This article examines the phenomenon of so-called "one-year seeds" — seeds that produce a crop only in the first generation and cannot be used for subsequent sowing. Based on an analysis of the history of Genetic Use Restriction Technology (GURT), known as "Terminator Technology," as well as F1 hybrid seeds currently available on the market, the article reconstructs the actual picture of which seeds truly require annual purchase and why. Particular attention is devoted to distinguishing myths from facts: no agricultural corporation in the world has commercialized genetically modified sterile seeds, yet F1 hybrid seeds, widely available on the market, are biologically unsuitable for seed saving. For Ukraine's agricultural sector, where farmers annually face a choice between the productivity of hybrids and the cost savings of traditional varieties, understanding these mechanisms holds special practical significance.

This article examines the complex question of whether Russia could successfully capture Latvia, a NATO member state since 2004. Based on analysis of current intelligence assessments, military simulations, and geopolitical dynamics as of February 2026, the article reconstructs the multifaceted nature of the threat, ranging from hybrid warfare to conventional invasion scenarios. Particular attention is devoted to the balance between Russian capabilities, NATO's defensive commitments, and the specific vulnerabilities of the Baltic region. The consensus among Western intelligence agencies indicates that while Russia poses significant hybrid and cyber threats, a conventional military invasion capable of capturing Latvia faces formidable obstacles, primarily Latvia's NATO membership and the alliance's collective defense guarantee under Article 5.