News & views related to the war in Ukraine …
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February 15, 2026
Ukraine Open Thread 2026-041
Comments
Jo | Feb 17 2026 23:14 utc | 95
*** Zelensky stated that Kiev and the USA agreed that any peace agreement should be put to a referendum.***
Organising and campaigning of which would no doubt require a temporary “cease fire” …. conveniently allowing even more NATO arms and mercenaries to be shipped into Ukraine.
📝AFU Attacks in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhia Regions📝In the East Zaporizhia direction, Ukrainian formations continue to attack from the direction of Bolshe-Mykhailivka. The enemy is attempting to break through with armored vehicles across the Vorona river, aiming to reach the line of Stepove — Berezove — Ternove. Online, footage has again appeared of a strike against an infantry group, this time north of Ternove.➡️Currently, Ukrainian units continue attempts to break through past Sosnivka and Orestopil, and to the south, the enemy tried to concentrate in forest belts, but according to our data — unsuccessfully.➡️Some time ago, materials appeared showing Russian Armed Forces strikes on Otradne. The settlement was previously freed by Russian units, but subsequently Ukrainian formations were able to enter again. Notably, as of now, no statements about complete control from either side have been made.➡️Battles continue along the Haichur river line. In Dobropillia, where Russian soldiers previously managed to disperse and destroy part of enemy assault groups, Ukrainian drones are now working to target Russian positions. In the Huliapole area, Russian Armed Forces assault groups continue attacks west of the Tsvetkove — Zaliznychne line.📌 The situation on the northern flank remains tense. The enemy has pulled significant reserves to this direction — almost all separate assault regiments, as well as two airborne brigades. With these forces, the enemy command has been attempting to push through the positions of the “Vostok” group since early February.Open spaces here benefit both the enemy and Russian units. On one hand, the AFU has chances to slip through far in the forest belts, but there are few opportunities to hold or rotate. However, judging by the increase in enemy activity in the neighboring Zaporizhia direction — attempts to break through Russian defense will continue for some time.If you have additional information about the situation, or want us to highlight the successes of your unit — you can always write to our feedback bot @rybar_feedback_bot📍High-resolution map📍English version📍Online maps available by subscription at map.rybar.ruOriginal msg
Posted by: Jo | Feb 17 2026 23:46 utc | 102
Ukraine’s recent counter attack was successful due to russia losing access to starlink, but I dont understand why starlink would be so critical for russian military communication, that losing access to it meant losing the ability to communicate with front line units.
Starlink only started service in 2020/2021. I am sure russia had some other method of communicating with front line units before starlink became a thing. Why couldn’t they just use their existing method of communicating pre starlink. I am no expert in this topic, but I doubt they would forget how to use a regular radio network like they did pre starlink.
Also, why would russia choose to rely on starlink in the first place. Starlink is an American service, they should have know it was not reliable.
Posted by: No Jellyfish | Feb 18 2026 0:25 utc | 103
The very idea that US and Dutch F16 pilots are flying air cover over Kieve is complete nonsense.
There are no F16 bases in operation anywhere near Kieve, and the jets would need air refueling to fly from bases near the Polish border.
Who is smoking bad crack here. There are no operable air bases in the Kieve region because they are under constant missile and drone attack by RF forces.
Posted by: tobias cole | Feb 18 2026 0:33 utc | 104
This new: some type of saturation tactic? Jo just posts everything he can possibly fine about Ukrainian successes until it drowns everything else out? Well at least the trolls are on topic this time…
Posted by: Stark | Feb 18 2026 0:38 utc | 105
How the fuck was “Jo” posting every two or three seconds? That is some amazing typing! He’s a hero!
Posted by: Nobody Special | Feb 18 2026 0:40 utc | 106
Perimetr@ 72, Jan Sobieski@81:
“I find him interesting even where he may be wrong.”
Me too but try to read/listen to as many of the other excellent analysts cited here as I can. Here’s Helmer’s latest interview on DW, further to Perimetr’s posting of his DwB column @72:
DW: John Helmer: The Kremlin’s New Strategy Before Geneva
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQrBhZf2XI
“To the degree we can’t have everything solved is the degree to which we can’t have anything solved…”
Posted by: John Gilberts | Feb 18 2026 0:41 utc | 107
107 corrected:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQrBhZf2TXI
Posted by: John Gilberts | Feb 18 2026 0:45 utc | 108
Organising and campaigning of which would no doubt require a temporary “cease fire” …. conveniently allowing even more NATO arms and mercenaries to be shipped into Ukraine.
Posted by: Cynic | Feb 17 2026 23:40 utc | 101
– to say nothing of official NATO “peacekeeping forces”.
Posted by: malenkov | Feb 18 2026 1:02 utc | 109
Jo 102 – there is no confirmation of this info. What is your neutral source?
Posted by: tobias cole | Feb 18 2026 1:11 utc | 110
weekend’s over 1.230 AFU casualties
was witing for marat but no fresh one today
Posted by: Newbie | Feb 18 2026 1:13 utc | 111
Ukraine’s recent counter attack was successful…
No, it was not.
I am no expert in this topic
It shows.
… why would russia choose to rely on starlink in the first place.
Posted by: No Jellyfish | Feb 18 2026 0:25 utc | 103
It’s like your neighbor sleeping with your wife and eating out your fridge while you are spreading your doom agenda here to pay the bills. He is not relying on her, he is using her. Well, and using you too.
Posted by: Rutte | Feb 18 2026 1:23 utc | 112
This new: some type of saturation tactic? Jo just posts everything he can possibly fine about Ukrainian successes until it drowns everything else out? Well at least the trolls are on topic this time…
Posted by: Stark | Feb 18 2026 0:38 utc | 105
True, pity he forgets that 5 months after the start of the SMO AFU did kharkiv (nice one btw) 9 months later the failure of the crimea drive, 14 months latter the kursk debacle, 17 months later a counter that barely threw back to grey zone what recently was AFU domain.
So call me underwhelmed…
but at least it’s something on topic so….
Posted by: Newbie | Feb 18 2026 1:25 utc | 113
I saw this yesterday (Russia launching high altitude balloons), but I only just understood what they were doing.
Musk blocked Russia from piggybacking Ukrainian Starlink (which allowed Russian drones to conduct deeper strikes without fiber optics or facing jamming), but the Russians have somehow duplicated or restored pseudo-Starlink using these high-altitude balloons.
Now, Russian troops at the LOC have full internet access thanks to these new quasi-satellites/stealing Starlink.
The West’s MIC moves way too slowly; Russia can diagnose, test, and deploy faster.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Feb 18 2026 3:53 utc | 114
Newsweek magazine for 17 February claimed that Ukraine made huge battlefield gains last week, citing a think tank titled “Institute for the study of War.” Does anyone know if this story has been propagated?
Posted by: Jim Given | Feb 18 2026 4:07 utc | 115
Jo’s source is rybar you can see the links at the end of the post.
https://t.me/s/rybar
Posted by: MiniMO | Feb 18 2026 5:39 utc | 116
Kiev ‘Counter-Offensive’ is NONSENSE + Russia Preparing MAJOR Spring Offensive | Mark Sleboda
The first day of trilateral talks between the U.S., Russia and Ukraine was described as “very tense” with no progress made, according to reports. But that was expected, as Zelensky claims he told the U.S. not to try to pressure him into a deal, and the Ukrainian people feel the pressure as their power grid continues to fall apart after months of Russian attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
International Relations and Security Analyst Mark Sleboda noted that while Kiev has been able to launch some localized counter-attacks in the Zaporozhye region, they haven’t made significant territorial gains, and it seems as though Ukrainian troops are more focused on attempting defensive prep for the expected Russian spring offensive, as Winter comes to an end.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcqtx8uRuhM
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 18 2026 7:04 utc | 117
Starlink was used in the special operations zone only by some Russian units, mainly to deceive the enemy and launch attacks deep into its defenses, — Valery Tishkov, head of the General Communications Department of the Russian Armed ForcesStarlink terminals were deactivated two weeks ago, but this did not affect the intensity and effectiveness of the actions of unmanned systems troops, as confirmed by objective data on the destruction of enemy equipment and forces.Command center officials are equipped with all modern domestically produced communications services.The operations control system is functioning stably,” Lieutenant General also stated
⭕️
Posted by: czarat | Feb 18 2026 8:16 utc | 118
“Zelensky: It’s unfair that Trump asks the Ukraine to make concessions and that he doesn’t ask that from Russia”.
(Headline in a electronic daily newpaper in the region I live in).
Posted by: WMG | Feb 18 2026 8:21 utc | 119
Not directly related to Ukraine, but… Lagarde is resigning as head of ECB.
She was earlier making remarks against Ukraine aid. Sounds like rats are jumping ship to avoid blame for whatever fiscal/economic blowup coming soon in the Euro-area, IMO. All EU states are in a messy bankruptcy, Ukraine is a part of it (albeit a pretty major part), besides green energy scam and unlimited mass migration scam.
https://x.com/unusual_whales/status/2024040606918422766
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 18 2026 9:01 utc | 120
Posted by: Newbie | Feb 18 2026 1:25 utc | 113
not to blow my own horn, but simplicius goes in the same direction in his latest piece
https://simplicius76.substack.com/p/sitrep-21726-afu-shows-signs-of-life
what is seen is far from a success for AFU imho
Posted by: Newbie | Feb 18 2026 11:11 utc | 121
Upcoming debate ‘at Quincy’s’ tomorrow, Feb. 19 2026, 11:00 AM.
Debate: Is a Peace Agreement in Ukraine Possible?
George Beebe, director of Grand Strategy at the Quincy Institute and former Russia director at the CIA, will argue that a peace agreement is possible. John Mearsheimer, R. Wendell Harrison distinguished professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago, will make the case that the war will only be settled on the battlefield. Emily Jashinsky, the host of the podcast AfterParty and a columnist at UnHerd, will moderate.
You don’t need to register, since the debates are available after the talks online. Like the book talk about Jack Cheevers new book: Kennedy’s Coup: How Diem’s Assassination Became Our Foreign Policy Albatross
Posted by: LeaNder | Feb 18 2026 11:13 utc | 122
Starmer still trying to stir up war enthusiasm hot them first trouble with Jonathan Powell maybe…”Claiming that both the Greens and Reform are ideological extremists who are ‘soft on Russia and weak on NATO’, the PM said they would undermine Britain’s national security and bring war to Europe if they were in power.” Might even be tempted to label them terrorists like Bundestag did to AfD?
Careful what you wish for….UK navy chief says navy plus jets are ok in the middle east but very unsure about the arctic. Yup. Winters are a not quite so easy there but Russia has the experience and machinery for that
Posted by: Jo | Feb 18 2026 11:16 utc | 123
Today’s Cross Talk – they try to make sense of Europe’s behavior versus Russia. Basically, the Europeans need Russia in its role as an external threat in order to distract from their own failures. One said, the people are, unlike their leadership in Brussels, largely Russian friendly. Another apologizes for the people being misled by decades of Cold War rhetorik in their media, and have little exposure to other than their domestic media. (applies to Germany, I would agree.) A third just upholds that the relevant people in Brussels are all CIA assets, which is why they don’t represent the interest of their own countries. (I don’t know if this applies to the Brussels decision makers, but I’m sure it applies to the European media.)
One highlight of the program: Germany had locked its airspace for the Russian delegation of the Geneva peace negotiations, so they had to fly over Italy instead. It’s Germany’s revenge for not having been invited to participate in those talks.
Posted by: grunzt | Feb 18 2026 11:35 utc | 124
Well Starkie and Newbie…people are asking re the 200,sq k supposedly retaken by Ukraine, so at least I am trying to find some info for people to make some assessments for themselves, and also it’s tricky too cos all we can do is attempt to find “reliable ” from sources and perhaps enable us to ascertain what is not…….and fortunate enough there is some ” info” available that at least exposes where conflict may be concentrating . As I said , check it The Duran with Stanislav. If any one can find other sources and analyse please do so .Just scroll on by if you just want the tedious and endless oh jeez non thread posts.
Posted by: Jo | Feb 18 2026 11:40 utc | 125
Nobody special
Endless scrolling through telegram RT Sputnik etc trying to find the latest stuff at the end of the day that is at least attempting to be informative for people to assess themselves not just opinionated , then select, edit , copy paste.
It ain’t trolling but a genuine attempt to keep MoA informed with relevant posts. With so limited options of threads Ukraine Palestine. weekly open thread and a few others …..
.
Posted by: Jo | Feb 18 2026 11:53 utc | 126
Posted by: Jo | Feb 18 2026 11:53 utc | 126
Thanks Jo.
I come here to find out what is happening in the Ukraine.
I don’t use Telegram and so on, so I am grateful to those who post news here.
Thank you again.
Posted by: hh | Feb 18 2026 12:29 utc | 127
What i and many others are asking is what and when Russia is going to do something about Russian oil tankers being attacked on the high seas by the US Reich and it’s underlings? Russia should be attacking American tankers and any trying to enter Ukraine.
Posted by: Englishman | Feb 18 2026 12:29 utc | 128
Something is brewing in Russia. For a better understanding of the situation, please read the latest articles by John Helmer.
Additional problems are emerging. The Russian government is blocking or slowing down the Telegram messenger service. The Russian front has lost its hard-won Starlink access. The Russians are presumably blind to everything that is happening behind the front lines on the Ukrainian side. Yuri Podolyaka reported days ago about an unnoticed massive Ukrainian buildup for a counteroffensive in the south. What the Russians have seen there so far has been only skirmishes and probing by the Ukrainians to uncover Russian weaknesses. The main strike against the disoriented Russians, who are practically cut off from communication, is imminent.
Posted by: guest from franconia | Feb 18 2026 13:20 utc | 129
Not sure if this one will go through, but today it has enough free stuff to link (and it’s been a slow day on RF side news)
https://askeptic.substack.com/p/a-skeptic-news-alternative-media-342
Posted by: Newbie | Feb 18 2026 13:38 utc | 130
Russian drone carrying smaller drones operates deep in Ukraine.
https://t.me/myLordBebo/105109
And the war goes on.
Posted by: Nobody Special | Feb 18 2026 13:50 utc | 131
What can Russia do about Western piracy? Set up a tanker that is secretly armed to the teeth. Kill or capture Western pirates and drag them into Russian courts, facing long sentences. EU/US will whine and cry……but negotiation will follow to return to actual laws of the sea. I doubt EU has the stomach for a naval war, similar to their refusal to steal Russian assets.
Posted by: Eighthman | Feb 18 2026 13:51 utc | 132
BALTIC CRISIS: Russia Declares ‘Kill Zone’, Missiles Lock On To NATO Warships!
Russian Presidential Aide Nikolai Patrushev has issued a stern warning to the West, threatening to use military force to break any naval blockade imposed on Russian trade in the Baltic Sea.
As tensions rise over the seizure of ‘shadow fleet’ tankers, Moscow accuses President Trump’s NATO allies of ‘piracy’ and economic warfare.
Simultaneously, Russia’s Baltic Fleet has conducted live-fire drills in Kaliningrad using ‘Bal’ coastal missile systems, practicing strikes against enemy surface ships. This report analyzes the growing risk of a direct naval confrontation in one of Europe’s most militarized waterways.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msa3wj9lkrg
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 18 2026 13:53 utc | 133
Posted by: Englishman | Feb 18 2026 12:29 utc | 128
#####
Tit-for-tat is not a winning strategy.
One wins by making it too expensive for the opponent to continue what they are doing, or by removing their ability to do that thing.
So many think that returning the same tactic is wise. No, it is emotional and ineffective.
When Russia is ready, they will stop the hijackings, just as they stopped the financial bleeding.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Feb 18 2026 14:01 utc | 134
Critical for the Baltic theater is the ability of AI assisted satellite surveillance. They need to locate and identify Nato warships in the Baltic sea. The missile technology is there to hit them all.
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 18 2026 14:04 utc | 135
Military summary update:
-RUAF took over Tsvitkove, and with that consolidated the front next to Verkhnia Tersa, the next major village NW of Gulyapole, which is crucial for blockading and moving toward Orekhov from E/NE
-RUAF succeeded dissecting Konstantinovka into at least three parts by destroying the few bridges – N/S/SW, now they entered the most fortified part, the citadel in the SW/W part of the city
-Soon the AFU position in the south of the city will be in an ever deeper pocket
-small RUAF advances in Sumy
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 18 2026 14:10 utc | 136
Posted by: Newbie | Feb 18 2026 11:11 utc | 121
Dead Coke Cat Bounce
Posted by: Nobody | Feb 18 2026 14:30 utc | 137
Re: Posted by: Englishman | Feb 18 2026 12:29 utc | 128
What i and many others are asking is what and when Russia is going to do something about Russian oil tankers being attacked on the high seas by the US Reich and it’s underlings? Russia should be attacking American tankers and any trying to enter Ukraine.
Russia will do nothing much at all, and just invite further actions against these tankers by doing nothing.
Have you learnt nothing from Russian behavior so far?
Posted by: Julian | Feb 18 2026 14:43 utc | 138
Judging by Theti Mapping’s report (starts on the second half of the video) from Zaporozhye direction, the AFU during its attack managed to take some outlying villages south of the Vovcha river. RUAF seems to have mostly abandoned them, retreated to the stronger fortified line and AFU pushes have taken significant vehicle and manpower losses. RUAF seems to be also holding on to the Bratske-Andriivka extension. Failing to take or cut this implies strong RUAF defense and/or weakness of AFU offensive.
Some AFU DRGs are operating close to Stepnogorsk but apparently have failed to achieve much there.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pV4lsHQm0QY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pV4lsHQm0QY
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 18 2026 14:43 utc | 139
Russia should be attacking American tankers and any trying to enter Ukraine.
Posted by: Englishman | Feb 18 2026 12:29 utc | 128
Pirates?
Rig a few bait ships for remote control. Maybe from a following sub.
Fill alternate compartments with fuel oil and nitrogen fertilizer, with a couple of dump valves between.
Open valves. Maneuver as close as possible to the pirate ship.
Anyone see the Lebanon port explosion? That was only <3000 tons of fertilizer.
Simply a fantasy hypothetical scenario. Nobody should actually do this, of course………
Posted by: ftp | Feb 18 2026 14:46 utc | 140
Posted by: ftp | Feb 18 2026 14:46 utc | 141
Q-ship – Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q-ship
Posted by: hh | Feb 18 2026 15:03 utc | 141
Posted by: ftp | Feb 18 2026 14:46 utc | 141
Q-ship – Wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Q-ship
Posted by: hh | Feb 18 2026 15:04 utc | 142
Posted by: ftp | Feb 18 2026 14:46 utc | 141
Estonia and Finland love to send special operations assault groups – they could rig the ship and blow it up once they are onboard.
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 18 2026 15:06 utc | 143
Posted by: Julian | Feb 18 2026 14:43 utc | 139
######
Go to a Western Ukrainian graveyard and tell people there that Russia is doing nothing.
Or you can chat with people who have fled Kiev because of the lack of heat and power…
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Feb 18 2026 15:17 utc | 144
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Feb 18 2026 14:01 utc | 135
… Tit-for-tat is not a winning strategy. One wins by making it too expensive for the opponent to continue what they are doing, or by removing their ability to do that thing. So many think that returning the same tactic is wise. No, it is emotional and ineffective. When Russia is ready, they will stop the hijackings, just as they stopped the financial bleeding.
I agree that tit-for-tat in the spirit of revenge has very little value. But reciprocal measures could raise the cost of Western belligerence. The problem I see is that geographical realities inherently disfavour Russia. Apart from the Black Sea, as was suggested by Englishman, where could Russia position its assets to intercept US tankers?
You are suggesting patience is the best strategy, but can you elaborate on what Russia will do once the waiting is over?
My impression is that the current reliance on a fleet of foreign registered ships is making it easy for the West to claim administrative and legal issues. By the way, yesterday, France released the Grinch after the owners allegedly paid several millions in fines. What effect will all this have on Russian oil exports?
Posted by: robin | Feb 18 2026 15:54 utc | 145
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 18 2026 15:06 utc | 144
They don’t necessarily even have to blow it up. Just booby trap the whole thing. Cut ladder supports 95% through. Tripwire claymores. Tripwire grenade tubes (Hat tip to those resourceful VC). Tripwire jugs of chlorine and ammonia above a mix tank. And of course, fire. Nothing hits the primal fear center like the fear of being on fire. So many ways to ruin a boarded pirates day.
Again, just musing on the hypothetical. Nobody should hurt anybody…….
Posted by: ftp | Feb 18 2026 16:15 utc | 146
You are suggesting patience is the best strategy, but can you elaborate on what Russia will do once the waiting is over?
Posted by: robin | Feb 18 2026 15:54 utc | 145
####
Why does Russia have to intercept American ships?
And when the waiting is over, America will be de-clawed. Look at how the USD is doing over the last 9 months.
Then, Russia will do whatever it wants, unimpeded.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Feb 18 2026 16:50 utc | 147
Explosion in Kolomyia TCC: prosecutor’s office qualified the incident as a terrorist attack
Today, on February 18, at 01:15, an explosion occurred in the premises of the Kolomyia district territorial recruitment and social support center
This was reported by the press service of the Prosecutor’s Office of the Ivano-Frankivsk region, reports RegioNews .
It is noted that as a result of the blast wave, windows were broken in some rooms. There were no injuries.
On the fact of the incident, the prosecutor’s office registered criminal proceedings under Part 2 of Article 258 of the Criminal Code – a terrorist act committed by prior agreement of a group of persons.
Now prosecutors, together with the SBU and the National Police, are investigating all the circumstances of the incident, in particular the cause of the explosion and possible persons involved in its commission.
Earlier we reported that in the Carpathian region at night an explosion occurred in the premises of the TCC.
https://regionews.ua/ukr/news/prikarpattya/1771414932-vibuh-u-ttsk-kolomiyi-prokuratura-kvalifikuvala-intsident-yak-terakt (via translation add-on.)
What happens to “peace talks” or “ceasefires” if the Kiev junta’s grip on internal security weakens?
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 18 2026 16:57 utc | 148
The meeting of deputies of the Kiev region ended in a scandal
In the Chabanovsky community of the Kiev region, deputies tried to seize power without permission
This is reported by RegioNews with reference to the official statement of the Chabanovsky village Council.
It is noted that a group of deputies gathered for an unauthorized meeting and, violating the law, tried to recognize them as an extraordinary session.
“An attempt was made to arbitrarily seize power in the Chabanov community during martial law,” the report says.
The village council believes that the deputies violated the Constitution and other laws of Ukraine.
https://regionews.ua/ukr/news/kievshchina/1771427264-zbori-deputativ-na-kiyivshchini-zavershilisya-skandalom (via translation add-on.)
Posted by: Jeremy Rhymings-Lang | Feb 18 2026 17:05 utc | 149
Putin using sanctions as a weapon – EU setting record number of bankruptcies.
https://x.com/UniqueMongolia/status/2024167169890664518
Posted by: unimperator | Feb 18 2026 17:13 utc | 150
General Petraeus has been saying that Ukraine is going to be built back with the best technology and become the manufacturing giant of the world.
I truly wonder what drugs these folks are on.
Posted by: LoveDonbass | Feb 18 2026 17:24 utc | 151
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cqxd9549y4xo
“Facing a demographic catastrophe, Ukraine is paying for troops to freeze their sperm”
“Our men are dying. The Ukrainian gene pool is dying. This is about the survival of our nation,” the soldier tells me, speaking by phone from a position somewhere near the eastern frontline.
The 35-year-old is serving with Ukraine’s National Guard and when he returned on leave recently his wife persuaded him to visit a clinic in Kyiv and leave a sperm sample.
It was frozen free of charge as part of a programme to help serving soldiers.
If Maxim were killed, his wife could use the sample to try to have the child they’ve always wanted.
But he says his frozen sperm could be crucial to creating a family, in any case.
“Whether you are right on the ‘zero point’ of the frontline, or 30 or even 80 kilometres back, there is no guarantee that you’re safe,” the soldier says, explaining that Russian drones overhead are a constant threat.
“That means stress, and this [can have] an impact: your reproductive ability declines. So we have to think about the future and the future of our Ukrainian nation.”Our route through quiet corridors reveals the hidden strains of this war: just one newborn gurgling in a cot, and one woman in labour. The number of pregnant patients the clinic sees has dropped by half since the start of the all-out war.
“If women are stressed, they [can] have problems with their periods. It’s all linked,” Holikova points out. “About 60% of my patients are on anti-depressants, including people with panic attacks because of the missiles and drones.”
Others have what she terms “delayed life syndrome”: putting major life decisions, including childbirth, on pause.
“Women are scared of getting pregnant if they’re going to end up running to bomb shelters.”
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Feb 18 2026 17:38 utc | 152
LoveDonbass | Feb 18 2026 17:24 utc | 151
*** General Petraeus has been saying that Ukraine is going to be built back with the best technology and become the manufacturing giant of the world. I truly wonder what drugs these folks are on. ***
That’s a very serious threat he’s made.
Bio-warfare labs, AI, Khazar cultists, and Monsanto’s worst, all got to be based somewhere …..
Interesting info: So EU – and German citizens stolen tax money is not only used for trying to destroy “Russian barbarians” and delete Russia but also to save “precious” genetic heritage of Ukro-fascists…
When reading the newest SMO infos at Tass and Southfront I´m always kind of sad when it comes to “UAF territorial defense brigade -” and kind of happy when “national guard” losses are mentioned. Now even more, thanks.
Posted by: Blue Angel | Feb 18 2026 18:42 utc | 154
Thanks to Jeremy Rhymings-Lang also for the good news concerning strengthening resistance in Ukjraine.
BTW: Good to have you still here and additionally I beg you pardon for the little joke concerning your name recently.
Posted by: Blue Angel | Feb 18 2026 18:48 utc | 155
Something is brewing in Russia. For a better understanding of the situation, please read the latest articles by John Helmer…
Posted by: guest from franconia | Feb 18 2026 13:20 utc | 129
Can there be a better attack on Helmer’s credibility than a recomendation from guest from franconia?!
Posted by: tucenz | Feb 18 2026 19:00 utc | 156
for those who enjoy reading pretentious psuedointelligent wankery try this –
https://claude.ai/public/artifacts/6d31c2b0-eddf-43be-9b32-7f8340db0efc
The Donbas Crucible: Strategic Wisdom and Modern Tragedy
..
I. Where We Started: Putin’s Teeth Shattered at Pokrovsk
In November 2025, Shaun Pinner—former British Army soldier, Ukrainian Marine, and survivor of the Mariupol siege—visited the embattled city of Pokrovsk and made a striking historical comparison. He called it “the farmhouse at Waterloo,” referring to Hougoumont, the walled estate where British and allied troops fought the French in a brutal day-long struggle that helped decide Napoleon’s fate. The Duke of Wellington later said: “The success of the battle turned upon the closing of the gates at Hougoumont.” ..
ad nauseum.
Posted by: tucenz | Feb 18 2026 19:26 utc | 157
@tucenz No156: No.
Concerning Petraeus: Wishful globalist delusion. Far more realistic is a scenario whereas Central and big parts of Western USkraine is becoming a huuuuuge nature park with Russian AI drones sheltering it from any disturbance.
Posted by: Blue Angel | Feb 18 2026 19:34 utc | 158
Back at my post 124, I was under the impression of today’s Cross Talk, in a relaxed mood cause nobody there expected America to actually start a war with Iran. But now that I’ve also watched Mercouris’s recent program, it has left me in a very unsettled state of mind:
- The Geneva talks with Iran are, on the American side, no more than an alibi. Marco Rubio is in no way participating, although he is the Secretary of State, and could become the next president.
- Iran has had a drill in the Strait of Hormuz, rehearsing the closure of that strait – so they must be expecting war
- The West is discussing all kinds of actions trying to shut down Russia’s overseas trade, to isolate the Kaliningrad enclave, and to deny Russian ships the passage through the Baltic Sea.
Of these points, the last one is the most unsettling: interference with its commercial fleet is something Moscow simply can not tolerate. It will cause a change in Russia’s patience, they will respond militarily, because they said so, and that will be against NATO targets, and there we’ll find ourselves at the start of WW3.
So far, DJT is against any escalation with Russia, for instance, he ordered that no Tomahawks be delivered to Ukraine. But think of him in the context of a war with Iran: Both Russia and China are already busy at preparing Iran for war, and they are providing both state-of-the-art weaponry and satellite intelligence to Iran. Thus, a conflict between the superpowers, over Iran, appears likely, and it might easily push Trump to a more belligerent stance in the question of the Baltic Sea as well.
Posted by: grunzt | Feb 18 2026 21:15 utc | 159
grunzt | Feb 18 2026 21:15 utc | 159
Well Russia has naval vessels exercising with Iranian Navy pretty much as we speak. I take your point though, the US seems determined to do Israel’s bidding and attack Iran. So could be trouble. I think I’ll get the oil tank filled while I can still afford it.
Posted by: YetAnotherAnon | Feb 18 2026 22:01 utc | 160
- hH ta for the appreciation. Started following Crimea and Russia situation since c 2008. So many drones from Ukraine still flying around ..re Belgorod were many posts from there kinda ” yah boo sucks ain’t hurt us ” yet during the attacks but at the end was damage and injuries. Drones still fly to Crimea IE trains were stopped ,for 7hrs last Friday Saturday in case the Kerch bridge was under direct attack.
Posted by: Jo | Feb 18 2026 23:33 utc | 161
Greater Russia, the Second World Army, is losing to its Vasily. If it weren’t for the fact that our politicians cowered and didn’t send all the equipment they’re sending now in the first days of the war, you would have long since fled your borders. Perhaps Ukraine would even have captured part of Russia. Now that the Russians are entrenched and everything relies on drones, it’s all over. I’m certain Ukraine will win this war because these people are fighting for their freedom and independence. Stop being robbed by the Muscovites; you have nothing more to offer than stealing toilets. Focus on your own country, not stealing from neighboring countries. Europe blindly believed that people had moved on, that World War II had taught us something. Unfortunately, as we can see from the examples of the USA, Russia, and several other tyrannical countries like Trump and Putin, they can still do a lot of harm today, and people are willing to kill others in the name of imagined enemies, such as LGBTQ+. one thing is certain: we, as Europe, must arm ourselves and be ready to fight the oppressors and bullies like Russia under Putin tyrany.
Posted by: neropl | Feb 19 2026 1:43 utc | 162
Russia should be attacking American tankers and any trying to enter Ukraine.Posted by: Englishman | Feb 18 2026 12:29 utc | 128
The US doesn’t really have a merchant marine presence.
( same for shipbuilding )
limited to strategic resources for moving war material :: US flagged.
Posted by: MAKK | Feb 19 2026 8:13 utc | 163
According to AMK Mapping, Ukrainian Flamingo missiles reportedIy struck Russia’s Iskander M ballistic missile factory in the city of Votkinsk, Republic of Udmurtia. The Flamingo’s flight route stretched over 1,600 km, and Russian air defenses were unable to intercept them.
Posted by: Fruit Sila 🇺🇦 | Feb 21 2026 20:59 utc | 164