Conflict – Page 23 – The Defense Post

Feb- 2026 -

17 February

A Sumy firefighter is at a children's hospital after a Russian drone attack, on February 13, 2026.

Total of 2,000 Ukrainian Children Now Returned From Russian Occupation: Zelensky

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday that 2,000 Ukrainian children had been brought back from Russia and Russian-occupied land since the start of the war.

17 February

Middle East

An anti-US mural pictured at the former US embassy in downtown Tehran, Iran

Staff Writer With AFP

Iran FM Sees ‘Window of Opportunity’ in Fresh US Nuclear Talks

Iran's top diplomat voiced hope that "a new window of opportunity" seen in fresh nuclear talks with Washington would lead to a lasting solution to the two countries' stand-off.

17 February

Africa

Some soldiers of the Ethiopian National Defence Forces after finishing their training in the field of Dabat, 70 kilometres north-east of the city of Gondar, Ethiopia

Staff Writer With AFP

Ethiopian Troops Mobilize on Tigray Border

Ethiopian federal and Tigrayan troops have massed along the border of the country's northern Tigray region, a Western diplomatic source said.

17 February

Europe

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy holds a briefing in Kyiv, Ukraine

Staff Writer With AFP

Moscow, Kyiv Set for Geneva Peace Talks Amid Russian Attacks

Russian and Ukrainian delegations were in Geneva for another round of talks as part of the latest push by the US to end the four-year war.

17 February

Middle East

A man and a boy sit in the rubble of the home of the family of Imran al-Atrash, demolished by Israeli forces during a raid in Hebron’s Khallat Nafisa area in West Bank

Staff Writer With AFP

Israeli Approval of West Bank Land Registration Draws Outrage

Israel approved a way to register land in the West Bank as "state property," critics said it would accelerate annexation of the territory.

16 February

Middle East

Iranian youths walk past a state building covered with a giant anti-US billboard depicting a symbolic image of the destroyed USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) aircraft carrier in downtown Tehran, Iran, on January 28, 2026.

Staff Writer With AFP

Iran FM in Geneva for Second Round of US Talks

Iran's foreign minister has arrived in Geneva ahead of a second round of negotiations with the US, Iranian state television said Monday.

15 February

Africa

A Nigerian soldier on patrol in Banki, in the northeastern state of Borno, a region where Boko Haram insurgents are especially active

Staff Writer With AFP

Dozens Killed in Fresh Nigeria Attacks

Motorcycle-riding gunmen swept into three villages in a central region of Nigeria, shooting dead or cutting the throats of at least 46 people, a humanitarian source told AFP on Saturday.

15 February

Europe

Staff Writer With AFP

Russian Strike on Ukraine’s Odesa Kills Woman: Governor

An overnight Russian drone strike on Odesa set a residential building on fire and killed a woman inside, the governor of the southern Ukrainian region said on Saturday morning.

15 February

Arctic

Pictured: 21 Nov 2025 – View of the 24 F-35B Jets embarked onboard the Flight Deck of HMS Prince of Wales. As part of the United Kingdom Carrier Strike Group Full Operating Capability, the largest fifth-generation Carrier Air Wing has ever been embarked on HMS Prince of Wales. 24 F-35B Jets on deck, in support of NATO on NEPTUNE STRIKE 25-4. This proves NATO’s willingness and readiness to act in support of allied nations’ peace and security. Italian F-35Bs have been on board HMS Prince of Wales for NEPTUNE STRIKE, an enhanced vigilance activity, as part of Operation HIGHMAST, proving interoperability and interchangeability between the two nations. The Joint Carrier Air Wing has conducted NEPTUNE STRIKE, showcasing the UK and Italian ability and willingness to work together on behalf of NATO in the Mediterranean and beyond. Led by the UK flagship HMS Prince of Wales and involving a dozen nations, the eight-month mission – known as Operation HIGHMAST – is reaching its final stages. After operations across the Indo-Pacific over the last five months, the task group has returned to the Mediterranean for further multinational exercises before making its homeward voyage. The goal of Operation HIGHMAST is to reaffirm the UK’s commitment to the security of the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific region, demonstrate collective resolve with our allies and showcase British trade and industry. Over the course of the deployment, upwards of 4,500 British military personnel have been involved, including nearly 600 RAF and 900 soldiers alongside 2,500 Royal Navy sailors and Royal Marines.

Staff Writer With AFP

UK to Deploy Aircraft Carrier Group to Arctic This Year: PM

Britain will deploy its aircraft carrier group to the North Atlantic this year in a "powerful show of force" against Russian threats in the Arctic, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Saturday.

14 February

Europe

Staff Writer With AFP

Russia, Ukraine to Hold Talks in Geneva on February 17-18

Russia and Ukraine will hold US-brokered talks on February 17-18 in Geneva, both countries said Friday, announcing the next leg in fraught negotiations seeking to end the four-year war.

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