MSM Geopolitical Reporting for 2026-02-19
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.
Russia is no superpower? Then what the hell does that make Europe?
Kaja Kallas stood at the 62nd Munich Security Conference, at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof where the Atlantic Empire had assembled not to project power but to perform its own autopsy while the patient was...
Strategic Culture Foundation
Feb 18, 2026 - strategic-culture.su
What Iran’s Naval Exercise With China And Russia In The Strait Of Hormuz Actually Means
The Maritime Security Belt 2026 exercise comes as the U.S. is flowing forces to the Middle East ahead of a possible attack on Iran. The post What Iran’s Naval Exercise With China And Russia In The Str...
The War Zone
Feb 18, 2026 - twz.com
Russia Eyes Balloon Communications System To Fill Massive Gap Left After Losing Starlink
SpaceX has cut off Russia's access to Starlink and now Moscow is scrambling to find a replacement. The post Russia Eyes Balloon Communications System To Fill Massive Gap Left After Losing Starlink app...
The War Zone
Feb 18, 2026 - twz.com
Major Deployment Of Rickety E-3 Sentry Fleet For Iran Crisis Highlights Worrisome Gaps
The shrunken E-3 fleet isn't getting any younger, and a replacement is still far off while demand for its services would be far greater in the Pacific. The post Major Deployment Of Rickety E-3 Sentry ...
The War Zone
Feb 18, 2026 - twz.com
Kyiv robbed Pokrovsk to save Zaporizhzhia. The gamble is paying off
When Ukrainian forces fell back a short distance north of Pokrovsk recently, it was the result of a deliberate choice in Kyiv: to prioritize a counteroffensive farther south.
Russo-Ukrainian war 2022-2026 news - Euromaidan Press
Feb 18, 2026 - euromaidanpress.com
The EU has a plan to save regions on Russia’s doorstep from economic malaise
The European Commission wants to invest money into border areas — but there won't be any new funds from the EU’s current budget.
War in Ukraine – POLITICO
Feb 18, 2026 - politico.eu
Defense Mission Computers: The Backbone of Modern Military Operations
In today’s high-stakes defense landscape, where split-second decisions can determine mission success or failure, defense mission computers serve as the central nervous system of military platforms. Th...
Aviation and Defense Market Reports
Feb 18, 2026 - aviationanddefensemarketreports.com
Ukraine war latest: Russian 'mothership' drones push Ukraine to consider SIM card passport rules
Key developments on Feb. 18: Russian 'mothership' drones prompt Ukraine to weigh passport requirement for SIM card salesExplosion at Ukrainian military enlistment office declared terrorist attackUkrai...
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 18, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
Kaja Kallas: an uncomfortable figure useful to the EU’s Russophobic purposes
What role does Kallas really have within the European bureaucracy?
Strategic Culture Foundation
Feb 18, 2026 - strategic-culture.su
Merz wants to be Europe’s Carney
There's a chance that what helped Canada's prime minister could help the German chancellor too.
War in Ukraine – POLITICO
Feb 18, 2026 - politico.eu
Zelenskyy Says 'Progress' In Military Talks In Geneva, Political Talks 'Not Easy'
A second day of talks between Russia and Ukraine have broken up after around two hours in Geneva, Switzerland, with officials from both countries saying negotiations were "difficult."
Russia Invades Ukraine - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Feb 18, 2026 - rferl.org
Russia e Cina bollate come dittature rappresentative del male
Le miserevoli e irriflessive considerazioni di un direttore di quotidiano italiano
Strategic Culture Foundation
Feb 18, 2026 - strategic-culture.su
Why Bangladesh rejected Islamist rule
The first free election in Bangladesh in years saw the Islamists, courted by the U.S., losing to the secular Bangladesh National Party, reports Betwa Sharma.
Strategic Culture Foundation
Feb 18, 2026 - strategic-culture.su
At least 5 killed, 30 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day
Russia launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 126 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said.
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 18, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
WWII soldier who refused to identify Jewish POWs to receive Medal of Honor
Ordered at gunpoint to separate Jewish soldiers from other POWs, Army Master Sgt. Roddie Edmonds called a full formation of Americans and told a German commander: "We are all Jews." The post WWII sold...
Task & Purpose
Feb 18, 2026 - taskandpurpose.com
Are dollars replacing diplomacy in US-Russia talks?
Anyone hoping for a geopolitically robust and sustainable resolution to Russia's war on Ukraine should quickly re-examine their optimism or at least check their assumptions.Commercial interests, rathe...
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 18, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
Russian 'mothership' drones prompt Ukraine to weigh passport requirement for SIM card sales
Russian forces are using LTE mobile networks and Ukrainian SIM cards to remotely control FPV drones, Serhii Beskrestnov, adviser to Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, said.
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 18, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
Chart of the week: Russia’s attacks push Ukraine’s energy system to the brink
As Ukraine experienced its coldest January in over a decade, Russia launched 4,442 drones and 135 missiles at the country — most of which targeted energy infrastructure, depriving millions of heat, el...
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 18, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
Lessons from Past Israeli-Palestinian Talks for Trump’s Negotiators
There is a long history of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, often involving the United States as the primary negotiator. However, as the Oct. 7 attacks and war in Gaza demonstrated, neither Israelis ...
War on the Rocks
Feb 18, 2026 - warontherocks.com
Ukrainians Remain Skeptical as New Round of Peace Talks Begins
Ukrainians sheltering in an underground subway station expressed little hope in the ongoing peace talks between Russian, Ukrainian and U.S. officials that began in Geneva on Tuesday.
NYT > Russia-Ukraine War
Feb 18, 2026 - nytimes.com
O teatro kabuki de Trump na Ucrânia: nada de substancial é resolvido
A iniciativa de negociação Witkoff está afastando a Rússia de seus imperativos de segurança.
Strategic Culture Foundation
Feb 18, 2026 - strategic-culture.su
Security Forces Guarding ICBMs Need Fresh Tactics To Defend New Sentinel Silos
Security Forces tasked with defending Minuteman III ICBMs currently train for everything from retaking captured silos to repelling ground assaults. The post Security Forces Guarding ICBMs Need Fresh T...
The War Zone
Feb 18, 2026 - twz.com
Defense Stores Management Systems (SMS): Enhancing Efficiency and Readiness in Modern Militaries
In the complex world of military logistics and operations, effective management of equipment, ammunition, spare parts, and weapons is crucial for maintaining combat readiness. **Defense Stores Managem...
Aviation and Defense Market Reports
Feb 18, 2026 - aviationanddefensemarketreports.com
Ukraine reportedly strikes oil depot in Russia's Pskov Oblast, targets Belgorod with missiles, leaving blackouts
Ukraine reportedly struck an oil depot in Russia's Pskov Oblast and launched missiles at the Russian city of Belgorod, causing power outages in parts of the city, Telegram news channels and local auth...
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 18, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
Could Witkoff be ousted from Ukraine talks? Senators hear 'chatter' of Russian deals
U.S. senators visiting Odesa on Feb. 18 struck a cautious tone when asked whether Special Envoy Steve Witkoff should remain at the center of negotiations with Russia.The remarks place Congress in a de...
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 18, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
Ukraine hits 6 Russian military targets, including S-300VM missile launcher, General Staff says
Ukraine carried out a series of successful overnight attacks on Feb. 17–18 against military facilities in Russia and Russian-occupied territories.
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 18, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
War in Ukraine today: latest news, 18 February 2026 (photo)
It has been the 1456 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: The oc...
News - Ukrainian Women's Guard
Feb 18, 2026 - uavarta.org
China Now Finds Itself in al-Qaeda’s Crosshairs
Could China replace the United States atop the target list of transnational jihadist groups like al-Qaeda? A recent statement released by Sheikh Saad bin Atef al Awlaqi, the emir of al-Qaeda in the Ar...
War on the Rocks
Feb 18, 2026 - warontherocks.com
Russia-Ukraine talks yield ‘some progress’ on ceasefire, says Zelenskyy
Ukrainian president says US will monitor future truce, but he sees no breakthrough on political issues
War in Ukraine
Feb 18, 2026 - ft.com
EU boycotts Paralympics opening ceremony over Russia’s return
Across various sporting events, athletes from Russia and Belarus have had to compete as neutrals since the invasion of Ukraine.
War in Ukraine – POLITICO
Feb 18, 2026 - politico.eu
[UPDATE] 5th Assault Brigade Fundraiser: ~$1800 raised so far!
$1 submitted by /u/sustainUkraine
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
Volodymyr Zelensky: Russia Deploys Relay Transmitters in Belarus for Drone Strikes on Northern Ukraine
submitted by /u/Mil_in_ua
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
Putin manipulates Trump to buy time, Browder says
submitted by /u/KI_official
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
Alpha Group Receives Over 25,000 Drones from Come Back Alive Foundation
submitted by /u/Mil_in_ua
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
Archaeologists Launch 'Virtual Museum' To Ukraine's Ancient Heritage
An online museum aims to make Ukraine’s heritage accessible to the public while many of the featured treasures remain impossible to view in person.
Russia Invades Ukraine - Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty
Feb 18, 2026 - rferl.org
The Hague Tribunal Moloch continues to devour its prey
There scarcely is any need to point out the degree to which judicial practice in what is commonly known as the dark ages coincides with the contemporary modus operandi of the Hague Tribunal.
Strategic Culture Foundation
Feb 18, 2026 - strategic-culture.su
Putin would starve Russians before ending war, Browder says
The Kyiv Independent’s Martin Fornusek speaks with Bill Browder, investor and longtime sanctions advocate, about why Western sanctions have so far failed to change Russian President Vladimir Putin’s b...
The Kyiv Independent
Feb 18, 2026 - kyivindependent.com
Concern and confusion erupt over new VA disability rule
The Department of Veterans Affairs says the rule will not directly impact veterans' current disability ratings, while advocates are concerned it could lead to benefits being reduced. The post Concern ...
Task & Purpose
Feb 18, 2026 - taskandpurpose.com
New VA rule could lower veterans’ disability rating if medication improves their symptoms
The new rule might mean that veterans receive lower disability ratings from the VA, officials from major veterans service organizations said. The post New VA rule could lower veterans’ disability rati...
Task & Purpose
Feb 18, 2026 - taskandpurpose.com
Breaking Tehran’s Grip on Baghdad
What happens when the proxy network loses its patron but not its guns? We might be about to find out.Negotiations between the United States and Iran proceed, but the fact that the president has ordere...
War on the Rocks
Feb 18, 2026 - warontherocks.com
Few signs of progress as US-led Ukraine peace talks grind on
Also in this newsletter: German state TV uses AI video in report on ICE
War in Ukraine
Feb 18, 2026 - ft.com
The Behind the Scenes Search for Compromise on Territory in Ukraine Talks
The latest round of talks ended with no indication of progress, but negotiators are bargaining over who will control land in eastern Ukraine if they reach a settlement.
NYT > Russia-Ukraine War
Feb 18, 2026 - nytimes.com
Talks on Russia-Ukraine War Enter 2nd Day in Geneva
The discussions in Geneva were expected to focus on territorial issues, a major sticking point, but the short duration suggests major progress was not made.
NYT > Russia-Ukraine War
Feb 18, 2026 - nytimes.com
Trump Bets on Diplomacy Without Diplomats
President Trump’s most trusted envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are at the center of the Iran and Ukraine negotiations.
NYT > Russia-Ukraine War
Feb 18, 2026 - nytimes.com
The EU’s plan to revive its frontline regions
Presented by Amazon
War in Ukraine – POLITICO
Feb 18, 2026 - politico.eu
Ukrainian officials to boycott the Paralympics after Russia allowed to compete under their own flag
$1 submitted by /u/JOE_Media
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
Russian oil depot in Pskov struck by Ukrainian long-range drones. 18.02.2026
submitted by /u/GermanDronePilot
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces struck a number of enemy military facilities. February 11-12, 2026
submitted by /u/GermanDronePilot
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
Hungary's position slows down the EU's 20th package of sanctions against Russia, Politico writes. Hungary insists on excluding Russian sports officials from the list.
submitted by /u/Rich-Annual5511
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
US senators visit key Ukrainian port city as they push for fresh sanctions on Russia
submitted by /u/stammerton
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukraine Imposes Sanctions on Lukashenko for Assisting Russia in the War
submitted by /u/Scary_Statement4612
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
Volodymyr Zelensky: Russia Deploys Relay Transmitters in Belarus for Drone Strikes on Northern Ukraine
submitted by /u/Mil_in_ua
Reddit : Welcome to Ukraine - Ласкаво просимо в Україну!
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukrainian officials to boycott the Paralympics after Russia allowed to compete under their own flag
submitted by /u/JOE_Media
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
Russia May Start New War Within a Year – Swedish Intelligence
submitted by /u/Mil_in_ua
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
Axios: Zelensky said it was "not fair" that President Trump kept publicly calling on Ukraine, not Russia, to make concessions for peace.
submitted by /u/andrewgrabowski
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukrainian officials to boycott Winter Paralympics over 'outrageous' decision to allow Russia to compete under flag
submitted by /u/WillyNilly1997
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
'He just wanted to go home' — Brazilian recruit’s death in Ukraine points to abuse, torture in foreign fighter unit
submitted by /u/KI_official
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
Kremlin official says Russian navy to stop West’s seizure of merchant ships
submitted by /u/Elkenson_Sevven
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukrainian missile strike likely disabled thermal power plant in Belgorod
submitted by /u/BlackWolfHowling
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukraine Names Russian Officials Behind Program Removing Children From Occupied Territories
submitted by /u/WillyNilly1997
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
Finland to boost humanitarian aid to Ukraine and send 52 additional generators
submitted by /u/BlackWolfHowling
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
Ukrainian Forces Strike S-300VM Air Defense Launcher and Drone Control Points, General Staff
submitted by /u/WillyNilly1997
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
Live: Ukrainian officials to boycott Paralympics over inclusion of Russian athletes
submitted by /u/WillyNilly1997
Reddit : News & Events Surrounding Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Feb 18, 2026 - reddit.com
Los Emiratos Árabes Unidos: ¿un solo Estado o siete emiratos rivales bajo una misma bandera?
Estimados lectores, en la gran traducción de hoy les traemos un artículo del investigador Mohamad Hasan Sweidan en The Cradle, que pone el foco en los EAU.