It’s been a long week, everyone is fried, so I’m just going to run through the basics.
It seems that Trump has been talking to Putin again:
Trump: “Zelenskyy is gonna have to get moving. Russia wants to make a deal. Zelenskyy is gonna have to get moving.”
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar.com) February 13, 2026 at 12:26 PM
Russia does not want to “make a deal,” russia wants Ukraine to surrender territory that russia cannot conquer by force. To achieve this, they use Trump to pressure Ukraine.
Ukraine is expected to surrender in a war it has not lost!
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 12:34 PM
🇺🇦👀 Zelensky on Putin: I am younger than Putin, this is important. He does not have too much time.
🇺🇸 Zelensky: Trump wants compromises.
We made a lot of compromises, Putin and his friends, they are not in prison. We accepted a ceasefire, Putin refused.
— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 4:58 PM
Trump:
“I ended 8 wars in just 10 months. 8 wars are ended, and we have a couple of more to go, but one in particular, Russia-Ukraine, it’s a mess, it’s a horrible thing. And I think we’ll get there. It takes two to tango, you have to remember that.”
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 3:51 PM
You aren’t getting anywhere because you’re pressuring the victim instead of the aggressor—Russia. What you’re doing only emboldens Putin and increases civilian casualties in Ukraine.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 3:51 PM
Rubio skipped a meeting with European leaders on Ukraine in Munich due to scheduling conflicts, according to the Financial Times.
One European official called it madness, while another politician remarked that without Rubio, the meeting was pointless.
🤔
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 2:06 PM
Trump, Rubio, Hegseth are very quickly making the US irrelevant. Trump is not leading, he is incapable of following, and he refuses to get out of his own and anyone else’s way.
Can someone tell me what this “beautiful” window of opportunity even looks like? What “deals” are we talking about here?
Seems like there’s no “deal”, only a demand for the Ukrainian people to surrender their territory and give up.To me, this post looks like an example of information manipulation.
— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 9:57 AM
This is the key question, but I’d change the framing a bit. The window of opportunity is not actually for Ukraine, it’s for Trump. And he keeps closing it on himself and then blaming it on President Zelenskyy and the Ukrainians.
There is no address or press conference today from President Zelenskyy because he was traveling to Munich for this year’s Security Conference. He did meet with Ukrainian skeleton racer Vladyslav Heraskevych, who the IOC disqualified yesterday, and presented him with the Ukrainian Order of Freedom.
The President Met with Ukrainian Skeleton Racer Vladyslav Heraskevych and Awarded Him the Order of Freedom
14 February 2026 – 00:20
In Munich, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Ukrainian skeleton racer and member of Ukraine’s National Olympic Team, Vladyslav Heraskevych, and with his father, the coach of Ukraine’s skeleton team, Mykhailo Heraskevych.
The Head of State thanked Vladyslav Heraskevych for his dignified stance and presented him with the Order of Freedom.
“With great respect to you, and certainly to all our Olympians who have stood by you and your position. Medals are important for Ukraine and for you, but what matters most, to my mind, is who you are. I consider you a remarkable person. And I am confident that all other achievements, which are so important to you, will surely come. And Ukraine will have both champions and Olympians. But above all, Ukraine’s greatest asset is Ukrainians. You embody that kind of person,” said the President.
Vladyslav Heraskevych expressed gratitude for the tremendous support and emphasized that the Ukrainian people have united in the face of injustice.
“Most importantly, the whole world is now truly talking about the athletes depicted on this helmet. And despite their deaths, they are now drawing attention to Ukraine. They are rallying support for Ukraine. And that is truly something very special,” said the Ukrainian athlete.
On Vladyslav Heraskevych’s helmet are portraits of 22 Ukrainian athletes who were killed by Russia. He intended to start the skeleton race wearing it as a tribute and in memory of all Ukrainian athletes who will never compete again because of Russia’s aggression. However, a few hours before his first race, the International Olympic Committee disqualified Vladyslav Heraskevych.
“The most important thing is that we are not trying to break any rules or act as barbarians. We will continue to fight for our rights, despite everything,” the athlete added.
Mykhailo Heraskevych also noted the support the gesture received, not only from Ukrainians but also from friends of Ukraine around the world.
“Everything you did was right. What matters is how people reacted. We thank you for this,” emphasized the President.
🇺🇦 Zelensky: Remembrance is not a violation.
I met with Ukrainian skeleton racer and member of Ukraine’s National Olympic Team, Vladyslav Heraskevych, and his father, coach of Ukraine’s skeleton team, Mykhailo Heraskevych. I presented Vladyslav with the Order of Freedom.
— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 5:26 PM
Ukraine will always have champions and Olympians. But above all, Ukraine’s greatest asset is Ukrainians – those who cherish the truth and the memory of the athletes killed by Russia, athletes who will never compete again because of the Russian aggression.
— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 5:26 PM
Georgia:
Day 443 of daily, uninterrupted protests in Georgia.
— Rusudan Djakeli (@rusudandjakeli.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 1:01 PM
It’s Day 443 of #GeorgiaProtests and Aza Chilachava, an elderly IDP from Abkhazia, still protests almost every day, even despite being targeted by the regime.
— Marika Mikiashvili 🇬🇪🇺🇦🇪🇺 (@marikamikiashvili.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 5:50 PM
🇬🇪🇩🇪A long read – but worth your time.
In his interview, German Ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, is refreshingly direct about Georgia’s crisis and Germany’s position.
1/4
www.interpressnews.ge/en/article/1…— Terje Helland (@terjehelland.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 3:12 PM
He makes two points that matter:
🔹Germany is not in the business of “regime change.”
🔹But it is in the business of defending principles, rules, and European commitments.
2/4— Terje Helland (@terjehelland.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 3:12 PM
That balance is uncomfortable for many. Interestingly, he both validates the frustration felt by many Georgians and reminds the more impassioned among us that diplomacy is not activism.
States operate through law, institutions, and process.
3/4— Terje Helland (@terjehelland.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 3:12 PM
World order, if it is to mean anything, must be upheld properly, not impulsively.
In a time of sharp rhetoric and growing polarization, this is sober, principled statecraft from Amb. Fischer.Highly recommended reading.
🇬🇪Georgian version below.
4/4— Terje Helland (@terjehelland.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 3:12 PM
The latest Ramstein meeting:
1/ Ukraine’s Defense Minister Fedorov outlined $38 billion in aid following the Ramstein meeting. Over $6 billion goes to specific packages – $2.5 billion for drones, $2 billion for air defense and $500 million for PURL.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 3:21 AM
2/ Country pledges:
Britain – £3 billion in 2026 with £500 million for air defense.
Germany – €1 billion for drones plus air defense dome from its €11.5 billion budget.
Norway – $7 billion including $1.4 billion for drones.
Sweden – €3.7 billion total.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 3:21 AM
3/ Denmark – $2 billion after a $425 million boost.
Belgium – €1 billion.
Spain – $1.2 billion.
Netherlands, Latvia, Estonia – at least 0.25% of GDP each.
Lithuania – $265 million.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 3:21 AM
4/ Canada – $95 million for Danish model and medical aid.
Turkey pledged air defense support. Partners agreed to urgently ship Patriot missiles from their stocks.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 3:21 AM
The Munich Security Conference:
As the Munich Security Conference begins, Ukraine’s allies confirm $35B more in military aid.
With air defence and drones the priority, this will build critical defence capabilities as Russia’s losses become unsustainable and their economy crumbles.
Thank you to our allies💙💛
— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 3:35 AM
🇫🇮 Finnish President Stubb to Putin:
He wanted to make Ukraine Russian. It became European.
He wanted to prevent the enlargement of NATO. He got Finland and Sweden.
And he wanted to keep our defense expenditure down, and it’s now going up to 5%.
— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 11:46 AM
🤔🇫🇷🇺🇦 Macron explained why “coalition of the determined” troops are not being sent to Ukraine now.
According to the French president, sending troops now would mean an escalation in the war and the risk of losing control of the situation. That is why this is ruled out for now.
— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 6:07 PM
Chancellor Merz revealed he has opened confidential talks with President Macron on European nuclear deterrence within Germany’s legal framework as a NATO member.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 9:05 AM
The war ends when Russia is exhausted economically or ideally militarily Chancellor Merz said in Munich. Germany is ready to talk but Russia has yet to show any serious interest he added.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 8:43 AM
NATO:
They don’t.
— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 10:12 AM
This is not true. The US is exerting maximum pressure on Ukraine to surrender to Russia.
“Russians want to be seen as mighty bear, but they are moving through Ukraine at the speed of a garden snail”, – NATO Secretary General Rutte.
Yes – because of the courage, resilience, and strength of Ukrainian warriors holding the line.
— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 10:28 AM
Sweden and Finland:
🇫🇮🇸🇪Finland and Sweden will strive to tighten anti-Russian sanctions – and effectively impose a complete naval blockade on Russian ports, — Swedish Foreign Minister
“We proposed, as part of 20th package, to completely ban all maritime transport of energy carriers for all ships leaving Russian ports.”
— Savchenko Volodymyr (@savchenkoua.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 5:19 PM
The Olympics:
“No kind of demonstration or political, religious or racial propaganda is permitted in any Olympic sites, venues or other areas.” – Rule 50.2, Olympic Charter.
Wearing a helmet commemorating people killed in a war is not political propaganda.
Banning someone from wearing one is, however.
— Euan MacDonald (@euanmacdonald.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 5:51 AM
Hungary:
🇭🇺 The leader of the Hungarian opposition said that he was the victim of a “sex trap”, during which the secret services secretly recorded his intimate relationship with an adult woman.
A photo appeared with the announcement of the full video, which opponents from Orban’s party gave to journalists.
— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Magyar said that he was not afraid of the publication of the recording and stressed that his three minor children, whose fate, according to him, Orban is indifferent to, could suffer from the scandal.
In April, parliamentary elections will be held in Hungary, in which Magyar’s party is in the lead.
— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 4:30 PM
The PRC:
“China will provide Ukraine with an additional package of humanitarian energy aid,” – Ukraine’s Foreign Minister after meeting with his Chinese counterpart.
A token handout.
They funnel hundreds of billions to Russia, selling machinery for weapons production, supplying technology,
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 9:14 AM
even intelligence to strike our energy system. And send a couple of generators to Ukraine? Pfft.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 9:14 AM
The US:
Putin is trying to play Trump for a fool once more.
He’s offering a lot of vague economic promises with large dollar values to bribe Trump, but none will ever realistically happen since Russia is now China’s economic vassal.
There’s probably a Moscow Trump Tower in there too.🙄
— Maria Drutska (@mariadrutska.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 2:51 AM
Back to Ukraine.
Ukrainian skeleton athlete Heraskevych arrived in Munich for a Ukrainian dinner after CAS dismissed his case against the IOC Suspilne reports.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 3:19 PM
HUR special forces wrote the names of fallen Ukrainian athletes known as Angels of Sport on a combat helmet backing the protest against the IOC disqualifying athlete Heraskevych for his memorial helmet.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 2:49 PM
Front-line clashes fell 7% in January to 4,297 with Pokrovsk the hottest sector at 1,392. The Orikhiv axis surged 56% while Kramatorsk rose 34% as quieter flanks suggest force redeployments Oko Gora analysts report.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 6:47 AM
⚡️ Today we have made great progress, – Zelensky on the meeting with partners in the Berlin format
“We discussed what we see as the next steps, how to put pressure on Russia to stop this war, how to involve America more, etc.”
— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 5:34 PM
🇺🇦🙏 Ukrainian skiers honored fallen athletes after their race at the 2026 Olympics.
Through this gesture, they also showed support for Vladyslav Heraskevych, who was disqualified over a “memory helmet.”
— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 5:29 PM
President Zelensky visited the first joint Ukrainian-German enterprise, where production of strike drones for the Armed Forces of Ukraine has begun 🇩🇪🇺🇦
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 9:44 AM
Ukrainian figure skater Kyrylo Marsak is from Kherson, the city that Russia pounds with drones and bombs nonstop, and where they hunt civilians in their infamous “human safari.” A guy whose father currently defends Ukraine, he was made to compete after a so-called “neutral” athlete.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 6:18 PM
For the Olympic Committee, this is neutrality and safety for athletes. Don’t confuse this with really dangerous portraits on a helmet.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 6:18 PM
🔥❗️🏹 With the first shot, a desperate soldier of the 24th brigade shoots down a Russian drone on emotions and positivity.
— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 3:29 PM
🔥Wild footage: Ukrainian F-16 Fighting launches an AIM-120 AMRAAM at a Russian Shahed.
— 🦋Special Kherson Cat🐈🇺🇦 (@specialkhersoncat.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 4:31 PM
🫡🇺🇦 Snow covers the tracks, but it doesn’t wash away determination!
We are glad to welcome everyone who never tires of supporting Ukraine! 🖐— Vitalis Viva (@vitalisviva.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 12:24 PM
Five more children taken by Russia have been brought back to Ukraine through the Bring Kids Back initiative. Ombudsman Lubinets thanked US First Lady Melania Trump for her support.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 10:16 AM
Hulaipole, Zaporizhzhia Oblast:
💀💀💀 Hulyaipole, 40 Russian bodies today.
— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 5:44 PM
Kramatorsk, Donetsk Oblast:
Russia struck a family home in Kramatorsk and killed three brothers — two 19-year-olds and their 8-year-old brother.
Their mother and grandmother survived with blast injuries and concussions.
— Iryna Voichuk (@irynavoichuk.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 2:03 AM
Bohodukhiv, Kharkiv Oblast:
“He was always with his children, never letting them out of his arms. He constantly helped his wife and dreamed of building a better life, even searching for a home. Here, he managed to find something… and you know the tragic outcome.”
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 8:38 AM
Today, February 13, in Kharkiv region, a farewell was held for Hryhorii Shykula and his three children: two‑year‑olds Ivan and Vladyslav, and one‑year‑old Myroslava. They were killed in the Russian strike on Bohodukhiv on the evening of February 10 – Suspilne writes
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 8:38 AM
Zaporizhzhia Oblast:
Late in the evening of February 12, russians launched drone strikes on settlements in the Zaporizhzhia region, killing a 48‑year‑old man.
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 8:17 AM
🇺🇦 South of Zaporizhzhia, the 475th separate assault regiment conducted a successful offensive operation at the tactical level.
Taking advantage of the weather and having high-quality intelligence about the enemy’s condition, soldiers knocked out the Russians from several key positions.
— MAKS 25 👀🇺🇦 (@maks23.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 3:40 PM
Odesa:
Odesa region: a massive overnight attack left one dead and several injured.
The enemy struck Odesa and the surrounding area with attack drones, forcing rescuers to work at multiple sites simultaneously.
Energy, port, residential, and industrial infrastructure was damaged.— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 8:12 AM
Fires broke out, including one at a car dealership covering 2,000 square meters; vehicles, garages, and an energy facility burned.
Strikes also hit apartment buildings, damaging flats.
At present, one person is confirmed dead and six injured. More than 90 rescuers have been deployed— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 8:12 AM
Odesa after last night’s russian drone attack‼️
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 9:47 AM
Russia hit Odesa overnight with an upgraded Harpia-A1 drone more resistant to electronic warfare. The new version carries a 16-element Kometa-M16 antenna improving navigation under jamming.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 4:05 AM
Kharkiv:
Kharkiv is ❤️
— Kate from Kharkiv (@kateinkharkiv.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 6:00 PM
Pokrovsk, Donetsk Oblast:
Ukraine’s Omega special forces raided behind Russian lines near Pokrovsk to rescue a soldier held captive for 27 days killing eight occupiers in the process. The freed officer callsign Karat is en route to Kyiv for treatment commander Yatsyuk said.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 12:13 PM
Ukrainian paratroopers smashed a Russian staging area near Pokrovsk. The 7th Airborne Corps said the enemy used the same garage compound for the second time and were hit again — six soldiers, three vehicles and two quadbikes destroyed.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 5:43 AM
Russian occupied Crimea:
Ukrainian forces hit a Nebo-U radar near Yevpatoria in Crimea, drone operator positions near Tokmak, troop concentrations in Zaporizhzhia region, a logistics depot near Selydove and military equipment near Komyshuvakha overnight Ukraine’s General Staff reported.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 8:37 AM
Russian occupied Luhansk Oblast:
Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces hit an ammo depot in Rozivka, Kirova substation in Luhansk, Hvardiyske airfield in Crimea and a data center in Prymorsk.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 4:45 AM
Belgorod Oblast, Russia:
Russia’s Belgorod has been under missile fire for the past hour with strikes hitting the thermal power plant and railway station. Power heating and water were cut off. Governor Gladkov confirmed serious damage to energy infrastructure.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 1:19 PM
Kursk Oblast, Russia:
A power line in Kursk region was taken out by a Ukrainian drone strike cutting electricity to Rylsk and three surrounding districts Russian sources report.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 9:01 AM
Volgograd Oblast, Russia:
Explosions were reported in Russia’s Volgograd overnight with local channels citing air defense activity.
— WarTranslated (Dmitri) (@wartranslated.bsky.social) February 13, 2026 at 3:54 AM
That’s enough for tonight.
Your daily Patron!
There are no new Patron skeets or videos today. Here is some adjacent material.
HERE’S HOW UKRAINIAN
BUSINESSES AND ORDINARY UKRAINIANS ARE HELPING
ANIMALS SURVIVE THE HARSH WINTER FREEZE— Morgan J Freeman (@mjfree.bsky.social) February 8, 2026 at 10:10 AM
Open thread!
Gin & Tonic
Vladyslav Heraskevych has drawn far more attention to his cause and to the war by being DQ’d than he would have if they’d have let him compete.
Darkrose
The IOC was too busy hinting that they’ll let Russia back in four years that they didn’t have time to Google “Streisand Effect”
Also, funny how quiet Mr. “Free Speech in Europe” was on this.
AlaskaReader
Thanks Adam
Adam L Silverman
@AlaskaReader: You’re welcome.
Jay
As always, more so these days and times, Thank you, Adam.
Jay
nitter.poast.org/P_Kallioniemi/status/2022281522678477062#m
Westyny
Thank you, Adam.
Carlo Graziani
The US became irrelevant when it stopped funding the Ukraine war effort and raised its middle finger to its European erstwhile allies. It now has zero leverage and zero say in the conflict. The fact that President shit-for-brains doesn’t get this, and brays about his expectations of Ukrainian conduct in the negotiations, is pure black comedy.
Jay
meduza.io/en/feature/2026/02/13/putin-s-temple-of-war-was-just-the-beginning-russia-is-building-chur…
wjca
Trying? How hard can it be to play a fool for a fool?
/s
Adam L Silverman
@Jay: You’re welcome.
Adam L Silverman
@Westyny: You’re welcome.
Sally
@Gin & Tonic: Yep
YY_Sima Qian
More details from the meeting between Ukrainian FM Sybiha & PRC FM Wang on the sidelines of the MSC:
karensky
@Carlo Graziani: Thanks for your post. It was what I needed this morning.
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
@Gin & Tonic: The Streisand Effect and the IOC deserves every bit of it.
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
@Darkrose: He was afraid of getting booed again.
Sister Inspired Revolver of Freedom
Thank you Adam. The destruction of USAID sure af didn’t help matters.
The Unmitigated Gaul
“Trump, Rubio, Hegseth are very quickly making the US irrelevant. Trump is not leading, he is incapable of following, and he refuses to get out of his own and anyone else’s way.”
Perfect.