MSM Geopolitical Reporting for 2026-02-18
Today’s western leaning web coverage of the West vs Russia conflict. Most of these sources are what forms popular opinion in the west regarding geopolitics and conflict in particular.
Final Pieces Moving Into Place For Potential Attack On Iran
The latest flurry of U.S. assets heading to the Middle East includes many of the missing capabilities needed for a sustained air campaign. The post Final Pieces Moving Into Place For Potential Attack...
The War Zone
Feb 17, 2026 - twz.com
Trump stalls over Iran strike plan, Iran holds all the aces
Trump may pretend that Israel is a client state of Washington which has to toe the line, but in reality, it is clear that Israel is calling the shots.
Strategic Culture Foundation
Feb 17, 2026 - strategic-culture.su
Army successfully tests Apache with new ammunition meant to shred drone swarms
The new airburst-capable 30mm round is meant to give the helicopters drone hunting capabilities without extensive new training for pilots. The post Army successfully tests Apache with new ammunition m...
Task & Purpose
Feb 17, 2026 - taskandpurpose.com
Ukraine, Russia Wrap First Day Of US-Brokered Talks Amid Fresh Strikes
Ukrainian and Russian negotiators were set to meet for the latest round of US-brokered peace talks following another round of Russian overnight strikes on targets across Ukraine with hundreds of drone...
Russia Invades Ukraine - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Feb 17, 2026 - rferl.org
X-68A LongShot Air-To-Air Missile-Carrying Drone Moves Closer To F-15 Launch
LongShot drones are also seen as a new way for bombers and cargo planes to engage aerial threats and reduce vulnerability. The post X-68A LongShot Air-To-Air Missile-Carrying Drone Moves Closer To F-1...
The War Zone
Feb 17, 2026 - twz.com
Ukraine war latest: Drones strike oil, chemical plants in Russia as fresh peace talks begin in Geneva
Key developments on Feb. 17Ukraine, Russia hold US-mediated Geneva talks focused on 'practical issues,' negotiations to resume Feb. 18SBU strikes chemical factory used for explosives production deep i...
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 17, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
Winter has grounded Ukraine's interceptor drones, gutting Kyiv's air defense
From his base near the hotly contested town of Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, Vladyslav has, by his own estimates, downed upwards of 60 Russian drones using Ukrainian interceptor drones over the past...
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 17, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
‘Double-dipping’ controversy bars injured and ill vets from getting full benefits
"You wanna fight wars? Well, it costs money. The shit ain't cheap," one veteran said. The post ‘Double-dipping’ controversy bars injured and ill vets from getting full benefits appeared first on Task ...
Task & Purpose
Feb 17, 2026 - taskandpurpose.com
Teen Kickbox Champ Killed in War Honored On Banned Olympic Helmet
Karina Bakhur, a 17-year-old kickboxing champion killed by a Russian missile in Ukraine, is honored on Ukrainian Olympian Vladyslav Heraskevych’s helmet. He was banned from competing in skeleton for t...
Russia Invades Ukraine - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Feb 17, 2026 - rferl.org
El teatro kabuki de Trump en Ucrania: no se resuelve nada sustancial
No es de extrañar, pues, que el ministro de Asuntos Exteriores Lavrov esté dando señales de retirarse de la empresa de negociación Witkoff. No está funcionando. Está alejando a Rusia de sus imperativo...
Strategic Culture Foundation
Feb 17, 2026 - strategic-culture.su
Le tensioni tra Ungheria e Ucraina potrebbero portare a un nuovo conflitto regionale
Il regime di Kiev potrebbe subire gravi ritorsioni da parte dell'Ungheria a causa delle recenti provocazioni.
Strategic Culture Foundation
Feb 17, 2026 - strategic-culture.su
'If you stop, you die' — Inside Ukraine's last fight for Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad
DONETSK OBLAST — Walking through the mine-infested field under intense Russian drone surveillance was the scariest part of the mission for 22-year-old infantryman Mykola."If you stop, you die," said M...
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 17, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
Ukrainians Remain Skeptical as New Round of Peace Talks Begins
Ukrainians sheltering in an underground subway station expressed little hope in peace talks that brought Russian, Ukrainian and U.S. officials to Geneva on Tuesday.
NYT > Russia-Ukraine War
Feb 17, 2026 - nytimes.com
SOF Drones Destroy Iskander Missile Storage Site in Crimea
submitted by /u/Mil_in_ua
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 17, 2026 - reddit.com
C-32A ‘Air Force Two’ Jet Emerges Wearing Trump’s New Air Force One Paint Job (Updated)
Donald Trump's controversial Air Force One livery has made it onto its first Air Force executive aircraft. The post C-32A ‘Air Force Two’ Jet Emerges Wearing Trump’s New Air Force One Paint Job (Updat...
The War Zone
Feb 17, 2026 - twz.com
The Defense Up-Front Control Panel (UFC) – Enhancing Pilot Efficiency in Modern Fighter Aircraft
In the high-stakes environment of modern aerial combat and defense operations, fighter pilots must process vast amounts of information while maintaining situational awareness and executing precise man...
Aviation and Defense Market Reports
Feb 17, 2026 - aviationanddefensemarketreports.com
Ukraine denies reports of secret multinational F-16 squadron
Ukraine’s Air Force on Tuesday rejected media reports claiming that a secret multinational F-16 fighter squadron composed of Ukrainian, American, and Dutch pilots had been established to defend Kyiv’s...
War in Ukraine – Defence Blog – Military and Defense News
Feb 17, 2026 - defence-blog.com
Russian drone strike on civilian car kills 3 energy workers in Donetsk Oblast
The civilian car was struck in the town of Mykolaivka, located east of the city of Sloviansk and only around ten kilometers from the front line.
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 17, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
1 killed, 25 injured across Ukraine as Russia launches latest mass missile, drone attack
In Odesa, long-range Russian strikes on infrastructure and residential homes saw three civilians injured, according to regional governor Serhii Lysak.
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 17, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
From the Gulag to Ukraine: The Kyiv Independent exposes Russia’s culture of torture in new documentary
The Kyiv Independent’s War Crimes Investigations Unit will present a new documentary, “Torture Culture,” exposing the systematic torture of Ukrainian civilians in Russian captivity and highlighting Ru...
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 17, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
War in Ukraine today: latest news, 17 February 2026 (photo)
It has been the 1455 th day of the Ukrainian resistance to the russian military aggression. What happened in Ukraine today: Here is operational information of the General Staff as of 4 pm: Since...
News - Ukrainian Women's Guard
Feb 17, 2026 - uavarta.org
Recalibrating U.S. Intelligence Strategy for an Uncertain Global Order
In the wake of 9/11, the newly established Office of the Director of National Intelligence produced the nation’s first National Intelligence Strategy, a document explicitly intended to guide reforms t...
War on the Rocks
Feb 17, 2026 - warontherocks.com
Iran says it temporarily closed the Strait of Hormuz as it held more indirect talks with the US
The U.S. has been building up its military presence in the region and threatening strikes.
Military – Daily Press
Feb 17, 2026 - dailypress.com
Russia is using monuments to peddle misinformation
Statues are not always about memory — they are becoming Moscow’s latest weapon
War in Ukraine
Feb 17, 2026 - ft.com
Ukraine and Russia Hold New Round of Peace Talks, but Expectations Are Low
Both sides described previous U.S.-mediated negotiations as productive, although they did not appear to address sticking points like territory and security guarantees.
NYT > Russia-Ukraine War
Feb 17, 2026 - nytimes.com
Trump Said He’d End the War in Ukraine in a Day. It’s Harder Than He Thought.
Russian attacks and Ukrainian civilian deaths rose as President Trump’s peace talks dragged on during his first year back in the White House.
NYT > Russia-Ukraine War
Feb 17, 2026 - nytimes.com
Ukrainian defense forces in occupied Crimea destroyed a Russian Ka-27 helicopter. Three unmanned aerial vehicle control centers were also attacked
$1 submitted by /u/ua-stena
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 17, 2026 - reddit.com
During Fighting for Chasiv Yar, Soldiers of the 24th Mechanized Brigade Captured Russian Infantrymen
submitted by /u/Mil_in_ua
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 17, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukrainian SOF Hit russian Iskander Missile System and Ka-27 Helicopter in Temporarily Occupied Crimea
submitted by /u/Scary_Statement4612
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 17, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukrainian special forces hit Iskander storage site and Rubikon drone control point – video
submitted by /u/BlackWolfHowling
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 17, 2026 - reddit.com
EU Pushes Ukraine On Repair Of Druzhba Pipeline Carrying Russian Oil To Hungary, Slovakia
A European Commission spokeswoman on February 17 confirmed that Brussels was in touch with Ukraine regarding the Druzhba pipeline that has been damaged since late January, preventing Russian oil from ...
Russia Invades Ukraine - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Feb 17, 2026 - rferl.org
Court sets $4.6 million bail for Ukrainian ex-minister in biggest graft case of Zelensky era
The High Anti-Corruption Court on Feb. 17 placed former Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko in custody for two months in a major corruption case and set bail at Hr 200 million ($4.6 million).The offic...
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 17, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
General Staff: Russia has lost 1,255,340 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022
The number includes 890 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 17, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
Father of 3 Marines won’t be deported, immigration judge rules
Narciso Barranco’s eligibility for Parole In Place under his sons' military service means he can not be immediately deported, an immigration judge ruled. The post Father of 3 Marines won’t be deported...
Task & Purpose
Feb 17, 2026 - taskandpurpose.com
Strikes on 3 more alleged drug boats kill 11 people, US military says
It was one of the deadliest days of the Trump administration’s campaign.
Military – Daily Press
Feb 17, 2026 - dailypress.com
Europe’s Next War
The rising risk of NATO-Russia conflict.
FA RSS
Feb 17, 2026 - foreignaffairs.com
Poland extends war reparations campaign to Russia
Warsaw has already sought to claim €1.3tn from Germany for second world war losses and damages
War in Ukraine
Feb 17, 2026 - ft.com
With Witkoff and Kushner, Trump Bets on Diplomacy Without Diplomats
President Trump’s most trusted envoys are at the center of the Iran and Ukraine negotiations, an approach that has sidelined the State Department and the National Security Council.
NYT > Russia-Ukraine War
Feb 17, 2026 - nytimes.com
During Fighting for Chasiv Yar, Soldiers of the 24th Mechanized Brigade Captured Russian Infantrymen
submitted by /u/Mil_in_ua
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 17, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukrainian SOF Hit russian Iskander Missile System and Ka-27 Helicopter in Temporarily Occupied Crimea
submitted by /u/Scary_Statement4612
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 17, 2026 - reddit.com
Our emergency tacmed fundraiser has concluded and it. was. stellar. You're sending over $27K of tacmed, cold meds, food, and car parts to Ukraine.
$1 submitted by /u/UFL_Robin
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 17, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukraine, Russia start US-mediated Geneva peace talks as Moscow signals harder line
submitted by /u/Scary_Statement4612
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 17, 2026 - reddit.com
'If you stop, you die' — Inside Ukraine's last fight for Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad
submitted by /u/KI_official
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 17, 2026 - reddit.com
Zelensky says Ukrainian public won't let him hand Russia territory
submitted by /u/Only-Committee-3458
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 17, 2026 - reddit.com
Russian Military Facility Near St. Petersburg Rocked by Explosion, Three Dead
submitted by /u/UNITED24Media
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 17, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukraine has already managed to return 2,000 children from Russia's control, but there is still a long way to go - Zelenskyy
submitted by /u/BlackWolfHowling
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 17, 2026 - reddit.com
One-Third of Russia’s Military Personnel Costs Are Death Benefits
submitted by /u/BlackWolfHowling
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 17, 2026 - reddit.com
The Alpha Special Operations Center Destroys 4 HQs, Ammo Depot and UAV Production Facility (Video) | Defense Express
submitted by /u/BlackWolfHowling
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 17, 2026 - reddit.com
Putin’s fortress Russia has one weakness: The enemy within
submitted by /u/theipaper
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 17, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukraine has formed an international F-16 squadron staffed by Ukrainian, US, and Dutch pilots, which is currently playing a central role in the air defense of Kyiv Oblast as Russia attacks it with drones and missiles
submitted by /u/Flimsy_Pudding1362
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 16, 2026 - reddit.com
La distruzione della rete elettrica ucraina
L'Ucraina ha dichiarato la sua intenzione di rinunciare completamente all'eredità sovietica. Gli attacchi russi al settore energetico ucraino contribuiscono alla realizzazione di questi desideri e spi...