Ville Kostian
@kostianv.bsky.social
Geopolitics, geoeconomics and military.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Cuba oil refinery fire hits as fuel crisis deepens
Cuba oil refinery fire hits as fuel crisis deepens
The fire, which Cuban officials say was contained quickly, comes as electricity and fuel supplies dwindle.
www.bbc.com
February 14, 2026 at 5:30 AM
Cuba oil refinery fire hits as fuel crisis deepens
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Western media still sometimes characterizes Central Asia as “Russia’s backyard” – and Russian commentators do the same. But that's not how the states of Central Asia view themselves.
Is Central Asia Still Russia’s Backyard?
Paternalistic hot takes from Russian commentators regarding Central Asia are nothing new. What’s different these days is that Central Asia has grown up – and stepped out of Russia’s shadow.
buff.ly
February 14, 2026 at 5:31 AM
Western media still sometimes characterizes Central Asia as “Russia’s backyard” – and Russian commentators do the same. But that's not how the states of Central Asia view themselves.
" #Trump says change of power in #Iran would be ‘best thing’, as he sends second carrier"
www.scmp.com/news/world/m...
www.scmp.com/news/world/m...
Trump says change of power in Iran would be ‘best thing’
The US president’s comments are his most overt reference yet to regime change, as he pushes Tehran to make a nuclear deal.
www.scmp.com
February 14, 2026 at 5:39 AM
" #Trump says change of power in #Iran would be ‘best thing’, as he sends second carrier"
www.scmp.com/news/world/m...
www.scmp.com/news/world/m...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
U.S. Air Force Moving to Replenish GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator Inventory
U.S. Air Force acquisition documents show that Boeing is being contracted to replenish the inventory of GBU-57's expended during Operation Midnight Hammer.
Story: theaviationist.com/2026/02/13/u...
U.S. Air Force acquisition documents show that Boeing is being contracted to replenish the inventory of GBU-57's expended during Operation Midnight Hammer.
Story: theaviationist.com/2026/02/13/u...
U.S. Air Force Moving to Replenish GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator Inventory
U.S. Air Force acquisition documents show that Boeing is being contracted to replenish the inventory of GBU-57's expended during Operation Midnight
theaviationist.com
February 13, 2026 at 11:02 PM
U.S. Air Force Moving to Replenish GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator Inventory
U.S. Air Force acquisition documents show that Boeing is being contracted to replenish the inventory of GBU-57's expended during Operation Midnight Hammer.
Story: theaviationist.com/2026/02/13/u...
U.S. Air Force acquisition documents show that Boeing is being contracted to replenish the inventory of GBU-57's expended during Operation Midnight Hammer.
Story: theaviationist.com/2026/02/13/u...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
USS Gerald R. Ford Ordered to the Middle East After Eight Months Already at Sea
The U.S. Navy’s newest supercarrier is heading back towards the Middle East having already been recalled across the Atlantic to station off Venezuela.
Story: theaviationist.com/2026/02/14/g...
The U.S. Navy’s newest supercarrier is heading back towards the Middle East having already been recalled across the Atlantic to station off Venezuela.
Story: theaviationist.com/2026/02/14/g...
USS Gerald R. Ford Ordered to the Middle East After Eight Months Already at Sea
The U.S. Navy's newest supercarrier is heading back towards the Middle East having already been recalled across the Atlantic to station off Venezuela.
theaviationist.com
February 13, 2026 at 11:38 PM
USS Gerald R. Ford Ordered to the Middle East After Eight Months Already at Sea
The U.S. Navy’s newest supercarrier is heading back towards the Middle East having already been recalled across the Atlantic to station off Venezuela.
Story: theaviationist.com/2026/02/14/g...
The U.S. Navy’s newest supercarrier is heading back towards the Middle East having already been recalled across the Atlantic to station off Venezuela.
Story: theaviationist.com/2026/02/14/g...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
6/ Iran Update, February 13, 2026: isw.pub/IranUpdate02...
February 14, 2026 at 12:10 AM
6/ Iran Update, February 13, 2026: isw.pub/IranUpdate02...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
5/ ISIS-affiliated residents of al Hol IDP camp have reportedly continued to escape from the camp on February 13, likely due to Syrian government forces’ lack of discipline and training. Other ISIS-affiliated families have escaped from al Hol to other Syrian provinces and Lebanon in recent days.
February 14, 2026 at 12:10 AM
5/ ISIS-affiliated residents of al Hol IDP camp have reportedly continued to escape from the camp on February 13, likely due to Syrian government forces’ lack of discipline and training. Other ISIS-affiliated families have escaped from al Hol to other Syrian provinces and Lebanon in recent days.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
NEW: Iranian officials are refusing to negotiate limits to Iran’s ballistic missile program because the ballistic missile program forms an integral part of Iranian defense strategy. (1/6)
Read more: isw.pub/IranUpdate02...
Read more: isw.pub/IranUpdate02...
February 14, 2026 at 12:10 AM
NEW: Iranian officials are refusing to negotiate limits to Iran’s ballistic missile program because the ballistic missile program forms an integral part of Iranian defense strategy. (1/6)
Read more: isw.pub/IranUpdate02...
Read more: isw.pub/IranUpdate02...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
8/ Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 13, 2026:
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 13, 2026
Western reporting suggests that the United States has accepted Russia's demanded sequence of having Ukraine cede territory to Russia
isw.pub
February 14, 2026 at 4:05 AM
8/ Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 13, 2026:
Reposted by Ville Kostian
7/ Ukraine’s European allies continue to provide military aid to Ukraine through the Ramstein format, including via the purchase of US-produced weapons.
Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Oleksandrivka and Hulyaipole. Russian forces recently advanced near Slovyansk.
Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Oleksandrivka and Hulyaipole. Russian forces recently advanced near Slovyansk.
February 14, 2026 at 4:05 AM
7/ Ukraine’s European allies continue to provide military aid to Ukraine through the Ramstein format, including via the purchase of US-produced weapons.
Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Oleksandrivka and Hulyaipole. Russian forces recently advanced near Slovyansk.
Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Oleksandrivka and Hulyaipole. Russian forces recently advanced near Slovyansk.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
NEW: Western reporting suggests that the United States has accepted Russia’s demanded sequence of having Ukraine cede territory to Russia before receiving formal US or European security guarantee commitments. 🧵 (1/8)
Read more: isw.pub/UkrWar021326
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️
Read more: isw.pub/UkrWar021326
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️
February 14, 2026 at 4:05 AM
NEW: Western reporting suggests that the United States has accepted Russia’s demanded sequence of having Ukraine cede territory to Russia before receiving formal US or European security guarantee commitments. 🧵 (1/8)
Read more: isw.pub/UkrWar021326
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️
Read more: isw.pub/UkrWar021326
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️
Reposted by Ville Kostian
"At least 124 people have now been killed in strikes on suspected drug boats as part of Operation Southern Spear, a campaign the Trump administration says is aimed at curtailing narcotics trafficking."
@cnn.com
edition.cnn.com/2026/02/13/p...
@cnn.com
edition.cnn.com/2026/02/13/p...
US strikes alleged drug boat in Caribbean, killing 3 | CNN Politics
The US military conducted a strike against another alleged drug-trafficking boat in the Caribbean on Friday, killing three people, according to US Southern Command.
edition.cnn.com
February 14, 2026 at 5:15 AM
"At least 124 people have now been killed in strikes on suspected drug boats as part of Operation Southern Spear, a campaign the Trump administration says is aimed at curtailing narcotics trafficking."
@cnn.com
edition.cnn.com/2026/02/13/p...
@cnn.com
edition.cnn.com/2026/02/13/p...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
🎙️🇮🇷Do you want a regime change in Iran?
🇺🇸 Trump: It seems like that would be the best thing that could happen.
For 47 years they have been talking and talking, in the meantime, we lost a lot of lives while they talk... Let's see what happens.
🇺🇸 Trump: It seems like that would be the best thing that could happen.
For 47 years they have been talking and talking, in the meantime, we lost a lot of lives while they talk... Let's see what happens.
February 13, 2026 at 9:33 PM
🎙️🇮🇷Do you want a regime change in Iran?
🇺🇸 Trump: It seems like that would be the best thing that could happen.
For 47 years they have been talking and talking, in the meantime, we lost a lot of lives while they talk... Let's see what happens.
🇺🇸 Trump: It seems like that would be the best thing that could happen.
For 47 years they have been talking and talking, in the meantime, we lost a lot of lives while they talk... Let's see what happens.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Zelenskyy pushes US to intensify pressure on Russia
Zelenskyy pushes US to intensify pressure on Russia
The Ukrainian leader hinted that Congress might need to step in on security guarantees.
dlvr.it
February 13, 2026 at 9:34 PM
Zelenskyy pushes US to intensify pressure on Russia
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Donetsk region: "In the Kramators'k direction, the enemy carried out one offensive operation in the area of Nykyforivka."
Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine operational information as of 22:00 on 13 February 2026 regarding the russian invasion
Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine operational information as of 22:00 on 13 February 2026 regarding the russian invasion
February 13, 2026 at 8:53 PM
Donetsk region: "In the Kramators'k direction, the enemy carried out one offensive operation in the area of Nykyforivka."
Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine operational information as of 22:00 on 13 February 2026 regarding the russian invasion
Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine operational information as of 22:00 on 13 February 2026 regarding the russian invasion
Reposted by Ville Kostian
2/The PLA may be improving its ability to use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to conduct aerial resupply missions for its ground forces. The PLA could use this capability to enhance over-the-beach (OTB) resupply, a potential logistical weak point during an invasion of Taiwan.
February 13, 2026 at 8:00 PM
2/The PLA may be improving its ability to use unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to conduct aerial resupply missions for its ground forces. The PLA could use this capability to enhance over-the-beach (OTB) resupply, a potential logistical weak point during an invasion of Taiwan.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
NEW: The PLA’s newest amphibious assault vessel, the Type 076 landing helicopter dock (LHD) Sichuan, could be equipped with as many as six GJ-21 naval stealth drones. The Type 076 will likely use the GJ-21 to support long-distance PLA Navy (PLAN) deployments.
Read more: isw.pub/ChinaTaiwanU...
Read more: isw.pub/ChinaTaiwanU...
February 13, 2026 at 8:00 PM
NEW: The PLA’s newest amphibious assault vessel, the Type 076 landing helicopter dock (LHD) Sichuan, could be equipped with as many as six GJ-21 naval stealth drones. The Type 076 will likely use the GJ-21 to support long-distance PLA Navy (PLAN) deployments.
Read more: isw.pub/ChinaTaiwanU...
Read more: isw.pub/ChinaTaiwanU...
" #EU defense chief lays out ideas for a European military force to replace US troops"
www.politico.eu/article/andr...
www.politico.eu/article/andr...
EU defense chief lays out ideas for a European military force to replace US troops
‘What we are talking about is a rapid reaction force of 100,000 or 80,000 capability, which should replace American forces,’ says EU defense commissioner.
www.politico.eu
February 13, 2026 at 7:06 PM
" #EU defense chief lays out ideas for a European military force to replace US troops"
www.politico.eu/article/andr...
www.politico.eu/article/andr...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
European countries need to create a “rapid reaction force” of up to 100,000 troops to replace American soldiers currently stationed on the continent, EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius told us in an exclusive interview at the #POLITICOPub at #MSC2026 today.
🔗 www.politico.eu/article/andr...
🔗 www.politico.eu/article/andr...
February 13, 2026 at 5:55 PM
European countries need to create a “rapid reaction force” of up to 100,000 troops to replace American soldiers currently stationed on the continent, EU Defense Commissioner Andrius Kubilius told us in an exclusive interview at the #POLITICOPub at #MSC2026 today.
🔗 www.politico.eu/article/andr...
🔗 www.politico.eu/article/andr...
"U.S. Air Force Moving to Replenish GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator Inventory"
theaviationist.com/2026/02/13/u...
theaviationist.com/2026/02/13/u...
U.S. Air Force Moving to Replenish GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator Inventory
U.S. Air Force acquisition documents show that Boeing is being contracted to replenish the inventory of GBU-57's expended during Operation Midnight
theaviationist.com
February 13, 2026 at 5:14 PM
"U.S. Air Force Moving to Replenish GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator Inventory"
theaviationist.com/2026/02/13/u...
theaviationist.com/2026/02/13/u...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Ukraine is set to receive 35 missiles for U.S.-produced Patriot air defense systems from its partners soon, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told journalists on Feb. 12 following a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at NATO headquarters.
Allies pledge 35 Patriot missiles for Ukraine — sounds a lot, but is it?
Ukraine is set to receive 35 missiles for U.S.-produced Patriot air defense systems from its partners soon, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius said on Feb. 12.
kyivindependent.com
February 13, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Ukraine is set to receive 35 missiles for U.S.-produced Patriot air defense systems from its partners soon, German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told journalists on Feb. 12 following a meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at NATO headquarters.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Regarding the torture of Ukrainians #Ukraine
Regarding the torture of Ukrainians
kyivindependent.com
February 13, 2026 at 3:39 PM
Regarding the torture of Ukrainians #Ukraine
Reposted by Ville Kostian
This is a major milestone on our pathway to developing Europe’s first sovereign hypersonic strike capability, Anglo-German company Hypersonica said after its successful missile test launch at Andøya, Arctic Norway
Hypersonica says its missile exceeded Mach 6 in Andøya test launch
It is a major milestone on our pathway to developing Europe’s first sovereign hypersonic strike capability, the the Anglo-German defence and aerospace company says.
www.thebarentsobserver.com
February 13, 2026 at 12:15 PM
This is a major milestone on our pathway to developing Europe’s first sovereign hypersonic strike capability, Anglo-German company Hypersonica said after its successful missile test launch at Andøya, Arctic Norway