War
KAAN unveiled two new prototypes: what has changed in the fighter jet and why Iron Bird is needed
The Turkish KAAN fighter jet has received two new platforms, which were presented to the public for the first time. In addition to the P1 prototype for basic flight tests, TUSAŞ has prepared the Iron Bird ground complex, where critical aircraft systems will be tested in parallel with the flights of two prototypes in 2026.
China increased purchases of Russian oil in January, India reduced imports: intelligence reports shadow fleet activity
In January 2026, China increased its imports of Russian oil through the so-called shadow fleet, while India significantly reduced its purchases. Overall, exports of raw materials from Russia by sea decreased by more than 1.4 million tonnes compared to December.
In Volyn, military personnel from the district TSC were detained for demanding $4,000 to "resolve" mobilisation issues.
In the Volyn region, law enforcement officers exposed two servicemen from the district territorial centre for recruitment and social support who are suspected of extorting unlawful benefits for influencing mobilisation procedures. The total amount they allegedly requested for their services was $4,000.
Drones attacked Crimea and rear facilities of the Russian Federation: explosions in Belbek, strikes by the Special Operations Forces and the Security Service of Ukraine, and fires in Mariupol and at a chemical plant.
On the night of 17 February, the temporarily occupied Crimea was subjected to a massive drone attack, while the Defence Forces continued to strike military and energy infrastructure belonging to the Russian Federation and the occupiers in the captured territories. There were reports of explosions at airfields, fires at Russian bases, and strikes on facilities that provide logistics and revenue for the Russian budget.
Western intelligence: Wagner network recruits Europeans for sabotage in NATO countries
Former recruiters and propagandists for Russia's Wagner Group have become one of the Kremlin's key tools for organising sabotage in Europe. Western intelligence agencies say this is a systematic campaign of sabotage aimed at undermining support for Ukraine and destabilising NATO societies.
The third round of negotiations between Ukraine, the United States and Russia has begun in Geneva: security, humanitarian issues and territories are being discussed.
On 17 February, the third round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, the United States and Russia began in Geneva. The meetings are being held behind closed doors, and the parties are preparing to continue their work on 18 February.
Germany has provided Ukraine with €94 billion in support since the start of the full-scale war.
The German government has stated that it considers a strong, democratic and sovereign Ukraine to be key to the security of Germany itself, and therefore continues to consistently support Kyiv. According to Berlin's estimates, since 24 February 2022, Germany has provided or secured approximately €39 billion in bilateral civilian aid and approximately €55 billion in military support to Ukraine.
Trump promised support for Israeli strikes on Iran's missile programme if negotiations fail
During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump stated that he is prepared to support Israeli strikes against Iran's ballistic missile programme if Washington and Tehran fail to reach an agreement. Against the backdrop of negotiations, the US is considering the possibility of providing military assistance to Israel and is increasing its presence in the region.
Russia increasingly reliant on foreign mercenaries due to heavy losses on the front line
Russia is stepping up its recruitment of foreigners for the war against Ukraine, as its losses exceed the rate of army replenishment. According to estimates by Western officials, the total losses of the Russian Federation during the full-scale war have already exceeded 1.2 million people killed and wounded.
The Czech "shell initiative" delivered approximately 4.4 million large-calibre ammunition rounds to Ukraine.
Czech President Petr Pavel said that attempts at corruption were recorded during the implementation of the Czech initiative to purchase ammunition for Ukraine, but no significant violations or evidence of non-transparent procurement were found.
Petreus: Without tougher US sanctions, Russia will not engage in serious negotiations, and guarantees for Ukraine must be rock solid
Former CIA Director David Petraeus said that real progress in negotiations to end the war is only possible if the US and EU exert much stronger economic pressure on Russia, primarily by restricting the Kremlin's oil revenues.
Defence forces struck a communications hub and UAV control centre in TOT, and an oil refinery caught fire in Kuban.
Ukrainian military forces struck a number of Russian military targets in the temporarily occupied territories, hitting areas where personnel were concentrated, a communications hub, and a drone control centre. Meanwhile, a fire was reported at an oil refinery in the Krasnodar Krai region of the Russian Federation.
