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Wednesday, Feb 18, 2026

Russia-Ukraine war at a glance: what we know on day 605 of the invasion

Russia-Ukraine war at a glance: what we know on day 605 of the invasion

Overview of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war on day 605 of the invasion:
  1. The White House has requested Congress to approve a $106 billion emergency aid package for Israel, Ukraine, and the southern US border. This includes $61.4 billion for Ukraine, with $44.4 billion designated for defense equipment. Israel is set to receive $14.3 billion, while $9.15 billion will go to the US State Department for humanitarian assistance in Ukraine, Israel, and Gaza.

  2. A United Nations commission of inquiry has found additional evidence of Russian forces committing "indiscriminate attacks" and war crimes in Ukraine, including rape and the deportation of children to Russia.

  3. Ukrainian authorities have sent an indictment to the court against the former abbot of the Ukrainian Orthodox monastery Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Metropolitan Pavel. He is charged with violating the equality of citizens and justifying, recognizing, or denying Russia's armed aggression against Ukraine. This follows Ukraine's parliament voting to advance legislation seen as effectively banning the Ukrainian Orthodox Church over its ties to Moscow.

  4. Ukraine has recovered 14 archaeological items allegedly stolen by a Russian man from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory. This recovery is a small victory amid widespread destruction and pillaging of historical sites and treasures during the Russian invasion.

  5. A UK defense ministry briefing suggests that a recent Ukrainian strike on Russian helicopters and air defense equipment may prompt Moscow to relocate its operating bases and command and control nodes further from the frontline.

  6. Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, an editor with Radio Free Europe-Radio Liberty's Tatar-Bashkir service, has been detained in Russia on charges of violating its foreign agents law, reportedly due to her coverage of Russia's military mobilization for the invasion of Ukraine.

  7. European leaders express frustration over the meeting between Vladimir Putin and Viktor Orbán, Hungary's prime minister, in Beijing. They doubt that Putin's meetings with European leaders aim to achieve peace in Ukraine.

  8. Ukraine claims a small incremental gain of 400 meters to the southwest of Verbove in the Zaporizhzhia region, despite difficulties posed by Russian minefields and fortified defenses.

  9. NATO is increasing patrols in the Baltic Sea due to recent damage to undersea infrastructure. This includes additional surveillance and reconnaissance flights and dispatching a fleet of four NATO minehunters to the area.

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