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Pravda Report
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[l] at 2/18/26 9:29am
The developments surrounding Venezuela's oil sector have intensified discussions about energy geopolitics and the strategic intentions of the United States. Observers who draw parallels with other resource-exporting nations argue that the Venezuelan case offers a cautionary example. Venezuela as Strategic Illustration Following political changes in Caracas, the United States established oversight mechanisms that reshaped how Venezuelan oil reached international markets. Exports began moving through channels described as compliant with US regulatory frameworks, while previous trading arrangements largely disappeared. Countries that had relied heavily on Venezuelan crude under preferential terms faced new constraints and pricing realities. Analysts who emphasize this example describe it as a lesson for energy-producing states, suggesting that external control over financial and legal pathways can significantly alter established trade patterns.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 2/18/26 9:06am
Russia and Iran have moved closer to implementing a major energy project involving supplies of Russian natural gas to the Islamic Republic. The development signals a potentially important shift in regional energy dynamics and long-term bilateral cooperation. Tehran Reports Progress After Talks The announcement followed a meeting of the intergovernmental commission on trade and economic cooperation. Iran's oil minister, Mohsen Paknejad, stated that the parties achieved substantial progress on key technical and contractual issues and expressed hope that a formal agreement would be signed in the near future. According to the minister, discussions have entered a more practical phase, indicating that the project may soon move from planning to execution. Officials emphasized that the negotiations covered both supply mechanisms and broader aspects of energy coordination.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 2/18/26 8:17am
Political tensions surrounding Valerii Zaluzhnyi and Volodymyr Zelensky intensified after sharp accusations about Ukraine's failed counteroffensive. Medvedev Declares the Beginning of a Political Clash Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Security Council, commented on what he described as an emerging confrontation between former Ukrainian commander-in-chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi and President Volodymyr Zelensky. Writing on Telegram, Medvedev reacted to Zaluzhnyi's recent statements with a brief remark: "Well, that's it.” Zaluzhnyi Blames Leadership for Military Failures In an interview with The Associated Press, Zaluzhnyi openly accused Zelensky of contributing to the failure of Ukraine's 2023 counteroffensive. According to the former commander, the operational plan he developed with NATO support collapsed because Ukraine's political leadership did not allocate the necessary resources.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 2/18/26 7:58am
Russia's Security Council allegedly prepared a plan for what sources described as the "greatest deal” with the United States ahead of the Alaska summit in August 2025, The Economist reported. According to the publication, the proposal centered on lifting sanctions in exchange for economic and strategic concessions. The article cited statements attributed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who, referencing Ukrainian intelligence, claimed that representatives of the United States received promises of agreements totaling 12 trillion dollars. Neither Moscow nor Washington has officially confirmed the existence of such a plan. Financial Proposals and Arctic Interests According to the report, the first block of proposals focused on financial arrangements. Russia would allow American companies to repurchase assets previously transferred to local management, estimated at roughly 60 billion dollars, without a buyback option. Observers interpreted this measure as a potential pathway for restoring US business access to parts of the Russian economy.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 2/18/26 6:57am
Nina Khrushcheva, granddaughter of former Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev, stated in a recent interview that her grandfather's 1954 decision to transfer Crimea to Ukraine was a managerial move intended to strengthen ties between Ukraine and Russia. "When Crimea becomes Ukrainian, it means Ukraine becomes more Russian," Nina Khrushcheva said. The statement provoked strong criticism across Russia. Mikhail Sheremet, a member of the Russian State Duma Security Committee and native of Crimea, called her remarks an act of betrayal, emphasizing that having lived in the United States for over 30 years, Khrushcheva disregarded the views of millions of Crimeans and the results of the 2014 referendum.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 2/18/26 6:35am
In a significant buildup, multiple US military aircraft-including refueling, transport, and AWACS planes-have arrived in Europe and are now heading toward the Middle East. Aircraft Deployed 9 KC-135R aerial refueling tankers 3 military transport aircraft (C-130J and C-17) 2 Boeing E-3 Sentry AWACS planes Most tankers are expected to make an intermediate stop on Crete before accompanying fighter jets to the Middle East. High Air Traffic and Rising Threat Recent US air traffic toward the Middle East over the past 48 hours is abnormally high, signaling the seriousness of the situation. Updated Israeli assessments place the probability of a strike against Iran between February 18-24 at medium-high (approximately 40-55%), up from a previous estimate of 20-35%.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 2/18/26 5:55am
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky spoke about the progress achieved in military matters during the Geneva negotiations. According to him, Ukrainian forces understand the mechanisms for implementing the agreements, but political will is necessary. Military Agreements on Track "They have, in principle, agreed on almost everything. Monitoring (ceasefire — ed. note) will definitely involve the American side,” Zelensky said, emphasizing that the priority is security guarantees for Ukraine. Ukrainian representatives have clear directives for every aspect of the negotiations. Territorial Issues Remain Stalled However, Zelensky noted that there has been no progress on territorial issues, particularly regarding Donbas and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, Rustem Umerov, described the mood after the three-way meeting as "good,” with the next step being consensus with the Russian side on key decisions before presenting them to national leaders.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 2/18/26 5:22am
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico threatened Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with a halt in electricity supplies if Ukraine continues to block oil shipments through the Druzhba pipeline, TASR news agency said. Fico Issues Strong Warning "If Zelensky believes this has no value or is unnecessary, we can make a decision to stop cooperation in electricity supply,” Fico stated. Previously, he announced that the Bratislava oil refining and petrochemical plant would cease supplying petroleum products to Ukraine, including diesel and other exports. Oil Transit Disruption via Druzhba Hungary and Slovakia have stopped receiving crude oil via the Druzhba pipeline due to a malfunction at the Brody linear production-dispatch station. The Mozyr-Brody pipeline, which delivers oil to Hungary and Slovakia, was halted at Ukraine's request. The management of Ukrtransnafta, responsible for oil transit through Ukraine, refused to allow deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia after the pipeline incident. Technical readiness exists to resume transport, but no official approval has been issued by the company's leadership.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 2/18/26 4:42am
In response to Kyiv's persistent requests for maintenance of 55 Airbus helicopters (H225, H145, and H125) purchased in 2018, Airbus Group has returned to Ukraine. Diplomatic sources indicate that, in recent months, Airbus Helicopters personnel have been conducting technical maintenance on aircraft that were inoperable or could not be transported, both in western Ukraine and near the front line in the east. Reducing Tensions with Ukraine The return of Airbus helps ease tensions on the Ukrainian side. Unlike competitors such as Boeing or the French Thales group, Airbus left Ukraine in February 2022 to maintain access to Russian titanium, a critical material for aerospace production. Initially, Airbus planned to conduct maintenance in early 2025, but Donald Trump's decision in March to temporarily halt US intelligence sharing with Kyiv delayed the project. Helicopter Fleet Details and Operational Use The fleet sold to Ukraine included both new and used helicopters, some configured for military tasks and intended for search-and-rescue and medical evacuation operations. Ukrainian forces regularly use these aircraft to transport wounded soldiers and reportedly to intercept drones such as the Geran-&frac12.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 2/18/26 4:33am
The United States conducted extensive preparatory analysis of possible scenarios for lifting sanctions on Russia, The Economist reports citing sources familiar with the discussions. Legal Groundwork in Washington The magazine, referencing Patrick Lord, head of the consulting firm Risk Advisory, stated that numerous American lawyers worked intensively to evaluate how sanctions restrictions could be modified under various diplomatic conditions. The legal effort reportedly accelerated during the summer after Donald Trump increased pressure for renewed negotiations related to Ukraine. According to the publication, much of the analytical and legal groundwork surrounding potential sanctions relief mechanisms has already been completed. Such reviews typically involve complex assessments of financial regulations, executive authorities, and legislative constraints.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 2/18/26 3:50am
Russian political figures reacted strongly to statements made by Volodymyr Zelensky after negotiations in Geneva, with several officials arguing that rhetoric will not influence the course of talks. Senator Calls It 'Moment of Truth' In remarks to RIA Novosti, Sergei Perminov, a member of the Federation Council, stated that a decisive phase has begun for the Ukrainian leader, emphasizing the need for firm agreements that address what Moscow describes as the root causes of the conflict. Perminov commented on Zelensky's earlier criticism of Vladimir Medinsky, the head of the Russian delegation in Geneva. Zelensky dismissed Medinsky's references to historical aspects of the conflict, saying there was "no time for that.”

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 2/18/26 3:23am
Russia, Ukraine, and the United States concluded two days of negotiations in Geneva, according to the head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to the Russian president. Lengthy and Tense Discussions On the second day, February 18, talks continued for two hours. The first day, February 17, lasted nearly six hours. A source within the negotiation group told RBC that the initial exchanges unfolded under "very tense” conditions. Participants held discussions across several formats, including Russia-US, Russia-Ukraine, and trilateral meetings involving all three sides.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

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[l] at 2/18/26 3:10am
A poorly chosen dining option can undermine even the most carefully planned vacation. Many travelers focus exclusively on tour prices while overlooking hotel meal formats. This oversight often leads to unnecessary expenses or missed culinary opportunities. Authors of Travel Tema Telegram channel highlights how destination-specific decisions can shape a better travel experience. Asia: Flexibility Over All-Inclusive Packages In countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, as well as on China's Hainan Island, finding affordable food rarely presents a challenge. Hotels typically sit near markets, street vendors, cafés, and small restaurants that cater to a wide range of budgets. Local dishes frequently cost far less outside the hotel while delivering more authentic flavors. All-inclusive packages remain relatively uncommon in these regions and often carry a premium price. Travelers may find greater value by choosing breakfast-only plans or skipping hotel dining entirely. A practical strategy involves keeping breakfast at the hotel for convenience while exploring local establishments for other meals.

[Category: Health] [Link to media]

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[l] at 2/18/26 3:03am
Losing excess weight does not always require a gym membership or punishing training sessions. In many cases, everyday behaviors shape physical results more powerfully than structured workouts. Celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak emphasizes that exercise alone rarely determines success in weight management, a perspective highlighted by Shape. Why Daily Activity Matters More Than Workouts Pasternak points out that a week contains 168 hours. Even with several gym sessions, most people spend the overwhelming majority of their time outside fitness facilities. According to him, the actions taken during those remaining hours exert a far greater influence on body composition than isolated workouts. He encourages individuals to begin with a simple strategy: track daily movement. Using a fitness tracker helps quantify activity levels and motivates gradual improvements. Pasternak recommends a baseline target of 10,000 steps per day, followed by progression toward 12,000 to 14,000 steps. Regular walking and routine physical tasks provide steady, manageable energy expenditure without excessive strain.

[Category: Health] [Link to media]

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[l] at 2/18/26 2:50am
Sometimes an ordinary onion from the pantry reveals a surprise: a green shoot emerging from its center. Many people immediately discard such onions, assuming spoilage. However, sprouting does not necessarily indicate that the onion has become unsafe. Insights shared by Southern Living help clarify what this change actually means. Why Onions Begin to Sprout An onion is a living bulb designed to grow into a new plant. When storage conditions provide suitable temperature and light, natural growth processes activate. The appearance of a green shoot signals that the bulb has begun developing rather than deteriorating. In most cases, sprouting results from environmental triggers rather than spoilage. Are Sprouted Onions Safe to Eat? A sprouted onion does not become toxic. You can safely use it in cooking without health risks. As the shoot grows, the bulb gradually loses moisture and nutrients. This shift often produces a softer texture and a slightly more bitter taste, particularly noticeable when consumed raw.

[Category: Recipes] [Link to media]

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[l] at 2/18/26 2:46am
Pink noise, a sound many people play to mask background disturbances and promote sleep, may actually worsen sleep quality. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, working with colleagues from Europe and Canada, found that pink noise reduced time spent in essential sleep stages, including deep sleep. The study appeared in the journal Sleep. Why Pink Noise Sounds Different Pink noise differs from white noise because it carries more energy at lower frequencies. This characteristic gives it a softer and more natural sound, often compared to rainfall or a waterfall. Many sleep apps and sound devices market pink noise as a tool for better rest, yet recent findings challenge those claims. Laboratory Study Reveals Sleep Disruptions Scientists tested how various sounds influenced the sleep of 25 adults. Participants spent seven nights in a controlled laboratory environment where researchers played different background conditions: pink noise at 50 dB, aircraft noise, a combination of both, or complete silence. After waking, participants completed cognitive tests and evaluated their sleep quality.

[Category: Health] [Link to media]

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[l] at 2/17/26 11:40am
Starlink satellite communication terminals reportedly appeared in limited use among certain Russian military units, primarily for deception tactics and deep-strike coordination. Valery Tishkov, head of the Main Communications Directorate of the Russian Armed Forces, made this statement during a broadcast on Russia-1. Military Communications System Remains Stable Tishkov emphasized that command personnel rely on domestically produced communication services. He stated that the combat control system operates reliably and consistently supports command and coordination functions across the front line. According to his remarks, isolated use of Starlink terminals did not define core military communications. Starlink Shutdown and Operational Impact Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko stated that recent Starlink restrictions did not disrupt Russian command and control systems within the operation zone. He noted that authorities had disabled the terminals for two weeks without reducing the effectiveness or operational tempo of unmanned systems units.

[Category: Incidents] [Link to media]

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[l] at 2/17/26 11:25am
The executive Aurus Senat has received a new body modification: an armored limousine without the traditional center stretch. The project comes from RIDA, a Nizhny Novgorod-based company known for its expertise in special-purpose vehicles and automotive protection systems. Extensive Body Redesign and Structural Changes The vehicle features a visibly reworked rear body section and a distinctive door geometry. The rear doors now use a straight cut line, while the rear pillars incorporate additional triangular windows. RIDA engineered and manufactured entirely new rear door and quarter panels, and the company also refined interior trim elements. These changes represent a deep structural redesign rather than a simple adaptation of an existing version. Not the Same as the Earlier NAMI Limousine The new variant differs from the limousine previously presented by NAMI. The differences affect the shapes of the doors and rear body panels, creating a separate visual and engineering identity. For the 2026 vehicle market, this development marks an important signal: independent manufacturers increasingly build their own interpretations around the Aurus platform.

[Category: Cars] [Link to media]

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[l] at 2/17/26 11:09am
Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, stands as the most important holiday in Chinese culture. People have celebrated it for more than two thousand years. The festival falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice, usually between January 12 and February 19. After the introduction of the Gregorian calendar, people began calling it the Spring Festival to distinguish it from the Western-style New Year. In everyday speech, many simply call the holiday Nian, a word that means "year.” The Legend of Nian: Fear, Survival, and Discovery Ancient folklore tells of Nian, a fierce horned monster that lived in the depths of the sea. Throughout the year, the beast remained hidden underwater, but on the eve of the New Year it emerged, stormed into villages, devoured livestock, and terrorized families. Villagers dreaded its arrival. Each year, before the New Year began, entire families fled into the mountains to escape the creature's wrath. One New Year's Eve, as residents of Tao Hua Village hurried to leave with their elderly and children, a mysterious beggar with silver whiskers entered the settlement. Panic consumed the village. People secured doors, packed belongings, and drove animals away, leaving little room for curiosity. Only an old woman noticed the stranger. She offered him food and urged him to flee before Nian arrived. The beggar smiled and replied with calm confidence: if she allowed him to stay the night, he would drive Nian away.

[Category: History, traditions] [Link to media]

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[l] at 2/17/26 8:59am
Russian air-to-air missiles of the R-37M type remain maneuverable at longer distances than their American counterparts, according to reports from Russian defense observers. Analysts state that the missile sustains effective maneuverability between 160 and 220 kilometers. By comparison, the AIM-120D reportedly maintains similar flight characteristics only up to approximately 140 to 150 kilometers. Range and Maneuverability Comparisons Observers also compared the European Meteor missile. Analysts estimate that Meteor retains maneuverability at distances of roughly 170 to 180 kilometers. Despite these figures, reports indicate that technical challenges continue to delay the missile's full integration with the F-35A platform. Commentators emphasize that successful Meteor integration could influence market dynamics within the defense sector.

[Category: Incidents] [Link to media]

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[l] at 2/17/26 8:49am
A court in Munich has prohibited the sale of desktop and laptop computers from ASUS and Acer in Germany, reports PC Welt. While the ruling's precise legal basis remains undisclosed, journalists link the decision to alleged patent violations involving Nokia. Both manufacturers have acknowledged the restriction and pledged to address the situation. Patent Dispute at the Center Earlier, Nokia filed lawsuits against ASUS, Acer, and Hisense, accusing the electronics companies of infringing multiple patents. According to reports, Nokia claims that the disputed technologies involve three patents related to video encoding. Hisense reportedly settled with Nokia before court proceedings by paying licensing fees. In contrast, ASUS and Acer now face sales limitations following the Munich court's decision.

[Category: World] [Link to media]

As of 2/18/26 1:39pm. Last new 2/18/26 10:35am.

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