Ukraine
The European Commission plans to submit a legal proposal for a permanent ban on Russian oil imports on April 15. This will happen after the parliamentary elections in Hungary, so as not to influence the election campaign.
The Verkhovna Rada adopted a bill that exempts Ukrainians who were wounded while defending Ukraine's independence from physical fitness checks when joining the police. This applies to certain positions determined by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
Australia and New Zealand announced new packages of sanctions and additional financial assistance to Kyiv. This happened on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
An SBU officer has been notified of suspicion for receiving $68,000 in exchange for removing a person from the wanted list and arranging a deferment from mobilization. He planned to use false documents about three children for the deferment.
The resonant "Odrex Case" and dozens of patient complaints about treatment have exposed a systemic problem of Ukrainian patients' vulnerability. The Verkhovna Rada is already discussing the need for legislative changes that will clearly distinguish between professional error and criminal negligence. This concerns the responsibility not only of doctors but also of the management of medical institutions, which must be accountable for management decisions and the organization of care.
Germany is increasing its support for Ukraine, raising military aid to 11. 5 billion euros by 2026. The EU is also working on a 90 billion euro loan mechanism for Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced new sanctions against 29 Russian entities and 15 organizations. They support aggression and occupation, spread propaganda, and steal cultural values.
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.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced increased aid to Ukraine in the areas of air defense and energy resilience. London has allocated £500 million in air defense aid and mobilized a significant number of generators.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced his readiness to meet with Putin. He also emphasized the importance of pressure from the US and Europe on Putin to end the war.
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.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated that Russia has not achieved its strategic goals in four years of war, despite colossal losses. According to him, Russia has lost over 500,000 lives, seizing only one percent of Ukraine's territory.
The International Paralympic Committee has allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete at the Winter Paralympic Games under their own flags. Ukraine and the Czech Republic have announced a boycott of the Games' opening ceremony.
The SBU detained two residents of Izmail who registered Starlink for Russian occupiers for $30. They face life imprisonment for treason committed by a group of persons in prior conspiracy.
The aggressor country is trying to present this fabricated threat as an important factor for future peace talks and, at the same time, accuse Ukraine's allies of violating the non-proliferation regime.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy stated that Russia has made mobilization toxic and instructed the Ministry of Defense to seek technological approaches.
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.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Putin is synonymous with war, recalling conflicts in Chechnya, Georgia, Syria, African countries, and Ukraine. He emphasized that Putin does not recognize the value of human life and human rights.
Great Britain has announced its largest sanctions package against Russia, introducing almost 300 new restrictions four years after the full-scale invasion. The sanctions are aimed at reducing Russia's oil revenues, including Transneft and the shadow fleet, as well as military equipment suppliers and financial institutions.
The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine presented a war plan with three goals: close the sky, stop the enemy on all fronts, and deprive Russia of economic resources. This should lead to the largest budget deficit in the history of the Russian Federation.
Ukraine is ready to constructively resolve the dispute over the 'Druzhba' oil pipeline and has proposed realistic solutions, said Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha. This comes amid Hungary's blocking of an EU loan for Ukraine and sanctions against Russia.
The Ukrainian ombudsman noted that Russians treat Ukrainian children as a "mobilization military resource. "
Over four years of war, the prosecutor's office has documented more than 240,000 crimes of Russian aggression, of which over 210,000 are war crimes. More than 1,100 individuals have been served with suspicions, and 240 criminals have already received sentences.
February 24, 2026, marks the 4th anniversary of the full-scale invasion. Over the past day, 116 combat engagements were recorded, the enemy launched missile and air strikes, and used kamikaze drones.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and leaders of the Nordic-Baltic Eight arrived in Kyiv. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha welcomed them in the capital.
On the night of February 24, Russia attacked Ukraine with an Iskander-M ballistic missile and 133 attack drones. Ukrainian air defense shot down or suppressed 111 enemy drones.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, addressed Ukrainians from a bunker on Bankova Street, where his first conversations with world leaders took place at the beginning of the war. He emphasized the resilience of the Ukrainian people and expressed a desire to one day come there with the US President.
Great Britain announced a new package of military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, including £20 million for energy support and £5. 7 million for humanitarian needs. The aid also includes medical mentorship and training for Ukrainian pilots at a British airbase.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Kyiv on February 24, for the tenth time since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion. She emphasized Europe's unwavering support for Ukraine.