Russia and Tanzania advance trade ties

"Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Tanzanian counterpart Mahmoud Thabit

Kombo held talks in Moscow focusing on trade and broader economic relations between the two countries.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry’s press release, “the ministers discussed a wide range of issues related to the further strengthening of the traditionally friendly relations between Russia and Tanzania, with a special focus on expanding cooperation in trade, economic, and investment spheres.”
Both sides confirmed their intention to strengthen “constructive cooperation and coordinate efforts” on key global and regional matters through the UN and other multilateral platforms." RT

Effusive activity and ash to 7.3 km (24 000 feet) at Big Ben volcano, Heard Island, Indian Ocean

"Satellite observations show that Heard Island’s Big Ben volcano remains active, with lava flows detected through late January and February 2026. The Darwin VAAC reported that the ash plume from a brief eruption around 14:00 UTC on February 11 reached 7.3 km (24 000 feet) above sea level and fully dissipated by the following day." W

EU Seeks To Close Russia Crypto Loopholes In New Sanctions

"The European Union is finalizing a new package of sanctions aimed at closing loopholes that officials say have allowed Russia to use cryptocurrency to circumvent existing restrictions.
The EU is seeking to ban all cryptocurrency transactions with Russia” as part of the upcoming 20th sanctions package.
Among the foreign lenders, the EU has proposed sanctioning two Kyrgyz banks, Keremet and OJSC Capital Bank of Central Asia, along with banks in Laos and Tajikistan." ZH

Ukraine sees its coldest January in 16 years

"Last month was likely Ukraine’s coldest January since 2010, according to an analysis of preliminary Copernicus Climate Service weather data provided by Europe's EUMETSAT

satellite agency.
Temperatures in Ukraine last month reached reported lows of -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit), rarely climbing above zero. Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure that cut power, heating, and water across the country made people's homes dangerously cold. Pavements turned to ice-rinks, and trees froze solid.
The coldest spell came between Jan. 11-21, when average daily temperatures dropped to between -8.3 degrees Celsius (17 degrees Fahrenheit) and -12.6 degrees Celsius (9 degrees Fahrenheit), causing aid organizations to warn that the freezing conditions were worsening the humanitarian toll of the war." KI

Kyiv Independent documentary ‘Can You Hear Me?’ to screen in Europe on anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion

"A documentary by The Kyiv Independent about Ukrainian military medics working on the front lines of Russia’s war will be screened in three European capitals in February, marking the fourth anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
“Can You Hear Me? The Invisible Battles of Ukrainian Military Medics” will be shown in Prague (Feb. 20), Vienna (Feb. 23), and Bratislava (Feb. 24)." KI

5.3 Earthquake - South China Sea, 226 km southwest of Lan Yu Island, Taiwan

"A strong magnitude 5.3 earthquake occurred in the South China Sea 171 km (106 mi) from Taiwan in the early morning at 6.27 am local time (GMT +8). The quake had a very shallow depth of 15.1 km (9 mi) and was not felt (or at least not reported so)." VD

124 clashes on front line

"124 combat clashes between the Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian invaders were recorded.
The Russian army carried out air strikes on the areas of Havrylivka, Novoselivka, Velykomykhailivka, Orly, Dobropasivka in the Dnipropetrovsk region, Verkhnia Tersa, Huliaipilske, Liubytske, Lisne, Vozdvyzhivka, Charivne, Hirke, Barvinivka,

Novooleksandrivka, Veselianka, Yurivka, and Tavriiske in the Zaporizhzhia region.
The Air Force, Rocket Forces, and Artillery of the Defense Forces struck four areas where personnel were concentrated, two UAV control points, three artillery systems, a control point, and two other important targets of the Russian invaders.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, the enemy carried out 99 shellings.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, the Russians made nine attempts to break through the defensive lines in the areas of Vovchansk, Vovchanski Khutory, and toward Hrafske and Okhrimivka.
One enemy attack took place in the Kupiansk sector. The Defense Forces repelled the assault toward Novoosynove.
In the Lyman sector, the enemy carried out 10 attacks, attempting to break through the defenses in the areas of Drobysheve, Tverdokhlibove, and toward Lyman and Stavky.
In the Sloviansk sector, Ukrainian defenders stopped 12 attempts by the invaders to advance toward Zakitne, Rai-Oleksandrivka, Platonivka, and in the Dronivka area.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, the Russian army carried out nine attacks near Pleshchiivka, Shcherbynivka, and toward Kostiantynivka, Berestok, Novopavlivka, and Sofiivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, the Defense Forces repelled 22 Russian assaults in the areas of Rodynske, Pokrovsk, Hryshyne, Kotlyne, Molodetske, Filiia, and toward Novopavlivka and Nove Shakhove.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, the enemy carried out five attacks in the Zlahoda area and toward Ivanivka." Ukrin

Ukrainian drones reportedly strike Russia's Volgograd oil refinery

"Ukrainian drones targeted Russia's Volgograd oil refinery

overnight  setting the site ablaze,
local media reported.
Russia's Defense Ministry earlier claimed that it had shot down 48 Ukrainian drones in several regions, not including over Volgograd Oblast itself." KI

5.6 Earthquake - 142 km NE of Hihifo, Samoa

"A strong magnitude 5.6 earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean 137 km (85 mi) from

Samoa in the morning at 10.14 am local time (GMT +13). The depth of the quake could not be determined, but is assumed to be shallow.
The quake was not felt (or at least not reported so)." VD

6.2 Earthquake - South Pacific Ocean, 241 km south of Kabara Island, Eastern, Fiji

"A very strong magnitude 6.2 earthquake occurred in the South Pacific Ocean near the coast of Fiji in the morning at 8.44 am local time (GMT -12). The quake had a great depth of 511 km (317 mi) and was not felt (or at least not reported so)." VD

126 combat clashes on front line over past day

"126 combat engagements of the Ukrainian Defense Forces with Russian invaders were recorded.
The enemy carried out 100 airstrikes, dropping 284 glide bombs. In addition, the Russians used 7,719 kamikaze drones and carried out 3,310 shellings, including 87 with multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS).
The Russian army conducted airstrikes in the areas of Bratske, Velykomykhailivka,

Kolomiitsi in Dnipropetrovsk region; Hirke, Tersianka, Dolynka, Huliaipilske, Nove Pole, Shevchenkivske, Zirnytsia, Veselianka, Komyshuvakha, Zaporizhets, Barvinivka, Verkhnia Tersa in Zaporizhzhia region; and Kozatske in Kherson region.
The aviation, missile troops, and artillery of the Defense Forces struck nine areas of Russian troop concentrations, one UAV command post, six artillery pieces, five command posts, and one other important target.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, the enemy carried out seven airstrikes, dropping 19 bombs, and conducted 87 shellings, including four with MLRS.
In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, the Russians attempted three times to break through defensive lines in the areas of Vovchansk, Vovchanski Khutory, and Prylipka.
In the Kupiansk sector, no enemy offensive actions were recorded yesterday.
In the Lyman sector, the Russians carried out seven attacks, trying to penetrate defenses toward Stavky, Drobysheve, Tverdokhlibove, Zarichne, and Dibrova.
In the Slovyansk sector, the Defense Forces stopped seven enemy attempts to advance in the areas of Zakitne, Riznykivka, and toward Ozerne.
In the Kramatorsk sector, Russian forces did not conduct offensive actions.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, the enemy carried out 10 attacks near Kostiantynivka, Shcherbynivka, Rusyn Yar, Yablunivka, and toward Novopavlivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, the Defense Forces repelled 35 Russian army assault actions in the areas of Rodynske, Kotlyne, Pokrovsk, Udachne, Molodetske, Novomykolaivka, Filiia, and toward Novyi Donbas and Hryshyne.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, the enemy carried out two attacks toward Ivanivka and Zelenyi Hai.
In the Huliaipole sector, 13 Russian attacks occurred in the areas of Dobropillia, Huliaipole, Rybne, Luhivske, and toward Zaliznychne." Ukrin

Pope Leo sends 80 generators, thousands of medical supplies to Ukraine

"Pope Leo XIV has sent 80 electric generators and thousands of medical supplies to Ukraine

to help civilians cope with freezing winter temperatures and constant attacks, the Vatican announced.
The aid was arranged in response to appeals from bishops who warned of mounting difficulties caused by Russia’s attacks on energy infrastructure and subzero temperatures across the country.
Three trucks carrying the generators and medical supplies departed from the Basilica of Saint Sophia in Rome and have already arrived in Fastiv and Kyiv, areas heavily affected by recent strikes.
Alongside the generators, thousands of medical supplies were delivered, including antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, supplements, and melatonin, which Vatican officials said is in high demand as Ukrainians struggle with stress and sleep deprivation amid ongoing attacks." KI

5.1 Earthquake - North Atlantic Ocean, 137 km northeast of Lajes das Flores, Azores, Portugal

"A strong magnitude 5.1 earthquake occurred in the North Atlantic Ocean 129 km (80 mi) from Azores, Portugal, in the evening of Monday, Feb 9, 2026 at 9.31 pm local time (GMT -1). The depth of the quake could not be determined, but is assumed to be shallow.

The quake was not felt (or at least not reported so)." VD

168 combat clashes over past day

"168 combat clashes between the Armed Forces of Ukraine and Russian invaders were recorded on the frontline.
Russian air strikes targeted the settlements of Kolomiitsi, Lisne, Novoselivka, Veselianka, Dibrova, Charivne, Vozdvyzhivka, Huliaipilske, and Verkhnia Tersa.
The Ukrainian Defense Forces’ aviation, missile, and artillery units struck five clusters of Russian personnel and one transport infrastructure object.
In the Northern Slobozhanshchyna and Kursk sectors, the enemy launched 73 shelling attacks; one clash was recorded.

In the Southern Slobozhanshchyna sector, there were five attempted Russian breakthroughs near Prylipky, Zelene, and Vovchansk.
In the Kupiansk sector, three clashes occurred near Pishchane and Dovhenke.
In the Lyman sector, Russian forces carried out five attacks attempting to breach defenses near Stavky, Drobysheve, and Novoselivka.
In the Sloviansk sector, Ukraine’s forces halted 12 Russian attempts to advance toward Rai-Oleksandrivka, Ozerne, Dronivka, Zakitne, and Platonivka.
In the Kramatorsk sector, one enemy offensive was recorded near Stupochky.
In the Kostiantynivka sector, Russian forces launched 12 attacks near Kostiantynivka, Kleban-Byk, Rusyn Yar, Stepanivka, Illinivka, and Novopavlivka.
In the Pokrovsk sector, 38 Russian assault actions were repelled near Sofiivka, Rodynske, Myrnohrad, Pokrovsk, Kotlyne, Udachne, Molodetske, Novopidhorodnie, Novopavlivka, Ivanivka, Filiia, Dachne, and Hrishyne.
In the Oleksandrivka sector, two attacks near Ivanivka were repelled.
In the Huliaipole sector, the enemy carried out 21 attacks near Huliaipole and toward Pryvilne, Uspenivka, Zlahoda, Dobropillia, Zaliznychne, Zelene, Zahirne, and Sviatopetrivka.
In the Orikhiv sector, Ukrainian defenders repelled two enemy attacks near Mali Shcherbaky and Stepnohirsk.
In the Prydniprovske sector, one clash was recorded." Ukrin

Russia strikes residential building, gas pipeline in Odesa, explosions heard in Kyiv, amid Russian missile, drone attack

"Russian forces carried out a series of attacks overnight on Feb. 8-9, targeting various cities

with reported missile and drone attacks.
The southern city of Odesa was subject to large-scale drone attack, which local officials reporting damage to "residential infrastructure" in the city.
Ukraine's Air Force reported Russian drones approaching Odesa around 12:30 a.m. on Feb. 9. Public broadcaster Suspilne reported multiple explosions heard in Odesa amid the drone threat.
Odesa City Military Administration head Serhiy Lysak said that a fire broke out on the roof of a multi-story building, adding that a gas pipeline was damaged in the attack. Car fires were also reported in the city.
At least one person was killed as a result of the Russian drone strike on Odesa, Lysak added.
Earlier in the night, Russian forces also targeted Kyiv in an apparent ballistic missile attack.

The Feb. 7 attack came ahead of another cold snap in Kyiv, with temperatures expected to drop to –19 degrees Celsius (–2 degrees Fahrenheit) in the coming days, further straining the energy system." KI