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Over the past week, the Lviv region has reported over 15,000 cases of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). The epidemic threshold has been exceeded by 46%, according to the regional government.

In Lviv region, a "mask mandate" has been introduced in hospitals, while schools have switched to remote learning.

Russia may take advantage of the pause in military actions and the onset of the electoral process to deliver a strategic blow to Ukraine, stated people's deputy Bohdan Kytzak.

Military personnel won't be able to run for office due to uncertainty about their replacements, says MP regarding election challenges.

All five tracks from the latest album by the Russian rap artist have made it into the top ten most-streamed songs on a popular streaming service.

Ukrainians are tuning into Morgenshtern: the Russian rapper's songs have made it to the top 10 on Apple Music.

According to a Ukrainian journalist, the driver picked up the car and parked it outside her home. Svetlana Kryukova mentions that her circle of adversaries is quite extensive, ranging from bloggers and activists to high-ranking officials.

In Kyiv, a Range Rover belonging to former deputy editor of "Strana.ua," Svitlana Kryukova, was set ablaze (photos included).

On the fourth day following the strike by the Russian Federation on the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, new smoldering spots were found on the dome covering the hazardous fourth reactor, according to the State Emergency Service.

Climbers access the Chernobyl shelter for firefighting: Emergency Services discuss smoldering and radiation levels (video).

07:55, 18 Feb

"Patrol Team": The State Emergency Service showcased how dolphins accompany Ukrainian border guards (video).

The released footage shows a pod of dolphins playing near a Ukrainian border guard boat, diving in and out of the water.

07:55, 18 Feb

From frontline needs to hospital visits: how Kernel supports Ukrainian soldiers.

Socially responsible businesses are reliable partners for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Since the onset of the full-scale invasion, Kernel has chosen a targeted support approach, directly assisting specific units of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The company has become the largest donor to the Armed Forces in the agricultural sector, contributing a total of approximately 3.5 billion UAH.

07:54, 18 Feb

In Kyiv, a woman was apprehended for hiding drugs disguised as paraffin (photo included).

The woman has already been informed of the suspicion regarding her involvement in the illegal drug trade—she could spend the next ten years in prison.

In the comments under the post, Ukrainian servicemen urged Ukraine's Minister of Education, Oksen Lisovyi, to look into the situation, specifically to identify which teachers from the school approved such a performance in the concert program.

In a Kyiv school, children staged a scene depicting the beating of a soldier, prompting a reaction from the fighters. (video)

In addition to the Ministry of Education, the juvenile police in Kyiv have responded to the students' performance. An investigation is currently underway, and they are in contact with the "participants."

"Personally, I find it outrageous": the Education Minister reacted to the incident in a Kyiv school involving the beating of a soldier.

On the evening of February 17, Russia launched drone strikes using "Shahed" type drones against the Ukrainian capital. A series of explosions echoed through Kyiv, air defense systems were activated, and debris from the downed drones was reported to have fallen, resulting in fires.

Russian forces launched drone attacks on Kyiv and its outskirts, resulting in audible explosions in the capital. Here’s what we know (video included).

The principal of the school where the incident occurred decided to comment on the situation in the evening. She described the event as "unacceptable," assured that the skit was not part of the planned program, and promised to implement educational measures with the students.

"Improvised skit": School No. 309 addressed the incident involving a staged beating of a soldier.

In the "Reserve+" app, over 10,000 individuals have already responded to the offer of a voluntary annual contract to serve in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. However, this is not the only opportunity to participate in the Ministry of Defense program.

"Contract 18-24": It has been revealed how many Ukrainians have already submitted applications to participate in the program.

Since the beginning of the day, the enemy forces have launched 44 attacks on positions in the Pokrovsk direction, with several clashes still ongoing. Ukrainian defenders are resisting the aggressor: among the Russian military equipment destroyed in the past 24 hours is a heavy flamethrower system, "TOS-2."

The enemy continues its assaults: over a third of the daily battles occurred in the Pokrovsk direction, reports the General Staff.

Russia has launched a large-scale attack on Ukrainian regions using Shahed drones. Explosions were reported in several areas, and air defense systems were activated. In one region, a Shahed drone struck a residential high-rise building, resulting in a fire.

The Russian Armed Forces struck Ukraine with "Shahed" drones, hitting a high-rise building and causing fires (photos and videos available).

Presidents from several EU countries, along with NATO representatives, assured Ukraine of their commitment to providing security guarantees. At the same time, they emphasized that hostilities should not cease without a peace agreement in place, deeming the situation "dangerous."

The EU opposes Ukraine agreeing to a ceasefire until a peace deal is reached, according to Reuters.

07:52, 18 Feb

Experts discuss the conditions and challenges of deploying Western troops in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for 100,000 personnel for effective support.

Western forces in Ukraine will be equipped with firearms and armored vehicles to protect against explosives, a military expert explained to journalists. Additionally, there is an issue with the demarcation line, as Russia aims to occupy new territories.

07:47, 18 Feb

The frontlines remain unaware of the elections. Why do discussions about peace hold no significance for those engaged in battle?

Let’s take the chatterboxes who have already started preparing for the elections and send them for a day closer to the front lines, so they can truly experience the realities of war with all their senses! This somewhat radical approach is suggested by former politician and serviceman Yegor Firsov for those who are discussing peace amidst the enemy’s offensive.

NATO believes that Ukraine's actions on the battlefield are ineffective as they are combined with outdated Soviet tactics.

British defense sources have accused Ukrainian Armed Forces of wasting expensive weapons and equipment.

Key indicators to be released throughout the week.

Economic Events Calendar for February 17-23

Energy officials have announced that industrial consumers and businesses will be the first to experience power outages.

Emergency power outages have been implemented in Ukraine, according to "Ukrenergo."

This decision could provide Ukraine with access to equipment even if military support from the U.S. is halted, the publication reports.

Trump is ready to allow Europe to purchase U.S. weapons for Ukraine, according to Bloomberg.

Trump's team referred to Zelensky's refusal to sign the agreement as "short-sighted."

A former Ukrainian official criticized the U.S. document on minerals, calling it a "colonial agreement," according to AP.

There are no observed open smoldering spots, and no deterioration in the radiation situation at the site has been recorded.

Work to extinguish the fire at the Chernobyl sarcophagus was halted following a strike by a Russian drone.

The job listings provide a comprehensive description, including information about the teams, their leadership, achievements, and mentions in the media.

The Ministry of Defense revealed the most sought-after positions frequently chosen in the "Reserv+” program.

The manufacturing sector, domestic trade, and construction are driving its growth.

In January, the Ukrainian economy experienced a growth of 1.5%, according to the Ministry of Economy.

A 20-minute film based on true events, dedicated to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia.

The film "Rock, Paper, Scissors," which depicts the war in Ukraine, has won a BAFTA award.