Russian attacks on Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, kill at least 2
The number of casualties may rise as people could still be trapped under the rubble, Donetsk Governor Vadym Filashkin reported.
Ukraine
Fico says Zelensky 'needs this war,' justifies Russia's full-scale invasion
In a 15-minute-long speech, Fico also backed U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent criticism of President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Ukraine's SBU claims attack on Russian oil pumping station in Krasnodar Krai
Russian authorities are currently assessing the damage, the source said.
'The US wants lasting peace' — Polish FM meets State Secretary Rubio
Sikorski said their meeting was "substantial and cordial" and it "confirmed the durability of the Polish-American alliance," Polish RMF FM reported.
Zelensky, Scholz discuss 'ways to achieve just peace' in Ukraine
The phone call comes amid growing concerns in Kyiv and among European allies about Washington's shifting stance on the war.
'Europe did more than the U.S.' — EU defense commissioner pushes back against Trump accusations
Editor's note: The interview has been edited for clarity and brevity. Donald Trump's return to the White House has forced Kyiv and other European capitals to ask themselves a sobering question: What will happen to Western support for Ukraine if the U.S. withdraws? The U.S. has been, by
General Staff: Russia has lost 866,000 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022
This number includes 1,140 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.
US threatens to shut off Starlink if Ukraine won't sign minerals deal, sources tell Reuters
The U.S. first raised the prospect of shutting off Starlink service after Zelensky rejected the deal presented on Feb. 12. Starlink terminals are critical in securing Ukraine's battlefield communications.
US proposes rival UN statement on Ukraine war, clashing with Kyiv, Europe, Reuters reports
The new U.S. resolution mourns the casualties of the "Russia-Ukraine conflict" and "implores a swift end" to hostilities, according to a draft obtained by Reuters.
EU preparing military aid package for Kyiv worth $20.9 billion, Bloomberg reports
The additional military support would supply Kyiv with air defense systems, artillery ammunition, long-range missiles, and drones.
Trump admits Russia attacked Ukraine
"Russia attacked, but they shouldn't have let him attack," U.S. President Donald Trump said on Feb. 21, after previously blaming Ukraine for starting the war.
US 'pretty close' to minerals deal with Ukraine, Trump claims
"I think (the Ukrainians) want it. They feel good about it, and it's a significant — it's a big deal, but they want it, and it keeps us in that country, and they're very happy about it."
Austria offers to host Ukraine peace negotiations, ambassador says
Europe must participate in potential peace talks "not only because we are the biggest donors but because Ukraine is a European country fighting for our values and freedom," Austrian Ambassador to Ukraine Arad Benko said.
One person killed in drone attack on Kyiv Oblast, warehouse on fire
A 60-year-old man was killed at a railway crossing in Kyiv Oblast, amid a Russian drone attack on the region, the Kyiv Oblast Military Administration reported.
Bulgarian parliament votes against deploying troops to Ukraine
The Bulgarian parliament voted overwhelmingly in favor of a non-binding declaration on Feb. 21 that would seek to halt any deployment of military forces to Ukraine.
Ukrainian, US officials negotiated throughout the night amid minerals deal dispute, Axios reports
Ukrainian and U.S. officials negotiated a mineral deal all night into the morning on Feb. 21 amid a rift between the two nations over the agreement, Axios reported.
91% of Ukrainians oppose peace talks without Ukraine's participation, poll finds
A total of 91% of Ukrainians surveyed oppose peace negotiations between the U.S. and Russia without Ukraine's participation, a poll released on Feb. 21 by Ukrainian polling firm Rating suggests.
Trump's Ukraine remarks 'shocking,' echo Russian narratives, German opposition leader says
"This is the Russian narrative; this is how Putin has presented it for years, and I'm frankly shocked that Donald Trump has now apparently embraced it himself," German opposition leader and chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz said.
How Trump is helping Putin achieve the original aim of his full-scale invasion of Ukraine
U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that Ukraine's president is an illegitimate "dictator" aligns with Kremlin war objectives and puts Volodymyr Zelensky in an almost impossible situation, experts and analysts have told the Kyiv Independent. "In the last few days we’ve seen how closely Trump has aligned himself with
Ukraine periodically loses up to 40% of gas production due to Russian attacks, Reuters reports
Russian strikes have repeatedly hit Ukraine’s gas infrastructure over the course of the war, reducing production by as much as 40% at certain periods following an attack.
Canada opposes Russia's return to G7, vows to 'stand its ground,' ambassador says
"Canada is not ready for a change in the membership of the G7 and is standing its ground," Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine Natalka Cmoc said.
The Kyiv Independent presents its first magazine — ‘The Power Within’
The Kyiv Independent has presented its first-ever magazine, “The Power Within,” as a record of Ukrainian resilience and life three years into Russia's full-scale invasion. This special edition marks a departure from the solely digital presence that the Kyiv Independent has maintained since its foundation in November 2021. It was
Ukraine war latest: Russia wants to declare 'victory' over Ukraine on Feb. 24, Ukrainian intel claims
Key developments on Feb. 21: * Russia wants to declare 'victory' over Ukraine on Feb. 24, Ukrainian intel claims * Zelensky is not 'important' to negotiations on ending war, Trump says * 'No appetite' for new Ukraine aid bill, US House speaker says * Trump's envoy Kellogg praises Zelensky as 'courageous leader' after talks
Putin orders ministers to prepare for Western companies' return to Russia
"We can adjust accordingly the return to our market of those who want to return," Russian President Vladimir Putin said, suggesting potential restrictions or conditions for Western firms looking to resume operations in Russia.
Zelensky is not 'important' to negotiations on ending war, Trump says
"I don't think he's very important to be at meetings, to be honest with you," U.S. President Donald Trump said.
Zelensky to sign US minerals deal soon, Waltz says
"President Zelensky is going to sign that deal, and you will see that in the very short term," U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said.
After 3 years of war in Ukraine, sometimes I think: Stop the planet, I want to get off
I bet you woke up this morning, read the world news, and couldn’t believe it — how is this really happening? Has the world truly plunged into total chaos and madness? You just want to wake up from this nightmare, but instead, it keeps insisting on becoming the new normal
Why Ukraine can’t hold elections during wartime
Editor’s Note: This op-ed was first published by the Ukrainian NGO Civil Network OPORA as an open statement, which garnered nearly 300 signatures at the time it was published by the Kyiv Independent. Democracy during wartime must be protected even more than in peacetime, as the consequences of mistakes
Russia may offer frozen assets for Ukraine's reconstruction, demand funds for occupied territories, Reuters reports
According to Reuters, one source familiar with Moscow discussions said Russia could agree to allocate up to two-thirds of frozen assets for Ukraine's reconstruction, provided accountability guarantees.
Lawmaker from Zelensky's party resigns after corruption charges, MP says
Kormyshkina was charged by Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) on Oct. 17 with illicit enrichment worth more than Hr 20 million ($480,000).
Most Danes back sending peacekeepers to Ukraine, poll shows
Some 53% of Danes are in favor of sending peacekeepers into the country after Russia's full-scale war ends, according to a poll, published by Ritzau news agency on Feb. 21, Bloomberg reported.
Trump's envoy Kellogg praises Zelensky as 'courageous leader' after talks
"Extensive and positive discussions with (President Volodymyr Zelensky), the embattled and courageous leader of a nation at war, and his talented national security team," Keith Kellogg said.
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