Ukraine
Andriy Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at the National Security and Defense Council, stated that the strike on the Druzhba oil pipeline was a deliberate act of sabotage by Russia against Hungary and Slovakia. These countries have not condemned Russia's actions, which uses energy dependence as a weapon.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Rob Jetten on assuming the post of Prime Minister of the Netherlands. They discussed Ukraine's current needs, including air defense missiles and energy equipment.
The Head of the President's Office, Kyrylo Budanov, stated that another round of negotiations on ending the war in Ukraine could take place at the end of this week. He noted that the talks are progressing, but the parties need to make final decisions.
Minister of Internal Affairs Ihor Klymenko called for regulating Telegram's operations to prevent the recruitment of Ukrainians for terrorist attacks. In his opinion, this issue requires public discussion.
In response to EU plans to close entry for participants in the war against Ukraine, Dmitry Medvedev stated that they could enter without visas, as in 1812 and 1945. Earlier, Kaja Kallas announced work on banning hundreds of thousands of former Russian military personnel from entering the Schengen area.
Since the beginning of the day, 100 combat engagements have been recorded on the front. The enemy carried out 70 air strikes, dropped 181 guided aerial bombs, and used 5,774 kamikaze drones.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the Marshal of the Polish Sejm, Włodzimierz Czarzasty. Discussions focused on Ukraine's integration into the EU, defense support, and energy security.
On February 24, hourly power outage schedules will be in effect in most regions of Ukraine. This is due to the consequences of Russian missile and drone attacks on energy facilities.
Ukrenergo states that the possible termination of emergency electricity supply from Slovakia will not affect Ukraine's energy system. No official documents regarding the termination of the agreement have been received yet.
The President of the European Council, António Costa, urged Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán to implement the EU agreement on providing Ukraine with a €90 billion loan. Hungary is blocking this loan and the 20th package of sanctions against Russia.
On February 24, temporary traffic restrictions and changes in public transport operation will be in effect in Kyiv. This is due to security measures involving foreign delegations and events marking the anniversary of the invasion.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi reported the restoration of control over 400 sq. km of territory and 8 settlements in the Oleksandrivka direction. In the Zaporizhzhia direction, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are carrying out counterattacks to equalize the front line, not a counteroffensive.
The European Union is negotiating with Hungary and Slovakia to unblock the 20th package of sanctions against Russia. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas noted that diplomatic work continues despite the difficulties.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico announced the cessation of emergency electricity supplies to Ukraine. This step will be reversed if Ukraine resumes oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline.
The European Union is stepping up financial support for Ukraine to strengthen its defense capabilities and doubling contributions to the Energy Support Fund. The EU is also intensifying measures against Russia's shadow fleet and imposing new sanctions for human rights violations.
Naftogaz Group has for the first time secured the supply of liquefied natural gas from the USA through the Deutsche ReGas LNG terminal in Germany. After regasification, the gas will be delivered to Ukraine to meet the country's needs in February.
On February 24, most regions of Ukraine are expected to have warm weather with rain, wet snow, and fog. Night temperatures will be around zero, and daytime temperatures will range from 0°C to +8°C.
Due to the thaw on February 24-26, water levels are expected to rise by 0. 2–0.7 m in four regions of Ukraine. In Kropyvnytskyi, partial flooding of residential buildings on streets near the riverbed is possible.
The recovery of Ukraine's economy over the next decade is estimated at $588 billion. This amount is 12% higher than the previous estimate due to the increasing destruction from the war.
Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Iryna Vereshchuk emphasized the systemic use of Telegram by the enemy for recruitment and coordination of terrorist attacks. Experts expressed doubts about the effectiveness of blocking the messenger.
The European Union has extended sanctions against Russia until February 24, 2027. This decision was made due to violations of international law and will come into force on February 24, 2026.
The Head of the President's Office, Kyrylo Budanov, emphasized that peace talks must prevent a repeat of Russian aggression. He noted that Ukraine is moving forward in negotiations, but the parties need to make final decisions.
Businesses are constantly looking for ways to work and earn. It's not about superprofits, but rather about survival. Rostyslav Korobka, Vice President of the Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, spoke about the main challenges facing entrepreneurs today and ways to overcome them.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that the EU supports Ukraine, not its own member states. Hungary threatens to block new sanctions against Russia and 90 billion euros in financial aid to Ukraine.
SBU drones attacked the transportation hub at the main oil pumping station "Kaleykino" in Tatarstan on the night of February 23. As a result of the attack, six explosions occurred at the station, and a large-scale fire broke out.
The European Union has imposed sanctions on 8 individuals, including judges, a prosecutor, and an investigator, for human rights violations and repression in Russia. The restrictions include asset freezes and a ban on entry into the EU.
The National Bank of Ukraine is introducing updated 200-hryvnia banknotes into circulation starting from February 25, 2026. They will feature the patriotic slogan "Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!".
Budapest justified its decision to block the €90 billion EU loan to Ukraine. This caused disappointment among EU foreign ministers.
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, announced the expectation of opening three negotiation clusters for Ukraine's EU membership. This was discussed during a meeting with EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos and EU Commissioner for Defence and Space Andrius Kubilius.
In two months of Defence City's special regime operation, only one company has received resident status. Expert Ihor Garbaruk believes that the problem lies in the lack of a systemic approach by the state and the need to refine legislation.