Last news • War in Ukraine
Air Pressure detects motion of enemy drones over Ukraine
Enemy UAVs have been noticed in Ukrainian airspace in a number of instructions. The drones are shifting from Chernihiv area to Kyiv, from Sumy area to Poltava area, via Cherkasy and from Zhytomyr area to Rivne.
The US is opposing the usage of the time period "Russian aggression" in a deliberate G7 assertion marking the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, creating tensions amongst allied nations, an official accustomed to the matter advised the Monetary Instances (FT).
Historically, G7 leaders subject a joint declaration on Feb. 24 reaffirming their help for Ukraine, however U.S. envoys have objected to language that explicitly blames Russia, in keeping with Western officers.
In the meantime, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s participation within the digital G7 summit has not but been confirmed, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has introduced she won’t participate.
"We’re adamant that there should be a distinction made between Russia and Ukraine. They aren’t the identical," the official advised the Monetary Instances. "The Individuals are blocking that language, however we’re nonetheless engaged on it and hopeful of an settlement."
The Kyiv IndependentChris York
The shift in U.S. rhetoric follows statements from President Donald Trump, who has blamed Ukraine for the battle, accused Zelensky of appearing like a "dictator," and advised that Russia ought to be invited again into the G7.
Trump has additionally engaged immediately with Russian President Vladimir Putin, authorizing bilateral talks aimed toward ending the battle. These strikes have alarmed Ukraine and European allies, who see them as a departure from Washington’s earlier agency stance towards Russian navy actions. The U.S. State Division has more and more used the phrase "Ukraine battle" as a substitute of referring to Russian aggression, signaling a broader coverage shift.
Including to tensions, a scheduled information convention between Zelensky and Trump’s particular envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, was canceled at Washington’s request. Whereas Zelensky described his discussions with Kellogg as constructive and detailed, the cancellation strengthened considerations in regards to the altering U.S. method.
Nationwide Safety Adviser Mike Waltz escalated criticism of Kyiv, saying Trump was pissed off with Zelenskyy’s perceived lack of gratitude for US help. Waltz additionally advised Ukraine ought to reopen talks on a vital minerals deal, after Trump claimed the US was owed $500 billion price of Ukrainian sources in trade for navy help.
Within the US, Republican leaders have signaled rising reluctance to approve extra funding for Ukraine. Home Speaker Mike Johnson said that there’s "no urge for food" for an additional help package deal, including that the battle should be delivered to an finish.
Tech billionaire Elon Musk, a key Trump ally, echoed the U.S. president’s criticisms of Zelensky, falsely claiming that he’s unpopular in Ukraine and has averted holding elections. Nonetheless, polling by the Kyiv Worldwide Institute of Sociology contradicts this, exhibiting Zelensky’s approval score at 57%, a rise from 52% in December.
French President Emmanuel Macron has introduced plans to fulfill Trump in Washington to debate Ukraine, warning that the U.S. should not seem weak in coping with Putin. Macron defended Zelensky’s legitimacy, including that elections are unattainable beneath wartime situations.
In the meantime, Meloni’s absence from the G7 name has raised questions on how she’s going to navigate the rising divide between Trump's administration and European leaders. Whereas she has been a robust supporter of Ukraine, her alignment with Trump may place her as a key EU liaison with the White Home in future discussions on the battle.
The Kyiv IndependentKollen Post
Occupants within the quickly occupied crimea massively keep away from air protection duties on the eve of February 24-26
The russian army within the occupied crimea try to keep away from being on responsibility at air protection positions from February 24 to 26 in numerous methods. The command has stepped up counter-sabotage measures as a result of excessive dangers to air protection programs.
Key developments on Feb. 20:
President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Keith Kellogg, U.S. President Donald Trump's particular envoy for Ukraine, in Kyiv on Feb. 20.
"We mentioned intimately the state of affairs on the battlefield and how you can return all our POWs (prisoners of battle), in addition to efficient safety ensures," the president said on Telegram after the assembly.
In response to Zelensky, Ukraine is prepared for a powerful, helpful settlement with the U.S. concerning investments and safety. "We’ve got proposed the quickest and most constructive strategy to obtain outcomes," he mentioned.
The assembly in Kyiv was anticipated to be adopted by a press briefing, however Washington requested that no joint statements be made, Zelensky's spokesperson, Serhii Nykyforov, told reporters.
Kellogg arrived in Ukraine on Feb. 19 as a part of Washington's efforts to dealer a decision to Russia's full-scale battle. Upon arrival, he mentioned his major mission was to "listen" to Kyiv's issues and relay his findings to the White Home.
The go to follows U.S.-Russia negotiations in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 18, the place American and Russian officers mentioned the battle with out Ukrainian participation. Zelensky strongly rejected the thought of peace talks being carried out behind Ukraine's again.
Zelensky's assembly with Kellogg comes amid rising tensions between Kyiv and Washington, as Trump has made a number of false remarks about Ukraine in latest days, together with calling Zelensky a "dictator" and accusing him of refusing to carry elections.
His claims ignore the truth that Ukraine's structure prohibits elections throughout martial law, which has been in impact since Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022.
Throughout his go to to Ukraine, Kellogg additionally met with high Ukrainian army and authorities officers.
Kellogg's function in Trump's peace efforts stays unclear, as he was not concerned within the Feb. 18 talks in Saudi Arabia. Some consultants recommend he has been sidelined on account of his perceived pro-Ukraine stance and alleged Russian objections to his participation.
Trump's latest remarks have raised issues in Kyiv and amongst European allies about Washington's shifting stance on the battle.
The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Denisova
Starmer to pitch plan on 30,000 European peacekeepers in Ukraine to Trump, Telegraph reviewsU.Ok. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will current U.S. President Donald Trump with a plan to deploy as much as 30,000 European troops to observe a doable ceasefire in Ukraine, the Telegraph reported on Feb. 19, citing undisclosed Western officers.
Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are going to travel to the U.S. subsequent week to debate the prospects of peace negotiations with Trump.
European leaders gathered in Paris on Feb. 17 for an emergency summit amid issues that Washington is advancing peace talks with Moscow with out Europe’s involvement. A broader assembly was held on Feb. 19, after which Macron reaffirmed the "united" stance of France and its allies on Ukraine.
Starmer is reportedly planning to disclose particulars of how European troops would be capable of implement any ceasefire brokered by Trump.
In response to the plan, European troops could be deployed in Ukrainian cities, ports, and different vital infrastructure reminiscent of nuclear energy vegetation "distant from the present entrance strains," the Telegraph wrote.
The U.S. has dominated out sending its own troops whereas encouraging European allies to take the lead in securing Ukraine's post-war stability.
A Western official claimed the mission would depend on "technical monitoring," together with intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance plane, in addition to drones and satellites. Additionally they added that enough firepower would help the mission to "monitor and shoot these assaults down" to reopen Ukraine's airspace and permit business flights.
The aim of this help is to make sure that "no matter forces are deployed won’t be challenged by Russia," a supply informed the newspaper.
In response to the Telegraph, Starmer will urge Trump to maintain U.S. fighter jets and missiles in NATO international locations in Jap Europe prepared to answer any future Russian aggression.
Aside from the U.Ok. and France, different international locations stay cautious about sending their troops to Ukraine, citing issues over the escalation and restricted army sources, according to the Washington Put up.
President Volodymyr Zelensky introduced that Kyiv had made vital progress in securing a overseas army presence on its territory.
On Jan. 22, Zelensky mentioned the number of European peacekeepers required to keep up peace in Ukraine would rely upon the dimensions of Ukraine's personal army.
The Kyiv IndependentPhilippe Legrain
US refuses to co-sponsor UN decision condemning Russia, resists labeling Moscow 'aggressor' in G7 assertion, media reportThe U.S. is refusing to co-sponsor a UN decision marking the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, which reaffirms Ukraine's territorial integrity and condemns Moscow's aggression, Reuters reported on Feb. 20, citing sources acquainted with the matter.
"In earlier years, the US has constantly co-sponsored such resolutions in help of a simply peace in Ukraine," a supply informed Reuters.
The upcoming UN vote, thought of a key indicator of worldwide help for Ukraine, can proceed with out U.S. backing however might wrestle to achieve widespread help within the Normal Meeting.
The U.S. additionally opposed straight calling Russia the "aggressor" in a G7 assertion marking the anniversary of the invasion, according to the Monetary Instances. That is the primary time the U.S. has pushed again on such language.
The reviews observe latest diplomatic efforts by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration to have interaction with Russia, in addition to a lot of Trump's false accusations in opposition to Ukraine and its President Volodymyr Zelensky.
On Feb. 18, Secretary of State Marco Rubio led a U.S. delegation to Saudi Arabia for direct talks with Russian International Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Trump has made a number of controversial statements about Ukraine in latest days, together with calling President Volodymyr Zelensky a "dictator" and falsely accusing him of refusing to carry elections.
His claims ignore the truth that Ukraine's structure prohibits elections throughout martial law, which has been in impact since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
Trump has additionally instructed that Ukraine ought to repay the U.S. for its army help via a deal involving the nation's pure sources, claiming — with out proof — that Kyiv had "primarily agreed" to a deal worth $500 billion.
On Feb. 19, Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine's wartime army bills had totaled $320 billion, with the U.S. and EU offering a mixed $200 billion in protection help.
"We, the folks of Ukraine, (coated) $120 billion, the U.S. and the EU — $200 billion. We’re speaking about arms; it is a weapons bundle value $320 billion," Zelensky mentioned in Kyiv.
Trump's latest remarks have raised issues in Kyiv and amongst European allies about Washington's shifting stance on the battle.
The Kyiv IndependentElsa Court
Russia holds 'the playing cards' in doable peace talks, Trump saysU.S. President Donald Trump mentioned that Russia holds "the playing cards" in any peace talks with Ukraine as they occupy a big a part of Ukrainian territory, the BBC reported on Feb. 20.
"I believe the Russians wish to see the battle finish, I actually do. I believe they’ve the playing cards slightly bit, as a result of they've taken plenty of territory. They’ve the playing cards," Trump told journalists on Air Pressure One.
A U.S. delegation led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio met top Russian officials for talks in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 18, marking the highest-level assembly between the 2 sides because the outbreak of the full-scale battle in 2022. Ukraine was not invited to take part.
No concrete selections had been introduced following the U.S.-Russia talks, although each Moscow and Washington praised the assembly as constructive. Ukraine's exclusion sparked alarm in Kyiv and Europe.
The U.S. and Russia signaled {that a} assembly between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin may happen earlier than the top of February.
Talking after the Riyadh talks, Trump voiced his perception that Russia needs to finish the battle and laid the blame for the continuing hostilities on Ukraine. He subsequently attacked President Volodymyr Zelensky as a "dictator with out elections" whereas urgent the besieged nation to carry a vote.
Kremlin propaganda has pushed the narrative that Zelensky is an illegitimate chief, counting on the premise that his first presidential time period was initially meant to finish on Could 20, 2024. Trump's declare ignores the truth that Ukraine's structure prohibits elections throughout martial law, which has been in impact since Russia's full-scale invasion started in 2022.
Ukraine behind FPV goggles explosions in Russia, supply claimsA Ukrainian army intelligence (HUR) operation was behind the detonations of goggles for first-person-view (FPV) drones utilized by Russian troopers, a HUR supply informed the Kyiv Unbiased on Feb. 20.
The information comes after Russian pro-war Telegram channels reported a sequence of explosions of FPV goggles whereas they had been being utilized by Russian drone operators.
In response to the supply, HUR purchased a big batch of FPV goggles for the operation and rigged them with explosives and a detonation mechanism.
"Russian volunteers" subsequently donated the goggles to Russian drone models "in coordination" with the company, based on the supply.
"At this time, the horrors of battle are actually occurring proper earlier than the eyes of Russian FPV pilots. This can be a well-deserved punishment for the battle crimes that the Russian occupiers commit in opposition to Ukraine every single day," the HUR supply mentioned.
The Kyiv Unbiased couldn’t confirm these claims.
All through Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine and Russia have closely invested in drone technology, revolutionizing warfare.
Varied aerial, naval, and floor drones have been developed and sometimes efficiently used for reconnaissance, fight, and different duties by Ukrainian troops.
FPV drones are low-cost to fabricate and may be exactly flown into targets, permitting their customers to destroy rather more costly army tools.
The Kyiv IndependentKollen Post
Russia claims to retake 64% of Kursk Oblast territories seized by UkraineRussian troops have regained management of about 64% of the territory in its Kursk Oblast captured by Ukraine, senior Russian Normal Employees officer Sergei Rudsky claimed in an interview with the Russian Protection Ministry newspaper printed on Feb. 20.
Ukraine launched a shock cross-border incursion into Kursk Oblast in August 2024. In response to Rudsky, Ukrainian troopers are accountable for about 500 sq. kilometers (193 sq. miles) out of 1,268 sq. kilometers (490 sq. miles) initially seized by Kyiv.
The Russian normal claimed that Russian troops had been now advancing in Kursk Oblast in all instructions, and the Ukrainian military was "retreating from their positions."
The Ukrainian army has not commented on the claims, which couldn’t be independently verified.
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed on Feb. 18 that Russian forces had crossed into Ukrainian territory from Kursk Oblast, which Ukraine's Normal Employees dismissed.
Regardless of months of being on the defensive, Ukrainian forces reportedly superior 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) within the area in a new offensive in early February.
Over six months of preventing within the area, Russian casualties have reached practically 40,000 personnel, together with over 16,000 killed, Ukraine's Normal Employees reported on Feb. 6. One other 909 have been reportedly taken as prisoners of battle.
Ukraine is probably going wanting to make use of its foothold in Kursk Oblast as leverage in potential peace talks.
Russia's forces in Kursk Oblast have been bolstered by North Korean troops, deployed final fall to assist counter the Ukrainian incursion.
President Volodymyr Zelensky famous that the offensive disrupted Russia's means to hold out large-scale operations in northeastern and southern Ukraine.
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112 fight engagements in a day: the place is the most popular and what are the occupants' losses
Over the past day, 112 fight engagements befell, most of them within the Pokrovsk sector – 31 offensives. The enemy launched 3 missile and 65 air strikes and used 1,096 kamikaze drones.
Throughout U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, Moscow allegedly demanded that the U.S. withdraw NATO forces from jap Europe as a situation for "normalizing relations," the Monetary Occasions (FT) reported on Feb. 20, citing two officers within the area.
The U.S. delegation reportedly rejected the demand, however issues stay over what concessions President Donald Trump may think about to safe a cope with Russia.
French President Emmanuel Macron and U.Okay. Prime Minister Keir Starmer are set to go to Washington subsequent week for talks with Trump, the place they’re anticipated to induce him to not concede to Russia's calls for.
One unnamed jap European official instructed the FT that regional governments are more and more apprehensive in regards to the trajectory of U.S.-Russia talks and whether or not their issues will likely be taken significantly within the White Home.
Cristian Diaconescu, the Romanian president's chief of employees, warned that the U.S.-Russia dialogue dangers a "new Yalta," referring to the 1945 convention the place the Allies divided post-war Europe into spheres of affect.
Russian President Vladimir Putin ceaselessly claims that NATO poses a risk to Russia, accusing the alliance of in search of to broaden its borders eastward.
Moscow has repeatedly used Ukraine's attainable entry into NATO as one of many justifications for launching its full-scale invasion.
Kyiv argues that becoming a member of the alliance would supply it with a significant safety assure, stopping any future invasion of its territory.
The Saudi Arabia assembly on Feb. 18 marked the highest-level U.S.-Russia talks for the reason that full-scale invasion started in 2022.
No concrete selections had been introduced, however Moscow and Washington described the discussions as constructive. Ukraine's exclusion from the talks has sparked issues in Kyiv and Europe.
The Kyiv IndependentPhilippe Legrain
Macron made a loud assertion about russia and Ukraine's proper to hitch EU and NATO
The French president known as Russia a harmful and imperialist army energy. Macron emphasised that nobody may deny Ukraine's proper to hitch the EU and NATO.
An explosion in Russian-occupied Berdiansk on Feb. 20 killed Yevgeny Bogdanov, deputy head of the native occupation administration, Ukraine's army intelligence company (HUR) claimed.
The intelligence company accused him of committing a number of conflict crimes towards Ukrainian residents. Bogdanov oversaw monetary administration for the occupation administration and coordinated the development of fortifications in Russian-occupied areas of Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
A grey Renault Duster exploded and burned utterly, in line with HUR. Bogdanov was contained in the car, the company claimed.
Bogdanov reportedly arrived in Berdiansk instantly after Moscow's troops occupied town in early 2022 and was appointed to the native administration on orders from Russian particular companies.
Berdiansk, a key transport hub on the Azov Sea, stays strategically essential for Russia, notably for delivery looted Ukrainian grain and sources.
For the reason that begin of Russia's full-scale invasion, a number of assassinations of Russian-appointed officers and army commanders in occupied Ukraine have been reported, typically involving automobile bombs.
In December, Vasyl Nechet, the Russian-installed head of Berdiansk, was injured in an analogous automobile explosion. In October, Russian Main Dmitry Pervukha was killed in occupied Luhansk below related circumstances.
The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Denisova
European affairs and actual peace: Zelenskyy had a cellphone dialog with Danish Prime Minister
The President of Ukraine mentioned European affairs and peace with Mette Frederiksen. Zelenskyy thanked for the availability of weapons and joint manufacturing.
Ukrainian army intelligence head Kyrylo Budanov believes that Ukraine and Russia will attain a ceasefire this yr, he stated in an interview with Azerbaijani journalist Eynulla Fatullayev printed on Feb. 18.
Budanov described the scenario as "paradoxical" for the reason that positions of Kyiv and Moscow are drastically reverse.
"On the identical time, I believe we are going to attain a ceasefire this yr," Budanov stated.
"How lengthy will probably be, how efficient will probably be, is one other query. However I believe it should occur. A lot of the parts wanted for this to occur are there."
U.S. President Donald Trump has pushed to mediate a peace settlement between Ukraine and Russia whereas utilizing more and more hostile rhetoric towards Kyiv. A day earlier than dubbing President Volodymyr Zelensky a "dictator," he accused Ukraine on Feb. 19 of beginning the battle.
This was preceded by a gathering of the American and Russian delegations in Saudi Arabia on Feb. 18 and a telephone name with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which came about earlier than Trump's name with Zelensky.
No concrete choices had been introduced following the U.S.-Russia talks, however Ukraine's exclusion from the assembly sparked alarm in Kyiv and Europe.
In line with the spy chief, whereas the NATO membership situation stays "very difficult,” there is no such thing as a different related format for safety ensures. He additionally questioned the effectiveness of deploying a peacekeeping mission to Ukraine, saying that such a step has by no means met expectations in different war-torn international locations.
Beforehand, Zelensky stated that European companions would wish to station 100,000 to 150,000 troopers in Ukraine to successfully deter Russia. The U.Ok. and France are contemplating deploying a a lot smaller European-led peacekeeping drive with as much as 30,000 troopers, the Telegraph reported.
The Kyiv IndependentKateryna Denisova