Russia’s Army Stalls as Trump Extends Sanctions and New Zealand Targets 100 Shadow Fleet Vessels
The Russo-Ukrainian war has entered its 1458th day, with Russia‘s army showing no signs of growth in six months. Meanwhile, Ukraine is making it pay by counterattacking where Russia can’t reinforce.
Military efforts have been a key aspect of the conflict, with Ukrainian ground drones taking direct hits while still evacuating wounded soldiers near Pokrovsk. Conventional vehicle evacuation has proven too risky under constant Russian FPV drone activity. The National Guard has also reported destroying 13 vehicles deep behind Luhansk front, cutting Russian artillery and rocket fire on Ukrainian positions.
France is set to deliver two more Mirage 2000s by mid-2026 to hunt Russian missiles in Ukraine‘s skies. This follows January’s announcement that France may provide up to 26 aircraft. Belarus has also rounded up reservists on hours’ notice near the Polish border, conducting a snap military readiness check.
Western Aid Grows, but Late Delivery Kills
Western aid is increasing, but late delivery is having a devastating impact. Deputy presidential office head emphasized that timely deliveries would have shielded energy infrastructure from ballistic missile hits when there aren’t enough interceptors. Ukraine is using three AIM missile types: Sidewinder (35 km, infrared), AMRAAM (up to 180 km, “fire-and-forget”), and Sparrow (70 km, semi-active radar).
Russia’s Recruitment System Runs Dry
Russia is laying the groundwork for rolling involuntary call-ups as its recruitment system runs dry. A new Duma bill adopted on February 18 would criminalize criticism of reserve call-ups. Bloomberg reports that Russia lost 9,000 more troops than it replaced in January 2026 – the first time recruitment has visibly fallen behind losses.
Intelligence and Technology
Russia offered $100,000 per kill: Joint Ukrainian-Moldovan operation dismantled an assassination network targeting public figures. Defense intelligence spokespersons, journalists on Russia’s “extremist” list, heads of state enterprises, special operations soldiers, and pro-Ukrainian Russian activists were among at least five people a Russian-directed assassination network planned to kill in Ukraine.
Rheinmetall has announced its new FV-014 drone has “combat experience.” There is only one place where that could have happened – the battlefield. The FV-014 boasts 100 km range, 5 kg HEDP warhead, 600 mm penetration, and swarm capability.
Tower in Russia‘s Lipetsk connected three military facilities. Pro-Ukrainian partisans just took it down, disrupting communications near an arsenal. “Any strike now more destructive,” partisans say after Lipetsk sabotage.
Ukrainian drone expertise has earned something new – access to NATO defense contracts for the first time. Battlefield-tested expertise is now entering NATO competitions, with Ukrainian companies allowed to participate for the first time.
International
France and Ukraine have signed a nuclear energy pact alongside a €71mn grant package as Ukraine fights to keep the lights on. Over 140 high-capacity generators are already being installed.
Original Article: Russo-Ukrainian war, day 1458: Russia’s army stalls as Trump extends sanctions and New Zealand targets 100 shadow fleet vessels — Euromaidan Press