In a resolution dated February 24, 2026, the European Parliament held Russia and Belarus fully responsible for the war in Ukraine and called for increased sanctions. MEPs demand that Russia immediately cease hostilities, withdraw troops, and release deported persons.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that there are no prerequisites for a quick peace in Russia's war against Ukraine. He noted that Moscow has no real desire for a peaceful settlement, but Ukraine is making progress.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius criticized Donald Trump's approach to Russia's war against Ukraine. He stated that Trump's actions could have strengthened Putin's confidence and complicated negotiations.
The Kremlin manipulates international law to create a false legal justification for aggression and to absolve itself of responsibility for violating Ukraine's borders in 2014 and 2022.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the Alliance will stand with Ukraine "through all future challenges. " He emphasized the importance of continuous military assistance to Ukraine and called on Putin to demonstrate seriousness about peace.
The US is pushing for a deal on Ukraine by July 4, the 250th anniversary of US independence. However, there are no signs that Putin is ready to compromise on his demands, Bloomberg notes.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha stated that Hungary's and Slovakia's ultimatums should be addressed to the Kremlin. He emphasized the need to increase pressure on Russia and the importance of investing in Ukraine's defense industry.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine has neutralized some of the repeaters that helped Russians attack Ukrainians.
The Czech Republic will not be able to fulfill its obligations to NATO by 2026 due to cuts in military spending. The government plans to limit the Ministry of Defense's expenditures, which will affect the creation of a heavy brigade for the alliance.
US President's Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated that a new round of negotiations between Ukraine and Russia could take place within three weeks. This could create conditions for a personal meeting between Putin and Zelenskyy.
Russia has de facto annexed Belarus and uses its infrastructure to attack Ukraine and destabilize NATO. Belarus has lost its sovereignty and is an accomplice in the aggression.
Poland activated security protocols in response to Russia's night attack on Ukrainian cities. Fighter jets, radar surveillance aircraft, and ground-based air defense systems were deployed.
Trump announced the deployment of the hospital ship USNS Mercy to Greenland to provide medical assistance to local residents. This initiative is being implemented in partnership with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the European Union to impose sanctions against maritime services used by Russia. He emphasized that this should be a significant incentive for Russia to move from war to diplomacy.
President Zelenskyy discussed with NSDC Secretary Umerov preparations for negotiations. He instructed Umerov to work with the Middle East and Turkey for greater support for Ukraine.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a conversation with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. They coordinated positions on key issues of diplomatic work and discussed preparations for the trilateral format with America and Russia. The situation in energy and the PURL program were also discussed.
South Korea is consulting with NATO on expanding aid to Ukraine, considering joining the PURL initiative.
In February 2026, Lithuania began construction of a new railway line to the Rudninkai training ground. This will allow for the rapid transfer of heavy equipment and a German brigade, solving the problem of limited capacity on civilian roads.
Greece will purchase 10 V-BAT unmanned systems from Shield-AI, which have proven effective in Ukraine. These drones have been tested in island conditions and have also been ordered by the Netherlands, Japan, and India.
Estonia and Latvia have begun implementing the Baltic Defense Line, purchasing 600 bunkers to fortify their eastern border. This project, worth 60 million euros, is expected to be completed by the end of 2027.
The Trump administration is threatening European countries with retaliatory measures if the EU prioritizes domestic arms manufacturers. The Pentagon warned that restricting access for American arms manufacturers to the European market would provoke a reaction.
Ukraine and Japan can begin defense cooperation, which will be a historic event. Zelenskyy announced his readiness to exchange technologies and experience in modern warfare.
Economist Bohdan Dolintse stated that Defence City has significant advantages but is not a universal solution for all market players. He highlighted the lack of incentives for production localization and formal barriers for potential residents.
The Prosecutor General's Office has launched the "StopPressure" portal to combat pressure on businesses, and 169 appeals have already been considered. However, some high-profile cases, such as the persecution of the "Konstanta" group, still remain without a logical conclusion.
President Zelenskyy stated that the US and some European countries are discussing a new document between NATO and Russia with Russia. He emphasized the importance of discussing Ukraine's potential place in NATO with Ukraine itself.
At the trilateral talks in Geneva, Ukraine and Russia made significant progress, agreeing to inform their leaders and continue working on a peace agreement. According to White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt, another round of negotiations will take place.
The PURL program remains a reliable mechanism for purchasing American air defense missiles. Contributions of $584 million have already been announced for 2026, but the need reaches $15 billion.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that Russia has not attacked any EU country, and Ukraine is only defending itself. He added that the security of Hungary and other EU states is guaranteed by NATO.
Former Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi spoke about the failure of the 2023 counteroffensive due to a lack of resources and the SBU searches in 2022, which he regarded as an act of intimidation. He warned the President's Office about his readiness to call in military personnel to protect the command center.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha responded to Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó's statement, emphasizing that Budapest's position ignores the real price Ukraine is paying for Europe's security. Sybiha stressed that Ukraine is deterring Russian aggression, preventing it from spreading to other European countries.
