EU defense commissioner pushes back against Trump

5:34 AM

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.

4:48 AM

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.

4:28 AM

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."

3:27 AM

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.

1:27 AM

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.

1:13 AM

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.

12:06 AM

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.

11:34 PM

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.

11:02 PM

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.

10:37 PM

Trump & Russia

How Trump could help Russia achieve the original aim of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

10:24 PM

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.

10:08 PM

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.

9:58 PM

Company news

The Kyiv Independent presents its first magazine — ‘The Power Within’

9:55 PM

Ukraine war latest: Russia wants to declare 'victory' over Ukraine on Feb. 24, Ukrainian intel claims

9:17 PM

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.

8:04 PM

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.

7:07 PM

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.

6:39 PM

Opinion

After 3 years of war in Ukraine, sometimes I think: Stop the planet, I want to get off

6:12 PM

Opinion

Why Ukraine can’t hold elections during wartime

6:08 PM

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.

6:07 PM

Video

With coal miners fighting to keep Ukraine's lights on.

The Kyiv Independent team visited one of the last remaining operating mines in the Donbas region to highlight the resilience of the workers who continue their work despite danger and tough conditions.

4:57 PM

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).

4:29 PM

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.

4:05 PM

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.

3:46 PM

5.2 million Ukrainian refugees remain abroad, less than half plan to return, poll says.

The Center for Economic Strategy projects that between 1.7 and 2.7 million Ukrainians may permanently remain abroad, potentially reducing Ukraine's annual GDP by 5.1% to 7.8%.