In just the week of February 16-22 alone, Russia launched nearly 1,150 attack drones, over 1,400 guided bombs, and 35 missiles of various types against Ukraine, says President Zelenskyy. Including a very large attack on the night of February 22, where Russia launched 267 Shahed attack drones and simulator/decoy drones of various types. A total of 138 were shot down and 119 more were suppressed by electronic warfare. This is reportedly the largest drone attack Russia has ever launched against Ukraine.


Sweden announced that they will purchase €107.6 million worth of air defense equipment to be delivered to Ukraine. The package will include RBS 70 and Tridon Mk2, which will be acquired through the Swedish Defense Materiel Administration. The RBS 70 is a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) with a range of about 5 to 8 km depending on the variant. The Tridon Mk2 is a new anti-aircraft gun unveiled in June 2024. The system features a self-propelled remotely controlled Bofors 40 mm anti-aircraft artillery gun, mounted on a high-mobility platform such as a 6×6 or 8×8 truck. It has an effective range of about 12 km, depending on the target, weather, ammunition, and terrain. The Tridon Mk2 utilizes advanced fire control systems and can fire various types of ammunition, including programmable 3P rounds, with a firing rate of 300 rounds per minute. Additionally, Sweden will deliver air defense systems of a type that Ukraine already possesses, as well as man-portable air defense weapons.


Estonia announced that they will deliver a new military package to Ukraine. Estonian, Prime Minister Kristen Michal said your package will include 10,000 rounds of artillery ammunition and 750,000 food rations for Ukrainian soldiers. He added that Estonia plans to provide Ukraine with €100 million of additional defense industry products as soon as possible.


The European Union's 16th sanctions package against Russia introduces new restrictions targeting both individuals and entities. The package includes sanctions on 48 individuals and 35 entities threatening Ukraine's sovereignty while establishing new measures to target those operating Putin's shadow fleet or supporting Russia's military-industrial complex. The measures expand restrictions on Russia's maritime operations, adding 74 vessels to the sanctions list and banning transactions with financial institutions using Russia's SWIFT alternative SPFS. The package also targets 53 companies supporting Russia's military industry, imposes new trade restrictions on industrial goods and aluminum imports, and revokes broadcasting licenses for eight Russian propaganda outlets. Additionally, the EU has implemented new restrictions on Russian ports, docks, and airports involved in military transfers and oil price cap evasion, while further limiting Russia's energy sector development through bans on specific technologies and services. The package was formally approved by EU foreign ministers on February 24.


According to President Zelenskyy, Ukraine produced 154 artillery systems in 2024,. He claimed this number is larger than the combined production of artillery pieces in all NATO countries in 2024. Zelenskyy didn’t specify what kind of artillery pieces he was talking about, but it was either entirely or primarily Bohdana self-propelled howitzers. In May, it was reported that Ukraine was building 10 Bohdana per month, and by October, they were producing 20 of them per month. Zelenskyy said that artillery production will continue to expand this year. The production was funded through both Ukraine's budget and the "Danish model," which involves foreign investment into Ukraine’s military industry.


According to Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukraine's Military Intelligence, North Korea plans to provide 148 KN-23 ballistic missiles to Russia in 2025. These missiles originally had pretty mediocre accuracy, with missiles, landing up to 3000 meters away from their target. Russian missile experts have helped tweak and modernize these missiles significantly improving their accuracy, now landing within 50-100 meters of their target.


On February 20, the Security Service of Ukraine conducted a drone strike on the Novovelychkovskaya oil pumping station in Russia's Krasnodar region, causing a fire at the station's power substation and leading to a complete blackout and an emergency shutdown of the oil pumping, disrupting the oil supply to the Afip and Ilya refineries. The attack is the eighth successful SSU attack on Russian oil facilities so far this year. Ukrainian drones have been used to launch at least 81 attacks on oil refineries and fuel bases in Russia and occupied Ukrainian territories. These strikes have significantly reduced Russia's oil production and refinery capacity, roughly a decrease of 12% in 2024. On February 19 a Russian refinery in Syzran was attacked by drones, causing a large fire.


Ukraine destroyed a 2S4 Tulip 240mm mortar. These are powerful and designed to target building and defensive structures. They have a range of over 9 km and its ammunition weighs 130 kg including 32 kg of explosives.


Ukraine is changing its military command structure from a temporary command system of tactical troop groupings to a permanent corps structure. Under the old system they are abandoning, they relied on ad-hoc groupings staffed by officers from various command bodies, educational institutions, and Ministry of Defense structures, which has numerous drawbacks and inefficiencies. The new corps system was chosen after analyzing various models. Ukraine had previously used a corps system in the 90s. Five corps have already been established. More will be created and placed under the leadership of experienced brigade commanders. The new system includes specialized units like the Army Assault Corps, Marine Corps, and Ranger Corps, with corps being formed by scaling up existing operational teams, headquarters, and brigades.


Ukraine's head of the President's Office, Andrii Yermak, has stated that Ukraine won't compromise on its territorial integrity or security guarantees in any post-war settlement. This comes amid recent talks between Russia and the US in Riyadh that occurred without Ukraine's participation. President Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine won't recognize any agreements made without its involvement. Reports are suggesting another US-Russia meeting will take place in Riyadh on February 25, but Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov has denied that this meeting has been planned.


Russia launched an unsuccessful assault that included mercenaries from Africa.  The assault was repelled by Ukraine’s 1st Air Force Combined Rifle Brigade and the 35th Marine Brigade, resulting in five Russians killed and one African mercenary captured. The captured prisoner thanked the Ukrainians for saving his life. He was provided with food, water, and medical care. as Russia has been increasingly pressuring African migrants to fight in the war, threatening to deport them if they don’t join the military. This particular African migrant who was captured said he went to Saratov to get an education.


Quote of the Day:

“Any sufficiently advanced hedgehog is indistinguishable from magic.”

― Arthur C. Clarke