China avoids active participation in the settlement of the war in Ukraine, focusing on economic interests. Beijing does not want to risk its relations with Russia and wants to avoid a trade war with the United States.
At night, Russia attacked Ukraine with 160 Shahed drones and two Iskander-M missiles from different directions. The Ukrainian Armed Forces shot down 87 attack UAVs, and the attack affected Odesa, Kyiv, Poltava, and Kharkiv regions.
The Vatican has reported a slight improvement in the health of Pope Francis, who was hospitalized with bilateral pneumonia. The pontiff has no fever, his vitals are stable, he has taken communion and is working.
Over the last day, 121 combat engagements took place, 34 of them in the Pokrovske and 29 in the Kursk sectors. The enemy launched 93 air strikes and fired over 5,500 times at Ukrainian positions.
Representatives of the USA and Russia are meeting informally in Switzerland to discuss the war in Ukraine. The meetings are taking place with the participation of individuals with diplomatic experience, although their official status remains unclear.
The Bundeswehr has begun construction of the Arrow 3 missile defense system at the Holzdorf air base. The system will be able to destroy missiles at an altitude of up to 100 km and is expected to be fully operational by 2030.
Michael Volz said that it is possible to reconcile between Trump and Zelensky, despite recent criticism. The adviser emphasized active “shuttle diplomacy” between the countries to reach a peace agreement.
The US Treasury Secretary announces the possibility of easing sanctions against Russia if the war is negotiated.
The second season of The Last of Us will be released on April 13 on HBO and Max with the return of the main actors. HBO management is considering the possibility of creating four seasons of the series.
The Vatican has reported on the condition of Pope Francis, who has been in a Roman hospital since February 14. The pontiff spent a quiet night, had breakfast in his chair and continues to work.
Brent crude oil is trading at around $76. 31 per barrel amid a 3.34 million barrel increase in US stockpiles. The situation is complicated by the reduction in supplies from Kazakhstan due to an attack on the pipeline.
European Council President Costa and European Commission President von der Leyen will visit Kyiv on February 24. The visit is timed to coincide with the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine to demonstrate support for Ukraine.
Rescuers have found the body of a man under the rubble of a multi-storey building in Kherson destroyed by a Russian air strike. At least 6 people, including 2 children, were injured in the nighttime air strike.
Frosty weather remains in Ukraine with temperatures down to -19° at night and -6° during the day. Forecasters predict warming from February 25, and winds are expected to increase to 15-20 m/s in the south.
The German Chancellor reaffirmed his support for Ukraine's accession to the EU and rejected Trump's accusations. Scholz emphasized the importance of a strong Ukrainian army and the responsibility of Western partners.
French President Macron will visit Washington next week to discuss the situation in Ukraine. Minister Haddad emphasized the importance of the European voice in resolving the issue and called Zelenskyy a hero.
At night, Russian troops carried out a massive missile and drone attack on Ukraine's gas infrastructure. Production facilities were damaged, and restoration work is underway to stabilize gas supplies.
US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to revive the agreement with Ukraine on rare earth minerals. He commented on this during a flight aboard Air Force One, linking his decision to the election period.
Trump is unhappy with the delay in the delivery of two new Boeing presidential jets by 2027-2028. The US administration is considering alternatives and has engaged Elon Musk to solve the problem.
Russia attacked power facilities in Odesa region with drones at night, and restoration work is underway. Electricity consumption remains high, but no power outages are planned for the population.
Donald Trump says US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was “rudely” treated during his visit to Kyiv. The president accused Zelenskyy of “sleeping” and refusing to sign an agreement on rare earth minerals.
Russia launched a combined attack on critical infrastructure facilities in the Kharkiv region, using 14 missiles of various types. The enemy also attacked with 161 Shahed drones, of which 80 were shot down over various regions of Ukraine.
Russian troops attacked Kyiv region with drones and air defense systems. The Russian attack damaged 12 private houses, 5 cars and outbuildings in Vyshhorod and Bila Tserkva districts.
Donald Trump announced that he expects Chinese leader Xi Jinping to visit the United States. The President also announced the possibility of concluding a new trade agreement between the two countries and discussing TikTok.
The United States may include automatic NATO membership for Ukraine as a security guarantee in case Russia violates the peace agreement. This was reported by NBC News with reference to four US officials.
Russian troops attacked DTEK's energy facility in Odesa region for the second night in a row. Power engineers will start restoration work after receiving permission from the military and rescuers.
A 38-year-old resident of Kyiv, according to police, reported a bomb threat in a building in the government quarter while intoxicated. After checking, the information was not confirmed, and the attacker faces up to 6 years in prison.
Russian troops attacked Kherson with guided aerial bombs, hitting a 9-story building. Six people were injured, including 2 children, and rescuers continue to clear the rubble.
The IMF mission led by Gavin Gray arrived in Kyiv to discuss the seventh review of the EFF program. Over the previous six reviews, Ukraine has received $9.8 billion, and more than $12.4 billion in total since the beginning of the war.
Over the course of the day, 122 combat engagements were recorded, most of them in the Pokrovsk and Novopavlivka directions. The enemy launched 87 airstrikes and carried out over 5757 shellings.
