War in Ukraine
The Verkhovna Rada adopted a draft law that updates the rules for the functioning of scientific infrastructure in accordance with EU standards. The document also strengthens support for young scientists by introducing the concept of "postdoctoral researcher" and expanding grant opportunities.
The SBU and the National Police have notified an 18-year-old Kharkiv resident of suspicion for luring police to the scene of a terrorist attack in Lviv on February 22. She called the emergency line, reporting a break-in at a store, after which the Russian aggressors detonated a bomb.
President Zelenskyy positively assessed the signing of the EU loan for Ukraine of 90 billion euros by the President of the European Parliament, calling it a "significant guarantee. " He emphasized the importance of this decision coming into effect for Ukraine "as soon as possible and as effectively as possible."
Rustem Umerov will meet with the American side on February 26 to discuss Ukraine's recovery and preparation for a trilateral meeting with Russia in early March. Details of the next exchange will also be discussed.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the European Commission's commitment to help restore Ukraine's energy infrastructure one of the most important outcomes of the meetings. The European Commission will support the repair and strengthening of the energy grid's protection before next winter.
Friedrich Merz arrived in Beijing for a two-day visit, where he will discuss fair economic conditions for German companies and China's assistance in ending the Russian-Ukrainian war. He emphasized the importance of the European context of Germany's policy towards China.
During the day, the occupiers attacked 32 settlements in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, resulting in four deaths and two injuries. 12 airstrikes, 401 UAV attacks, 7 MLRS shellings, and 223 artillery strikes were recorded.
Rivne police are identifying individuals who launched fireworks on February 24 around 8 PM. The use of pyrotechnics is strictly prohibited under martial law.
The US warned Ukraine that its attacks on Russian oil facilities affected American investments in Kazakhstan. Ukraine's Ambassador to the US, Olha Stefanishyna, confirmed receiving an official diplomatic message.
Russia attacked Ukraine with 115 drones of the Shahed, Gerbera, Italmas, and other types. Ukrainian air defense destroyed 95 enemy UAVs in the north, south, and east of the country.
Donald Trump stated that the US is "working very hard" to end Russia's war against Ukraine. He also noted that this war would not have happened if he had been president.
Ukrainian citizens who have left the occupied territories are trying to return to re-register their property under Russian rules, but face filtration procedures. Without this, their housing will be declared "ownerless," and an attempt to return may result in an entry ban.
US Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Tammy Bruce, stated that China, North Korea, Iran, and Cuba are helping Russia. She called on these states to cease any assistance that contributes to the continuation of the war.
In Lutsk, a man fired several shots at TCC servicemen during notification activities. The attacker was neutralized, the weapon was seized, and none of the servicemen were injured.
The "thousand cuts" tactic gained increasing importance throughout 2025. By last summer, it had become the primary tactic used by Russian forces in the war against Ukraine.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Mariana Betsa stated that Ukraine will never recognize the occupation and will not agree to territorial concessions. She called on the international community to mobilize resources to stop the aggressor.
Germany will not boycott the opening of the Paralympics due to the participation of Russians and Belarusians, said Hans-Jörg Michels, President of the German Disabled Sports Association. He explained that a boycott does not yield results, and Germany will focus on sports competitions.
Russian spies are turning real estate across Western Europe into a network of "Trojan horses" for a sabotage campaign. They are buying properties near military and civilian facilities in a dozen European countries.
Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, stated that European countries are not inclined to support trilateral negotiations on the "Ukrainian crisis. " He also called London's and Paris's plans for nuclear weapons for Kyiv irresponsible.
Steven Witkoff, Special Envoy of US President Donald Trump, stated that a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia would not be possible without "positive relations with both sides. " He noted that during negotiations in Abu Dhabi, he "saw moderation from the Russians" and that the US is not a party to the conflict, but merely a mediator.
The occupation administration of Kherson region retroactively canceled labor relations with Ukrainian employers. This led to the loss of seniority and payments for many residents.
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that Europe and the West are not doing enough to ensure Ukraine's complete victory. He emphasized that Ukraine is critically dependent on technological support from the United States.
The leaders of Ukraine and the NB8 countries condemn Russia's aggression against Ukraine and call for an immediate end to the invasion. They reaffirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine's sovereignty and its Euro-Atlantic path.
Ukrainian interceptor drones destroy every third enemy drone. The main challenge remains Russian drones such as "Shaheds", "Gerberas" and "Italmas".
Since the beginning of the day, 143 combat engagements have taken place at the front, the enemy used 4315 kamikaze drones and carried out 2395 shellings. In the Pokrovsk direction, 27 occupiers were eliminated and 11 wounded, two vehicles were destroyed.
American writer Stephen King expressed his support for Ukrainians on the anniversary of the full-scale invasion. In a video message, he emphasized that his position on Ukraine remains unchanged.
Russian oil monopolist "Transneft" reduced crude oil intake by 250 thousand barrels per day after drone attacks on the "Kaleykino" pumping station in Tatarstan. This threatens the stability of export supplies via the "Druzhba" oil pipeline and affects the Russian budget's revenues.
The US imposed new sanctions against three Russian companies and four individuals due to cybersecurity threats. The restrictions include asset freezes and a ban on transactions with them.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that information about the US desire to end the war between Russia and Ukraine by July 4 is new to him. He noted that Ukraine supports a quick end to the war, but without giving up territories.
Two people were killed as a result of Russian aerial bomb strike on Pokrovsk community in Dnipropetrovsk region. Five more people were injured and hospitalized.