Newsflash

Ukraine-Russia peace talks: 'No progress' on territory nor future security guarantees

Ukraine-Russia peace talks have reached a standstill, with no progress made on key issues such as territorial disputes or future security guarantees. The negotiations have stalled, leaving the conflict unresolved and raising concerns about the ongoing instability in the region. Both sides remain at an impasse, with no clear path forward in sight. The lack of progress underscores the deep-seated challenges in achieving a lasting peace agreement. 🕊️💥

Ukraine says Starlink terminals used by Russia deactivated in blow to Moscow

Ukraine has reportedly deactivated Starlink terminals used by Russian forces, dealing a significant blow to Moscow's military operations. The move disrupts Russia's ability to leverage this critical satellite communication technology, which has been instrumental in maintaining connectivity and coordination in the field. This action underscores Ukraine's growing capabilities in cyber warfare and electronic countermeasures, further complicating Russia's efforts to sustain its military campaign. The development highlights the strategic importance of satellite communications in modern warfare and the ongoing technological battle between the two nations. 🛰️💥

New START expires, frees US, Russia from decades of nuclear arms restrictions

The New START treaty, the last bilateral agreement limiting U.S. and Russian nuclear arsenals, has officially expired, ending decades of restrictions on the world's two largest nuclear powers. U.S. President Donald Trump declined to extend the treaty, calling it a "badly negotiated deal" and accusing Russia of violations. Russia, however, expressed support for an extension, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stating that Russia "continues to wait for a response from the U.S."

The treaty, which capped deployed nuclear warheads at 1,550 for each country, had been extended in 2021 but faced challenges due to Russia's suspension of inspections following its invasion of Ukraine. The expiration of New START marks a shift from a rules-based nuclear order to a power-based one, complicating future arms control efforts. The geopolitical landscape has evolved significantly since previous START agreements, with China's growing nuclear arsenal emerging as a major concern. The U.S. has stalled on extending New START, hoping to include China in future negotiations, while China insists it will not participate until the U.S. and Russia reduce their arsenals.

The end of New START also benefits Russia, as it allows Moscow more flexibility in its nuclear strategy. Russia has previously threatened nuclear retaliation against countries supporting Ukraine. Looking ahead, Russia expects future nuclear talks to include the U.K. and France. The future of nuclear arms control remains uncertain, but the efficacy of any new agreements will depend on the trust and good faith of all parties involved. 💣🌍

Starlink 'catastrophe' for Russia as forces lose access across front line in Ukraine

A recent update from SpaceX has significantly disrupted Russian military operations in Ukraine by cutting off their illicit access to Starlink's satellite internet. The change, implemented through a new "white list" system, has led to widespread disconnections of Starlink terminals along the front lines, causing alarm among Russian forces. Ukrainian commanders reported intercepting messages from Russian troops complaining about the loss of connectivity, with some describing the situation as a "catastrophe."

The impact on Russian military activities has been mixed, with some units experiencing a slowdown in operations while others continue their assaults. Ukrainian forces have also faced some disruptions, as the registration process for Starlink terminals within Ukraine is still ongoing. The change comes as Russia has increasingly relied on Starlink for its deep-strike drones and frontline communications, making the loss of access a significant setback. 🛰️💻

Epstein's Russia connections, explained

Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender, maintained extensive connections with Russian officials and elites, as revealed in recently released documents. These files, which mention Russia 5,876 times and Russian President Vladimir Putin 1,055 times, depict Epstein as a persistent intermediary seeking to insert himself into Moscow's political and financial circles. While the documents do not conclusively prove that Epstein worked for Russian intelligence, they highlight his efforts to cultivate relationships with Russian officials, repeatedly seek meetings with Putin, and offer insights on dealing with U.S. President Donald Trump.

Epstein's interactions with Russian figures include discussions with former Russian Ambassador to the UN Vitaly Churkin, Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska, and Russian officials like Sergei Belyakov, a graduate of the Academy of the Federal Security Service. The files also reveal Epstein's attempts to convey proposals to the Kremlin through intermediaries, such as Thorbjorn Jagland, then secretary general of the Council of Europe. These proposals ranged from reinventing the global financial system to creating a "sophisticated Russian version of Bitcoin."

Epstein's inner circle included Russian nationals like Maria Drokova, a former leader of the pro-Kremlin youth movement Nashi, and Svetlana Pozhidaeva, who launched the WE Talks: the Women's Empowerment project. The documents also reference Epstein's connections with Russian imperialist ideologue Alexander Dugin and exiled Russian opposition politician Ilya Ponomarev, although Ponomarev denied knowing Epstein personally.

The revelations have prompted official responses, with Poland launching an investigation into Epstein's ties to Russian intelligence services. The documents underscore Epstein's persistent efforts to embed himself in Russia's political and financial landscape, raising questions about the extent of his influence and the nature of his relationships with Russian elites. 🕵️‍♂️🇷🇺

Why does Norway want to join the EU's health union?

Norway is actively pursuing membership in the EU Health Union to strengthen its access to vaccines and medical supplies during future crises. Health Minister Jan Christian Vestre recently visited Brussels to advance these negotiations, which began in May 2024. The initiative aims to address vulnerabilities exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Norway relied heavily on Sweden for vaccine supplies. However, joining as a non-EU member presents challenges, particularly in determining financial contributions, decision-making influence, and the scope of access to EU health infrastructure.

While most members of Parliament support the move, critics like Einar Frogner advocate for maintaining independence and forming bilateral partnerships instead. Vestre, however, emphasizes the necessity of European cooperation, stating that ignoring it would be a lesson unlearned from the pandemic. Despite the complexities, Vestre remains optimistic about making significant progress by this summer. 🇳🇴💉

Tusk and Zelensky meet in Kyiv for talks on Poland hosting Ukraine Recovery Conference

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv to discuss the upcoming Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Gdańsk, Poland, set for June. The conference aims to address Ukraine's postwar reconstruction and strengthen energy and defense cooperation. Tusk emphasized Poland's role as a key partner in Ukraine's recovery, highlighting potential economic benefits for both nations. The leaders also signed a letter of intent to collaborate on joint production of ammunition, military equipment, and defense technologies, leveraging EU's SAFE program funding. Additionally, they discussed Poland's record gas exports to Ukraine amid the latter's winter energy crisis. Tusk reaffirmed Poland's commitment to supporting Ukraine's interests in ongoing peace negotiations. Zelensky expressed gratitude for Poland's continued aid, including recent transfers of power generators and heaters. 🇵🇱🤝🇺🇦

'Capitalist logic of Olympics: Sponsored by fossil fuels while pledging sustainability'

The Olympics, a global spectacle of athletic prowess and international unity, is increasingly facing scrutiny over its environmental contradictions. While the event promotes sustainability and green initiatives, it remains heavily sponsored by fossil fuel companies, raising questions about its commitment to genuine environmental responsibility. Critics argue that the Olympics' reliance on these sponsors undermines its sustainability pledges, highlighting a disconnect between its public messaging and its financial backers. This tension between profit-driven corporate interests and environmental advocacy has sparked debates about the true impact of the Games on global sustainability efforts. 🌍💡

Ukraine battlefield update: Strategic, operational, and defense technology shifts — next KI Insights monthly briefing

Ukraine’s armed forces are navigating significant challenges along the southern and eastern fronts, where advancements in technology, tactical adjustments, force regeneration, and resource limitations are transforming the battlefield. To explore these dynamics and their potential future impact, KI Insights is hosting an exclusive briefing with defense analyst Mykolaj Suchy, who recently visited Ukraine’s frontlines. The session will offer firsthand insights and an in-depth analysis of current battlefield trends.

This briefing marks the launch of Defense Analytics, a premium service focused on battlefield realities, defense technology innovation, procurement signals, and Russian military adaptations. The event will feature a presentation by KI Insights, followed by an open Q&A session. Scheduled for Thursday, February 19, 2026, at 16:30 Kyiv time, the briefing is expected to last 75 minutes.

To register, complete a short form and receive the details via email. The event is exclusively for KI Insights subscribers, with a separate subscription required from a Kyiv Independent membership. New subscribers are encouraged to join early due to security vetting procedures. For assistance or questions, contact insights@kyivindependent.com. Stay informed and ahead of the curve with expert insights tailored for organizations operating in Ukraine. 📅🔍

Latvian Saeima says how much it appreciates America and Canada

Latvia’s parliament, the Saeima, has reaffirmed its commitment to NATO as a cornerstone of transatlantic security and defense, despite strained relations between the U.S. and Latvian governments. In a non-binding statement, deputies highlighted America’s historical support for Latvia, including its role in invoking NATO’s Article 5 after the 9/11 attacks, which led to the deaths of seven Latvian soldiers in Afghanistan. The statement also acknowledged President Trump’s contributions to Latvia’s defense capabilities and regional stability.

The Saeima emphasized the importance of close political dialogue, military cooperation, and joint NATO membership with the U.S., while also expressing gratitude to Canada for leading the NATO multinational brigade in Latvia and strengthening its military presence. The statement appears to be a diplomatic gesture to acknowledge and formalize Latvia’s appreciation for international support, particularly in light of recent tensions and criticisms regarding gratitude for U.S. assistance.

The statement was backed by 81 of the Saeima’s 100 members, with nine voting against and the rest abstaining. While the declaration is purely symbolic and does not introduce new legislation, it underscores Latvia’s commitment to NATO and its appreciation for the contributions of its allies. 🇱🇻🤝

Dendias’ Washington narrative

During a recent visit to Washington, Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias articulated a compelling narrative about Greece’s pivotal role in the Eastern Mediterranean. He emphasized Greece’s stabilizing influence and its strategic partnerships with Israel and Cyprus, clarifying that these alliances are not aimed at Turkey but rather at fostering regional stability. Dendias urged Turkey to cease its support for Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood, aligning more closely with Western interests—a message that resonated with U.S. officials and lawmakers.

Dendias highlighted Greece’s consistent foreign policy, noting its bipartisan support across different governments, including those led by George Papandreou and Alexis Tsipras. This approach was echoed by Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos, who also participated in a Washington conference. The discussions also focused on the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), a project connecting India with Europe through Israel, Cyprus, and Greece, which has gained momentum following recent U.S.-India trade agreements.

Dendias’ visit reinforced Greece’s image as a reliable partner, committed to its obligations within NATO and bilateral cooperation. While his efforts may not have altered President Trump’s personal diplomatic choices, they underscored Greece’s role as a steadfast ally in a region marked by complex geopolitical dynamics. 🌍🤝

EU ambassador pushes back on criticism of Europe's decision-making

In an interview with The Kyiv Independent, EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova discussed the aftermath of Russia's large-scale missile and drone attack on Kyiv during one of the coldest days of the winter, which left parts of the city without heat and electricity. Mathernova emphasized that Moscow shows no genuine interest in peace and argued that Russia must be countered through sanctions and security guarantees. She also stressed the importance of Europe's involvement in shaping Ukraine's future.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump publicly endorsed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán ahead of Hungary’s upcoming parliamentary elections. In Russia, blackouts and heating outages were reported in Belgorod Oblast following a missile attack that damaged key energy infrastructure. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced the return of 157 Ukrainians from Russian captivity in the latest prisoner exchange, following talks in Abu Dhabi. Additionally, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk is expected to hold talks with Zelensky. 🇺🇦❄️

Storm disrupts Portugal as presidential run‑off election approaches

As Portugal braces for its presidential run-off election on February 8, Storm Leonardo has caused widespread devastation, prompting calls to postpone the vote. The storm, which has claimed lives and displaced thousands, has left parts of the country underwater, with the Tagus River reaching critical flood levels. Despite pleas from far-right candidate Andre Ventura and local officials to delay the election due to safety concerns, Portugal's electoral authority has insisted the vote will proceed as planned. Meanwhile, the storm has also wreaked havoc in southern Spain, with rescuers working to evacuate residents and search for missing individuals. Climate scientists warn that such extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense due to human-driven climate change. 🌊🇵🇹🇪🇸

The last shift

In the aftermath of a devastating fire at the Violanta cookie factory, tensions are running high as workers and the public demand accountability. The night shift, which offered a 25% wage premium and an additional 50% for work on Sundays or holidays, was a lifeline for many employees, including mothers and caregivers. Despite the company's reputation for innovation and stability, workers had reportedly raised concerns about gas smells and exposed cables for weeks, but their warnings went unheeded. A government official's premature statements praising the factory's safety standards and dismissing the tragedy as an inevitable workplace accident have fueled public outrage. Social media is flooded with emotional reactions, ranging from calls to boycott Violanta's products to nihilistic expressions of despair over broader societal failures. As investigations reveal the cause of the blast and arrests are made, the government's dismissive attitude risks further inflaming public anger, potentially leading to retaliatory actions and long-term political consequences. The tragedy has exposed deep-seated frustrations and a growing demand for justice and systemic change. 🔥💔

Online systems hamper bogus invoices

Tax authorities have identified over 850 businesses involved in issuing and receiving fictitious invoices during 2024-2025, highlighting a widespread issue of tax evasion. To combat this, electronic invoicing has been widely implemented as a key tool to enhance transparency and curb fraudulent activities. Since the establishment of the Dispute Resolution Directorate (DED), a total of 4,260 cases involving hundreds of thousands of bogus invoices have been uncovered, with most appeals rejected.

Many more businesses engage in issuing and receiving fake invoices, but they either do not appeal to DED or operate as ghost companies. Some fraudsters declare multiple headquarters or branches that do not exist, using DED to request the cancellation of taxes and fines. This fraud, combined with illegal VAT refunds, has become one of the most lucrative forms of economic crime, exploiting digital technology and state tools to extract significant public funds. Despite modern control systems, digitalization has opened new avenues for VAT theft, estimated in the hundreds of millions of euros.

Recent reforms, including stricter regulations in the General Commercial Registry and the adoption of electronic invoicing, aim to close loopholes and reduce VAT losses. These measures are crucial in the ongoing fight against economic crime and tax evasion. 💰🚨

Bundeswehr-Update: Auslandseinsätze auf dem Prüfstand – mit Henning Otte

Germany is scaling back its military presence in northern Iraq due to escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran, just days after the Bundestag extended its mission mandate. This decision highlights the rapid shifts in overseas deployments and the strain on Germany’s armed forces, which are already stretched thin.

In a discussion with Henning Otte, the German Bundestag’s military commissioner, the focus is on whether Germany can sustain 17 overseas missions across three continents while also addressing growing responsibilities within NATO. Otte emphasizes the need for a clear prioritization of national and alliance defense, warning against overextension. He calls for a fundamental rethinking of mission mandates, personnel allocation, and structural adjustments to ensure Germany’s military remains effective and sustainable. 🌍💭

Trump backs Orbán ahead of election, calls him a true friend

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, calling him "a true friend, fighter, and winner" and pledging his "complete and total" support. Trump praised the relationship between Hungary and the United States, stating that it has flourished under both leaders, reaching "new heights of cooperation and spectacular success." Orbán, who has been in power for 16 years and is seeking a fifth term in the upcoming April 12 elections, expressed gratitude for Trump's endorsement on Facebook.

Orbán faces a significant challenge in his re-election bid, as opposition leader Péter Magyar, a popular conservative figure, has emerged as a formidable contender. This marks the first time in a long period that Orbán's leadership has been seriously threatened. The endorsement from Trump could provide a boost to Orbán's campaign, highlighting the strong ties between the two leaders and their shared political ideologies. 🇭🇺🇺🇸

UK diplomats fear Mandelson files ‘damaging’ for Trump relationship

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s diplomatic efforts with Donald Trump could face significant strain as the U.K. government prepares to release documents related to the appointment of Peter Mandelson as ambassador. The disclosure follows calls for transparency from MPs across the political spectrum. The files may include communications between Mandelson and officials at No. 10 Downing Street and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.

Senior Whitehall officials, speaking anonymously, expressed concerns about the potential content of Mandelson’s messages, particularly his candid and often blunt assessments of Trump. Mandelson, known for his directness, may have shared insights or opinions that could complicate Starmer’s relationship with the U.S. president. The release of these documents could shed light on how officials responded to Mandelson’s communications, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already delicate diplomatic situation. 🇬🇧🇺🇸

Turkey’s TPAO, Chevron agree joint oil, gas exploration

Turkey’s state-run TPAO Petroleum and U.S. energy giant Chevron have signed a landmark agreement to jointly explore and produce oil and gas, marking a significant step in Turkey’s efforts to diversify its energy sources. Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced the partnership, highlighting TPAO’s ambition to achieve production levels of 1 million barrels of oil per day in the coming years. This agreement follows another deal TPAO recently struck with ExxonMobil’s subsidiary, Esso, for exploration in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean. The collaborations underscore Turkey’s strategic push to reduce its reliance on Russian energy imports. 🛢️🌍

Thand Ringqvist says no referendum on the euro

Thand Ringqvist, a prominent political figure, has emphasized the need to address Sweden's potential adoption of the euro in an election campaign rather than through a new referendum. She believes the issue should be considered "at the right time," acknowledging the evolving global political and economic landscape. Ringqvist, along with the Center Party, the Moderates, and the Christian Democrats, has expressed openness to investigating the possibility of Sweden joining the eurozone, a stance long supported by the Liberals. However, public opinion remains largely negative toward the euro, similar to the sentiment observed during the 2003 referendum.

Ringqvist highlights the importance of weighing both political and economic factors, particularly if Sweden risks losing decision-making power and influence by remaining outside the eurozone. While she advocates for an immediate investigation into the matter, she does not foresee the euro being introduced in Sweden before 2030. The discussion underscores the ongoing debate over Sweden's future in the European monetary union, balancing national sovereignty with regional integration. 🇪🇺💶