Story perspectives

Russia Claims Victory in Eastern Villages Amid Peace Talks

2/15/2026

Center

Gerasimov Claims Villages

Valery Gerasimov, Russia's army chief, announced the seizure of a dozen eastern villages during a visit to Moscow's troops.
The statement comes ahead of United States–mediated talks with Kyiv in Geneva to end nearly four years of conflict.
Gerasimov said Russian forces liberated these settlements in February despite harsh winter conditions.
Russia has not yet captured the Donetsk region.
Ukraine finds Russia's demand that Kyiv withdraw from Donetsk unacceptable.

Left

Balogun Deceived into Service

In February 2026, reports detail nearly 200 foreigners, including Nigerians, coerced to fight for Russia.
Balogun Adisa Ridwan, a Nigerian captured by Ukrainian forces, said he was deceived into service, signed a contract he couldn't understand, and received minimal training.
The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant remains a focal point in peace negotiations as Rosatom rejects Ukrainian claims about safety deficiencies and states the plant has adequate resources to operate.

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Gerasimov Claims Villages

Valery Gerasimov, Russia's army chief, announced the seizure of a dozen eastern villages during a visit to Moscow's troops.
The statement comes ahead of United States–mediated talks with Kyiv in Geneva to end nearly four years of conflict.
Gerasimov said Russian forces liberated these settlements in February despite harsh winter conditions.
Russia has not yet captured the Donetsk region.
Ukraine finds Russia's demand that Kyiv withdraw from Donetsk unacceptable.

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