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Missile assault on Odesa port: two service provider ships broken
Russian Federation launched a ballistic missile assault on the port of Odesa, damaging two service provider ships and port infrastructure. Two civilian staff had been injured; the vessels had been carrying grain cargo.
The current Oval Workplace assembly between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky wasn’t only a diplomatic catastrophe — it was a setup.
From the second Zelensky walked into that room, the stage had already been set. This wasn’t about severe discussions on support or technique. It was about weakening Ukraine, pressuring its chief, and crafting a story that justifies pulling again U.S. assist.
Trump’s accusation that Zelensky was “playing with World Struggle III” and Vice President J.D. Vance’s rebuke for supposed “ingratitude” weren’t off-the-cuff remarks. They have been deliberate. Rigorously constructed speaking factors designed to show Zelensky from an ally right into a legal responsibility within the eyes of the American public.
And the objective? To shift blame away from Russia, excuse future inaction, and pressure Ukraine right into a dropping place — all whereas making it seem like Zelensky’s fault.
Let’s be clear: Zelensky didn’t stroll right into a dialogue. He walked right into a lure.
Relatively than specializing in methods to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses, Trump and Vance ambushed him — portraying Ukraine as a dependent nation that calls for an excessive amount of and provides too little. It was an act of public humiliation, not diplomacy.
By demanding that Zelensky negotiate with Vladimir Putin — a person who has lied, invaded, and slaughtered with out hesitation — Trump isn’t pushing for peace. He’s pushing for Ukrainian give up.
No severe strategist believes that handing over territory will cease Russia’s battle. Historical past has proven us that appeasement doesn’t work. If Ukraine concedes right this moment, Putin will push additional tomorrow. The Baltics, Poland, different NATO allies — they’re all watching.
The Kyiv IndependentTim Zadorozhnyy
Past the Oval Workplace theatrics, there was one thing much more disturbing: the so-called minerals deal.
In keeping with leaked reviews, Trump’s crew floated the concept the U.S. ought to acquire management over Ukraine’s essential pure assets in trade for continued army support.
Take into consideration that for a second. The deal wasn’t nearly weakening Ukraine politically — it was about exploiting it economically.
When the U.S. helped Britain throughout World Struggle II, did we demand management over its coal and metal industries? When NATO defended West Germany throughout the Chilly Struggle, did we insist on taking its most useful assets?
No. As a result of allies don’t extort one another.
The one one who actually advantages from this? Vladimir Putin.
Trump’s efficiency within the Oval Workplace performed proper into Kremlin propaganda — portray Ukraine as determined, Zelensky as ungrateful, and U.S. assist as a burden for America. This sort of messaging isn’t simply dangerous — it’s harmful. It sends a transparent sign to Putin: America’s dedication to Ukraine is weakening.
The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent
If Putin believes that, he’ll double down. Extra aggression, extra escalation, extra battle.
And it gained’t cease with Ukraine. If America turns its again now, Taiwan, South Korea, and NATO allies will surprise — are they subsequent?
This wasn’t simply an assault on Zelensky. It was an assault on American credibility.
Some argue that the U.S. has already performed sufficient for Ukraine. That billions in army support and weapons must be sufficient. That the American persons are uninterested in limitless commitments overseas. That’s a good concern.
However let’s be sincere: This isn’t nearly Ukraine. It’s about whether or not the free world nonetheless stands towards tyranny, or if we’re prepared to let dictators redraw borders at will.
President Zelensky didn’t cave. He didn’t concede. He didn’t betray his nation.
The query now’s: Will America do the identical?
Editor’s Notice: The opinions expressed within the op-ed part are these of the authors and don’t purport to replicate the views of the Kyiv Unbiased.
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The enemy struck a high-rise constructing in Zaporizhzhia, a hearth broke out
Russian troops attacked a high-rise constructing in Zaporizhzhia, inflicting a hearth. Rescuers and medics arrived on the scene.
Through the month of February, Ukrainian forces destroyed the most important variety of Russian automobiles for the reason that begin of the full-scale invasion, in accordance with Ukraine's Protection Ministry.
Within the shortest month of the yr, Ukrainians destroyed 3,472 automobiles and gasoline tanks, in addition to 596 armoured fight automobiles and 331 tanks, the assertion stated.
In February, the variety of fight clashes dropped in comparison with January: 3,274 in opposition to 5,087. As an alternative, the variety of enemy air strikes on the Ukrainian troops' positions and frontline settlements elevated from about 2,400 guided aerial bombs in January to three,522 in February.
The Ministry additionally sited the Basic Employees's info on Russia's manpower losses, which exhibits that the Russian military irretrievably misplaced 36,570 individuals in February.
Russia has marginally gained floor in japanese Ukraine and Kursk Oblast in current months however at the price of heavy casualties in addition to gear losses.
As navy gear dwindles, Russian commanders have been compelled to supply much less protecting gear to troopers, highlighted by their use of civilian vehicles in assaults.
The Basic Employees reported on March 1 that Russia has misplaced 875,610 troops in Ukraine for the reason that starting of its full-scale invasion on Feb. 24, 2022 — an estimate according to Western intelligence assessments.
The Kyiv IndependentTim Zadorozhnyy
Ukraine has considerably elevated the variety of new weapons: 90% – of home manufacturing
The Ministry of Protection has licensed greater than 100 new weapons, 90% of that are Ukrainian-made. Among the many new gadgets are drones, digital warfare methods, and CBRN tools.
A number of American and European actors and writers revealed phrases of assist for Ukraine on their social media after the U.S. President Donald Trump clashed in a heated argument with President Volodymyr Zelensky within the White Home.
Pedro Pascal, American actor starring in "Narcos," "Recreation of Thrones" and "The Final of Us" posted a number of Instagram tales in assist of Ukraine and Zelensky.
"Braveness has a reputation," he wrote in a put up that includes the map of Ukraine, additionally sharing supportive posts from actresses Elizabeth Banks and Piper Perabo, in addition to Zelensky's portraits.
"Keep on the precise aspect of historical past," he added.
Actress Elizabeth Banks posted a Ukrainian flag alongside a press release: "I assist Ukraine."
American actor Misha Collins, an envoy of United24 initiative based by Zelensky, wrote on X that he's grateful to the Ukrainian president and all of Ukraine for "standing as much as the bullies."
"What I noticed was two pompous, traitorous cowards attempting to pressure a brave chief to kiss their rings. So embarrassed for my nation," Collins wrote.
Catherine Deneuve, a veteran French actress, opened the fiftieth César Movie Awards ceremony on the stage in Paris with a Ukrainian flag pin on her chest, dedicating the ceremony to Ukraine. She has expressed her assist on a number of events since 2023.
American historian and author Timothy Snyder additionally wrote on X to again up Zelensky after the White Home conflict, critisizing Trump and Vance's actions.
"Trump and Vance act as if the issue is that Ukraine is resisting an ongoing Russian invasion. The issue is the continuing Russian invasion. In the event that they wish to use American energy to cease the struggle, apply it to the aggressor. Abusing the sufferer just isn’t going to finish a struggle of aggression," he wrote.
Actress Alyssa Milano, who grew to become a United24 ambassador in 2024, wrote a put up on Instagram to inform Ukrainians that she "sees them and charges their ache."
"I urge all compassionate public figures, billionaires, elected officers, all of the leaders and other people of the world who imagine in democracy— assist us overcome this insanity. The battle in opposition to this regime and in opposition to fascism is determined by you all." Milano wrote.
Actor Ben Stiller and author Joan Rowling additionally publicly supported Ukraine of their social media.
After the conflict, many European leaders expressed their assist of Ukraine and Zelensky, whereas a number of pro-Russian European politicians brazenly supported Trump.
The Kyiv IndependentTim Zadorozhnyy
Ukraine's Normal Employees: 57 fight engagements came about within the frontline, enemy assaults most frequently in Pokrovske, Toretske and Kursk sectors
Over the past day, 57 fight engagements came about, most of them – 15 assaults within the Pokrovsk sector. The enemy performed quite a few air strikes and artillery assaults on populated areas in numerous areas of Ukraine.
A number of European politicians which are thought-about pro-Russian expressed their approval for the U.S. President Donald Trump after he clashed in a heated argument with President Volodymyr Zelensky within the Oval Workplace.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban thanked Trump in his publish on X.
"Immediately President Trump stood bravely for peace. Even when it was troublesome for a lot of to digest," Orban mentioned.
Orban, extensively seen because the EU's most pro-Russian chief, has constantly opposed navy assist for Ukraine and maintained shut ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze wished Trump "endurance and braveness on this troublesome battle" on Fb on March 1.
The Kyiv IndependentOleksiy Sorokin
"President Trump and his peace efforts had been condemned one after one other by the individuals answerable for unleashing a bloody battle and the cold-blooded killing of Ukraine and hundreds of Ukrainians," his assertion mentioned.
Kobakhidze sparked a political disaster by asserting the suspension of Georgia's EU accession course of till at the very least 2028 after the elections final October. Protests erupted in Tbilisi in opposition to the ruling Georgian Dream celebration, accused of democratic backsliding and dragging Georgia into the Kremlin's orbit.
Tino Chrupalla, one of many leaders of the far-right Different for Germany (AfD) celebration, mentioned on X that peace in Ukraine must be achieved even with out Zelensky's participation.
"President Trump is cancelling talks with President Zelensky as a result of he isn’t prepared for peace. Peace should nonetheless be achieved, even with out the beggarly President Zelensky," Chrupalla wrote.
"Because the EU and Germany can not act as mediators, the US and Russia should come to an settlement," he added
Earlier, AfD confirmed help for Russian politics and has been mired in scandal after stories of its affiliations with neo-Nazi teams.
The statements come as many democratic European leaders expressed their help for Zelensky, who has reportedly landed in London for a summit of European leaders on March 2.
The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent
Zelenskiy and Starmer to fulfill at Downing Road this afternoon
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will meet with British Prime Minister Starmer to debate a future peace deal. Starmer plans to contain the USA and European leaders in monitoring the implementation of the settlement.
The airplane of President Volodymyr Zelensky is presently en path to London flight monitoring platform FlightAware studies.
The airplane is because of land at London's Stansted Airport at 11 a.m. native time.
Zelensky confirmed that he’ll journey to London after his go to to america throughout a press convention on Feb. 26. He's set to participate in a summit with European leaders hosted by U.Ok. Prime Minister Keir Starmer to debate joint protection and safety plans on Sunday.
A press release from Starmer on Friday night time confirmed that he had spoken with the U.S. and Ukrainian presidents after their conflict within the White Home, BBC reported. In response to the report, Starmer retains "unwavering help for Ukraine."
President Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump's press briefing within the Oval Workplace on Feb. 28 led to a heated argument about American assist to Ukraine, adopted by the canceling of the deliberate signing of the U.S.-Ukraine mineral settlement.
A lot of European leaders on Feb. 28 reaffirmed their help for Ukraine and President Zelensky, together with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, French President Emmanuel Macron, European Fee President Ursula von der Leyen and different leaders.
The Kyiv IndependentThe Kyiv Independent