Ukrainian drones carried out a successful attack on a fuel base in Russia's Pskov Oblast, causing a series of explosions and fires. Simultaneously, the Ukrainian army reports its largest territorial gains since 2023, which experts link to the restriction of Russian forces' access to Starlink systems. Meanwhile, civilians in Ukraine are grappling with record-breaking frosts and Russia's deliberate destruction of energy infrastructure, deepening the humanitarian crisis in the fourth year of the war.

Strike on logistics

Ukrainian drones hit a fuel base in Pskov Oblast, directly limiting the maneuver and logistical capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation.

Starlink system blockade

Russian forces lost access to satellite internet, which according to ISW observers translated into successful territory reclamation by Ukraine.

Energy crisis

Record-breaking frosts reaching -20 degrees and Russian attacks on thermal power plants have deprived millions of Ukrainians of access to heat and water.

The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) confirmed carrying out a massive drone attack targeting a Russian fuel base in Pskov Oblast. According to official statements, this operation is part of a strategy of systematic weakening of the Russian army's logistical foundations. The Russian Defense Ministry reported the alleged downing of 113 drones, but local authorities admitted that a fire broke out in a fuel tank at the Velikiye Luki refinery. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in 2022, Ukraine has gradually increased the range of its strikes on strategic targets deep within Russian territory, using increasingly advanced kamikaze drone solutions. Simultaneously, a significant territorial breakthrough was noted on the front. Analysis of data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) indicates that Ukrainian forces liberated approximately 201 km² of territory in just five days. This situation coincided with reports of Russian units being cut off from Starlink terminals. Elon Musk's decision to block access for occupying forces caused chaos in the Russian command and battlefield control system. „I don't need these historical nonsense to end this war and move to diplomacy.” — Volodymyr Zelenskyy The Ukrainian president's words are a sharp response to Kremlin propaganda narratives and diplomatic pressure regarding the alleged necessity of territorial concessions. Living conditions for civilians in Ukraine have become critical due to the militarized instrumentalization of cold. Temperatures dropping to -20 degrees Celsius exacerbate the suffering of residents in cities like Kyiv or Kharkiv, where regular missile attacks destroy thermal power plants. The construction of heating tents (Wärmezelte) becomes the only chance of survival for thousands of people deprived of heating and running water. 201 km² — territory reclaimed by Ukraine in five days Russian reports of downings: 113, Average daily number of attacks: 85 Key events of the week: 14 lutego — Początek kontrofensywy; 18 lutego — Blokada Starlink; 19 lutego — Atak w obwodzie pskowskim Liberal media emphasize the effectiveness of Ukrainian strikes and territorial successes as proof of the need for further military support. | Conservative media focus on the costs of war and the difficult humanitarian situation, suggesting the necessity of a faster diplomatic solution.

Mentioned People

  • Wołodymyr Zełenski — President of Ukraine, who criticized Russian propaganda and pressure for unfavorable territorial concessions.
  • Elon Musk — Owner of SpaceX, whose decision to restrict Starlink access for Russians influenced the frontline situation.
  • Aleksandr Łukaszenko — President of Belarus subject to new Ukrainian sanctions for supporting the Russian invasion.