Ukraine
Donald Trump says US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was “rudely” treated during his visit to Kyiv. The president accused Zelenskyy of “sleeping” and refusing to sign an agreement on rare earth minerals.
Czech officials expressed doubts about sending troops to Ukraine for a peacekeeping mission. The decision will depend on the parameters of the ceasefire and the participation of allies, especially the United States.
The President of Ukraine addressed Ukrainians on the Day of Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred. He recalled the beginning of Russian aggression in 2014 and called for unity in the fight for freedom.
Donald Trump announced that he expects Chinese leader Xi Jinping to visit the United States. The President also announced the possibility of concluding a new trade agreement between the two countries and discussing TikTok.
The United States may include automatic NATO membership for Ukraine as a security guarantee in case Russia violates the peace agreement. This was reported by NBC News with reference to four US officials.
The National Bank of Ukraine has set the official exchange rate at UAH 41. 68 to the dollar, up 11 kopecks from the previous rate. The euro is set at UAH 43.47, and the dollar is trading at UAH 41.71-41.74 on the interbank market.
The IMF mission led by Gavin Gray arrived in Kyiv to discuss the seventh review of the EFF program. Over the previous six reviews, Ukraine has received $9.8 billion, and more than $12.4 billion in total since the beginning of the war.
Over the course of the day, 122 combat engagements were recorded, most of them in the Pokrovsk and Novopavlivka directions. The enemy launched 87 airstrikes and carried out over 5757 shellings.
The Trump administration is considering the possibility of concluding a simplified agreement with Ukraine on mineral resources. This is happening after Zelenskyy rejected the US proposal to receive 50% of Ukraine's critical minerals.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has released data on the losses of Russian troops over the past day. 1190 soldiers, 14 tanks, 63 artillery systems and other equipment were destroyed, bringing the total losses of the Russian Federation since the beginning of the war to 863580 people.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau released a video message reaffirming his support for Ukraine and condemning Russia's actions. He emphasized the importance of protecting the international order that has ensured peace for 80 years.
There is one Russian ship with 4 Kalibr cruise missiles in the Black Sea. There are 4 ships in the Mediterranean, 3 of which have 26 Kalibr missiles on board.
On February 20, 2014, the occupation of Crimea by unmarked Russian troops began. Within a month, Russia seized the peninsula and held an illegal referendum at gunpoint.
On February 20, the world celebrates the World Day of Social Justice and other important holidays. Among them are Hooded Sweatshirt Day, Pipe Smoking Day, and Cinematographer and Photographer Day.
Cloudy weather is expected in Ukraine today with clearings, ice on the roads. The temperature will drop to -19°C in some places.
The Russian occupation authorities in Zaporizhzhia region have announced the distribution of land plots to participants in the war against Ukraine. The mechanism of land distribution and the conditions for its provision are absent, and implementation is promised only after the end of the war.
February 20 marks the Day of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes, when 48 protesters died in the center of Kyiv. In total, 107 Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred gave their lives for democratic values and the European future of Ukraine.
Donald Trump has said that World War III is “not that far away,” but it will not happen under his presidency. At the Miami summit, he also criticized Zelenskyy and thanked Saudi Arabia for organizing the US-Russia talks.
The British prime minister will propose a plan to deploy a European peacekeeping contingent to Ukraine to monitor the ceasefire. The United States is to provide air support from bases in Eastern Europe.
Elon Musk said that Zelensky cannot represent Ukraine without restoring press freedom and elections. The leaders of Germany, Britain, Finland, and Norway spoke in support of Ukraine and criticized Trump's statements.
A Russian drone attack in Odesa damaged civilian infrastructure and residential buildings, injuring a 55-year-old man. Part of the city was left without heating due to damage to the heating main.
Donald Trump posted images created by AI on social media showing him with a crown on his head.
The President of Ukraine had a conversation with U. S. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham on security guarantees for Ukraine. Zelenskyy thanked for the bipartisan support of the U.S. Congress and noted Graham's constructive approach.
In a conversation with Zelenskyy, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed support for suspending elections during the war. He compared the situation to Britain's actions during World War II.
The French President met with the leaders of the EU, Canada, Iceland and Norway to discuss support for Ukraine. The participants expressed a united position and readiness to take responsibility for peace in Europe.
The occupiers forcibly deported more than 4,000 children to study in Crimean schools and 800 to kindergartens. According to the Civil Defense Center, in total, Russia has illegally taken more than 20,000 Ukrainian children from the occupied territories.
Over the last day, 106 combat engagements took place, most of them in the Pokrovsk sector - 26 attacks. The enemy carried out 64 air strikes, used 1122 kamikaze drones and fired over 4300 times.
The Presidents of Ukraine and France discussed security guarantees and sustainable peace in Europe. The leaders coordinated diplomatic work and exchanged views on support for Ukraine.
The leaders of the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Norway, and Britain criticized Trump's statement calling Zelenskyy a “dictator without elections. ” The KIIS refuted Trump's words about Zelenskyy's 4% approval rating, pointing to 60% of Ukrainians' trust.
In Kyiv and the region, air defense systems were spotted operating against enemy UAVs. During the night, Russia launched 2 ballistic missiles and 167 drones, 106 of which were shot down and 56 did not reach their targets.