Focus on the BIG picture.
Tuesday, Feb 17, 2026
Outside the box.
Russian Airstrikes Hit Kyiv Following Ukraine's Ceasefire Agreement
Despite a newly agreed 30-day ceasefire, Ukrainian cities endure renewed air attacks from Russia.
On March 12, 2025, Russian missile strikes targeted Kyiv mere hours after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. representatives reached a 30-day ceasefire agreement in Saudi Arabia.
The ceasefire, which was announced late on March 11, aimed to halt hostilities amid ongoing negotiations for a de-escalation of the conflict, now entering its fourth year.
The unexpected airstrikes struck the Ukrainian capital overnight, with fires reported across various districts of the city.
Ukrainian Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that air defense systems effectively thwarted much of the assault, leading to air raid alarms sounding across ten regions in the capital.
Concurrently, the Ukrainian Ministry of Digital Transformation reported that Kharkiv also experienced bombing raids during the same period.
In a related incident, Ukrainian forces launched a significant drone attack on Moscow, with Russian authorities claiming to have intercepted 337 Ukrainian drones, marking what they described as the largest attack in three years.
The escalation has drawn international attention, coinciding with the recent controversial easing of restrictions on intelligence sharing between the United States and Ukraine, as well as statements of support from various political figures.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio articulated hopes for prompt Russian engagement with the ceasefire proposal to advance to further negotiations.
President Joe Biden is expected to reach out to Russian President Vladimir Putin within the week to discuss the evolving situation.
Trump has stated that 'it takes two to tango' in reference to Kyiv's willingness to consider disarmament as part of peace negotiations, marking a potential shift in U.S. diplomatic engagement with the conflict.
Yuriy Sak, an adviser to Ukraine’s Ministry of Strategic Industries, highlighted the necessity for U.S. leverage in persuading Russia to accept the ceasefire terms.
President Zelenskyy expressed optimism regarding the ceasefire initiative, describing it as a 'positive step' toward achieving lasting peace.
The United States' commitment to lifting suspensions on military and intelligence support reflects a renewed approach to assisting Ukraine in these discussions.
The next steps in the peace process hinge on Russia's response, as the U.S. prepares to convey the details of the ceasefire agreement to Moscow.
The ceasefire, which was announced late on March 11, aimed to halt hostilities amid ongoing negotiations for a de-escalation of the conflict, now entering its fourth year.
The unexpected airstrikes struck the Ukrainian capital overnight, with fires reported across various districts of the city.
Ukrainian Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that air defense systems effectively thwarted much of the assault, leading to air raid alarms sounding across ten regions in the capital.
Concurrently, the Ukrainian Ministry of Digital Transformation reported that Kharkiv also experienced bombing raids during the same period.
In a related incident, Ukrainian forces launched a significant drone attack on Moscow, with Russian authorities claiming to have intercepted 337 Ukrainian drones, marking what they described as the largest attack in three years.
The escalation has drawn international attention, coinciding with the recent controversial easing of restrictions on intelligence sharing between the United States and Ukraine, as well as statements of support from various political figures.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio articulated hopes for prompt Russian engagement with the ceasefire proposal to advance to further negotiations.
President Joe Biden is expected to reach out to Russian President Vladimir Putin within the week to discuss the evolving situation.
Trump has stated that 'it takes two to tango' in reference to Kyiv's willingness to consider disarmament as part of peace negotiations, marking a potential shift in U.S. diplomatic engagement with the conflict.
Yuriy Sak, an adviser to Ukraine’s Ministry of Strategic Industries, highlighted the necessity for U.S. leverage in persuading Russia to accept the ceasefire terms.
President Zelenskyy expressed optimism regarding the ceasefire initiative, describing it as a 'positive step' toward achieving lasting peace.
The United States' commitment to lifting suspensions on military and intelligence support reflects a renewed approach to assisting Ukraine in these discussions.
The next steps in the peace process hinge on Russia's response, as the U.S. prepares to convey the details of the ceasefire agreement to Moscow.
