Russian president Vladimir Putin holds an indirect stake in Max, the state-promoted “national messenger” pitched as an alternative to WhatsApp and Telegram, through relatives, according to a journalistic investigation published Wednesday, Feb. 18, by …
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Spies, Lies, and Algorithms
Amy B. Zegart
Ukraine
Russia
Investigation links Putin family to stake in Max messenger as Russia curbs WhatsApp and Telegram
Ukraine
Russia
Turkey's intelligence says Ukraine-Russia war in strategic stalemate, with outcome hinging on negotiations
The war between Ukraine and Russia has reached a strategic deadlock, according to Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization in its 2025 report. The document was released amid continued fighting along the front and U.S.-mediated talks.
Turkish …
Ukraine
Russia
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'Don't believe in fairy tales' — Russia scrambles for front-line signal after Starlink cut-off
Russia's assault on Ukraine has gone dark thanks to a recent cut-off of satellite internet.
"Their pilots are now forced to pass on information by radio, and I can intercept those messages," Tymur, a deputy battalion commander in the Lyman sector, …
Ukraine
Russia
Former DPR ‘people’s governor’ Pavel Gubarev charged with discrediting the Russian army
Russian authorities have drawn up an administrative case against Pavel Gubarev for allegedly “discrediting” the Russian military, according to a listing in the Moscow City Court database. The case was registered on February 18 in Moscow’s Tagansky …
Russia
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🇷🇺 Russian delegation headed by PROPAGANDIST again – a signal from Moscow? #shorts
Ukraine
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Ukraine
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Ukrainian commander claims 1 to 50 loss ratio against Russian forces
On average, Ukrainian forces are destroying Russian troops at a ratio of 1 to 50, according to Ukrainian military statements. After the remark, soldiers poured an entire crate of Russian military IDs onto a table behind the commander of the 63rd …
Russia
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USA
'Ready to fight' — Baltics face NATO fragility fears in the age of Trump
As the crisis in Washington’s relations with its European allies escalated in recent months, it raised a stark question: how secure are the U.S. guarantees for countries bordering Russia?
U.S. President Donald Trump has not just antagonized NATO …
Ukraine
Russia
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Russia recruits over 1,000 citizens of Kenya to fight against Ukraine
UKRAINE, Feb. 19 — Russia has recruited more than 1,000 citizens of Kenya to fight in its invasion of Ukraine, reported AP, citing Kenyan intelligence.
On Feb. 18, parliamentary leader Kimani Ichung’wah presented an intelligence report, accusing …
Russia
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The one problem with Russia's shadow fleet Europe still hasn't addressed
Contrary to the rhetoric coming out of the Kremlin, the Russian economy is faltering.
After years of growth propped up by military spending, Russia's economy slowed to a standstill in 2025. Unfortunately, the energy trade remains just strong enough to …
Ukraine
Russia
Sikorski warns Poland could be next if Russia conquers Ukraine
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski warned that if Ukraine loses its war against Russia, Poland would become Moscow’s next target—placing the entire NATO eastern flank at risk.
Sikorski made the remarks on the British podcast The Rest Is …
Ukraine
Russia
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USA
How Elon’s satellites nearly led to Ukrainian disaster
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