Record-High Combat in Eastern Ukraine as Russia Intensifies Attacks
Whispers have emerged about peace in the Russian-Ukraine war following President Trump's push. Subsequently, the attacks on the eastern side of Ukraine have kicked off, reaching record-high combat engagements.Â
"Today was the hardest day of 2025 at the front," the Ukrainian DeepState military blog wrote late on Saturday.
On average, there were typically about 100 combat engagements in a week, but this Saturday, there were roughly 261. The Russians are pushing their forces at Pokrovsk, Kurakhove, and Chasiv Yar, trying to maintain a constant pressure force.Â
Ukrainian officials said that, on Sunday, February 16, Russia damaged a Russian power plant in Mykolaiv, Southern Ukraine, leaving an estimated 100,000 without heating.
"This has nothing to do with the fighting and the situation at the front, but it proves once again that the Russians are fighting against our people and against life in Ukraine," stated President Volodymyr Zelenskiy in a telegram.
JD Vance Attacks European Leaders
Vice President JD Vance delivered an address at the Munich Security Conference in Germany, attended annually by international leaders, on Friday, February 14. During the conference, he stated, "While the Trump administration is very concerned with European security… the threat that I worry the most about is not Europe, it's not Russia, it's not China, it's not any other external actor. And what I worry about is the threat from within."
The concern is about free speech and democracy in European countries. He called out many cities, as did the German Defense Minister. Despite some support, the speech at the Munich conference received much hatred from critics internationally and in the U.S. In fact, Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who spoke at the conference after Vance, called the remarks "unacceptable."
Tesla Stocks Plunge
According to Tip Ranks Smart Score, Tesla's stock has dropped 27 percent since December 2024. Elon Musk was the first person in the world to reach $400 million; since then, he has gone up to $489 million. However, his net worth is 60 percent of Tesla's stock, meaning that his wealth has taken a significant hit.
Musk's alignment with DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency) and other links with President Trump's political party and administration, has been a major factor in his stock decline. People also believe he's devoted too much of his time to DODGE and less to Tesla.
Sales in Germany fell 59 percent and 63 percent in Germany, which was a significant contribution to the total 13 percent decline in Tesla being bought in Europe.