Ukraine This Week: Su-57s, foreign mercenaries, and an internet rumor

2:52 PM

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.

2:17 PM

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.

1:13 PM

Ukraine's SBU claims attack on Russian oil pumping station in Krasnodar Krai.

Russian authorities are currently assessing the damage, the source said.

12:24 PM

'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.

10:17 AM

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.

9:29 AM

'Europe did more than the U.S.' — EU defense commissioner pushes back against Trump accusations

9:16 AM

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.

7:43 AM

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.

6:38 AM

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.

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 is helping Putin achieve the original aim of his 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.