Vladimir Putin
Four South Africans, deceptively recruited by Russia to fight in Ukraine, have been repatriated. They were recruited by the daughter of a former South African president, who promised them jobs as security guards.
Talks between Ukraine and Russia in Geneva brought no breakthrough, with Zelenskyy accusing Russia of stalling for time. Expert Zhelikhovsky believes that Moscow is using the negotiations to gain time on the battlefield.
The released documents indicate that Jeffrey Epstein sought to meet with Putin and established ties with the Russian elite. He used young Russian women and girls offered by modeling agencies and Russian criminals.
According to journalist Barak Ravid, negotiations in the political group in Geneva today "stalled. " According to sources, the reason was the positions presented by Russia's new chief negotiator, Vladimir Medinsky.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated his readiness to discuss the withdrawal of troops from the Donetsk region if Russia does the same. He rejected Russia's claims of sovereignty over this territory.
Delegations from Ukraine, the US, and Russia have arrived in Geneva for trilateral talks. The meeting will take place behind closed doors on February 17-18.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that allowing an aggressor to take anything is a big mistake. He emphasized that Putin cannot be stopped with kisses or flowers.
Russian media reported that Switzerland allegedly pledged to ensure safe passage for the Russian delegation to the talks in Geneva. The negotiations on settling Russia's war against Ukraine will take place on February 17-18 in a trilateral format.
The Russian army is increasingly relying on foreign fighters from Asia and Africa due to its inability to replace losses. Thousands of mercenaries from various countries are fighting for Russia, often under pressure and deception.
President Zelenskyy named three key steps for Donald Trump to stop Russian aggression. These are providing security guarantees to Ukraine, demanding Moscow to cease fire, and increasing support for Ukraine if Putin refuses.
California Governor Gavin Newsom stated in Munich that Trump's presidency is not a long-term norm for the US. He urged Europe to maintain stable cooperation with the United States.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in Slovakia, where he will meet with Prime Minister Robert Fico and President Peter Pellegrini. He will discuss US-Slovak relations, regional security, and nuclear energy.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that continuous Russian air strikes on the capital's critical infrastructure over two months have brought the city to the brink of disaster. 3.5 million residents are enduring the harshest winter since the start of the full-scale invasion.
Hillary Clinton criticized Trump's position on Ukraine, calling it disgraceful. She stated that attempts to force Kyiv to capitulate to Putin are shameful.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the replacement of the head of the Russian delegation at the negotiations a surprise. He stated that the Russians want to postpone making a decision on ending the war.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Putin seeks to occupy the Donetsk region to present it as a victory to his society. Ukraine is not going to cede territories and will not withdraw troops.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey discussed with his Baltic and Northern European counterparts the possibility of confiscating oil tankers linked to Russia's shadow fleet. The goal is to tighten restrictions on Moscow's war economy.
President Zelenskyy stated that security guarantee agreements with the US and Europe are ready for signing. These agreements must precede any deal to end the war.
According to the President of Ukraine, Russian occupiers suffered tens of thousands of killed and wounded. In December, 35,000 occupiers were eliminated, and in January - about 30,000.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is ready for elections under the condition of a ceasefire. This requires a secure infrastructure and time for preparation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin wants a Munich of 1936, when “another Putin” began to divide Europe.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Vladimir Putin consults with Peter and Catherine on territorial gains. The President noted that Putin considers himself a tsar, but is a slave to war.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated that his country is not a party directly involved in Russia's war against Ukraine. Beijing does not have a decisive influence on its end.
President Zelenskyy indicated that the Kremlin seeks to normalize relations and ease sanctions through negotiations. He called on the Trump administration to increase pressure on Russia.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has made many compromises, including the fact that Putin and his entourage are not in prison. He noted that this is the biggest compromise the world has already made.
US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said that China is providing crucial support to Russian aggression. He could end the war by calling Putin and stopping the sale of dual-use technologies.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the biggest compromise is Kyiv's readiness to end the war, while Putin is still not in prison. He noted that Putin is in a difficult position and has "not much time."
Dictator Putin no longer requires prior quarantine for meetings, which had been in effect since 2020. This applies to ministers, heads of state-owned companies, and billionaires.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski stated that Europe's financing of Ukraine's defense gives the continent the right to participate in peace negotiations. Europe has already spent over 200 billion euros to support Ukraine.
A POLITICO poll showed that the majority of residents in France and Germany do not support sending peacekeepers to Ukraine. In Germany, 53% are against it, and in France, 43% do not support the deployment of troops.