Ville Kostian
@kostianv.bsky.social
Geopolitics, geoeconomics and military.
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
" #Pentagon ’s #Nuclear #Microreactor Demo Signals New Era for Deployable Power"
oilprice.com/Alternative-...
oilprice.com/Alternative-...
Pentagon’s Nuclear Microreactor Demo Signals New Era for Deployable Power | OilPrice.com
The U.S. Departments of Energy and Defense transported a small nuclear reactor by cargo plane to demonstrate the rapid deployment potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) for military and civilian u...
oilprice.com
February 19, 2026 at 5:45 AM
" #Pentagon ’s #Nuclear #Microreactor Demo Signals New Era for Deployable Power"
oilprice.com/Alternative-...
oilprice.com/Alternative-...
#MidEast - " #Hamas is reasserting control in #Gaza despite its heavy losses fighting #Israel"
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Hamas is reasserting control in Gaza despite its heavy losses fighting Israel
Gazans say Hamas is again extending its control over security, tax revenue and government services.
www.bbc.com
February 19, 2026 at 5:44 AM
#MidEast - " #Hamas is reasserting control in #Gaza despite its heavy losses fighting #Israel"
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
#MidEast - "US to withdraw troops from #Syria as tensions mount with #Iran"
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
US to withdraw troops from Syria amid Iran tensions
The decision came as US President Donald Trump ramps up military presence in the Middle East as tensions mount with Iran.
www.bbc.com
February 19, 2026 at 5:42 AM
#MidEast - "US to withdraw troops from #Syria as tensions mount with #Iran"
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
" #Musk cuts #Starlink access for Russian forces - giving #Ukraine an edge at the front" - #Russia
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Musk cuts Starlink access for Russian forces, giving Ukraine an edge at the front
Ukrainian troops say Russian forces are suffering setbacks without access to Elon Musk's system.
www.bbc.com
February 19, 2026 at 5:41 AM
" #Musk cuts #Starlink access for Russian forces - giving #Ukraine an edge at the front" - #Russia
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
"US military ready for possible #Iran strikes but #Trump yet to make decision, reports say"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
US military ready for possible Iran strikes but Trump yet to make decision, reports say
Reports say move could come this weekend as White House urges Iran to ‘make a deal’ with Trump on nuclear program
www.theguardian.com
February 19, 2026 at 5:38 AM
"US military ready for possible #Iran strikes but #Trump yet to make decision, reports say"
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Read the full report: isw.pub/WeakeningHez...
February 18, 2026 at 5:45 PM
Read the full report: isw.pub/WeakeningHez...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
4/ Hezbollah’s cognitive campaign, however, has likely affected Lebanese leaders’ willingness and complicated the LAF’s ability to disarm Hezbollah north of the Litani River.
February 18, 2026 at 5:45 PM
4/ Hezbollah’s cognitive campaign, however, has likely affected Lebanese leaders’ willingness and complicated the LAF’s ability to disarm Hezbollah north of the Litani River.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
NEW: Weakening Hezbollah Requires Faster International Support to Lebanon
Hezbollah is attempting to prevent its complete disarmament through a combination of military and political measures. (1/4)
Read the Special Report: isw.pub/WeakeningHez...
Hezbollah is attempting to prevent its complete disarmament through a combination of military and political measures. (1/4)
Read the Special Report: isw.pub/WeakeningHez...
February 18, 2026 at 5:45 PM
NEW: Weakening Hezbollah Requires Faster International Support to Lebanon
Hezbollah is attempting to prevent its complete disarmament through a combination of military and political measures. (1/4)
Read the Special Report: isw.pub/WeakeningHez...
Hezbollah is attempting to prevent its complete disarmament through a combination of military and political measures. (1/4)
Read the Special Report: isw.pub/WeakeningHez...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
4/ Hezbollah appears to have deterred the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) from confronting Hezbollah north of the Litani River in the second phase of its disarmament plan.
Read more:
Read more:
Iran Update, February 18, 2026
An adviser to Donald Trump told Axios 18 that Trump is frustrated with the insufficient progress made towards an agreement with Iran
isw.pub
February 19, 2026 at 12:17 AM
4/ Hezbollah appears to have deterred the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) from confronting Hezbollah north of the Litani River in the second phase of its disarmament plan.
Read more:
Read more:
Reposted by Ville Kostian
3/ The Shia Coordination Framework is reportedly divided over State of Law Coalition leader and former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki’s nomination for the premiership
February 19, 2026 at 12:17 AM
3/ The Shia Coordination Framework is reportedly divided over State of Law Coalition leader and former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki’s nomination for the premiership
Reposted by Ville Kostian
NEW: An unspecified adviser to US President Donald Trump told Axios on February 18 that Trump is frustrated with the insufficient progress made towards an agreement with Iran.
Iran Update, February 18, 2026: isw.pub/IranUpdate02...
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️ 🧵(1/4)
Iran Update, February 18, 2026: isw.pub/IranUpdate02...
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️ 🧵(1/4)
February 19, 2026 at 12:17 AM
NEW: An unspecified adviser to US President Donald Trump told Axios on February 18 that Trump is frustrated with the insufficient progress made towards an agreement with Iran.
Iran Update, February 18, 2026: isw.pub/IranUpdate02...
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️ 🧵(1/4)
Iran Update, February 18, 2026: isw.pub/IranUpdate02...
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️ 🧵(1/4)
Reposted by Ville Kostian
11/ Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk. Russian forces recently advanced in northern Sumy Oblast, in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area, and near Velykyi Burluk.
Read more:
Read more:
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 18, 2026
Ukrainian, US, and Russian representatives concluded trilateral and multilateral negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 18
isw.pub
February 19, 2026 at 4:21 AM
11/ Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk. Russian forces recently advanced in northern Sumy Oblast, in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area, and near Velykyi Burluk.
Read more:
Read more:
Reposted by Ville Kostian
10/ The Kremlin is looking for new excuses to justify its intensified Telegram censorship campaign.
February 19, 2026 at 4:21 AM
10/ The Kremlin is looking for new excuses to justify its intensified Telegram censorship campaign.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
NEW: Ukrainian, US, and Russian representatives concluded trilateral and multilateral negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 18.
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 18, 2026: isw.pub/UkrWar021826
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️ 🧵(1/11)
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 18, 2026: isw.pub/UkrWar021826
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️ 🧵(1/11)
February 19, 2026 at 4:20 AM
NEW: Ukrainian, US, and Russian representatives concluded trilateral and multilateral negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, on February 18.
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 18, 2026: isw.pub/UkrWar021826
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️ 🧵(1/11)
Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 18, 2026: isw.pub/UkrWar021826
Other Key Takeaways ⬇️ 🧵(1/11)
Reposted by Ville Kostian
"American troops have been in Syria since 2015, as part of an anti-terrorism campaign to counter the influence of the Islamic State group (IS).
The decision came as US President Trump ramps up military presence in the Middle East."
@bbcnews-world-rss.bsky.social
www.bbc.com/news/article...
The decision came as US President Trump ramps up military presence in the Middle East."
@bbcnews-world-rss.bsky.social
www.bbc.com/news/article...
US to withdraw troops from Syria amid Iran tensions
The decision came as US President Donald Trump ramps up military presence in the Middle East as tensions mount with Iran.
www.bbc.com
February 19, 2026 at 5:09 AM
"American troops have been in Syria since 2015, as part of an anti-terrorism campaign to counter the influence of the Islamic State group (IS).
The decision came as US President Trump ramps up military presence in the Middle East."
@bbcnews-world-rss.bsky.social
www.bbc.com/news/article...
The decision came as US President Trump ramps up military presence in the Middle East."
@bbcnews-world-rss.bsky.social
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Reposted by Ville Kostian
An oil refinery in Russia’s Pskov region is burning after last nights airstrikes.
February 19, 2026 at 5:10 AM
An oil refinery in Russia’s Pskov region is burning after last nights airstrikes.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
Geneva delivered no breakthrough — and the pressure stayed where Ukrainians feel it: on the grid and on war logistics. Druzhba has become leverage, while Ukraine kept hitting Russian fuel and port infrastructure. Support link is in the first comment.
TOP NEWS TODAY 🔝 18 February 2026 — Meanwhile in Ukraine
Post by Meanwhile in Ukraine
buymeacoffee.com
February 19, 2026 at 5:18 AM
Geneva delivered no breakthrough — and the pressure stayed where Ukrainians feel it: on the grid and on war logistics. Druzhba has become leverage, while Ukraine kept hitting Russian fuel and port infrastructure. Support link is in the first comment.
Reposted by Ville Kostian
On the eve of crushing new EU sanctions, Moscow ratifies LNG deal with Beijing
On the eve of crushing new EU sanctions, Moscow ratifies LNG deal with Beijing
Russian legislators have rubber-stamped a cooperation agreement with China on the Yamal LNG project.
www.thebarentsobserver.com
February 18, 2026 at 4:27 PM
On the eve of crushing new EU sanctions, Moscow ratifies LNG deal with Beijing
"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...