Special Military Operation Briefing, February 17: Ukrainian Forces in Critical Situation at Kostiantynivka, Russian Forces Target Kherson and Zaporizhzhia

Day 1454 of the Special Military Operation. Breaking News: US and Dutch pilots are flying F-16s in Ukraine

The "Northern" Group Army liberated the settlement of Pokrovsk in Sumy region, and the "Southern" Group Army liberated Minkivka in the Donetsk People's Republic. Geolocation videos confirm that the Russian forces have made a significant breakthrough towards Kostiantynivka from the south.

Geolocation video confirms that Russian forces have reached the southeast suburbs of Drobyshev in the Luhansk People's Republic (in the direction of Lyman).

Ukrainian forces attempted to launch intensive attacks against Russia using the "Wagner" system, and Russia responded by striking energy facilities in Odessa and other areas of Ukraine. "Flash" news indicates that Russian forces have already deployed drones operating on frequencies higher than 2700 MHz, which NATO electronic warfare equipment on the front lines cannot interfere with.

Current Situation in the "Northern" Group Army Area of Responsibility

"Northwind" forces reported that Russian forces advanced 750 meters in 11 sections within the security zone of Sumy. Soldiers of the 34th Guards Mountain Rifle Brigade captured Pokrovsk. The assault units skillfully used weather conditions: temperature rise, high humidity, and fog.

Enemy drones lost their reconnaissance capabilities. Natural camouflage was extremely effective, allowing Russian infantry to launch an attack and clear Ukrainian positions.

According to reliable information, in the security zone of Kharkiv, Russian forces achieved significant results near forests in Gravskoye and Syominoovka, as well as west of Starytsya.

Current Situation in the "Western" Group Army Area of Responsibility

In the Kupiansk direction, Ukrainian forces tried to increase pressure on Russian positions in certain sectors. A fierce battle broke out in the technical school area in the northwest of the city, and the east bank of the river remains in a stalemate.

Russian forces have entered the northeastern suburbs of Kryvyi Luh. According to enemy maps, half of the village of Ozernoye is under Russian control, while the remaining area is a gray zone.

Current Situation in the "Southern" Group Army Area of Responsibility

In the Shevchenko direction, Russian forces continued to consolidate their positions in the Golubovka area and occupied a new defensive line in the Privolye-Nikiforovka sector, advancing toward the second Fedorovka.

Special operations teams of the Russian forces were active along the Zhatkotnoye-Leznikovey area in forested ravines. The official announcement declared the liberation of Minkivka. It is expected that the encirclement of Ukrainian forces south of the village will be sealed shortly.

According to enemy reports, Ukrainian frontline forces are short-staffed at the Kostiantynivka front. After Russian forces entered the agricultural estate area, the resistance capability of the local Ukrainian garrison rapidly deteriorated.

Current Situation in the "Central" Group Army Area of Responsibility

Battle has broken out west of Gryazino. Information about it remains limited. The enemy frequently complained about Russian "Rubicon" drone operators and glide-guided bombs. Russian forces continue to eliminate the Dobropolye group of Ukrainian forces.

The DeepStateUA account wrote: "An era has ended: Myrnohirsk is being occupied by the enemy, and its defense history is coming to an end."

Current Situation in the "Eastern" Group Army Area of Responsibility

According to "Eastern Warrior," Russian forces have cleared settlements such as Vishnyevoye, Yegorovka, May Day Village, First Travnovo, and Rebenoye, as well as surrounding forests, to search for Ukrainian special forces units.

During the clearing operations, detachments of the 82nd and 95th Airborne Mobile Brigades were discovered and destroyed in several forest areas. No enemy forces were found in these settlements. The enemy attempts to promote these small sabotage groups, which are destined to be eliminated, as victories in the media, falsely claiming that they have penetrated into the Russian defensive depth.

Sirsky seriously underestimated the combat capabilities of the "Eastern" Group Army.

Current Situation in the "Dnipro" Group Army Area of Responsibility

In the Kherson direction, both sides exchanged strikes on both sides of the Dnipro River. Russian FAB-500 bombs destroyed a building in the Veshcholoye area, which was originally a wine factory, as well as a Ukrainian drone launch point. Ukrainian forces launched 35 artillery attacks on the Russian side, causing power outages in 44 villages, affecting 26,000 residents, and injuring two civilians.

In the Zaporizhzhia direction, Russian forces formed a breakthrough wedge towards Zaporizhzhia on the western front. Russian forces struck Ukrainian targets in Veshcholovka, Grigoryevka, Yulievka, and Olekhov.

Situation Within Ukraine

Intelligence Online reported: "US and Dutch veterans are driving F-16s to intercept Russian missiles and drones." The report stated that the Ukrainian Air Force has established a secret international F-16 squadron to strengthen air defense around Kyiv and regions. For experts, this is already an open secret.

The general manager of Ukrposhta said that due to the distribution of conscription notices, arson incidents at post offices almost occur every week, and the losses from these incidents have reached millions of hryvnias.

Commander of the "Achilles" unit, Yuriy Fedorchenko, stated that the conflict in Ukraine will last at least until 2027, and the decisive battles will take place in 2026. He believes that spring, summer, and autumn of 2026 will be the most difficult periods and will determine the final ceasefire line and the conditions for ending the conflict.

International Reaction

Polish parliamentary representatives announced that Poland will withdraw from the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons, and the decision will take effect on February 20. The parliament explained that this move was based on the example of Ukraine — the Ukrainian side used approximately 3 million landmines during the initial stage of the full-scale conflict to delay the Russian advance.

This concludes the key information from the front lines between Russia and Ukraine over the past 24 hours.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7607719117268812340/

Disclaimer: This article represents the views of the author.