Is the Ukraine crisis ending? NATO doesn’t think so

Published

4 years ago

February 18, 2022

With Moscow announcing a partial pull back of troops, could the crisis in Ukraine be nearing an end? The West doesn’t think so.

With Russia announcing a partial pull back of forces, the alliance has accused Russia of in fact sending more troops to the border.

“They have always moved forces back and forth,” Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg revealed. “So just that we see movement of forces of battle tanks doesn’t confirm a real withdrawal.

“It has been a big up and down, back and forth, all the way, but the trend over the last weeks and months has been a steady increase in the Russian capabilities close to Ukraine’s borders.

“So Russia retains the capability of a full-fledged invasion of Ukraine without any warning time.”

Moscow announced a partial pullback of forces from near Ukraine earlier this week.

Russia’s defence ministry published video of military vehicles leaving the Crimean peninsula – an area Moscow seized from Ukraine in 2014.

They said some of the country’s military drills had already ended, and others were coming to a close.

Moscow also announced some troops would be returning to their permanent bases.

In spite of this, a senior Western official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said intelligence showed Russian military exercises would be at their most active during the remainder of February.

He said there were no credible signs at this point that there would be any kind of military de-escalation.

NATO is considering new steps to deter Moscow on its eastern flank in response to the Russian threat in Ukraine’s north, east and south.

Russia says it never planned to attack Ukraine but wants to lay down “red lines” to prevent its neighbour from joining NATO, which it sees as a threat to its own security.

Oscar winner Robert Duvall dies aged 95 leaving a towering legacy

Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall, 95, dies, leaving a legacy that shaped modern cinema with iconic roles.

Published

3 hours ago

February 17, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall, 95, dies, leaving a legacy that shaped modern cinema with iconic roles.

Oscar-winning actor Robert Duvall has died at the age of 95, marking the end of an era for one of Hollywood’s most respected performers. Best known for his role as Tom Hagen in The Godfather, Duvall built a career defined by power, restraint and authenticity on screen.

From early theatre work to standout performances in To Kill A Mockingbird and Apocalypse Now, Duvall became one of the most versatile actors of his generation. He later won the Academy Award for Tender Mercies, cementing his place among cinema’s elite.

Beyond acting, Duvall was also an accomplished director and musician, earning admiration for his dedication to craft and character. His legacy leaves an indelible mark on American film history.

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News

Iran nuclear talks resume as U.S. boosts military presence

Iran’s foreign minister meets IAEA chief amid nuclear talks with the US, as tensions rise with military movements in the region.

Published

3 hours ago

February 17, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Iran’s foreign minister meets IAEA chief amid nuclear talks with the US, as tensions rise with military movements in the region.

Iran’s foreign minister has met with the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency ahead of renewed talks between Washington and Tehran, signalling a fresh diplomatic push to resolve the long-running nuclear dispute. The discussions centre on Iran’s nuclear programme, which the U.S. and its allies fear could pave the way for weapons development.

Tehran insists it will only scale back nuclear activities if sanctions are lifted, while U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio admits negotiations remain challenging.

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Money

AI fears rattle global markets and investors

AI developments cause market volatility, with European software and US tech firms facing significant declines amid rising uncertainty.

Published

1 day ago

February 16, 2026

Harvey Vargas

AI developments cause market volatility, with European software and US tech firms facing significant declines amid rising uncertainty.

Global stock markets are experiencing heightened volatility as concerns about AI disruption sweep across industries. Investors are closely monitoring which sectors could be most affected as the technology continues to evolve.

Recent announcements from major US AI companies sent waves through international markets, highlighting the interconnected nature of global finance and technology. European software giants such as Dassault Systèmes and RELX saw significant declines, underscoring the global reach of AI developments.

UBS analysts warn that the impact of AI disruption could intensify in 2026 and 2027, with potential ramifications for a wide range of sectors.

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