In History, Today on February 21

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed decrees recognizing the independence of two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine: Luhansk and Donetsk.

NASA's Mars helicopter Ingenuity survived its first night on Mars autonomously, a key milestone before its historic flight.

The World Health Organization reports that the number of COVID-19 cases outside China has surpassed those within China for the first time, marking a significant point in the global spread of the virus.

British aerospace company BAE Systems launched the first flight of a solar-powered drone named Phoenix, designed to stay aloft for over a year.

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake strikes Papua New Guinea, causing significant damage and resulting in numerous casualties.

Cyclone Winston made landfall in Fiji, becoming the most intense tropical cyclone on record in the Southern Hemisphere, causing widespread destruction.

Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych and opposition leaders sign a deal to end the crisis in Ukraine, which includes a return to the 2004 constitution and early elections.

The European Union imposes sanctions on North Korea following its third nuclear test conducted earlier in the month.

A landslide killed at least 32 people in the resort town of Bududa, Uganda, situated at the base of Mount Elgon.

The United States Navy successfully shoots down a malfunctioning spy satellite, USA-193, over the Pacific Ocean using a ship-based missile.

The United Nations War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague convicts Bosnian Serb General Radislav Krstić of genocide for his role in the 1995 Srebrenica massacre, marking the first time an individual is convicted of genocide by the tribunal.

Steve Fossett landed in Leader, Saskatchewan, Canada, becoming the first person to make a solo flight across the Pacific Ocean in a balloon.

U.S. President Richard Nixon arrived in China for an official visit, marking the first time a U.S. president visited the People's Republic of China, leading to improved Sino-American relations.

Malcolm X, an African American Muslim minister and human rights activist, was assassinated in New York City while preparing to address the Organization of Afro-American Unity.

The Language Movement Day, also known as Martyrs' Day, was observed in Bangladesh to commemorate the Bengali Language Movement and the deaths of students during protests in 1952.

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) was officially incorporated, laying the groundwork for the future growth of stock car racing in the United States.

Edwin Land demonstrated the first instant camera, the Polaroid Land Camera, at a meeting of the Optical Society of America in New York City.

The Battle of Verdun began during World War I, lasting until December 1916. It was one of the longest and most grueling battles in the war, with heavy casualties on both sides.

The newly completed Washington Monument was dedicated in Washington, D.C., honoring George Washington, the first President of the United States.

The first telephone directory was issued in New Haven, Connecticut, containing 50 names. It marked a significant development in telecommunications.

The Communist Manifesto, written by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, was published in London. It became one of the world's most influential political documents.

The first self-propelling steam locomotive made its outing at the Pen-y-Darren Ironworks in Wales.

Napoleon Bonaparte establishes the Banque de France to stabilize the French economy.

The British blockade the French port of Toulon, an event that is among the numerous naval engagements of the War of the Austrian Succession.

Mikhail Romanov was elected Tsar of Russia, marking the beginning of the Romanov dynasty.

Jörg Ratgeb, a painter and leader in the German Peasants' War, was executed. His artworks and role in the rebellion were significant in the context of the German Reformation.

Joan of Arc's trial for heresy began in Rouen, France. She was accused of cross-dressing and claiming divine guidance, which led to her execution later that year.

The Treaty of Birgham, aimed at a peaceful outcome to the ongoing succession crisis in Scotland, effectively lapsed. Although the treaty was initially signed in 1290, its provisions failed to resolve the issue, setting the stage for future conflicts.

Liutgard of Waldeck, a significant figure in Westphalian history as the first abbess of Heerse convent, passed away. Her founding of the convent was a notable event in the religious and social life of the region.

Thomas, the sole legitimate son of Ranulf de Blondeville, 6th Earl of Chester, was born. His short life ended by infancy, impacting the succession of titles and estates in the region.

The Treaty of Venice was signed between Pope Alexander III and Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa, leading to the end of the schism and the recognition of Alexander as the legitimate pope.

Henry the Fowler is elected King of Germany, marking the beginning of the Ottonian dynasty.

The Fourth Council of Constantinople ended, which was the eighth ecumenical council of the Christian Church. It was convened by Emperor Basil I and Pope Adrian II and addressed the Photian schism.

The Roman Emperor Julian promulgates an edict that recognizes the rights of all religions in the Roman Empire, effectively ending the persecution of Christians and other religious groups.