Summary of the Day:
Russian forces advanced in several key areas, securing positions near Toretsk, Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Velyka Novosilka. Simultaneously, Ukrainian forces conducted strategic drone strikes targeting Russian energy facilities that supply the Russian military.
The Kremlin maintained an uncompromising diplomatic position, demanding Ukraine cede additional territory in eastern and southern regions and disband its military. Moscow explicitly rejected European participation in peace negotiations ahead of the February 18 Russia-US bilateral meeting in Saudi Arabia, though notably, the Russian delegation in Riyadh lacks a key member of Putin’s inner circle who was expected to attend.
Reports indicate Russian commanders are ordering the execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war on the frontline, while occupation authorities continue violating the Geneva Convention by forcibly conscripting civilians in occupied Ukraine into the Russian military. In a separate development, Russia is reportedly finalizing an agreement with Syria’s interim government to maintain a reduced military presence in the country.
Picture of the Day:
Ukrainian soldiers of the 117th Brigade fire D-30 artillery in the direction of Pokrovsk, Ukraine. (Herrera Carcedo / Anadolu via Getty Images)
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
Russia is reportedly negotiating with Syria’s interim government to maintain a reduced military presence in the country following former President Bashar al-Assad’s December fall from power. The potential deal would allow Russia to retain its strategic Hmeimim Airbase and naval base at Tartus, while Russian forces have withdrawn from other positions now occupied by the Syrian interim government and US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF). During a February 12 call between Syrian Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Russian President Vladimir Putin, the countries emphasized their “strategic relationship,” with Russia delivering local currency to Syria’s central bank as a goodwill gesture.
While Moscow may assist Damascus in counter-ISIS operations as part of the agreement, concerns exist about the effectiveness of a reduced Russian presence against ISIS, which is reportedly attempting to reconstitute in Syria as of July 2024. Syria’s new government has demanded Russia surrender Assad and his associates, and Ukraine has initiated diplomatic engagement with Damascus regarding Russia’s military presence. This development could significantly impact regional stability and the balance of power in the Middle East, particularly given Russia’s ongoing military engagement in Ukraine.
The Russian State Duma will consider ratifying a security treaty with Belarus on February 18, following its December 2024 signing by Presidents Vladimir Putin and Alexander Lukashenko. This treaty appears designed to help Russia effectively annex Belarus and expand its military presence there through the Union State framework, potentially increasing regional tensions and threatening the stability of Eastern Europe.
Libyan National Army Commander Khalifa Haftar met with Belarus’s security chief Ivan Tertel to discuss strengthening humanitarian and economic ties between their countries. This meeting between Libya’s military leader and Belarus’s KGB head could indicate expanding relationships between authoritarian-aligned states.
The Path to Peace
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized the United States’ approach to Ukraine-Russia negotiations, suggesting the US is trying to “please” Moscow. Zelensky expressed concern about US officials’ conciliatory tone toward Russia, particularly following President Trump’s direct conversation with Vladimir Putin about ending the war. Zelensky firmly rejected any potential territorial concessions to Russia, vowing to reclaim all occupied land. He emphasized that while Ukraine has grown more resilient, victory would be impossible without US support. The Ukrainian leader also warned of Europe’s military weakness and stressed that a simple ceasefire would not constitute a true victory for Ukraine.
Russia’s UN Representative Vasily Nebenzya declared at a UN Security Council meeting that Ukraine has “irrevocably lost” Crimea, Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson oblasts, demanding Ukraine surrender the remaining 30% of territory it still controls in these regions. Speaking ahead of U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, Nebenzya suggested the Trump administration’s arrival could end the “hot phase” of the war and insisted Ukraine become a “demilitarized, neutral state,” terms that conflict with President Zelensky’s position that Russian forces must withdraw to pre-2022 invasion lines.
Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov rejected any possibility of territorial concessions and European participation in future peace negotiations, claiming EU countries and the UK were “incapable” of reaching agreements with Russia. The upcoming Saudi Arabia talks will involve U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff meeting with Lavrov and Kremlin advisor Yuri Ushakov, with President Trump assuring Ukraine’s involvement through separate bilateral meetings before joint discussions. This represents a shift in Russian messaging from focusing on NATO to specifically targeting European countries, likely attempting to create division between the US and Europe.
The Kremlin is reviving its campaign to delegitimize Ukraine’s government ahead of the February 18 Russia-US bilateral meeting in Saudi Arabia. Russian UN Representative Nebenzya repeated Putin’s demand that Ukraine must hold elections before any peace agreements, while Kremlin Spokesperson Peskov and former Ukrainian lawmaker Medvedchuk continue to falsely claim President Zelensky is “illegitimate.” These actions, combined with Russia’s refusal to make territorial concessions or include European leaders in negotiations, raise doubts about Putin’s genuine interest in meaningful peace talks.
At the Russian-American talks in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 18, Russia’s delegation includes Foreign Minister Lavrov, Presidential Aide Ushakov, and RDIF CEO Dmitriev. Kremlin Spokesperson Peskov said the talks will focus on rebuilding US-Russian relations and preparing for potential Putin-Trump discussions about Ukraine. The delegation appears tasked with conveying messages rather than negotiating, as Peskov noted they “will be able to send urgent reports” to Putin.
Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, despite serving since 2004, has often been excluded from major Kremlin decisions about Ukraine. According to BBC sources, Russia’s Foreign Ministry was unaware of Kremlin ultimatums to the US and NATO in late 2021, and the Financial Times reported Lavrov only learned of the full-scale invasion hours before it began. Russian military bloggers also claimed Lavrov wasn’t informed about Putin’s June 2024 press conference where he demanded Ukrainian withdrawals from contested regions.
Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy aide since 2012, brings significant diplomatic experience as a former Russian Ambassador to the US (1999-2008) and OSCE (1996-1998). Although he dismissed US warnings about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as “hysteria” in early 2022, he later participated in initial ceasefire talks with Ukraine following the invasion.
Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of Russia’s sovereign wealth fund RDIF since 2011, has strong connections to both Putin’s inner circle and international finance. A graduate of Stanford and Harvard, he enjoys close family ties to Putin through his wife’s friendship with Putin’s daughter. Dmitriev’s experience includes extensive work with Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds, and he recently helped negotiate the release of American Marc Fogel from Russia. He frequently accompanies Putin on important state visits, including recent trips to Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, and Beijing.
Despite earlier reports, Russian Foreign Intelligence Service Head Sergei Naryshkin, a key Putin ally who previously participated in Ukraine negotiations and met with the CIA director, will not attend the Saudi Arabia talks. This is significant because Putin has historically relied on intelligence and defense leaders for major Ukraine decisions, suggesting the current delegation may have limited negotiating authority. However, Putin might include more trusted advisors in future talks.
European leaders gathered in Paris for an emergency summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron to address concerns over U.S.-Russia peace negotiations potentially bypassing European input. The meeting, which included prime ministers from Denmark, Spain, Netherlands, Germany, Poland, UK, and Italy, along with EU and NATO leadership, sparked controversy as Luxembourg and Slovenia criticized its exclusive nature, while uninvited Hungary dismissed it as a gathering of “pro-war” leaders. The summit was prompted by Trump’s direct call with Putin and the announcement that Europe would be excluded from upcoming Russia-US peace talks in Saudi Arabia, where US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, with Ukrainian President Zelensky planning to visit the following day.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced readiness to deploy British troops to Ukraine, calling it “a once-in-a-generation moment.” Under a recent 100-year partnership agreement, Britain committed to providing £3 billion in annual military aid through 2031 and is exploring establishing military bases in Ukraine. While Starmer emphasized that US support remains crucial for deterring future Russian aggression, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Spain opposed deployment discussions as premature. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk stressed the urgency of increased European defense spending, noting Poland’s commitment of 5% GDP to defense.
European nations are discussing deploying 25,000 to 30,000 peacekeeping troops to Ukraine following a potential ceasefire, with France potentially committing 10,000 troops. The force would be positioned to respond to renewed hostilities rather than stationed along the front line. While some European nations remain cautious, particularly Poland and Germany due to upcoming elections, President Zelensky announced progress toward establishing a foreign military contingent during his visit to the UAE, suggesting it could include air defense systems and weapons rather than stationed troops.
Macron called for robust security guarantees for Ukraine, warning that any ceasefire without them could fail like the Minsk agreements. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen warned that Russia’s imperial ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, expressing concern about rushed peace negotiations that could allow Russia to regroup and threaten other European nations. Ukraine is urging European countries to appoint a high-level representative for potential peace negotiations, with Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic calling for an EU special envoy appointment.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Russian forces are reportedly executing Ukrainian prisoners of war on the battlefield, following direct orders from their commanders. Ukrainian Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets revealed footage showing Russian soldiers killing three surrendering Ukrainian POWs after receiving orders to execute two of them. The location of the incident was not specified.
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched offensive operations near Sudzha in Ukraine’s Kursk Oblast targeting the settlements of Nikolskiy, Sverdlikovo, and Kurilovka. While Russia’s Ministry of Defense claimed to have captured Sverdlikovo, no advances have been independently confirmed.
Ukrainian forces conducted strategic drone strikes against the Ilsky Oil Refinery, which has a 6.6-million-ton annual capacity and supplies Russian forces in southern Russia and occupied Ukraine, and the Kropotkinskaya oil pumping station, the largest in the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, in Krasnodar Krai. Ukraine’s Security Service and Special Operations Forces carried out the attacks, forcing the pumping station to shut down and causing a fire at the Ilsky facility, with Ukraine considering these facilities legitimate military targets due to their support of Russia’s war effort through fossil fuel profits. Russian officials claimed they intercepted 70 drones overnight, with 24 over Krasnodar Krai, and reported drone debris damaged houses in Ilsky and Slavyansk-on-Kuban.
Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) reported that two Russian R-330Zh “Zhitel” electronic warfare systems were destroyed in a fire at the Protek plant in Voronezh, Russia on January 28. The Zhitel systems, which can jam satellite navigation and communication signals within a 25-kilometer range, were destroyed before they could be deployed to the front lines. Russian forces have used these systems since 2014 in Donbas, and Ukrainian forces have previously destroyed several of them, including during battles for Kyiv and in the Kharkiv region.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces continued attacks north and northeast of Kharkiv City targeting Lyptsi and Vovchansk, though no confirmed advances were made. A Ukrainian brigade spokesperson noted that Russian forces are operating in small groups using mostly light vehicles and civilian cars rather than armored military transport.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Kupyansk
Russian forces continued attacks near Kupyansk targeting multiple settlements including Dovhenke, Doroshivka, Petropavlivka, Stepova Novoselivka, Pishchane, Hlushkivka, and Novoosynove, though no advances were confirmed. While Russia claimed to have captured Fyholivka, this settlement had already been taken on February 6.
Borova
Russian forces launched attacks near Borova targeting multiple settlements including Novoplatonivka, Zahryzove, Bohuslavka, Nova Kruhlyakivka, Novoserhiivka, Novoyehorivka, and Hrekivka. Ukrainian forces reported destroying six Russian armored vehicles during these attacks. A Ukrainian brigade spokesperson noted heavy Russian drone activity in the area, with 200-300 drones operating daily, though Ukrainian electronic warfare systems are disrupting these operations.
Lyman
Russian forces continued offensive operations near Lyman targeting Novomykhailivka, Novolyubivka, Zarichne, Kolodyazi, Yampolivka, and Nove, as well as the Serebryanske forest area. Despite Russian claims of advances near Yampolivka, no confirmed progress was made.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Ukrainian forces reported destroying a Russian S-350 “Vityaz” air defense system somewhere in Donetsk Oblast on February 16, sharing video footage of the strike.
Siversk
Russian forces launched multiple assaults around Siversk targeting the settlements of Hryhorivka, Dronivka, Verkhnokamyanske, and Ivano-Darivka.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces attacked multiple locations around Chasiv Yar including Vasyukivka and Stupochky but made no confirmed advances. Near Vasyukivka, Ukrainian forces reported destroying Russian troops using civilian vehicles and motorcycles. While Russian sources claimed to have entered Stupochky and northeastern Chasiv Yar, these claims remain unverified.
Toretsk
Russian forces advanced in the Toretsk area, making confirmed gains southwest of Leonidivka and along Zhovtneva Street in northern Toretsk. They also attacked Krymske, Shcherbynivka, and Novospaske. While Russian officials claimed to have captured the Kleban-Byk Landscape Park, this claim was questioned by Russian military bloggers, and Ukrainian forces reportedly launched counterattacks near Shcherbynivka and within Toretsk.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces advanced on the eastern outskirts of Pishchane while launching attacks across multiple settlements near Pokrovsk, including Vodyane Druhe, Tarasivka, Malynivka, Myrolyubivka, and Yelyzavetivka. While Russian sources claimed to have captured Pishchane, reports indicate Ukrainian forces still hold positions in the northern part of the settlement. Ukrainian forces reportedly launched counterattacks in several areas, including Pishchane, Lysivka, and Kotlyne.
Andriivka
Russian forces advanced in northern Andriivka and conducted attacks near Kurakhove, targeting Oleksiivka, Kostiantynopil, Ulakly, and Dachne. A major Russian mechanized assault near Bahatyr and Ulakly with 40 armored vehicles was largely repelled by Ukrainian forces, though Russian forces did capture Zelenivka and advanced along the H-15 highway. This progress has reportedly allowed Russian commanders to rotate some units out of the area for rest and redeployment to other sectors.
Russian forces reportedly deployed their new “Kukushka” satellite-controlled drone for the first time near Dachne, west of Kurakhove. The drone flew 16 kilometers to drop 4.5 kilograms of ammunition on a Ukrainian position before returning to base. Russian sources claim the drone can carry up to 35 kilograms of payload.
Velyka Novosilka
Russian forces advanced to southern Novosilka and southeast of Novoocheretuvate, while continuing attacks near Burlatske and Rivnopil. Ukrainian forces reported repelling a major Russian mechanized assault near Velyka Novosilka, destroying multiple armored vehicles. While Russian sources claimed to have captured Novosilka and entered Novoocheretuvate, some Russian military bloggers disputed these claims as premature.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched ground attacks in western Zaporizhia Oblast targeting the settlements of Shcherbaky, Nesteryanka, Novoandriivka, Pyatykhatky, and Mali Shcherbaky. Despite these offensive operations, which began on February 16, Russian forces failed to make any territorial gains in the region.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
No ground combat was reported along the Dnipro front by either Russian or Ukrainian forces.
Ukraine News
Russia launched a massive overnight assault of 147 Shahed and decoy drones against Ukraine from multiple regions including Oryol, Bryansk, Kursk, Rostov, Krasnodar, and Smolensk. Ukrainian forces intercepted 83 drones across ten regions – Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Zaporizhzhia, Dnipropetrovsk, and Odesa. The attacks damaged civilian infrastructure, leaving thousands without power, heating, and water amid freezing temperatures, while Russian Su-30 fighters also fired three anti-radar missiles at Odesa Oblast from the Black Sea.
Russian airstrikes across Ukraine targeted civilian areas, causing multiple injuries and fires from Kharkiv to Kostyantynivka. In Kyiv, air defense systems intercepted Russian drones, though falling debris caused fires in the Sviatoshynskyi district. In Kharkiv’s Kupiansk district, a drone strike in Kutkivka village injured three men and damaged homes. In Kostyantynivka, Donetsk region, Russian forces conducted two drone attacks, wounding volunteers delivering water and members of their rescue team. The UN reports that Russian attacks have caused 40,838 Ukrainian civilian casualties since the invasion began.
Ukrainian officials reported that three fires at the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant were extinguished, following a Russian strike on February 14. The attack damaged power supplies to the plant’s protective containment structure.
President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit Turkey and Saudi Arabia in the coming days, with reported stops in Ankara on February 18 and Riyadh on February 18 or 19. The Saudi visit coincides with U.S.-Russia talks on ending the Ukraine war, though Zelensky emphasized his visit is unrelated and rejected any negotiations about Ukraine without Ukrainian participation. He plans to meet with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to discuss bilateral cooperation, following recent meetings between Saudi and Ukrainian delegations about increased investment.
According to the Kyiv School of Economics, Russia’s full-scale war has inflicted $170 billion in direct damage to Ukraine’s infrastructure as of November 2024, with $12.6 billion occurring in 2024 alone. The housing sector suffered the greatest losses at $60 billion, with 236,000 residential buildings damaged or destroyed. Transportation infrastructure faced $38.5 billion in damages, including roads, railways, ports, and airports. The Donetsk, Kharkiv, Luhansk, Kyiv, Chernihiv, and Kherson regions were the hardest hit, accounting for over 90% of total damages. Other significant losses include $14.6 billion to the energy sector, $10.3 billion to agriculture, and $7.3 billion to education, with over 4,000 educational institutions affected.
The British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA) recognized two powerful films about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 16. “Rock, Paper, Scissors,” directed by Franz Bohm, won Best British Short Film, telling the story of an 18-year-old who joins the army to protect his surgeon father’s shelter from Russian forces. Lead actor Oleksandr Rudynskyi dedicated the award to fallen Ukrainian actor-soldier Yevhen Svitlychnyi. Additionally, “20 Days in Mariupol,” a documentary by Ukrainian journalist Mstyslav Chernov chronicling the city’s siege, won Best Documentary.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 3 INJURIES: 8
Russian forces launched multiple attacks across Ukraine, targeting several regions. In Donetsk Oblast, two people were killed in Bilytske. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, an artillery strike on Marhanets injured four people, while a separate attack on the Nikopol district killed one person and injured another. Russian forces targeted 32 settlements in Kherson Oblast, injuring two people. In Kyiv Oblast, drone attacks resulted in one person suffering a hand injury in the Boryspil district.
Ukraine’s Allies
U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg will arrive in Kyiv on February 19 for a three-day visit, traveling by overnight train from Poland, with President Zelensky hoping to accompany him to the front lines. The visit coincides with high-level U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia on February 18, where Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will meet with a U.S. delegation led by State Secretary Marco Rubio, with the plan involving separate bilateral meetings with Russia and Ukraine followed by joint discussions, though Bloomberg reports the Saudi talks will only include U.S. and Russian officials and may lead to a Trump-Putin summit. Speaking at the Munich Security Conference, Kellogg emphasized that both Ukraine and Russia would need to make concessions to end the war, while Zelensky conducts diplomatic visits to the UAE with planned stops in Saudi Arabia and Turkey, amid growing concerns in Kyiv and European capitals about being excluded from crucial negotiations that could affect their regional security.
Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella sparked a diplomatic row with Russia after comparing Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine to Nazi Germany’s aggression during World War II. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova responded harshly, warning of consequences and criticizing Italy for supporting Ukraine with weapons. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni defended Mattarella, saying Russia’s comments “offend the entire Italian nation.” Despite historically warm relations with Russia, Italy has firmly supported Ukraine since the 2022 invasion, though it restricts the use of its weapons to Ukrainian territory.
Life in Russian Occupied Ukraine
Russian occupation authorities in Donetsk Oblast are violating the Geneva Convention by forcing Ukrainian civilians to serve in the Russian military. Donetsk People’s Republic Head Denis Pushilin approved a plan to conscript locals for military roles, using the Russian Volunteer Society (DOSAAF) to train them through programs including “courage lessons” with war veterans. This conscription directly violates Article 51 of the Geneva Convention, which prohibits occupying powers from compelling occupied populations to serve in their military.
Russian War Losses (Today/Total)
Troops +1170
861090 |
Tanks +12
10101 |
Artillery +53
23275 |
Arm. Veh. +12
21075 |
Aircraft 
370 |
Heli
331 |
Ships
28 |
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com