Friedrich Merz

1:37 AM  (Updated:  February 24, 2025 8:34 am)

CDU/CSU wins German elections as Merz calls for Europe's autonomy.

Germany’s center-right CDU/CSU is set to return to power, with the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) emerging as the second-largest party, according to preliminary results of the Feb. 23 parliamentary elections.

8:10 AM

European leaders arrive in Kyiv on 3rd anniversary of full-scale war.

"In this fight for survival, it is not only the destiny of Ukraine that is at stake. It’s Europe’s destiny," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said.

8:08 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 868,230 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.

This number includes 1,050 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.

7:37 AM

Switzerland would consider sending 200 troops for potential peacekeeping role if requested, Swiss army chief says.

Switzerland could contribute around 200 troops to a prospective peacekeeping mission in Ukraine if such a request were received and if the government agreed, Swiss armed forces chief Thomas Suessli said on Feb. 23.

5:45 AM

Sweden to transfer air defense systems to Ukraine estimated at $113 million in new aid package.

Sweden has announced a transfer of air defense systems worth 1.2 billion Swedish krona (approximately $113 million) to Ukraine, Svenska Dagbladet reported on Feb. 23.

3:50 AM

UK to ban entry for Russian elites as Starmer heads to Washington for Ukraine talks.

The U.K. will impose a travel ban on individuals who have significant ties to the Russian state or have built their wealth through Kremlin connections. The new sanctions come amid broader Western efforts to tighten pressure on Moscow.

2:45 AM

Trudeau presses Trump on Ukraine peace deal ahead of Kyiv summit.

During a phone call with U.S. President Donald Trump, Justin Trudeau emphasized that any Ukraine deal must not be seen as appeasement by Russian President Vladimir Putin, warning that it could lead to future land grabs in eastern Europe and the Baltics.

11:32 PM

Thousands rally across Europe, Canada ahead of 3rd anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Thousands of people rallied in support of Ukraine on Feb. 23 ahead of the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion which began on Feb. 24, 2022.

11:24 PM

US envoy suggests Ukraine-Russia peace deal is close.

The United States is reportedly nearing a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, according to Steve Witkoff, the U.S. envoy to the Middle East. He said that any potential deal would require both territorial and economic concessions from both sides.

2:19 PM  (Updated:  February 23, 2025 10:29 pm)

KI Insights

Ukraine calendar: Events to look out for this week

8:54 PM

War update

Ukraine war latest: Zelensky willing to step down in exchange for peace; Russia launches largest drone attack since start of full-scale invasion

8:13 PM

'Do international observers want to be placed in Pokrovsk?' — Zelensky criticizes calls for elections following Trump's comments.

President Volodymyr Zelensky lambasted ongoing calls to hold elections in Ukraine during a press conference on Feb. 23 amid an unstable security situation across the country.

7:26 PM

Hungary playing role in spreading disinformation about rationale for Russia's invasion to Trump's team, Zelensky says.

"I know that there are people from this Hungarian leader who have contact with people in President Trump's orbit, and are constantly raising questions... in regards to not expanding NATO into eastern Europe," President Volodymyr Zelensky said, criticizing Kremlin talking points that NATO was at fault for Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

6:22 PM

Ukraine needs the US to win, says Polish PM.

The Polish leader told reporters that President Donald Trump is determined to end Russia’s war on Ukraine adding that Russia cannot be allowed to win.

6:10 PM

Zelensky won't sign natural resource deal that 'will be paid by 10 generations of Ukrainians'.

President Volodymyr Zelensky pushed back at the U.S.’ demand for a $500 billion deal for its natural resources, saying that the U.S.’s aid grants are not debts, during the Ukraine: Year 2025 forum in Kyiv on Feb. 23.

5:22 PM

Defense Minister: Ukraine has alternatives to Starlink system.

Umerov did not specify what the alternatives were or go into details about the discussions. Last month, the Digital Transformation Ministry told the Kyiv Independent that Starlinks were still a critical part of communication on the frontline and that a new order was underway.

5:14 PM

Zelensky willing to step down in exchange for peace.

“I am focusing on security today and not in 20 years time. I don’t plan to be in power for 10 years,” Zelensky told the forum.

4:49 PM

Video

US sidelines Ukraine in favor of Russia | Ukraine This Week.

The Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur breaks down the stories impacting Ukraine this week. The U.S. special envoy for Ukraine Keith Kellogg visited Kyiv as the U.S. President Donald Trump’s team started talks with Russia about a ceasefire deal — without Ukraine’s involvement.

4:14 PM

Economy Minister: Occupied Ukrainian territories have over $350 billion in natural resources.

Yulia Svyrydenko's comment comes as Kyiv and Washington negotiate a deal for Ukraine’s natural resources in return for support and security guarantees.

3:20 PM

Foreign Minister: Ukraine plans to end war this year.

Andrii Sybiha noted that this is the goal of President Volodymyr Zelensky and told partners that “it is time to fasten our diplomatic seat belts” and “not give in to emotions.”

12:28 PM

Russia launches largest drone attack since start of full-scale invasion.

Ukraine’s air defense shot down 138 drones while 119 decoy drones were lost.

11:04 AM

Starmer urges Trump to put Ukraine at center of peace negotiations.

Starmer will visit Washington D.C. in the coming week where he will meet Trump and emphasize that Kyiv “must be at the heart of any negotiations to end the war.”

9:18 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 867,180 troops in Ukraine since Feb 24, 2022.

This number includes 1,180 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.

7:47 AM

Russian missile attack in Kryvyi Rih kills 1, injures 5.

Three of the injured victims have been hospitalized, with one woman reportedly in critical condition. She is being treated in the hospital's intensive care unit.

6:32 AM

Investigation names over 95,000 Russians killed in Ukraine.

Military analysts consulted by researchers estimated that the list likely represents only 45% to 65% of Russia's total casualties.