Summary of the Day:
Russian forces launched a series of advances across multiple fronts, making territorial gains near Kupyansk, Chasiv Yar, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhove, while also pushing forward in Kursk Oblast. The advances come as Russia continues to grapple with personnel shortages, resorting to deploying wounded and medically unfit soldiers to the frontline.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov announced that US and Russian officials will meet in an unspecified third country within the next two weeks to discuss bilateral relations.
Picture of the Day:
Firefighters extinguish a blaze at a home in Kyiv after Russia attacked the capital city with drones. (Ukraine’s State Emergency Service / Telegram)
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
NATO is planning a strategic pipeline network connecting Germany with Poland and the Czech Republic to ensure reliable jet fuel supply for fighter jets in case of conflict with Russia. The $22 billion project, set for completion by 2035, aims to address current supply limitations as NATO’s existing Cold War-era pipeline system ends in western Germany. This development comes amid tensions over recent U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia and concerns about Moscow’s demands regarding NATO forces in eastern Europe, highlighting ongoing challenges to regional security and stability.
The Path to Peace
U.S. President Trump is pursuing peace negotiations with Russia while deliberately excluding Ukraine from the talks, despite Ukraine being the victim of Russia’s invasion. The U.S. has scheduled two rounds of meetings with Russian officials – one in an undisclosed third country and another in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on February 25 – where Ukrainian officials are barred from participating in decisions about their own country’s future. President Zelensky has firmly rejected this approach, citing the lack of security guarantees and Ukraine’s concerning absence from negotiations that will determine its fate. While Trump expresses confidence in reaching a quick deal through National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, both European allies and Ukraine have voiced alarm at being sidelined from talks that include plans for restoring U.S.-Russia diplomatic relations and economic cooperation.
President Zelensky and German Chancellor Scholz discussed pathways to achieving “just peace in Ukraine” during a phone call, with both leaders agreeing that Ukraine must be included in any peace negotiations. The conversation occurred amid growing European concerns over US President Trump’s direct talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia and his recent statement that Zelensky is not “essential” to peace negotiations. Scholz reaffirmed Germany’s support for Ukraine, which has totaled 43.6 billion euros since Russia’s invasion. A new poll by Rating shows 91% of Ukrainians oppose US-Russia peace negotiations that exclude Ukraine’s participation.
Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski met with U.S. State Secretary Marco Rubio on February 21, discussing Polish-American alliance and Ukraine. While Sikorski emphasized the meeting confirmed strong bilateral ties, it occurred amid tensions over U.S. President Trump’s recent criticism of Ukrainian President Zelensky and direct U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia. During his U.S. visit, Sikorski also displayed a downed Iranian Shahed drone at the Conservative Political Action Conference to highlight the ongoing conflict.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Russian military commanders are forcing injured soldiers back into combat, according to a video posted February 21 by Russian military bloggers. The footage shows wounded members of the 150th Motorized Rifle Division complaining they are being ordered to conduct infantry assaults despite their injuries. The soldiers, who say they are now in Kursk Oblast, claim they were removed from their original units after being wounded. While their current status is unclear, this appears to be part of Russia’s broader effort to address troop shortages by deploying medically unfit personnel to the frontlines.
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative Russia
Russian forces have made recent advances in Kursk Oblast along the Russia-Ukraine border, with confirmed progress near Cherkasskaya Konopelka and Fanaseyevka. They launched attacks in northeastern Sumy Oblast and near several settlements including Nikolskiy, Sverdlikovo, Lebedevka, and Ulanok. Russian sources claim to have captured Cherkasskaya Konopelka and parts of Lebedevka, though these claims remain unverified.
A Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) drone strike hit a substation powering the Novovelichkovskaya oil pumping station in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai on February 20, disrupting operations at a key facility that supplies the Afipsky and Ilsky oil refineries. This marks the SBU’s eighth operation targeting Russian oil infrastructure this year. On the same day, Ukrainian military intelligence confirmed they had sabotaged Russian military equipment by planting explosives in FPV drone goggles used by Russian soldiers.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces continued attacking near Vovchansk, northeast of Kharkiv City. While Russian sources claim to have advanced up to 60 meters in Vovchansk and pushed Ukrainian forces from two positions along the Vovcha River, these claims remain unconfirmed.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Kupyansk
Russian forces advanced in Topoli, north of Kupyansk near the Russia-Ukraine border, while continuing attacks near Zapadne, Dvorichna, and Fyholivka. Russian sources claim to have captured all of Topoli and made advances toward Kucherivka and Hlushkivka, though these claims are unverified. Ukrainian forces reportedly attempted an unsuccessful counterattack from Kutkivka toward Dvorichna.
Borova
Russian forces continued attacks near Zahryzove, northeast of Borova, but made no advances in the area.
Lyman
Russian forces continued attacks northeast of Lyman near Ivanivka, Terny, Yampolivka, Novolyubivka, and Kolodyazi, as well as near the Serebryanske forest area. While Russia claims to have captured Novolyubivka, this remains unconfirmed. Ukrainian sources report that Russian forces are advancing in small groups and have increased their use of fiber-optic drones in the area.
Bottom of Form
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces attacked near Bilohorivka, northeast of Siversk, but made no advances.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces made advances near Chasiv Yar, with attacks focused on the settlements of Vasylivka, Stupochky, and Bila Hora. Video evidence confirmed Russian troop movement in fields north and northeast of Orikhovo-Vasylivka.
Toretsk
Russian forces launched attacks near Toretsk and surrounding areas including Krymske, Dyliivka, and Shcherbynivka, but failed to advance. Russian units from the 150th Motorized Rifle Division are positioned near Pivnichne-Shumy-Zalizne, reportedly planning attacks toward Pleshchiivka and Kleban-Byk as part of a broader offensive targeting Kostyantynivka. Russian artillery is actively striking Ukrainian positions near Kleban-Byk.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces advanced south and southeast of Pokrovsk, conducting attacks across multiple settlements including Zelene Pole, Vodyane Druhe, Novotoretske, and several others. Verified footage shows Russian forces gained ground in central Pishchane and southern Zaporizhzhia. Ukrainian forces reported striking a Russian mechanized assault in the area and claimed that Russian forces are using banned chemical weapons. The situation remains fluid, with Ukrainian forces reportedly recapturing Pishchane and contesting Russian positions in Dachenske and Lysivka. Russian military has reshuffled its units, moving forces to the Kurakhove direction while withdrawing other damaged units from the Uspenivka-Shevchenko area.
Andriivka
Russian forces advanced near Kurakhove, with attacks focusing on Andriivka, Ulakly, and Kostiantynopil. Video evidence confirmed Russian troops gained ground in western Andriivka.
Velyka Novosilka
Russian forces attacked multiple settlements near Velyka Novosilka, including Novoocheretuvate, Burlatske, Pryvilne, and Novosilka, but made no confirmed advances. Russian sources claim their forces reached the outskirts of Burlatske and made progress near Dniproenerhiia and east of Novoocheretuvate, though these claims remain unverified.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched attacks near several settlements in western Zaporizhia Oblast targeting Robotyne, Orikhiv, Shcherbaky, Kamyanske, and Pyatykhatky. Russian forces failed to make any territorial gains.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
There were no reported military activities by either Russian or Ukrainian forces in the Kherson region.
Ukraine News
Russia launched a major drone attack against Ukraine sending 162 Shahed and decoy drones from multiple Russian cities. Ukrainian forces shot down 82 drones across 13 regions and disrupted 75 decoy drones through electronic warfare. The attacks damaged warehouses and businesses in Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kirovohrad, and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 3 INJURIES: 9+
Russian forces conducted airstrikes on Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, killing two civilians and wounding four others. There was extensive damage to residential buildings, infrastructure, and vehicles, with rescue workers searching for potential survivors trapped in the debris.
Russian forces struck Kryvyi Rih, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast killing one person and injuring five others. The missile attacks damaged multiple civilian buildings, including apartments, a retirement home, and a church, with one victim in critical condition.
The aftermath of the Russian attack on Donetsk Oblast. (Vadym Filashkin/Telegram)
The aftermath of a Russian missile strike on the city of Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. (Serhii Lysak / Telegram)
Ukraine’s Allies
President Zelensky confirmed ongoing F-16 fighter jet deliveries from the Netherlands during his meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof at the Munich Security Conference. The Netherlands has committed 24 F-16s, with the first batch arriving in summer 2024. Additional support includes 19 F-16s from Denmark, 6-22 aircraft from Norway, and an unspecified number from Belgium. Zelensky emphasized that securing Ukraine’s airspace remains a critical priority for the country’s defense and European stability.
The European Union is intensifying discussions on seizing approximately $280 billion in frozen Russian central bank assets to support Ukraine, as U.S. support appears uncertain. The proposal involves using these assets as collateral for an International Claims Commission to assess war damages, with discussions set to begin March 24. While some EU officials support the initiative, Germany and France have expressed concerns about potential legal and economic consequences for the euro’s international role.
Pro-Ukraine supporters are organizing worldwide demonstrations this weekend to mark the three-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion and protest US President Trump’s recent criticism of Ukrainian President Zelensky. A major march is planned in Washington DC on Saturday from 1:30-3:30 pm, organized by multiple American-Ukrainian groups including U.S. Ukrainian Activists and United Help Ukraine. The protest will begin at the Lincoln Memorial Pool and end at the Russian ambassador’s residence. Additionally, a global action event is scheduled for Sunday in Toronto, with organizers reporting participation from 587 cities across 72 countries.
Life in Russian Occupied Ukraine
Russia has exceeded its 2024 mobilization goals in occupied Ukrainian territories by 104%, according to Bohdan Okhrimenko, head of Ukraine’s Coordination Headquarters for POW Treatment. The forced conscription targeted residents in occupied Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson oblasts, as well as Crimea, where nearly 5,500 residents were drafted. Ukraine is working to amend legislation regarding POW status for forcibly mobilized Ukrainians, as such forced conscription constitutes a war crime under international law.
Russia’s Allies
The United States is leveraging Ukraine’s desperate wartime situation to force a predatory deal that would seize control of half of Ukraine’s natural resources through a $500 billion joint investment fund – far exceeding the $100 billion in U.S. aid provided since Russia’s 2022 invasion. After President Zelensky rejected initial demands from Treasury Secretary Bessent, President Trump labeled him an “unelected dictator” and declared “We’re going to get our money back,” while pushing a UN resolution that notably omits mention of Russia’s occupation or Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The proposal, revealed in a February 21 draft agreement obtained by the New York Times, offers no specific security guarantees for Ukraine despite demanding greater U.S. control than the earlier rejected version.
Reports emerged that the U.S. threatened to cut off Ukraine’s critical Starlink satellite access unless Kyiv surrenders its mineral wealth, though SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, who now serves as Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency head, denied these claims while simultaneously criticizing Ukraine and spreading Russian disinformation. While Ukraine’s parliament speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk indicated they aim to conclude negotiations by February 24 – the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion – German Chancellor Scholz pledged continued support, declaring “We won’t leave Ukraine alone and decide things over their heads.” The stark reality remains that Ukraine, heavily reliant on Starlink for military operations and communications since Russia’s invasion, faces mounting pressure to accept U.S. terms regarding its mineral resources or risk losing vital support.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference on February 21, defended Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, claiming Russia had “serious security reasons” for the attack. He supported U.S. President Trump’s criticism of President Zelensky, suggesting Zelensky “needs this war” to maintain power. These comments further strained Slovak-Ukrainian relations, with Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry condemning Fico’s statements as pro-Kremlin rhetoric that undermines EU unity.
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Russia’s main tank manufacturer Uralvagonzavod plans to upgrade its T-72B3M and T-90M tanks with Arena-M defensive systems designed to protect against rockets, missiles, and anti-tank shells.
Russian War Losses (Today/Total)
A joint investigation by BBC Russia and Mediazona has verified over 95,000 Russian military deaths in Ukraine since February 2022, with more than 5,000 names added just since January 24. The actual death toll is likely significantly higher, with researchers estimating these confirmed casualties represent only 45-65% of total Russian losses. A notable portion includes 16,171 verified deaths of recruited prisoners, potentially accounting for one-third of Russia’s total military losses. Fighting near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast has been particularly deadly, with Russian casualties there exceeding their losses in the Second Chechen War. While Russia’s last official count in September 2022 claimed only 5,937 deaths, Ukrainian President Zelensky recently stated that nearly 250,000 Russian soldiers have been killed in the conflict.
| Troops +1180
867180 |
Tanks +7
10168 |
Artillery +54
23582 |
Arm. Veh. +12
21151 |
Aircraft
370 |
Heli
331 |
Ships
28 |
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com