RH 2.19.26 | Russia: Geneva Stalls, Starlink Shock, Donetsk Deadlock

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast  https://www.restrictedhandling.com/  In this episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, we break down what really happened in Geneva on February 17 and 18 as US, Ukrainian, and Russian officials wrapped another round of peace talks without a breakthrough. If you were hoping for a handshake moment or a surprise agreement, not this week.  We dive into why Donetsk remains the gravitational center of the negotiations and why the sequencing debate between security guarantees and territorial concessions could determine whether this process moves forward or stalls out. Russia continues to demand control of the remaining Ukrainian-held portions of Donetsk Oblast. Ukraine continues to say that is a red line. The difference now is how loudly each side is pressing its conditions and what European intelligence services believe Moscow is actually trying to accomplish behind closed doors.  We also get into reports that European intelligence chiefs are skeptical Russia wants a fast peace deal in 2026. Is the Kremlin negotiating seriously or using diplomacy to explore sanctions relief and economic leverage with Washington? We unpack the signals and the tone shifts coming out of both Moscow and Kyiv.  On the battlefield side, we break down Russia's latest drone and missile strikes, including the February 17 to 18 wave of 126 drones and an Iskander M ballistic missile. We explain why the Geran 2 drone remains central to Russia's strategy and how Western made components continue to show up inside downed systems despite sanctions. If you want to understand how global supply chains intersect with modern warfare, this is the part to hear.  There is also a major update on Starlink. Since early February, Russian access to Starlink terminals has reportedly been restricted. Ukrainian operators say it is affecting Russian drone coordination. Russian officials say it is not a big deal. We break down what this actually means for command and control in a drone heavy war.  We cover Russian Railways debt, high interest rates in Moscow, manpower replenishment efforts in the State Duma, sanctions against Belarus, and even reports that more than 1,000 Kenyan nationals have traveled to fight for Russia. Yes, the conflict's labor market is global now.  If you follow Russia Ukraine war updates, US foreign policy, NATO strategy, sanctions enforcement, military technology, and geopolitical risk, this episode pulls it all together in one fast moving conversation.  👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast  https://www.restrictedhandling.com/    Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.