Ville Kostian
@kostianv.bsky.social
Geopolitics, geoeconomics and military.
"The #Pentagon says it’s getting its #AI providers on ‘the same baseline’"
www.defenseone.com/technology/2...
www.defenseone.com/technology/2...
The Pentagon says it’s getting its AI providers on ‘the same baseline’
Military is still abiding by ethics principles, according to DOD research head.
www.defenseone.com
February 18, 2026 at 8:37 PM
"The #Pentagon says it’s getting its #AI providers on ‘the same baseline’"
www.defenseone.com/technology/2...
www.defenseone.com/technology/2...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
In the Pokrovs'k direction, the russian fascist invaders carried out 39 attacks on the positions of Ukrainian defenders near Bilyts'ke, Zatyshok, Rodyns'ke, Pokrovs'k, Shevchenko, Novooleksandrivka, Hryshyne, Kotlyne, Udachne, Molodets'ke, Novopidhorodnye and Novopavlivka.
2/2
2/2
February 18, 2026 at 8:36 PM
In the Pokrovs'k direction, the russian fascist invaders carried out 39 attacks on the positions of Ukrainian defenders near Bilyts'ke, Zatyshok, Rodyns'ke, Pokrovs'k, Shevchenko, Novooleksandrivka, Hryshyne, Kotlyne, Udachne, Molodets'ke, Novopidhorodnye and Novopavlivka.
2/2
2/2
Reposted by Ville Kostian
In the Kostyantynivka direction, in Donetsk region, russian invaders attacked 16 times near Kostyantynivka, Shcherbynivka, Berestok, Stepanivka, Rusyn Yar, Novopavlivka and Sofiyivka.
Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine operational information at 22:00 on 18 February 2026
1/2
Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine operational information at 22:00 on 18 February 2026
1/2
February 18, 2026 at 8:35 PM
In the Kostyantynivka direction, in Donetsk region, russian invaders attacked 16 times near Kostyantynivka, Shcherbynivka, Berestok, Stepanivka, Rusyn Yar, Novopavlivka and Sofiyivka.
Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine operational information at 22:00 on 18 February 2026
1/2
Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine operational information at 22:00 on 18 February 2026
1/2
#MidEast - " #Israel on high alert as officials assess imminent US strike on #Iran; security cabinet meeting postponed"
www.ynetnews.com/article/hjxu...
www.ynetnews.com/article/hjxu...
Israel on high alert as officials assess imminent US strike on Iran; security cabinet meeting postponed
The security Cabinet was postponed to Sunday to avoid an Iranian miscalculation, as security and emergency services remain on highest alert amid assessments President Trump may soon approve a prolonge...
www.ynetnews.com
February 18, 2026 at 8:33 PM
#MidEast - " #Israel on high alert as officials assess imminent US strike on #Iran; security cabinet meeting postponed"
www.ynetnews.com/article/hjxu...
www.ynetnews.com/article/hjxu...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
In Sumy Oblast, Russia is now confirmed further south, near the edge of the settlement of Korchakivka.
Russia also crossed the border and raised flags in the settlement of Pokrovka.
Russia also crossed the border and raised flags in the settlement of Pokrovka.
February 18, 2026 at 6:57 PM
In Sumy Oblast, Russia is now confirmed further south, near the edge of the settlement of Korchakivka.
Russia also crossed the border and raised flags in the settlement of Pokrovka.
Russia also crossed the border and raised flags in the settlement of Pokrovka.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Along the border in Kharkiv, Russia has entered the settlement of Chuhunivka.
South of Vovchansk, Russia has advanced south into the settlement of Symynivka.
South of Vovchansk, Russia has advanced south into the settlement of Symynivka.
February 18, 2026 at 6:57 PM
Along the border in Kharkiv, Russia has entered the settlement of Chuhunivka.
South of Vovchansk, Russia has advanced south into the settlement of Symynivka.
South of Vovchansk, Russia has advanced south into the settlement of Symynivka.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Ukraine map updates:
Russian forces have continued to make advances around Kostiantynivka over the past week, entering the western side of the settlement.
Russian forces have continued to make advances around Kostiantynivka over the past week, entering the western side of the settlement.
February 18, 2026 at 6:57 PM
Ukraine map updates:
Russian forces have continued to make advances around Kostiantynivka over the past week, entering the western side of the settlement.
Russian forces have continued to make advances around Kostiantynivka over the past week, entering the western side of the settlement.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
There is some real movement in the line, but the big km2 figures and double digit tallies of settlements retaken is a highly misleading representation of the reality on the ground.
February 18, 2026 at 7:01 PM
There is some real movement in the line, but the big km2 figures and double digit tallies of settlements retaken is a highly misleading representation of the reality on the ground.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
As I mentioned on Twitter, 90% of the counteroffensive maps you'll have seen are mappers correcting overmarking of Russian advances.
Those villages were never truly under Russian control. It was small forward units in contested areas; these are largely just fluctuations in the contested zones.
Those villages were never truly under Russian control. It was small forward units in contested areas; these are largely just fluctuations in the contested zones.
On the Zaporizhzhia / Dnipropetrovsk boundary, Ukraine pushed through Sosnivka towards Ternove.
Ukraine has also attacked west from their positions around Dobropillia, towards Solodke.
Ukraine has also attacked west from their positions around Dobropillia, towards Solodke.
February 18, 2026 at 7:01 PM
As I mentioned on Twitter, 90% of the counteroffensive maps you'll have seen are mappers correcting overmarking of Russian advances.
Those villages were never truly under Russian control. It was small forward units in contested areas; these are largely just fluctuations in the contested zones.
Those villages were never truly under Russian control. It was small forward units in contested areas; these are largely just fluctuations in the contested zones.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Russian Surface Action Group Underway for Asia-Pacific Deployment — USNI News
news.usni.org/2026/02/18/r...
news.usni.org/2026/02/18/r...
Russian Surface Action Group Underway for Asia-Pacific Deployment - USNI News
A surface action group from the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet recently departed Vladivostok for an Asia-Pacific deployment. Corvettes RFS Sovershenny (333) and RFS Rezkiy (343) and fleet oiler Pechenga...
news.usni.org
February 18, 2026 at 4:18 PM
Russian Surface Action Group Underway for Asia-Pacific Deployment — USNI News
news.usni.org/2026/02/18/r...
news.usni.org/2026/02/18/r...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
+15 from overnight.
Brings to at least 55 the number of transports, tankers and E-3 AWACS (2) that were seen preparing, moving or participating in refuel ops for other aircraft to the Middle East.
Just from the last 10 hours.
Brings to at least 55 the number of transports, tankers and E-3 AWACS (2) that were seen preparing, moving or participating in refuel ops for other aircraft to the Middle East.
Just from the last 10 hours.
February 18, 2026 at 3:20 PM
+15 from overnight.
Brings to at least 55 the number of transports, tankers and E-3 AWACS (2) that were seen preparing, moving or participating in refuel ops for other aircraft to the Middle East.
Just from the last 10 hours.
Brings to at least 55 the number of transports, tankers and E-3 AWACS (2) that were seen preparing, moving or participating in refuel ops for other aircraft to the Middle East.
Just from the last 10 hours.
" #Zelenskyy accuses #Russia of ‘trying to drag out’ process as #Ukraine talks end without breakthrough"
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
Zelenskyy accuses Russia of ‘trying to drag out’ process as Ukraine talks end without breakthrough
Latest round of US-mediated peace negotiations come to close in Geneva with war set to enter its fifth year next week
www.theguardian.com
February 18, 2026 at 3:27 PM
" #Zelenskyy accuses #Russia of ‘trying to drag out’ process as #Ukraine talks end without breakthrough"
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
www.theguardian.com/world/2026/f...
"DOJ files reveal Jeffrey #Epstein ’s efforts to build Russian ties" - #Russia
www.france24.com/en/americas/...
www.france24.com/en/americas/...
DOJ files reveal Jeffrey Epstein’s efforts to build Russian ties
Convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein sought to cultivate ties with Russia’s political elite and repeatedly pressed for a meeting with President Vladimir Putin, according to US Justice Department fil...
www.france24.com
February 18, 2026 at 1:07 PM
"DOJ files reveal Jeffrey #Epstein ’s efforts to build Russian ties" - #Russia
www.france24.com/en/americas/...
www.france24.com/en/americas/...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Hello again, on Day 1456 of Russia's all out war.
It's the second day of so called "peace talks" in Geneva.. but wait! They've already just ended, after scarcely two hours.
All the news on that + everything else, because I've done this daily🧵 every single day since the first.
It's the second day of so called "peace talks" in Geneva.. but wait! They've already just ended, after scarcely two hours.
All the news on that + everything else, because I've done this daily🧵 every single day since the first.
February 18, 2026 at 10:19 AM
Hello again, on Day 1456 of Russia's all out war.
It's the second day of so called "peace talks" in Geneva.. but wait! They've already just ended, after scarcely two hours.
All the news on that + everything else, because I've done this daily🧵 every single day since the first.
It's the second day of so called "peace talks" in Geneva.. but wait! They've already just ended, after scarcely two hours.
All the news on that + everything else, because I've done this daily🧵 every single day since the first.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Suppliers of death: The Insider identifies another 160 companies making purchases on behalf of the Russian military
If these were all to be added to sanctions lists at the same time, it could deal a serious blow to Russia’s military production.
If these were all to be added to sanctions lists at the same time, it could deal a serious blow to Russia’s military production.
Suppliers of death: The Insider identifies another 160 companies making purchases on behalf of the Russian military
The United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom face two main difficulties when imposing sanctions aimed at disrupting Russia’s military production. First, it is not always clear which g...
theins.press
February 18, 2026 at 10:25 AM
Suppliers of death: The Insider identifies another 160 companies making purchases on behalf of the Russian military
If these were all to be added to sanctions lists at the same time, it could deal a serious blow to Russia’s military production.
If these were all to be added to sanctions lists at the same time, it could deal a serious blow to Russia’s military production.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
🇺🇸🔥🇮🇷 The U.S. may be closer to war with Iran than most people realize, and it could happen soon if nuclear talks fail, - Axios
Trump administration has built up major military forces in the region, including two aircraft carriers, hundreds of jets, and 150+ cargo flights of weapons.
Trump administration has built up major military forces in the region, including two aircraft carriers, hundreds of jets, and 150+ cargo flights of weapons.
February 18, 2026 at 10:41 AM
🇺🇸🔥🇮🇷 The U.S. may be closer to war with Iran than most people realize, and it could happen soon if nuclear talks fail, - Axios
Trump administration has built up major military forces in the region, including two aircraft carriers, hundreds of jets, and 150+ cargo flights of weapons.
Trump administration has built up major military forces in the region, including two aircraft carriers, hundreds of jets, and 150+ cargo flights of weapons.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Just in the past 24 hours, another 50 fighter jets — F-35s, F-22s and F-16s — headed to the region.
Officials say this wouldn’t be a small strike, it would look like a weeks-long war, possibly joint with Israel.
Officials say this wouldn’t be a small strike, it would look like a weeks-long war, possibly joint with Israel.
February 18, 2026 at 10:41 AM
Just in the past 24 hours, another 50 fighter jets — F-35s, F-22s and F-16s — headed to the region.
Officials say this wouldn’t be a small strike, it would look like a weeks-long war, possibly joint with Israel.
Officials say this wouldn’t be a small strike, it would look like a weeks-long war, possibly joint with Israel.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Zelensky commented on the trilateral talks, saying discussions were held on two tracks — military and political.
He said the military side was constructive, with an understanding of how a ceasefire could be monitored with US participation.
Political issues remain sensitive.
He said the military side was constructive, with an understanding of how a ceasefire could be monitored with US participation.
Political issues remain sensitive.
February 18, 2026 at 10:43 AM
Zelensky commented on the trilateral talks, saying discussions were held on two tracks — military and political.
He said the military side was constructive, with an understanding of how a ceasefire could be monitored with US participation.
Political issues remain sensitive.
He said the military side was constructive, with an understanding of how a ceasefire could be monitored with US participation.
Political issues remain sensitive.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
⚡️ Update: Geneva talks give Ukraine clarity on ceasefire monitoring, Zelensky says.
"They have basically agreed on almost everything," he added, noting that monitoring would definitely involve the U.S.
"They have basically agreed on almost everything," he added, noting that monitoring would definitely involve the U.S.
'Difficult but practical' — Ukraine, Russia hold second round of Geneva peace talks
While reporting suggested the political track stalled during the first day — partly due to Moscow's appointment of hard-line aide Vladimir Medinsky as chief negotiator — U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witko...
kyivindependent.com
February 18, 2026 at 10:43 AM
⚡️ Update: Geneva talks give Ukraine clarity on ceasefire monitoring, Zelensky says.
"They have basically agreed on almost everything," he added, noting that monitoring would definitely involve the U.S.
"They have basically agreed on almost everything," he added, noting that monitoring would definitely involve the U.S.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Talks on Russia-Ukraine War Enter 2nd Day in Geneva #Ukraine
Talks on Russia-Ukraine War Enter 2nd Day in Geneva
The talks in Geneva, Switzerland, were expected to focus on Ukrainian-held territory in the east that Russia wants to control as the price of peace. Kyiv has said that demand is a nonstarter.
www.nytimes.com
February 18, 2026 at 5:29 AM
Talks on Russia-Ukraine War Enter 2nd Day in Geneva #Ukraine