Summary of the Day:
Russian and US officials met in Saudi Arabia for bilateral talks about the Ukraine war, with Russia showing no signs of willingness to make meaningful concessions. Instead, Russian officials pushed for US acceptance of economic and investment measures while avoiding any compromises on Ukraine, despite Russia facing looming economic crises in 2025-2026. In contrast to Russia’s hardline stance, Ukrainian President Zelensky demonstrated openness to compromise for achieving lasting peace.
Russian forces made military advances near Borova, Toretsk, and Velyka Novosilka, though their progress is reportedly hindered by the military command’s failure to address systemic issues. Russia continues deploying wounded and medically unfit soldiers to the frontline to address personnel shortages.
The Republic of Mordovia has significantly increased recruitment incentives, raising one-time payments for recruits from 400,000 to 1.1 million rubles ($4,369 to $12,015).
US officials continued meetings with European leaders to coordinate Ukraine support, demonstrating ongoing Western commitment to Ukraine’s defense efforts.
Picture of the Day:
U.S. and Russian officials attend a meeting at Riyadh’s Diriyah Palace in Saudi Arabia. The meeting marked the first direct negotiations between Moscow and Washington since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine was not invited to the talks. (Evelyn Hockstein / Pool / AFP)
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
Russian air defenses were reportedly activated at the Khmeimim Airbase in northern Syria following a suspected drone attack. Russian military blogger Oleg Blokhin attributed the attack to Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the rebel group that recently ousted the Moscow-backed Assad regime. This incident comes as Russia’s military presence in Syria faces uncertainty, having lost its Tartus Naval Base in January – its only Mediterranean base. Moscow is reportedly seeking alternative arrangements, including a potential new naval base in Sudan’s Red Sea region. These developments could significantly impact Russia’s military influence in the Middle East and Mediterranean region.
North Korea has deepened its involvement in Russia’s war against Ukraine, deploying up to 12,000 troops to Kursk Oblast. Despite heavy casualties estimated at 4,000 killed and injured, North Korea is using the conflict to gain combat experience and modernize its military technology, particularly improving its missile accuracy with Russian assistance. The strengthening Russia-North Korea alliance, formalized through a mutual defense pact in June 2024, poses significant challenges to global security, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. This military cooperation has evolved from North Korea initially providing weapons to Russia to now actively participating in combat operations, with potential reinforcements expected. This development represents a concerning shift in international power dynamics and could have lasting implications for world peace and regional stability.
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko is expanding international military and economic partnerships, meeting with Libyan National Army Commander Khalifa Haftar to discuss bilateral relations. Haftar also met with Belarus’ KGB Head Ivan Tertel. Additionally, Belarus’ Military Industrial Committee Head Dmitry Pantus held discussions with Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov about military cooperation. These meetings signal Belarus’ efforts to strengthen its military alliances beyond its traditional partnership with Russia, potentially impacting regional stability.
Australian volunteer Oscar Jenkins, who was feared executed by Russian forces, has appeared alive but injured in a YouTube video posted February 8. The 32-year-old went missing on December 16, 2024, during combat near Mykolaivka in Luhansk Oblast while serving with Ukraine’s 402nd Separate Rifle Battalion. Though earlier footage showed Jenkins being beaten during Russian interrogation, and unverified reports claimed he had been executed, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong confirmed he is alive but remains in concerning conditions as a prisoner of war. Jenkins, a former lecturer with no prior military experience, was described as a beloved community member in Australia before traveling to Ukraine in 2024.
The Path to Peace
U.S. and Russian officials held their first high-level meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov meeting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz. The four-hour talks, organized following a phone call between Presidents Trump and Putin, focused primarily on bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and nuclear power status. While Russian officials described the talks as “useful” and “not bad,” Western intelligence and U.S. officials report that Russia shows no willingness to compromise, maintaining Putin’s goal of controlling all of Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky cancelled his planned visit to Saudi Arabia after learning of the surprise talks, rescheduling for March 10. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had wanted Zelensky’s participation, but both U.S. and Russian officials insisted on meeting without Ukrainian representation. Zelensky emphasized that no decisions about Ukraine’s future can be made without Kyiv’s involvement and expects U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg to visit Kyiv.
Recent Russian statements continue to challenge Ukraine’s sovereignty. Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed Russia changed its position due to Ukraine’s alleged lack of sovereignty, questioning Zelensky’s legitimacy due to his extended term under martial law. Lavrov denied Russia’s intentional attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure and rejected a U.S. proposal for a moratorium on energy facility strikes. He also firmly rejected any potential deployment of Western troops, even as peacekeepers, claiming such deployments would be a “direct threat” to Russia.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg in Brussels, with Europe pledging increased financial and military support. A European official warned against a standalone ceasefire without a comprehensive peace deal, citing concerns over past experiences with the Minsk agreements. The EU expressed readiness to provide security guarantees to Ukraine, though terms would depend on U.S. support levels.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced Europe’s readiness to lead in providing security guarantees to Ukraine following a Paris summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. U.K. defense sources suggest a smaller European-led peacekeeping force of 25,000-30,000 troops could effectively provide security guarantees, contrary to Zelensky’s suggestion of 100,000-150,000 troops. France is planning a second European security summit including Norway, Canada, the Baltic states, Czech Republic, Greece, Finland, Romania, Sweden, and Belgium.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger criticized Europe’s exclusion from the talks, comparing it to being seated at “a separate kids’ table” due to insufficient defense spending, noting Europe’s historic 1% GDP investment in defense has weakened its negotiating position. Rheinmetall maintains operations in Ukraine, including a military vehicle repair facility opened in June 2024, with plans for three more plants.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly expressed interest in participating in Ukraine security guarantee discussions, emphasizing Canada’s commitment to keeping Ukraine involved in negotiations. As a key ally providing over $3 billion in military assistance, Canada seeks greater involvement in Ukraine’s protection amid shifting Western alliance dynamics.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan offered Turkey as a venue for future negotiations, citing past success in mediating the Black Sea grain deal and reaffirming support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. U.S. President Donald Trump, who spoke with Putin before contacting Zelensky, expressed increased confidence about securing a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire by late Easter, though he falsely claimed most Ukrainian cities were “blown to smithereens” and suggested early concessions could have prevented destruction.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Western intelligence officials report Putin remains confident in Russia’s ability to outlast Ukraine and its Western allies through sustained military pressure. According to NBC’s six sources, Putin believes he is winning and can eventually gain control of all Ukraine through a strategy of slow, persistent advances, rather than rapid operations. In June 2024, Putin stated Russian forces would gradually push Ukrainian forces out of territories he claims should be under Russian control, indicating no need for additional military mobilization.
Russian opposition outlet Mobilization News reported that approximately 40 wounded Russian soldiers were sent back to combat despite being medically unfit for service. The soldiers, who suffered from injuries and hepatitis, were reportedly told they were heading to a Kursk Oblast hospital for treatment and discharge. Instead, under orders from Brigade Chief of Staff Colonel “Graf” Egrafov, they were reassigned as reservists highlighting Russia’s ongoing efforts to address military personnel shortages.
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched offensive operations in Ukraine’s Kursk Oblast targeting areas around Sudzha. Attacks occurred near Sverdlikovo, Pogrebki, Cherkasskaya Konopelka, and Kurilovka, though no confirmed territorial gains were reported. Russian sources claimed advances near Sverdlikovo, Cherkasskaya Konopelka, and Fanaseyevka, while also noting Ukrainian counterattacks in the region.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces launched ground attacks near Vovchansk, northeast of Kharkiv City. Ukrainian forces successfully repelled a mechanized assault in the area, preventing any Russian advances.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Kupyansk
Russian forces launched attacks near Kupyansk targeting Topoli, Petropavlivka, Stepova Novoselivka, Hlushkivka, and Novoosynove, but made no confirmed advances. Ukrainian forces destroyed one Russian armored personnel carrier and damaged three others. Russian sources claimed unverified advances near Dvorichna and Dovhenke, including an expanded bridgehead across the Oskil River.
Borova
Russian forces made gains near Borova, conducting attacks around Zahryzove, Nova Kruhlyakivka, Lozova, Kopanky, Makiivka, and Hrekivka. Video evidence confirmed a Russian mechanized assault advancing southwest of Lozova.
Lyman
Russian forces launched attacks near Lyman targeting Novolyubivka, Yampolivka, Kolodyazi, Zarichne, and Torske, but made no confirmed advances. While Russian officials claimed to have captured Yampolivka and made progress near Terny, these claims remain unverified.
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
Siversk
Russian forces launched attacks near the settlements of Bilohorivka and Verkhnokamyanske in the Siversk direction but failed to make any territorial gains despite their offensive operations.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces attacked multiple locations around Chasiv Yar, including Vasyukivka and Oleksandro-Shultyne, but made no confirmed advances. Ukrainian sources report that Russian forces are attempting to cross the Siverskyi-Donets Donbas Canal and are using poor weather conditions to limit Ukrainian drone effectiveness. A Russian military blogger claimed Ukrainian forces launched counterattacks near Stupochky, south of Chasiv Yar.
Toretsk
Russian forces achieved territorial gains in northern Toretsk and southwestern Novospaske, while also launching attacks near Krymske, Dyliivka, and Shcherbynivka. Visual evidence confirms these recent Russian advances in the Toretsk direction.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces launched extensive attacks across the Pokrovsk direction targeting numerous settlements including Vodyane Druhe, Malynivka, Tarasivka, and several others, but made no confirmed advances. Ukrainian military reports Russian forces are exploiting blizzard conditions and have suffered significant casualties, including 7,000 killed in action over the past month. Ukrainian sources indicate Russian forces are attacking primarily with small infantry groups rather than armored vehicles, while Russian sources claimed to have struck a bridge near Pershe Travnya on the Pokrovsk-Andriivka highway.
A former Russian Storm-Z instructor criticized military leadership for mishandling operations near Pokrovsk. The military blogger claims commanders are prioritizing favorable battlefield reports over addressing critical resource shortages and operational issues. They noted that soldiers are hesitant to report actual conditions to superiors, while Central Grouping Forces Commander Colonel General Andrei Mordvichev faces pressure to report successes. The blogger suggested Russian forces in the Pokrovsk area lack sufficient resources across the wide operational area, limiting their advance capabilities and leaving them vulnerable. They recommended adopting tactics like those used in Avdiivka, particularly the integration of glide bomb strikes with ground operations, stating current infantry, drone, and artillery resources are insufficient to capture Pokrovsk.
Andriivka
Russian forces attacked multiple settlements west of Kurakhove including Kostiantynopil, Oleksiivka, Shevchenko, Ulakly, Andriivka, and Dachne, as well as Rozdolne to the southwest. While Russian military bloggers claimed advances near Ulakly, Kostiantynopil, and Andriivka, these gains remain unconfirmed. Ukrainian forces reportedly conducted counterattacks north of Andriivka and maintain positions west of Dachne.
Velyka Novosilka
Russian forces made confirmed advances southwest of Novyi Komar while continuing attacks across the Velyka Novosilka direction, targeting Novoocheretuvate, Burlatske, Novosilka, Novopil, and Rivnopil. Russian military bloggers claimed additional advances near Novoocheretuvate, Burlatske, and Novosilka, though these remain unverified.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces made advances in western Zaporizhia Oblast, conducting operations near the settlements of Mali Shcherbaky, Shcherbaky, and Nesteryanka. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Russian forces also gained ground southeast of Mala Tokmachka, which lies northeast of Robotyne.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
No ground attacks were reported by either Russian or Ukrainian sources in the Kherson region.
Ukraine News
Russia launched 176 Shahed and decoy drones against Ukraine from multiple locations including Rostov, Krasnodar, Smolensk, Crimea, Oryol, Bryansk, and Kursk. Ukrainian forces shot down 103 drones across twelve regions, while 67 drones were disabled by electronic warfare. The attacks damaged civilian infrastructure in Cherkasy, Kyiv, and Kirovohrad regions.
The Kremlin has declared that Ukraine has the right to join the European Union, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov calling it Ukraine’s “sovereign right,” while maintaining opposition to Ukraine joining military alliances like NATO. While Ukraine began EU membership talks in December 2023, progress has recently stalled due to Hungary blocking negotiations, demanding additional conditions including a plan for protecting national minorities. The situation reflects a significant shift from 2014, when Moscow’s opposition to Ukraine’s EU aspirations led to the annexation of Crimea following the pro-EU Maidan Revolution that ousted then-president Viktor Yanukovych.
U.S. President Donald Trump blamed Ukraine’s President Zelensky for Russia’s ongoing invasion and called for new Ukrainian elections, falsely claiming Zelensky had only 4% approval despite actual polling showing 52% trust.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 3 INJURIES: 24
The aftermath of a Russian attack against the rescuers in the town of Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast. (State Emergency Service / Telegram)
Russian attacks across multiple Ukrainian regions have left 3 dead and 24 injured in the past day. In Donetsk Oblast, attacks on Pokrovsk, Illinivka, and Kostiantynivka resulted in one death and multiple injuries, including two rescuers and police officers. In Zaporizhzhia Oblast, an 80-year-old man was killed in Orikhiv, while attacks on Kherson Oblast targeted 32 settlements, wounding eight people. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast’s Nikopol district, seven civilians were injured, and in Kharkiv Oblast, drone strikes in Kutkivka and Prystyn wounded four people. One additional injury was reported in Sumy Oblast’s Myropillia community.
Ukraine’s Allies
U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Keith Kellogg met with EU leaders Ursula von der Leyen and Antonio Costa to discuss Ukraine support, with both EU leaders emphasizing continued military aid commitment and U.S.-European cooperation for lasting peace. The EU is preparing an unprecedented €700 billion ($732 billion) aid package for Ukraine, to be announced after Germany’s February 23 elections, exceeding all previous foreign aid including the U.S.’s $183 billion provided by September 2024. Additionally, the EU is considering a separate 6–10-billion-euro military aid package including artillery shells, air defense systems, and equipment, though Hungary’s opposition means it may proceed as a coalition effort. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz indicated EU states are exploring increased defense spending and Ukraine funding while maintaining domestic budgets but ruled out sending German troops.
EU Economy Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis announced plans to strengthen control over Russia sanctions amid shifting U.S. priorities, as the EU prepares its 16th sanctions package. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated EU participation would be needed in sanctions relief discussions during U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, while the G7 nations agreed to link future sanctions to peace negotiation progress. The EU’s most recent sanctions package from December targeted 54 individuals and 30 organizations from Russia, China, and North Korea, including companies involved in Russian oil sales.
Russia News
Russian officials met with US delegates in Saudi Arabia to propose economic cooperation despite ongoing sanctions over Ukraine. Kirill Dmitriev, CEO of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, claimed US companies lost $300 billion by leaving Russia and suggested they would eventually return to access Russian resources. He proposed joint Arctic projects and indicated Russia was offering various economic measures for US consideration. The meetings included Arctic specialist Vladimir Proskuryakov from the Russian Embassy in Canada. Accepting these proposals without Russian concessions on Ukraine could weaken US leverage in pursuing peace negotiations.
Russia faces significant economic challenges despite public claims of stability. While Russian Direct Investment Fund CEO Kirill Dmitriev portrayed US-Russian economic cooperation as more beneficial for America, Russia urgently needs economic relief to address looming crises in 2025-2026. Russia’s economy shows signs of strain through rising inflation, depleting sovereign wealth funds, and growing military expenses. The situation is predicted to worsen over the next 12-18 months unless conditions change. Despite Russian propaganda suggesting otherwise, sanctions relief and US investment would benefit Russia’s struggling economy far more than America’s larger, more stable economy.
Two explosions damaged the oil tanker Seajewel in Savona, Italy, with initial evidence suggesting possible sabotage. The vessel, reportedly part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” used to evade sanctions, had loaded oil in Russia three times in 2024 and recently unloaded in Romania’s port of Constanta. The crew reported hearing loud bangs, and investigators found hull damage below the waterline along with dead fish nearby. The Savona Coast Guard is investigating the incident while the vessel was allegedly en route to Novorossiysk, Russia, for reloading.
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
The Republic of Mordovia is significantly increasing recruitment bonuses for military service, with one-time payments rising from 400,000 rubles ($4,369) to 1.1 million rubles ($12,015). This increase is part of a broader Russian effort to boost voluntary military recruitment, though such financial incentives are putting additional pressure on Russia’s wartime economy.
Russia plans to upgrade its Pantsir air defense system with laser technology and new “mini-missiles” designed to target drones.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense announced the launch of “Voentekh,” a project aimed at speeding up military technological innovation and training. Developed in partnership with the state-backed “People’s Front” initiative, the project will use a technology advisory council to test new military products in combat situations, working directly with Russian forces and industry representatives.
Russian War Losses (Today/Total)
Troops +1300
862390 |
Tanks +19
10120 |
Artillery +72
23347 |
Arm. Veh. +23
21098 |
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