Julia Shramko
As part of the Bring Kids Back UA initiative, we managed to bring home a 21-year-old girl who had lived in the occupied territory for more than 10 years. The girl, who grew up under the pressure of propaganda, was finally reunited with her family in Ukraine.
Ukrainian and American representatives try to reach a compromise on the minerals deal. Kyiv rejected the initial US offer of 50% of the revenue and proposed alternative terms.
Russian troops conducted an air strike on Zolochiv, Kharkiv region, injuring 5 civilians. Residential buildings, the Employment and Communication Center were damaged, and two buildings were completely destroyed.
The European Commissioner for Defense has announced a new aid package for Ukraine to be announced on Monday. According to Bloomberg, the amount may be similar to the €724 billion fund from the coronavirus crisis.
Rescuers of the State Emergency Service have extinguished a large fire at an industrial facility in Poltava region after a Russian strike. A total of 87 rescuers and 34 pieces of equipment were engaged in the firefighting, with no casualties.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will arrive in Kyiv on February 24 for a joint meeting with the Ukrainian government. The meeting will be attended by European commissioners to express support for Ukraine after three years of war.
The Cabinet of Ministers appointed three new deputies to the Ministry of National Unity and the State Water Agency. At the same time, five officials were dismissed, including four deputy ministers for reintegration.
In January, drone production in Ukraine increased 10-fold year-on-year. The government allocates an additional UAH 7.9 billion for the purchase of drones through the State Special Communications Service.
The Swedish Coast Guard has launched an investigation into a possible rupture of an underwater cable off the country's southwestern coast. A coast guard ship has been dispatched to the scene near the island of Gotland.
In Kupyansk, a Molniya drone hit a police car on February 21 at 7:55 a. m. Three police officers received acupuncture injuries and are under medical supervision.
Russian troops struck at Poltava district, damaging civilian infrastructure. During the night, the enemy fired 2 ballistic missiles and 160 drones, 87 of which were shot down and 70 did not reach their targets.
Electricity consumption remains high in Ukraine, with restrictions in place for industry until 20:00. In Odesa, due to the Russian attack, there are forced power outages.
The United States is undecided on whether to support the UN resolution on the third anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
A week after the Russian drone strike on the Chernobyl nuclear power plant, monitoring of the territory continues. Significant damage to the NSC structures was detected, but the radiation background remains normal.
Law enforcement officers detained two FSB agents who were preparing explosions in the buildings of the Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies in Kyiv region. During the search, explosives and evidence of connection with the Russian special service were seized.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that China supports the "recent consensus" between the US and Russia on ending the war in Ukraine. China is ready to play a "constructive role" in peace negotiations.
Mike Johnson stated that he has no "appetite" for the new bill on financing Ukraine. The statement was made at the Conservative Political Action Conference during booing from the right-wing audience.
Republican senators introduced a bill to terminate the US membership in the UN and its funding. The initiators criticize the UN as a platform for attacks on the United States.
The Kremlin has instructed propagandists to promote the narrative of “victory” until the third anniversary of the invasion. Russian special services have been tasked with discrediting Ukraine and its partners through new information attacks.
A federal judge says the Trump administration continues to withhold foreign aid in defiance of a court order. USAID and the State Department are not resuming payments under $60 billion worth of programs.
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.