₂ levels by 10–30% in major cities and along the front line.

▫️ However, this is not an environmental improvement. It reflects destruction, losses, and economic shutdown.

▫️ Short but sharp pollution spikes after shelling may pose the greatest danger.

The results are important not only for science. They can help document the environmental consequences of Russian aggression, support claims for international compensation, and shape strategies for post-war reconstruction and modernization of air quality management.

Welcome back to Ducks.

I am posting this just for a little light relief.

My DH recently produced the following, which he claims is an Old Finnish Carol (hah!)

"Christmas is coming. The snow is on the heights.
Please put a Russian in the old man’s sights.
If you haven’t got a Russian, a Nazi will do.
If you haven’t got a Nazi, God bless you."

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-24-2026/

Key Takeaways

1. The fifth year of Russia’s invasion is not beginning well for Moscow. Recent Ukrainian successes on the battlefield disprove Russian claims that things can only get worse for Ukraine the longer Kyiv delays surrendering to Russian demands.
2. Events on the battlefield refute Moscow’s claims that a Russian battlefield victory is inevitable and that Ukraine should surrender to Russia’s demands before its position deteriorates further.
3. Putin’s invasion of Ukraine enters its fifth year with Russia having failed to achieve any of its original war aims and facing setbacks on the battlefield amid mounting casualties.
4. Russia’s challenges on and off the battlefield are forcing Kremlin leadership to make difficult decisions to sustain its war effort, as ISW has long forecasted that it would have to do.
5. The Kremlin is attempting to divert attention on the anniversary away from the Russian military’s inability to achieve Putin’s objectives.
6. The Kremlin is using the SVR claims to relitigate its justifications for the war that it initiated, which has now lasted longer than the Soviet Union’s participation in World War II without accomplishing any of the Kremlin’s original aims.
7. Russia is also using the SVR’s claim as an excuse to threaten the UK and France with potential nuclear strikes, likely in order to disrupt ongoing discussions about Western security guarantees for Ukraine.
8. The Kremlin may additionally be planning to blame Ukraine for a Russian-generated radiological incident in Ukraine, possibly to convince the West to abandon Ukraine or as a further attempt to break Ukrainian will to continue to resist.
9. The SVR claim is also part of a wider Kremlin effort to justify future limited involuntary reserve callups, which are likely to be highly unpopular at home.
10. Ukrainian forces advanced in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area. Russian forces recently advanced in northern Sumy Oblast and near Slovyansk.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Hungary deploys soldiers to protect energy (kyivindependent.com/hungary-deploys-soldiers-to-protect-energy-infrastructure/) infrastructure citing Ukrainian threat.
"I see that Ukraine is preparing further actions aimed at disrupting the operation of Hungary's energy system," Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban claimed.

⚡️4 Ukrainian defense companies sign partnership deals (kyivindependent.com/4-ukrainian-defense-companies-sign-partnership-deals-with-european-allies-valued-at-nearly-950-million/) with European allies valued at nearly $950 million.
"We are expanding joint production of drones to defend against Russian attacks today and to defend and deter in the future," President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an X post on Feb. 25.

⚡️1st Ukrainian drone factory starts production (kyivindependent.com/first-ukrainian-drone-factory-starts-production-in-uk-zaluzhnyi-says/) in UK, Zaluzhnyi says.
Ukraine's Ambassador to the U.K., Valerii Zaluzhnyi, said that the launch of production by the Ukrainian drone company Ukrspecsystems in the U.K. has "a deep strategic logic" for integration into the British defense industry.

⚡️Zelensky, Trump hold phone call (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-trump-hold-phone-call-ahead-of-ukraine-us-talks-in-geneva/) ahead of Ukraine-US talks in Geneva.
The two leaders spoke a day before Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council Secretary Rustem Umerov is set to meet U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's adviser Jared Kushner in Geneva on Feb. 26.

⚡️ Kremlin dampens Witkoff's hopes for early Putin-Zelensky meeting. (https://kyivindependent.com/kremlin-dampens-witkoffs-hopes-for-early-putin-zelensky-meeting/)

⚡️Suspect in murder of top Ukrainian ex-official arrested (kyivindependent.com/suspect-in-murder-of-top-ukrainian-ex-official-arrested-in-germany/) in Germany.
The suspect in the murder of former Ukrainian top official Andriy Portnov was arrested in the German town of Heinsberg, Spanish National Police reported on Feb. 25.

While global attention is divided, the largest displacement crisis in Europe is deepening (https://kyivindependent.com/while-global-attention-is-divided-the-largest-displacement-crisis-in-europe-is-deepening/)

⚡️ Corruption exposed (kyivindependent.com/corruption-exposed-in-aircraft-shelter-project-air-force-logistics-commander-sbu-official-detained/) in aircraft shelter project, Air Force logistics commander, SBU official detained.
The suspects were caught "red-handed" while trying to illegally transfer money.

How big are the real Russian, Ukrainian losses? ()
The Kyiv Independent’s Chris York speaks with Olha Polishchuk, a conflict data analyst who tracks military and civilian deaths in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
She explains how both sides report enemy losses but not their own, the limits of tracking government-provided data, and why verifying battlefield deaths remains one of the most difficult aspects of documenting war.

Explainer: How Russia uses false allegations to sabotage Ukraine peace talks
(kyivindependent.com/russia-uses-false-allegations-to-sabotage-ukraine-peace-talks/)
Every time negotiations between Russia, Ukraine, and the U.S. appear to gain momentum, Moscow introduces a new allegation — drone attacks, assassination attempts, nuclear plots, sabotage — that threatens to stall or derail the process.
Ukrainian officials and Western analysts say the pattern is no coincidence.

⚡️Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kryvyi Rih report (kyivindependent.com/explosions-reported-in-kyiv-other-ukrainian-cities-as-russia-launches-combined-missile-and-drone-attack/) casualties, fires, and building damages after overnight Russian attack.
In Kharkiv Oblast, at least 14 people were injured after a large-scale attack involving drones and missiles struck multiple districts of the city and nearby areas.
In Zaporizhzhia, one person was killed and seven were reported injured, while strikes in Kryvyi Rih wounded two elderly residents.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 48m
⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — FEB 26, 2026
■ Relatively low equipment losses, the highest casualties since Jan 16; no territorial gains confirmed
■ Shelling & MLRS strikes above the 7-day average (but still well below the longer-term average)
■ Overnight 🇷🇺 attacks: 420 drones, 39 missiles; 88% intercepted, 47 locations affected
■ Five 🇺🇦 strikes reported; 30-day 🇷🇺/🇺🇦 strike ratio at 20x