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Wednesday, February 18
Investigation: Brazilian recruit’s death in Ukraine points to abuse, torture in foreign fighter unit
A 28-year-old Brazilian recruit died after a brutal punishment handed out in a unit that regularly used discipline practices described as "torture" by those who both witnessed and suffered them, a Kyiv Independent investigation can reveal. The man, Bruno Gabriel Leal da Silva, died overnight Dec. 28-29, 2025, according to former fellow fighters who spoke to the Kyiv Independent on condition of anonymity because they feared retaliation. The unit in question is a Brazilian-led formation called A
Russian 'mothership' drones prompt Ukraine to weigh passport requirement for SIM card sales
Russian forces are using LTE mobile networks and Ukrainian SIM cards to remotely control FPV drones, Serhii Beskrestnov, adviser to Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, said.
Chart of the week: Russia’s attacks push Ukraine’s energy system to the brink
As Ukraine experienced its coldest January in over a decade, Russia launched 4,442 drones and 135 missiles at the country — most of which targeted energy infrastructure, depriving millions of heat, electricity, and water. The scale of Russia's energy terrorism is captured in a striking graph, part of a new dashboard launched last week by Ukrainian energy think tank Green Deal Ukraina (GDU). While Ukraine maintained over 40 gigawatts of installed electricity capacity before the full-scale invas
Putin would starve Russians before ending war, Browder says
The Kyiv Independent’s Martin Fornusek speaks with Bill Browder, investor and longtime sanctions advocate, about why Western sanctions have so far failed to change Russian President Vladimir Putin’s behavior.
2026 Winter Paralympics sparks controversy over Russian, Belarusian flag decision
Six Russians and four Belarusians will be allowed to compete at the upcoming Games in Milan. It will be the first time the Russian flag has flown at the Paralympics since 2014.
At least 5 killed, 30 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day
Russia launched an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 126 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said.
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When Russia announced a "partial" mobilization in the fall of 2022, its society experienced a genuine shock. The queues at the Upper Lars border crossing into Georgia and the chaotic roundups of reservists are still fresh in public memory. The Russian authorities learned from that episode and shifted tactics toward a more concealed form of mobilization. Several tools were deployed at once: mass recruitment from prisons, sending convicts to the front in exchange for pardons, and aggressive enli
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Investigation: European companies keep the motors of Russia's war machine running
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