Russia is preparing to declare “victory” in the war against Ukraine & NATO by February 24, Ukraine’s Intelligence Directorate (GUR) claims.

NEW: Russia has launched a railway connection between Rostov-on-Don, Mariupol, Volnovakha, and Donetsk.

The new railway line, located in the “deep rear,” is expected to streamline military logistics and reduce the Russian Army’s dependence on the Crimean Bridge.

Russian Army training goes WRONG.

IS terror plot foiled in Turkey. Turkish police arrested Uzbek national Abdulmalik A. in Istanbul for plotting large-scale attacks on synagogues & Jewish schools. He was in direct contact with Daesh’s leadership and entered Turkey legally. Authorities uncovered coded messages revealing his deadly mission. Security is now tightened at potential targets.

UK appoints a Mandarin-speaking diplomat as its next ambassador to China. Peter Wilson, son of ex-Hong Kong Governor David Wilson, will take on the high-stakes role amid improving China-UK ties. Wilson, a former UK ambassador to Brazil & the Netherlands, has years of Beijing experience & once worked under Boris Johnson.

With PM Keir Starmer set to visit China, Britain's Labour government is shifting gears after years of diplomatic tension.

China's Vice Premier He Lifeng will have a video call with the U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to communicate important issues in the economic field between the two countries, the foreign ministry said.

The U.S. removed all pro-Ukrainian language from the G7 statement on the third anniversary of the war to avoid disrupting peace talks.

Source: NYT

European Parliament Member Mika Aaltola:

The United States has given us three weeks to agree on terms for Ukraine's surrender. If we don't, the United States will withdraw from Europe.

Somali National Army and state-loyal local militias have been conducting large-scale operations against al Shabaab through the Shabelle River.

Meanwhile Al-Shabaab militants conducted attacks on government forces' bases in Middle Shabelle, Somalia. The group said a large-scale offensive targeting bases in Ail Ali Ahmed, Ali Foldiri, Dar al-Na'ma, Al-Kawthar, Ail Barf, and Adili. Local sources reported that militants captured Ceel Baraf, Cali Fool-Dhere, Daaru Nimca, Alkowzar, Ceel Axmad.

Ukraine may ban Russian music as petition gains required signatures for cabinet review.

BREAKING:

Israel’s security service arrests an Israeli citizen for allegedly driving one of the suspects who dropped bombs in buses yesterday.

IRGC commander:

Israel will be wiped out in a major attack at the right time.

Trump replaces historic Oval Office desk, wiped booger on by Elon Musk’s son.

The Resolute Desk, gifted by Queen Victoria in 1880, has been in the Oval Office since 1961.

Trump, known for his germophobia, says it will be returned after minor restoration.

Source: NY Post

Zelensky can maintain ties with Trump and the U.S. ONLY by signing minerals deal.

The U.S. side suggests this is the main reason behind Trump’s criticism of the Ukrainian president.

Source: Politico

63% of Ukrainians approve of Zelensky, and 74% consider him a patriot.

He remains the most popular politician in Ukraine.

Source: IBIF Project Survey Report

Delivery of the first batch of 30 Belgian F-16s to Kyiv delayed by at least a year—now expected by late 2025—due to Belgium’s postponed F-35 shipments from the U.S.

Source: Belgian Chief of Defense, Air Force General Frédéric Vansina, in an interview with Le Soir.

Foreign intelligence officials are wary of sharing secrets with the US under Trump, as they see his administration as very leaky.

Concerns have grown as Congress approves his controversial intelligence picks and allegations of mishandled data surface.

Still, intelligence cooperation runs deep, with Washington often providing more than it receives.

Source: Politico

The Kremlin does not believe that the new US administration led by Donald Trump has taken a "pro-Russian and anti-Ukrainian" position, Kremlin spokesman Peskov says.

Russian kamikaze drone attacks a residential area in Kyiv.