Good morning to readers; #Kyiv remains in Ukrainian hands.

As a boy, Oleh loved to sit with his dad in the conductor's room as he drove the train.

Now, he repairs trains hit by #Russian drones -- attacks which are increasingly common as #Russia tries to destroy #logistics routes. https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/theyre-attacking-the-railways

They’re attacking the railways

This winter Russia is targeting Ukrainian railcars – a vital transport in a country without air travel. Meet Oleh, who handles Russia’s strikes on trains, repairing them and preparing departures.

The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak
Little Oleh steps into the train driver’s cab — hundreds of buttons and levers surround him, each serving a vital function. His father, with steady and confident movements, guides the #train forward. For Oleh, these were moments of pride and awe.
#news #ukraine

“Not every child can say, ‘I was in the driver’s cab and saw how everything works,’” Oleh said.

His father used to take him on trips to #Mariupol, where they would go to the sea together after his shift.
#ukraine #russia #news

Today, about 50 years later, #Mariupol is occupied, and the driver’s cab no longer means magic for Oleh, but responsibility for hundreds of lives behind his back and the rescue of civilians from #Russian missiles.
This harsh winter, #Russia has struck not only energy infrastructure, but also transportation sites. The Russians are targeting the #railways because they remain critical for moving across the country and abroad.
Want to find out more about the #Russian attacks on Ukrainian #railways and how Oleh deals with them? Check out the link! https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/theyre-attacking-the-railways
They’re attacking the railways

This winter Russia is targeting Ukrainian railcars – a vital transport in a country without air travel. Meet Oleh, who handles Russia’s strikes on trains, repairing them and preparing departures.

The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak

#NEWS OF THE DAY:

#UKRAINE’S BIGGEST TERRITORIAL GAIN SINCE 2023: Ukraine's defense forces have regained control of 300 square kilometers along the southern #frontline, claimed #Zelenskyy. https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20260220-zelensky-tells-afp-that-ukraine-is-not-losing-the-war

Zelensky tells AFP that Ukraine is not losing the war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told AFP on Friday that his country is not losing its war against Russia, has taken hundreds of square kilometres in a new counteroffensive, and that European troops should deploy right on the front line after any ceasefire.

FRANCE 24
#FICO THREATENS TO CUT ELECTRICITY AID FOR UKRAINE: Slovakia’s President Fico has threatened to halt emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine, unless Kyiv allows Russian oil to transit to #Slovakia through the Druzhba pipeline. https://tvpworld.com/91713000/slovakia-fico-threatens-to-cut-off-emergency-electricity-supplies-to-ukraine
Slovakia's Fico threatens to cut off emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine

Slovakia is also one of the major sources of European electricity for Ukraine.

Telewizja Polska S.A
#RUSSIAN #VOTKINSK MISSILE PLANT WAS HIT: Russia’s Votkinsk Machine Building Plant was hit in the Udmurt Republic, OSINT #telegram channels reported. The plant is a critical facility for Russian military production, producing Iskander and Oreshnik missile systems. https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2026/02/21/8022030/
Missile plant in Russia's Udmurt Republic targeted in attack – photos, video

A missile manufacturing facility in Russia’s Udmurt Republic, producing Iskander and Oreshnik systems, has been struck in a drone attack.

Ukrainska Pravda
Missed our latest article about the impact of #Starlink satellites on the war in Ukraine? Read it via the link! https://www.counteroffensive.news/p/how-elons-satellites-nearly-led-to
How Elon’s satellites nearly led to Ukrainian disaster

Russians tried to use Starlink-equipped drones to thwart Ukrainian air defense, a potential catastrophe. But Kyiv managed to turn the situation around. Here’s how.

The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak

#CAT OF CONFLICT:

Oksana’s Mary likes to inspect grocery bags. She looks like a fluffy TSA officer.

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@timkmak TSA here being Treat Specialist Accountant, making sure there’s enough kitty goodies 😸

@timkmak #Fico #Orbán #traitors

I'm glad #Slovakia lost at hockey, even though it was to the US.