Kyiv
Russia may withdraw from peace talks on Ukraine if Kyiv does not agree to territorial concessions. The US will seek Ukraine's abandonment of Donbas in exchange for a frozen conflict.
In spring 2026, Ukraine will host music concerts, festivals, gastronomic and art events. Performances by leading artists, a beer festival, Lutsk Food Fest, and exhibitions in Kyiv are planned.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his readiness to meet with the Russian dictator on neutral territory. He rejected Russia and Belarus as meeting places, as they are parties to the conflict.
Elon Musk restricted Russian forces' access to Starlink after a January drone strike on central Kyiv. This decision was made after negotiations with the Ukrainian leadership and the implementation of special software.
Ukraine is assessing significant damage after Russian drone attacks on a key facility of the Druzhba oil pipeline, which could complicate the issue of EU aid to Kyiv and sanctions against Moscow. Hungary and Slovakia accuse Ukraine of withholding supplies, blocking EU aid.
This spring, Ukraine is expected to see a rise in water levels due to heavy snowfall, which could lead to flooding in some regions. Experts predict a water level increase of 0.2-0.7 meters, as well as possible flooding of residential buildings on the Southern Bug and in Kropyvnytskyi. For Kyiv, the threat of flooding also exists, especially for low-lying areas on the left bank.
In Kyiv, a Mazda driver, stripped of his license for drunk driving, hit a service vehicle and fled. Patrol officers used their service weapons to stop the fugitive; no one was injured.
The Vatican Postal Service has unveiled a stamp featuring the Patriarchal Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ in Kyiv during a blackout. This commemorates the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion and expresses solidarity with Ukrainians.
The International Monetary Fund has approved an extended financing program for Ukraine totaling $8. 1 billion. The first tranche of $1.5 billion will be disbursed to the budget in the near future.
In Kyiv, a 37-year-old man who mocked the People's Memorial to fallen defenders on Maidan Nezalezhnosti was detained. He shaved off his mustache to avoid recognition, but the police identified and apprehended him.
Russia is attacking Ukraine's water supply infrastructure. Expert Andriy Kramarov assessed the risks and protection capabilities in the context of limited air defense resources.
People's Deputy Anastasia Radina reported possible violations of the detention conditions for NABU detective Ruslan Magamedrasulov, specifically the absence of glass in the cell window. Agency representative Yevhen Pikalov announced an internal investigation and the absence of complaints from the detainee himself.
A resident of Kyiv promised for $18,000 to arrange for a woman convicted of a road accident to be a combat medic in a military unit. He was detained while receiving the funds, and the suspect was remanded in custody.
The infant was born at 25 weeks gestation with a congenital heart defect requiring immediate intervention.
Russia launched a massive drone and missile attack on Ukrainian cities, once again striking railway infrastructure. Kharkiv, Mykolaiv, Vinnytsia, Zaporizhzhia, Kyiv and the region, Kryvyi Rih, Poltava, and Donetsk regions were targeted.
President Zelenskyy reacted to Russia's night attack with 420 drones and 39 missiles, which damaged homes and infrastructure in eight regions. Most missiles were shot down thanks to the prompt delivery of air defense systems from partners.
The US Secretary of State stated that the administration continues to pressure Moscow by imposing sanctions and selling weapons to Ukraine. The US is the only country that can be a catalyst for negotiations between Russia and Ukraine.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has intensified his anti-Ukrainian campaign ahead of elections, blocking EU aid packages to Ukraine and sanctions against Russia. This comes as his party trails by 20 points in the polls.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed decrees on the country's withdrawal from a number of international CIS agreements. Among them is the Agreement on the Creation of a Joint Air Defense System for the CIS Member States.
In Kyiv, two car wash employees were detained for stealing USD 22,500 and EUR 1,700 from a client's car. Most of the stolen funds have been recovered and returned to the owner.
From February 26, electric transport on the right bank of Kyiv will gradually resume operation. This became possible due to the improvement of the situation in the energy system and the increase in electricity supply limits.
In the Desnianskyi district of Kyiv, a 30-year-old man, while intoxicated, attacked a 17-year-old boy. He inflicted several blows with a utility knife to the teenager's face, causing severe bodily injuries.
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.
The United Kingdom has imposed nearly 300 new sanctions against Russia, aimed at reducing oil revenues and undermining military capabilities. The restrictions affected Transneft, tankers, LNG facilities, banks, and suppliers of weapon components.
On February 25, traffic will be restricted on Naberezhno-Rybalska and Kyrylivska streets in Kyiv's Podilskyi district. Repair crews will work from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, renovating the road surface.
Yury Ushakov, an aide to the head of the Kremlin, stated that Russia would discuss with the US information about Kyiv's possible possession of nuclear weapons. Earlier, Russia spread fakes about allies transferring nuclear weapons to Ukraine.
Latvian Foreign Minister Baiba Braže stated that Russia is systematically attacking Ukraine's energy and civilian infrastructure. This creates conditions for the physical destruction of Ukrainians, which is consistent with the Genocide Convention.
Moldovan artist Dan Bălan gave a concert in Chișinău, for the first time in a long time. The audience noted his changed image: thick curly hair and glasses.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced three areas of support for Ukraine, including a 90 billion euro loan for defense needs. The EU will also provide 100 million euros for energy and has developed a winter plan for 920 million euros.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that Ukraine is on the right path to EU membership. She noted the high pace of reforms, despite the war, but did not name specific dates for accession.