Peace talks on Ukraine are "very productive," and the sides are closer to an agreement than ever before, with the only remaining issue under discussion being territory.
Dutch Foreign Minister David van Weel has said that there is widespread political and public support for Ukraine in the Netherlands, reflecting an understanding of the importance of providing assistance.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that not a single day in February should be wasted on strengthening Ukraine and that all state institutions must work at maximum capacity.
A team from Latvia's public broadcaster LSM – journalist Odita Krenberga and cameraman Aigars Kovalevskis – came under a Russian drone attack while working in a combat zone in Ukraine near the front line.
France will provide Ukraine with an additional radar for the SAMP/T surface-to-air missile system as a temporary replacement while one of the radars is undergoing repairs.
Over the course of February 8, 283 combat engagements took place along the front between the Defense Forces of Ukraine and Russian invaders. The enemy was most active in attempts to attack in the Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka sectors.
Ukraine has agreements with international partners for the delivery of 150 new Swedish Gripen fighter jets and 100 French Rafale jets, which will significantly strengthen the Air Force.
Currently, about 450 Ukrainian companies are engaged in drone production, making the sector the largest in Ukraine, thanks in part to significant investment volumes.
Ukraine is beginning to export its own defense technologies to Europe. In 2026, ten export centers will be operational, and production of Ukrainian drones will start in Germany in mid-February.
Ukraine needs a strategy for systematically supporting cultural projects abroad in order to compete with Russia. At the same time, Ukrainian cultural diplomacy in the West should shift its messaging from “resilience” to “freedom as responsibility”.
The energy situation in Ukraine remains extremely difficult, with the loss of power due to Russian attacks overnight and in the morning of February 7 creating a significant additional electricity deficit.