Ville Kostian
@kostianv.bsky.social
Geopolitics, geoeconomics and military.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Swedish Military Intelligence: "Despite several diplomatic initiatives, Russian leadership continues to appear unwilling to seek any political resolution to the [war in Ukraine] that does not satisfy Russian objectives… Preventing Ukrainian NATO membership is an important Russian objective."
February 17, 2026 at 2:17 PM
Swedish Military Intelligence: "Despite several diplomatic initiatives, Russian leadership continues to appear unwilling to seek any political resolution to the [war in Ukraine] that does not satisfy Russian objectives… Preventing Ukrainian NATO membership is an important Russian objective."
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford Sailing in the Atlantic, Headed for Strait of Gibraltar — USNI News
news.usni.org/2026/02/17/c...
news.usni.org/2026/02/17/c...
Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford Sailing in the Atlantic, Headed for Strait of Gibraltar - USNI News
Aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) and its escorts are operating in the Atlantic Ocean as they sail to U.S. Central Command amid tensions with Iran, USNI News has learned. Gerald R. Ford an...
news.usni.org
February 17, 2026 at 8:13 PM
Carrier USS Gerald R. Ford Sailing in the Atlantic, Headed for Strait of Gibraltar — USNI News
news.usni.org/2026/02/17/c...
news.usni.org/2026/02/17/c...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: Feb. 17, 2026 — USNI News
news.usni.org/2026/02/17/u...
news.usni.org/2026/02/17/u...
USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: Feb. 17, 2026
These are the approximate positions of the U.S. Navy’s deployed carrier strike groups and amphibious ready groups throughout the world as of Feb. 17, 2026, based on Navy and public data. In cases in w...
news.usni.org
February 17, 2026 at 7:05 PM
USNI News Fleet and Marine Tracker: Feb. 17, 2026 — USNI News
news.usni.org/2026/02/17/u...
news.usni.org/2026/02/17/u...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
U.S. Forces Strike 3 Suspected Narco Boats in Eastern Pacific, Caribbean — USNI News
news.usni.org/2026/02/17/u...
news.usni.org/2026/02/17/u...
U.S. Forces Strike 3 Suspected Narco Boats in Eastern Pacific, Caribbean - USNI News
The U.S. struck three boats Monday that were allegedly carrying illicit narcotics, killing 11 people in the strikes, U.S. Southern Command announced Tuesday. Two of the strikes were against boats in t...
news.usni.org
February 17, 2026 at 7:30 PM
U.S. Forces Strike 3 Suspected Narco Boats in Eastern Pacific, Caribbean — USNI News
news.usni.org/2026/02/17/u...
news.usni.org/2026/02/17/u...
" #Russia poses ‘serious and concrete’ threat to #Sweden ’s security, Stockholm warns"
www.politico.eu/article/swed...
www.politico.eu/article/swed...
Russia poses ‘serious and concrete’ threat to Sweden’s security, Stockholm warns
“What protects us is the strength of the alliance,” a senior NATO official says.
www.politico.eu
February 17, 2026 at 6:47 PM
" #Russia poses ‘serious and concrete’ threat to #Sweden ’s security, Stockholm warns"
www.politico.eu/article/swed...
www.politico.eu/article/swed...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
The Sunday Times established the identities of 13 Russian soldiers suspected of killing civilians on the Zhytomyr Highway in Kyiv region in 2022.
Over a three-week period, Russian soldiers killed at least 27 civilians on the highway, burning the bodies in their cars to hide the evidence.
Over a three-week period, Russian soldiers killed at least 27 civilians on the highway, burning the bodies in their cars to hide the evidence.
February 17, 2026 at 4:52 PM
The Sunday Times established the identities of 13 Russian soldiers suspected of killing civilians on the Zhytomyr Highway in Kyiv region in 2022.
Over a three-week period, Russian soldiers killed at least 27 civilians on the highway, burning the bodies in their cars to hide the evidence.
Over a three-week period, Russian soldiers killed at least 27 civilians on the highway, burning the bodies in their cars to hide the evidence.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
U.S. plans to blunt a potential large-scale aerial assault in Europe were put to the test at training grounds across five countries, where American and allied artillery forces confronted a battlefield saturated with missiles and drones. Learn more:
NATO artillery exercise tests cross-border ‘kill chain’ across Europe
U.S. plans to blunt a potential large-scale aerial assault in Europe were put to the test this month at training grounds across five countries.
www.stripes.com
February 17, 2026 at 3:59 PM
U.S. plans to blunt a potential large-scale aerial assault in Europe were put to the test at training grounds across five countries, where American and allied artillery forces confronted a battlefield saturated with missiles and drones. Learn more:
"US soldiers arrive in #Nigeria to aid its fight against Islamist militants"
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
US soldiers arrive in Nigeria to aid its fight against Islamist militants
The troops, who landed at an airfield in Bauchi state, will not take part in combat operations, officials say.
www.bbc.com
February 17, 2026 at 4:49 PM
"US soldiers arrive in #Nigeria to aid its fight against Islamist militants"
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
France releases seized Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker after fine paid
France releases seized Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker after fine paid
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said the vessel was departing Marseille after a payment of "several million euros".
www.bbc.com
February 17, 2026 at 2:42 PM
France releases seized Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker after fine paid
Reposted by Ville Kostian
It's Day 1455 of Russia's illegal, immoral and insane war on its peaceful neighbour.
Ahead of the so called peace talks in Geneva, Trump keeps heaping pressure on Ukraine, at exactly the same time as missiles hit Ukraine, killing civilians and hitting more power structures.
Here's Tuesday's daily🧵
Ahead of the so called peace talks in Geneva, Trump keeps heaping pressure on Ukraine, at exactly the same time as missiles hit Ukraine, killing civilians and hitting more power structures.
Here's Tuesday's daily🧵
February 17, 2026 at 11:58 AM
It's Day 1455 of Russia's illegal, immoral and insane war on its peaceful neighbour.
Ahead of the so called peace talks in Geneva, Trump keeps heaping pressure on Ukraine, at exactly the same time as missiles hit Ukraine, killing civilians and hitting more power structures.
Here's Tuesday's daily🧵
Ahead of the so called peace talks in Geneva, Trump keeps heaping pressure on Ukraine, at exactly the same time as missiles hit Ukraine, killing civilians and hitting more power structures.
Here's Tuesday's daily🧵
Reposted by Ville Kostian
European security chiefs join high-stakes Russia–Ukraine talks in Geneva
Advisers from France, Germany, Italy and Britain are attending the third round of negotiations and are expected to hold separate meetings with US and Ukrainian officials later today.
Advisers from France, Germany, Italy and Britain are attending the third round of negotiations and are expected to hold separate meetings with US and Ukrainian officials later today.
February 17, 2026 at 3:43 PM
European security chiefs join high-stakes Russia–Ukraine talks in Geneva
Advisers from France, Germany, Italy and Britain are attending the third round of negotiations and are expected to hold separate meetings with US and Ukrainian officials later today.
Advisers from France, Germany, Italy and Britain are attending the third round of negotiations and are expected to hold separate meetings with US and Ukrainian officials later today.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Leaders in Washington, Moscow, and Beijing may want Europe fragmented—but their efforts “are instead galvanizing its slow-motion march toward self-determination,” Joseph de Weck argues.
Europe Has Received the Message
Without America to rely on, the EU is gearing up to be a global power in its own right.
bit.ly
February 17, 2026 at 3:45 PM
Leaders in Washington, Moscow, and Beijing may want Europe fragmented—but their efforts “are instead galvanizing its slow-motion march toward self-determination,” Joseph de Weck argues.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Russian Northern Fleet on Tuesday launched artillery shooting next to maritime border with Norway.
Russia launches artillery shooting next to maritime border with Norway
The Russian Northern Fleet on Tuesday started a live-fire exercise in the Varanger fjord, a few nautical miles from Grense Jakobselv where the Norwegian military is observing.
www.thebarentsobserver.com
February 17, 2026 at 3:20 PM
Russian Northern Fleet on Tuesday launched artillery shooting next to maritime border with Norway.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
A new round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, United States, and Russia has begun in Geneva.
At the last moment, the United States changed the composition of its delegation and added senior military officials from the Pentagon to the diplomatic corps.
At the last moment, the United States changed the composition of its delegation and added senior military officials from the Pentagon to the diplomatic corps.
February 17, 2026 at 2:51 PM
A new round of trilateral talks between Ukraine, United States, and Russia has begun in Geneva.
At the last moment, the United States changed the composition of its delegation and added senior military officials from the Pentagon to the diplomatic corps.
At the last moment, the United States changed the composition of its delegation and added senior military officials from the Pentagon to the diplomatic corps.
"Third round of #Russia - #Ukraine talks starts in Geneva as strikes continue"
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Third round of Russia-Ukraine talks starts in Geneva as strikes continue
Expectations for a breakthrough are low as negotiators meet at a US-brokered talks to try end the war.
www.bbc.com
February 17, 2026 at 2:54 PM
"Third round of #Russia - #Ukraine talks starts in Geneva as strikes continue"
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group have left the Southern Command area of responsibility and are now in the 6th Fleet AOR, a defense official says.
February 17, 2026 at 2:46 PM
The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford and its strike group have left the Southern Command area of responsibility and are now in the 6th Fleet AOR, a defense official says.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Russian journalist Nevzorov points out the regime's heavy-handed control and the disconnect with the public.
Nevzorov's stark warnings reveal a chilling reality: the FSB can now cut off communication anytime, heightening fears of totalitarianism.
(1/7)
Nevzorov's stark warnings reveal a chilling reality: the FSB can now cut off communication anytime, heightening fears of totalitarianism.
(1/7)
February 17, 2026 at 2:52 PM
Russian journalist Nevzorov points out the regime's heavy-handed control and the disconnect with the public.
Nevzorov's stark warnings reveal a chilling reality: the FSB can now cut off communication anytime, heightening fears of totalitarianism.
(1/7)
Nevzorov's stark warnings reveal a chilling reality: the FSB can now cut off communication anytime, heightening fears of totalitarianism.
(1/7)
" #Oil Prices Rise as #Iran Closes Parts of the Strait of #Hormuz for Naval Drills"
oilprice.com/Energy/Energ...
oilprice.com/Energy/Energ...
Oil Prices Rise as Iran Closes Parts of the Strait of Hormuz for Naval Drills | OilPrice.com
Iran has temporarily closed parts of the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most critical oil transit chokepoint, for a few hours today as its naval forces conduct a military drill featuring advanced armed...
oilprice.com
February 17, 2026 at 2:51 PM
" #Oil Prices Rise as #Iran Closes Parts of the Strait of #Hormuz for Naval Drills"
oilprice.com/Energy/Energ...
oilprice.com/Energy/Energ...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
🇮🇷❗️ Iran will temporarily close the Strait of Hormuz during military drills, - Fars
The temporary closure is linked to planned live-fire and naval exercises by Iranian forces in the area
The temporary closure is linked to planned live-fire and naval exercises by Iranian forces in the area
February 17, 2026 at 11:26 AM
🇮🇷❗️ Iran will temporarily close the Strait of Hormuz during military drills, - Fars
The temporary closure is linked to planned live-fire and naval exercises by Iranian forces in the area
The temporary closure is linked to planned live-fire and naval exercises by Iranian forces in the area
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Ukrainian drones reportedly attacked Russia’s Perm region, targeting the Metafrax chemical plant in Gubakha. Local media mentioned six explosions followed by a major fire. Defense enterprises in Perm were evacuated and mobile internet services experienced disruptions across the region. #Russia
February 17, 2026 at 11:27 AM
Ukrainian drones reportedly attacked Russia’s Perm region, targeting the Metafrax chemical plant in Gubakha. Local media mentioned six explosions followed by a major fire. Defense enterprises in Perm were evacuated and mobile internet services experienced disruptions across the region. #Russia
" #Arctic Frontiers: #Disinformation, Security and the Northern Sea Route"
bellona.org/news/arctic/...
bellona.org/news/arctic/...
Arctic Frontiers: Disinformation, Security and the Northern Sea Route - Bellona.org
“When narratives are dictated, the consequences can become very real,” said Bellona’s Yuri Sergeev as he opened Bellona’s event on the Kremlin’s attempts to influence discussions about the development...
bellona.org
February 17, 2026 at 11:26 AM
" #Arctic Frontiers: #Disinformation, Security and the Northern Sea Route"
bellona.org/news/arctic/...
bellona.org/news/arctic/...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
The Z-mayor of Pechenga, Kola Peninsula, faces 10 years in prison for failed heating to soldier families. He was part of an organised fraud group, Russian military investigators claim
Z-mayor of Pechenga faces 10 years in prison for failed heating to soldier families
According to Russian military investigators, Mayor Andrei Kuznetsov was part of an organised fraud group that enriched itself on coal.
www.thebarentsobserver.com
February 16, 2026 at 6:15 PM
The Z-mayor of Pechenga, Kola Peninsula, faces 10 years in prison for failed heating to soldier families. He was part of an organised fraud group, Russian military investigators claim
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Yandex Maps has for years blurred sensitive weapons stores sites and military airports on the Kola Peninsula, but limiting public insights to a cemetery is a first of a kind.
Yandex Maps blurs new cemetery in Severomorsk
Russia’s online cartographic service has put blurring on 100,000 square metres of land near the Northern Fleet’s headquarters. The move prompts the question whether authorities are trying to hide mass...
www.thebarentsobserver.com
February 17, 2026 at 8:31 AM
Yandex Maps has for years blurred sensitive weapons stores sites and military airports on the Kola Peninsula, but limiting public insights to a cemetery is a first of a kind.