Ville Kostian
@kostianv.bsky.social
Geopolitics, geoeconomics and military.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Patria has signed a contract with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for the delivery of PROTECTOR RS4 remote weapon stations for more than 300 Patria 6x6 armoured vehicles under the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=66943
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=66943
Kongsberg to supply RS4 weapon stations for CAVS fleet
Patria has signed a contract with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for the delivery of PROTECTOR RS4 remote weapon stations for more than 300 Patria 6x6 armoured vehicles under the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk
February 19, 2026 at 5:01 PM
Patria has signed a contract with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace for the delivery of PROTECTOR RS4 remote weapon stations for more than 300 Patria 6x6 armoured vehicles under the multinational Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) programme.
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=66943
ukdefencejournal.org.uk/?p=66943
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Russia is throttling Telegram, but the Kremlin is maintaining its official channel. How? By using a VPN like everyone else. meduza.io/en/news/2026...
Kremlin spokesman admits Putin’s press service uses a VPN to bypass Russia’s Telegram restrictions — Meduza
The Kremlin intends to maintain its official Telegram channel, even as Russia increases restrictions on the platform, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Thursday.
meduza.io
February 19, 2026 at 4:39 PM
Russia is throttling Telegram, but the Kremlin is maintaining its official channel. How? By using a VPN like everyone else. meduza.io/en/news/2026...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
In order to prevent sea ice blockade of Baltic ports, Russia makes rare midwinter transfer of nuclear icebreaker "Sibir" from Arctic waters to the Gulf of Finland
Nuclear icebreaker makes rare midwinter transfer from Arctic to Baltic Sea
The heavy freeze in the Gulf of Finland makes Russia move two icebreakers, among them the nuclear-powered Sibir, from Arctic waters.
www.thebarentsobserver.com
February 19, 2026 at 4:00 PM
In order to prevent sea ice blockade of Baltic ports, Russia makes rare midwinter transfer of nuclear icebreaker "Sibir" from Arctic waters to the Gulf of Finland
" #Iran and the US lean into gunboat diplomacy as nuclear talks hang in balance"
apnews.com/article/iran...
apnews.com/article/iran...
Iran and the US lean into gunboat diplomacy as nuclear talks hang in balance
Iran and the United States are both applying naval pressure to the talks over Tehran's nuclear program. Tehran held drills Thursday with Russia.
apnews.com
February 19, 2026 at 2:41 PM
" #Iran and the US lean into gunboat diplomacy as nuclear talks hang in balance"
apnews.com/article/iran...
apnews.com/article/iran...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
GAO National Security Snapshot: U.S. Air Force Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Program — USNI News
news.usni.org/2026/02/19/g...
news.usni.org/2026/02/19/g...
GAO National Security Snapshot: U.S. Air Force Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Program - USNI News
The following is from the Feb. 18, 2026, Government Accountability Office’s National Security Snapshot: Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Modernization Faces Critical Risks and Opportunities. From t...
news.usni.org
February 19, 2026 at 2:30 PM
GAO National Security Snapshot: U.S. Air Force Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Program — USNI News
news.usni.org/2026/02/19/g...
news.usni.org/2026/02/19/g...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Second and Third Prototypes of Turkey’s Kaan Fighter Have Emerged
The two new Kaan airframes are scheduled to begin testing in 2026, while Turkey is also developing its own engine to replace U.S.-made powerplants used by the prototypes.
Story: theaviationist.com/2026/02/18/s...
The two new Kaan airframes are scheduled to begin testing in 2026, while Turkey is also developing its own engine to replace U.S.-made powerplants used by the prototypes.
Story: theaviationist.com/2026/02/18/s...
Second and Third Prototypes of Turkey’s Kaan Fighter Have Emerged
The two new Kaan airframes are scheduled to begin testing in 2026, while Turkey is also developing its own engine to replace U.S.-made powerplants used by
theaviationist.com
February 19, 2026 at 2:35 PM
Second and Third Prototypes of Turkey’s Kaan Fighter Have Emerged
The two new Kaan airframes are scheduled to begin testing in 2026, while Turkey is also developing its own engine to replace U.S.-made powerplants used by the prototypes.
Story: theaviationist.com/2026/02/18/s...
The two new Kaan airframes are scheduled to begin testing in 2026, while Turkey is also developing its own engine to replace U.S.-made powerplants used by the prototypes.
Story: theaviationist.com/2026/02/18/s...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
The fighting in Ukraine has reshaped everyday life
How four years of war have changed Russia
The fighting in Ukraine has reshaped everyday life
econ.st
February 19, 2026 at 11:31 AM
The fighting in Ukraine has reshaped everyday life
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Smaller assault groups took a third more territory in 2025 than 2024, with fewer losses.
Russia's newly built tanks aren't going back to Ukraine—they're deploying toward Finland.
Europe either acts now or faces Russia escalating on its own terms. euromaidanpress.com/2026/02/14/r...
Russia's newly built tanks aren't going back to Ukraine—they're deploying toward Finland.
Europe either acts now or faces Russia escalating on its own terms. euromaidanpress.com/2026/02/14/r...
Russia’s war is getting cheaper. That’s the worst news Europe has heard in years.
Four years of data show Russia trading tanks for drones—while its new armor heads not to Ukraine, but to NATO's border.
euromaidanpress.com
February 19, 2026 at 2:38 PM
Smaller assault groups took a third more territory in 2025 than 2024, with fewer losses.
Russia's newly built tanks aren't going back to Ukraine—they're deploying toward Finland.
Europe either acts now or faces Russia escalating on its own terms. euromaidanpress.com/2026/02/14/r...
Russia's newly built tanks aren't going back to Ukraine—they're deploying toward Finland.
Europe either acts now or faces Russia escalating on its own terms. euromaidanpress.com/2026/02/14/r...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Russia lost more tanks in four years than all of NATO owns—and it doesn't need them anymore.
Four years of General Staff data show Russia swapping expensive hardware for cheap mass:
🔹 7,000 FPV drones a day
🔹 200+ glide bombs
🔹 102,000 long-range strike drones projected for 2026
Four years of General Staff data show Russia swapping expensive hardware for cheap mass:
🔹 7,000 FPV drones a day
🔹 200+ glide bombs
🔹 102,000 long-range strike drones projected for 2026
February 19, 2026 at 2:38 PM
Russia lost more tanks in four years than all of NATO owns—and it doesn't need them anymore.
Four years of General Staff data show Russia swapping expensive hardware for cheap mass:
🔹 7,000 FPV drones a day
🔹 200+ glide bombs
🔹 102,000 long-range strike drones projected for 2026
Four years of General Staff data show Russia swapping expensive hardware for cheap mass:
🔹 7,000 FPV drones a day
🔹 200+ glide bombs
🔹 102,000 long-range strike drones projected for 2026
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Oh, my goodness, this is a huge breakthrough in cancer research. This is another example of why it is crucially important to fund basic scientific research.
Scientists Discover How To “Switch Off” Cancer Genes for Good share.google/WFhMJP5m3AK4...
Scientists Discover How To “Switch Off” Cancer Genes for Good share.google/WFhMJP5m3AK4...
Scientists Discover How To “Switch Off” Cancer Genes for Good
A new study shows that targeting key epigenetic proteins may permanently switch off cancer genes. Scientists at Monash University, working with Harvard University, report they have found a way to perm...
share.google
February 19, 2026 at 4:42 AM
Oh, my goodness, this is a huge breakthrough in cancer research. This is another example of why it is crucially important to fund basic scientific research.
Scientists Discover How To “Switch Off” Cancer Genes for Good share.google/WFhMJP5m3AK4...
Scientists Discover How To “Switch Off” Cancer Genes for Good share.google/WFhMJP5m3AK4...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
🇸🇪🇺🇦 Sweden has allocated a military aid package of ~1.2 billion euros to Ukraine, - SVT
▪️Sweden will allocate about 400 million euros for the purchase and transfer of the Tridon Mk2 system. In addition, the country will transfer sensors, robots and anti-aircraft guns.
▪️Sweden will allocate about 400 million euros for the purchase and transfer of the Tridon Mk2 system. In addition, the country will transfer sensors, robots and anti-aircraft guns.
February 19, 2026 at 12:48 PM
🇸🇪🇺🇦 Sweden has allocated a military aid package of ~1.2 billion euros to Ukraine, - SVT
▪️Sweden will allocate about 400 million euros for the purchase and transfer of the Tridon Mk2 system. In addition, the country will transfer sensors, robots and anti-aircraft guns.
▪️Sweden will allocate about 400 million euros for the purchase and transfer of the Tridon Mk2 system. In addition, the country will transfer sensors, robots and anti-aircraft guns.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Vladimir Putin fears peace in Ukraine. An end to the fighting could trigger a crisis in Russia—and even pose a threat to his power: econ.st/4cD52hP
February 19, 2026 at 12:00 PM
Vladimir Putin fears peace in Ukraine. An end to the fighting could trigger a crisis in Russia—and even pose a threat to his power: econ.st/4cD52hP
"Over 1,000 Kenyans enlisted to fight in #Russia - #Ukraine war, report says" - #Kenya
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Over 1,000 Kenyans enlisted to fight in Russia-Ukraine war, intelligence report says
Investigators call the recruitment a well-organised trafficking ring involving immigration staff and security agencies.
www.bbc.com
February 19, 2026 at 12:48 PM
"Over 1,000 Kenyans enlisted to fight in #Russia - #Ukraine war, report says" - #Kenya
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
I keep seeing people say Iran's military is not Iraq's in 2003.
But with the exception of its missiles and drones, Iran might even compare unfavorably to Iraq in 2003.
That's a big exception, but the relevant comparison with Iraq is not defeating its military but occupying the country.
1/x
But with the exception of its missiles and drones, Iran might even compare unfavorably to Iraq in 2003.
That's a big exception, but the relevant comparison with Iraq is not defeating its military but occupying the country.
1/x
February 19, 2026 at 11:56 AM
I keep seeing people say Iran's military is not Iraq's in 2003.
But with the exception of its missiles and drones, Iran might even compare unfavorably to Iraq in 2003.
That's a big exception, but the relevant comparison with Iraq is not defeating its military but occupying the country.
1/x
But with the exception of its missiles and drones, Iran might even compare unfavorably to Iraq in 2003.
That's a big exception, but the relevant comparison with Iraq is not defeating its military but occupying the country.
1/x
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Russian strikes left 16,000 people without heating in freezing winter.
In Lozova, Kharkiv region, the temperatures are about -12 degrees Celsius at night this week.
Russia damaged critical infrastructure, so there's no heating and water in the town.
In Lozova, Kharkiv region, the temperatures are about -12 degrees Celsius at night this week.
Russia damaged critical infrastructure, so there's no heating and water in the town.
February 19, 2026 at 10:34 AM
Russian strikes left 16,000 people without heating in freezing winter.
In Lozova, Kharkiv region, the temperatures are about -12 degrees Celsius at night this week.
Russia damaged critical infrastructure, so there's no heating and water in the town.
In Lozova, Kharkiv region, the temperatures are about -12 degrees Celsius at night this week.
Russia damaged critical infrastructure, so there's no heating and water in the town.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Italy opposes the admission of Russian athletes to the 2026 Paralympics.
The Italian government urged to review the decision on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the 2026 Paralympic Games in Milan.
The Italian government urged to review the decision on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the 2026 Paralympic Games in Milan.
February 19, 2026 at 10:36 AM
Italy opposes the admission of Russian athletes to the 2026 Paralympics.
The Italian government urged to review the decision on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the 2026 Paralympic Games in Milan.
The Italian government urged to review the decision on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in the 2026 Paralympic Games in Milan.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Day 1457 of the war in Europe and here's another daily thread.
All the news of the Russia-Ukraine war in one place, each day, every day.
A quiet day so far, but still work continues and support welcome - link in bio if I'm worth it 😉
All the news of the Russia-Ukraine war in one place, each day, every day.
A quiet day so far, but still work continues and support welcome - link in bio if I'm worth it 😉
February 19, 2026 at 9:54 AM
Day 1457 of the war in Europe and here's another daily thread.
All the news of the Russia-Ukraine war in one place, each day, every day.
A quiet day so far, but still work continues and support welcome - link in bio if I'm worth it 😉
All the news of the Russia-Ukraine war in one place, each day, every day.
A quiet day so far, but still work continues and support welcome - link in bio if I'm worth it 😉
Reposted by Ville Kostian
🇩🇪 Germany is considering purchasing at least 35 additional F-35A fighter jets from the United States.
militarnyi.com/en/news/germ...
militarnyi.com/en/news/germ...
Germany Considers Increasing Purchase of F-35A Fighter Jets from the United States
Germany is considering purchasing at least 35 additional F-35A fighter jets from the United States.Reuters reports this, citing its sources.The move would allow Germany to secure an alternative to the...
militarnyi.com
February 19, 2026 at 10:44 AM
🇩🇪 Germany is considering purchasing at least 35 additional F-35A fighter jets from the United States.
militarnyi.com/en/news/germ...
militarnyi.com/en/news/germ...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
#BBCNews live page: www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c7...
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office
#Epsteinfiles
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office
#Epsteinfiles
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office - live updates
It comes after Thames Valley Police said they were assessing a complaint over the alleged sharing of confidential material by the former prince with Jeffrey Epstein.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 19, 2026 at 10:44 AM
#BBCNews live page: www.bbc.co.uk/news/live/c7...
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office
#Epsteinfiles
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office
#Epsteinfiles
#MidEast - " #Trump officials plan to build 5,000-person military base in #Gaza, files show"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Trump officials plan to build 5,000-person military base in Gaza, files show
Exclusive: approximately 350-acre compound planned as base for multinational force, according to records reviewed by the Guardian
www.theguardian.com
February 19, 2026 at 10:04 AM
#MidEast - " #Trump officials plan to build 5,000-person military base in #Gaza, files show"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
" #UN experts say destruction by #Sudan ’s rebels in el-Fasher in October bears ‘hallmarks of genocide’"
apnews.com/article/rsf-...
apnews.com/article/rsf-...
UN experts say destruction by Sudan's rebels in el-Fasher in October bears 'hallmarks of genocide'
U.N.-backed investigators say Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces have carried out a campaign in el-Fasher that shows hallmarks of genocide against non-Arab communities.
apnews.com
February 19, 2026 at 8:11 AM
" #UN experts say destruction by #Sudan ’s rebels in el-Fasher in October bears ‘hallmarks of genocide’"
apnews.com/article/rsf-...
apnews.com/article/rsf-...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Putin told Cuban Foreign Minister that Moscow stands with the country as it struggles under sweeping US sanctions, though the Kremlin once again stopped short of committing to any concrete support.
www.kyivpost.com/post/70326
www.kyivpost.com/post/70326
February 19, 2026 at 6:05 AM
Putin told Cuban Foreign Minister that Moscow stands with the country as it struggles under sweeping US sanctions, though the Kremlin once again stopped short of committing to any concrete support.
www.kyivpost.com/post/70326
www.kyivpost.com/post/70326
Reposted by Ville Kostian
North Korean POWs stuck in #Ukraine as Seoul hesitates
www.dw.com/en/north-kor... #NorthKorea #Russia #Putinswar
www.dw.com/en/north-kor... #NorthKorea #Russia #Putinswar
North Korean POWs stuck in Ukraine as Seoul hesitates
Two North Korean soldiers in Ukraine have asked to move to South Korea rather than facing dire consequences for letting themselves be captured in the North. The regime might choose to punish their fam...
www.dw.com
February 19, 2026 at 6:20 AM
North Korean POWs stuck in #Ukraine as Seoul hesitates
www.dw.com/en/north-kor... #NorthKorea #Russia #Putinswar
www.dw.com/en/north-kor... #NorthKorea #Russia #Putinswar
Reposted by Ville Kostian
A new statement from al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula elevates China from a peripheral target to a declared enemy. Beijing’s global footprint could now carry sharper security consequences.
China Now Finds Itself in al-Qaeda’s Crosshairs
Could China replace the United States atop the target list of transnational jihadist groups like al-Qaeda? A recent statement released by Sheikh Saad bin
warontherocks.com
February 19, 2026 at 5:45 AM
A new statement from al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula elevates China from a peripheral target to a declared enemy. Beijing’s global footprint could now carry sharper security consequences.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
White House says Iran would be 'wise' to make deal, as US ramps up military presence
White House says Iran would be 'wise' to make deal, as US ramps up military presence
The White House spokeswoman says there are "many reasons and arguments that one could make for a strike against Iran".
www.bbc.com
February 19, 2026 at 5:48 AM
White House says Iran would be 'wise' to make deal, as US ramps up military presence