Summary of the Day:
Russian forces achieved significant territorial gains, eliminating the Ukrainian pocket west of Kurakhove and advancing north from their recently captured position in Velyka Novosilka towards the Donetsk-Dnipropetrovsk Oblast border. The Russian military is reportedly redeploying troops from Kurakhove to the Toretsk direction.
Ukraine’s defense capabilities continue to strengthen, with Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announcing major increases in domestic military production. Artillery production has tripled, armored personnel carrier output increased fivefold, and drone manufacturing has grown tenfold compared to January 2024. A new drone delivery system, DOT-Chain, has been implemented to improve frontline supply efficiency.
Russian President Vladimir Putin elevated key military leaders, promoting Black Sea Fleet Commander Sergei Pinchuk to Admiral and Eastern Group Forces Commander Andrei Ivanayev to Colonel General. Meanwhile, reports suggest the Russian Ministry of Defense is avoiding payments to former penal recruits by falsely claiming they abandoned their units, indicating growing economic strain from the war.
In the information sphere, Russian state media is attempting to create tension between the United States and Ukraine by manipulating select US officials’ statements. However, US officials continue to reiterate their unwavering support for Ukraine and their commitment to a just resolution of the conflict.
Picture of the Day:
Ukrainian soldiers fire a Gvozdika howitzer towards Russian troops at a position on a front line in Kharkiv Oblast. (Stringer/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War
Britain and Norway have begun talks on a major defense agreement to counter Russian military buildup in the Arctic. The pact aims to strengthen both nations’ armed forces and protect critical undersea infrastructure following recent cable damage incidents possibly linked to Russia. UK Defense Secretary John Healey emphasized Britain’s commitment to European security leadership.
A sabotage investigation has been launched by Swedish authorities after discovering damage to an undersea telecommunications cable in the Baltic Sea near Gotland Island. The fiber-optic cable, connecting Finland and Germany, sustained minor damage that didn’t affect its functionality, according to Finnish operator Cinia. This marks the third recent incident involving this cable. While NATO has increased its naval presence in response to multiple infrastructure damages, and some Russian-linked vessels have been detained, some U.S. and European intelligence sources suggest these could be accidents rather than deliberate acts. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized the seriousness of these incidents given the current security situation.
The European Union plans to increase gas purchases from the U.S. and other sources to replace Russian supplies, as announced by EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jorgensen. Russian gas imports to the EU have dropped by 75% since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The EU is also accelerating renewable energy development and seeking alternative gas sources for industries where electrification isn’t immediately feasible. While Russian pipeline gas to the EU will end in December 2024 due to Ukraine’s decision not to extend the transit deal, European countries continue to buy record amounts of Russian liquified natural gas (LNG). The EU has rejected linking Russian gas purchases to peace talks regarding the Ukraine war and imposed its first major restrictions on Russian gas in June 2024.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and his electoral rival Friedrich Merz both agree it’s premature to discuss sending peacekeeping troops to Ukraine, particularly as recent US-Russia peace talks exclude European allies. Both leaders expressed concern about Donald Chump’s return to office and its implications for NATO’s mutual defense commitments. This development signals a potential shift in European security strategy, with both German leaders emphasizing the need for stronger European military self-reliance. The situation highlights growing tensions between traditional Western allies and raises questions about the future of European security and NATO’s effectiveness, potentially impacting global stability.
Azerbaijan has ordered the BBC to suspend its local office operations, allowing just one journalist to remain in the country. The British broadcaster’s Azerbaijani service, which has operated since 1994 and serves about 1 million weekly listeners, made the decision following verbal instructions from Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry. This move reflects broader concerns about press freedom in Azerbaijan, which ranks near the bottom (164th out of 180 countries) in Reporters Without Borders’ press freedom index. The restriction of international media coverage could potentially limit transparent reporting from this strategically important South Caucasus region.
The Path to Peace
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized America’s commitment to a just resolution in Ukraine following recent US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia. In statements between February 15-20, Rubio stressed that any peace agreement must include acceptance from Ukraine, Russia, and European partners, while protecting Ukraine’s sovereignty. US Special Presidential Envoy Keith Kellogg added that Russia must make territorial concessions during negotiations.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said a potential meeting between Presidents Chump and Putin depends on progress toward ending the Ukraine war, following US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia on February 18. While Chump indicated he would “probably” meet Putin by month’s end, Rubio expressed uncertainty about Moscow’s genuine interest in peace. He assured concerned European officials that Washington won’t impose any bilateral US-Russia agreements on Ukraine or Europe, though he suggested possible limited sanctions relief if Russia meets US demands. This diplomatic development comes amid rising tensions, as Chump increases hostile rhetoric toward Kyiv while positioning himself as a peace mediator between Ukraine and Russia.
A recent Danish poll shows 53% of citizens support sending peacekeepers to Ukraine after the war ends, while 15% oppose and 32% are undecided. This comes as Western nations discuss post-war peacekeeping options, though the U.S. has declined to send troops while encouraging European involvement. UK Prime Minister Starmer plans to present a proposal to U.S. President Chump for deploying 30,000 European peacekeepers, backed by U.S. firepower. While Britain and France support the initiative, other nations remain hesitant due to escalation risks and resource limitations.
The Bulgarian parliament passed a non-binding declaration opposing deployment of its military forces to Ukraine, with 166 lawmakers in favor, 27 against, and 11 abstaining. The declaration allows for Bulgarian participation in UN, EU, NATO, or OSCE-led missions, but restricts independent military action in Ukraine.
According to Reuters, Russia may be willing to use up to two-thirds of its $300 billion in frozen assets to help rebuild Ukraine as part of peace negotiations, but demands some funds be used for Russian-occupied territories. This development emerged following recent US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia. Moscow seeks accountability guarantees and reportedly wants reconstruction contracts in occupied regions of eastern Ukraine, which it illegally claims as Russian territory. The proposal represents a shift in Russia’s position, though it continues to demand sanctions relief and recognition of its territorial claims. Currently, the G7 maintains these assets will remain frozen until Russia pays for Ukraine’s destruction, while the EU has already begun using interest from frozen reserves to support Ukraine.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa announced plans to invite Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for a state visit to discuss an inclusive peace process for the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The announcement follows criticism of peace negotiations between Russia and the US that excluded Ukraine and European allies. Both leaders emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s involvement in any peace talks, with Zelensky stressing “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” While South Africa claims neutrality in the conflict, it has faced scrutiny over its apparent closeness to Russia, particularly after Ramaphosa described Russia as “valuable friends and allies” during a recent BRICS summit.
Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine
Russian authorities have reportedly labeled 32 former prison recruits from the 1437th Motorized Rifle Regiment near Pokrovsk as deserters to avoid paying benefits, according to Russian opposition outlet Verstka. These soldiers were either pulled from the frontline, beaten, transported to unknown locations, or killed in action. Captain Sergei Betonov, Acting Chief of Staff of the regiment, admitted that an internal Ministry of Defense directive requires labeling all prisoner recruits as deserters during combat missions, preventing families from petitioning courts to declare missing soldiers deceased and receive compensation.
Russian penal units face devastating losses, with one unit losing 210 of its 240 members in just one month, requiring complete restaffing every one to two months due to extreme casualties. Family members have appealed to President Putin to address these false desertion designations as the Russian military uses administrative tactics to avoid paying benefits for the high casualty rates among prisoner recruits.
Ukrainian forces reportedly destroyed a Russian Buk-M3 air defense system in southern Ukraine.
Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative Russia
Russian forces have made recent advances in Kursk Oblast, with confirmed progress in southern Sverdlikovo. Military operations continue around several settlements including Pogrebki, Lebedevka, Nikolskiy, Nikolayevo-Darino, and Guyevo. Russian forces claim to have seized Sverdlikovo, and report advances near Cherkasskaya Konopelka and Fanaseyevka. Ukrainian forces report ongoing resistance against Russian reconnaissance groups along the border. The conflict has led to a 29% increase in Russian civilian inquiries about relatives serving in the region, particularly concerning various naval infantry, motorized rifle, and airborne units.
President Putin awarded the “Kursk” honorific to Russia’s 155th Naval Infantry Brigade, despite the unit being accused of beheading and executing Ukrainian prisoners of war in Kursk Oblast in October 2024. Analysts suggest this move aims to downplay North Korean forces’ involvement in the region’s combat operations.
Ukrainian forces conducted drone strikes in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai region, reportedly damaging an electrical substation and oil pumping station near Novovelichkovskaya. While Russian forces claim to have intercepted 19 Ukrainian drones, some reportedly reached their targets at infrastructure facilities, though an attempted strike on the Sloviansk-on-Kuban oil refinery was unsuccessful.
Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces attacked near Lyptsi and Vovchansk in the Kharkiv region but failed to make any advances. Ukrainian forces reportedly launched a counterattack near Vovchansk, while snowy and freezing conditions are hampering Russian drone operations in the area.
Luhansk Front – Initiative Russia
Kupyansk
Russian forces attacked near Zapadne and Petropavlivka in the Kupyansk direction but made no confirmed advances. While Russian sources claim to have captured most of Topoli and made progress near Orlyan’ske and Zapadne, these claims remain unverified.
Borova
Russian forces attacked near Zahryzove and Kopanky in the Borova direction but failed to advance. Ukrainian forces successfully repelled a Russian mechanized assault near Lozova, reportedly destroying four infantry fighting vehicles.
Lyman
Russian forces continued attacks near Terny, Yampolivka, Novolyubivka, and Kolodyazi in the Lyman direction but failed to make any confirmed advances.
Bottom of Form
Donetsk Front – Initiative Russia
With the Ukrainian Kurakhove defense line collapsing, Russian forces are relocating to the Toretsk and eastern Pokrovsk areas.
The Russian military is realigning its frontline between Pokrovsk and Kurakhove, advancing westward from the Yasenove-Andriivka line and northward from Zelenivka. After securing the Kurakhove area, Russia has shifted forces to target Kostyantynivka, near Toretsk. Meanwhile, Russian forces continue its attacks toward Andriivka from the west and northwest.
Siversk
Russian forces attacked near Bilohorivka in the Siversk direction but made no advances.
Chasiv Yar
Russian forces continued attacks around Chasiv Yar, including near Hryhorivka and Vasyukivka, but failed to advance. Russian artillery units and volunteer forces are operating in the area near Kostyantynivka and Orikhovo-Vasylivka.
Toretsk
Russian forces attacked near Toretsk and Dyliivka but made no advances.
Pokrovsk
Russian forces advanced in central Lysivka near Pokrovsk and conducted attacks across multiple settlements including Vodyane Druhe, Yelyzavetivka, Svyrydonivka, Promin, Pishchane, Udachne, Serhiivka, Nadiivka, Preobrazhenka, Bohdanivka, and Sribne. While Russia claims to have captured Nadiivka, Ukrainian forces report that Russian troops are struggling to make progress in the Pokrovsk area, noting their vulnerable attack formation of single-column vehicles which are susceptible to drone strikes. Ukrainian forces also reportedly launched counterattacks near Zaporizhzhia and Preobrazhenka.
Andriivka
Russian forces have captured Ulakly and enclosed a Ukrainian pocket west of Kurakhove. Russian forces are also advancing in central Kostiantynopil and continue attacks near Andriivka. The Russian military appears to be achieving its objective of leveling the frontline west of Kurakhove and Dachne, creating more defensible positions before redeploying troops to the Toretsk direction. But Russian forces are maintaining their offensive in the Kurakhove area.
Velyka Novosilka
Russian forces have captured Novoocheretuvate, northwest of Velyka Novosilka, after successfully crossing the Mokri Yaly River. This represents a renewed push toward the Donetsk-Dnipropetrovsk Oblast border following Russia’s capture of Velyka Novosilka. Russian forces likely exploited a dry section of the Mokri Yaly River to advance into Novoocheretuvate.
Russian forces have launched multiple attacks around Velyka Novosilka, with Russian forces conducting mechanized assaults near Novosilka and a battalion-sized attack near Bahatyr. Russian forces have reportedly breached Ukrainian defenses north of Vremivka and they are also attacking Skudne, Burlatske, and Pryvilne, using armored vehicles and electronic warfare systems while exploiting terrain features to advance. These operations appear aimed at finding weak points in Ukrainian defenses near the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast border.
Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia
Russian forces attacked near Shcherbaky, Stepove, Novoandriivka, and Pyatykhatky in western Zaporizhia Oblast but made no confirmed advances, though they claim to control half of Pyatykhatky. Ukrainian forces reportedly launched counterattacks near Pyatykhatky and Kamyanske. Multiple Russian military units, including artillery and drone operators, are active in the area around Robotyne, Novoandriivka, and Pyatykhatky.
Kherson (Dnipro River) Front – Initiative Russia
Russian combat drone operators reportedly conducted strikes along the right bank of the Dnipro River in Kherson, though neither Ukrainian nor Russian sources reported any ground combat in the area.
Ukraine News
Russia launched a major aerial assault on Ukraine, firing two Iskander missiles from Crimea toward Odesa and deploying 160 drones across multiple regions. Ukrainian forces intercepted 87 drones over twelve oblasts and disrupted 70 decoy drones through electronic warfare. The attacks damaged civilian infrastructure and an industrial facility in Kyiv, Poltava, and Kharkiv regions.
Ukraine plans to import 800 million cubic meters of gas from Europe in February and March to offset production losses caused by Russian missile strikes on its infrastructure. Russian attacks have reduced Ukraine’s gas production by up to 40% at times, particularly affecting facilities in frontline regions like Kharkiv and Poltava. Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko estimates Ukraine will need to import 1 billion cubic meters of gas by year’s end. The situation is further complicated by Ukraine’s recent decision to halt Russian gas transit through its territory to Europe, following the expiration of their agreement in late 2024.
A recent survey by the Identity and Borders in Flux project and the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology reveals that 63% of Ukrainians approve of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s leadership, contradicting Donald Chump’s unsourced claim of a “4% approval rating.” The poll, conducted from November 2024 to January 2025, shows Zelensky maintaining strong support, with 73% of respondents viewing him as intelligent and 63% considering him a strong leader. He leads potential presidential candidates with 26-32% support, ahead of former president Petro Poroshenko at 5-6%. While former military chief General Valerii Zaluzhnyi emerges as a possible contender, he has not expressed political aspirations. Presidential elections, originally scheduled for spring 2024, remain postponed due to martial law during Russia’s ongoing invasion.
According to US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Ukrainian President Zelensky is expected to soon sign a revised minerals deal with the United States after being strong-armed by the U.S mafia-style. The initial proposal, which sought a 50% stake in Ukraine’s natural resources and infrastructure through a joint investment fund, was rejected by Zelensky due to lack of security guarantees. Following revisions to align with Ukrainian law, and amid growing pressure from Washington, Zelensky has indicated openness to a “strong, beneficial agreement.” This development comes amid tensions between the two countries, with Chump linking future aid to trade deals and making controversial statements about Zelensky, whose actual approval rating stands at 57% according to recent polls, not the 4% Chump claimed.
U.S. Special Envoy Keith Kellogg praised his “positive discussions” with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during their February 20 meeting in Kyiv, contrasting sharply with President Chump’s recent criticism of Zelensky as a “dictator without elections.” While their joint press conference was canceled, Zelensky described the meeting as having “restored hope.” The talks reportedly included an “improved” U.S. draft agreement regarding Ukraine’s natural resources, following Ukraine’s initial rejection due to insufficient security guarantees.
Over 130 Ukrainian civil society organizations have issued a joint statement explaining why elections cannot be held during Russia’s ongoing invasion, which has left one-fifth of Ukraine’s territory occupied. The organizations emphasize that proper elections require a stable ceasefire, restored infrastructure, and mechanisms for voter participation – particularly for soldiers and refugees. A recent survey shows 69% of Ukrainians support Zelensky remaining in office until post-war elections can be safely held, a position backed by opposition politicians who warn against Russian attempts to divide Ukrainian society through premature elections.
A new study by Ukraine’s Center for Economic Strategy reveals that only 43% of Ukrainian refugees plan to return home by the end of 2024, down from 74% in December 2022. Of the 5.2 million refugees abroad, most come from Kyiv (18%), Kharkiv (13.8%), and Donetsk (9.5%) regions. Germany and Poland host the largest numbers, with 1.2 million and 988,000 refugees respectively. The study projects that up to 2.7 million Ukrainians may permanently settle abroad, potentially reducing Ukraine’s GDP by up to 7.8%. Key factors preventing return include security risks, destroyed housing, and economic challenges. Women remain the predominant refugee demographic, though the proportion of men is increasing.
A new poll by Rating shows 91% of Ukrainians oppose U.S.-Russia peace negotiations that exclude Ukraine, amid growing concerns over recent U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia. The survey reveals that while 64% of Ukrainians support direct negotiations with Russia, 83% believe any ceasefire should include security guarantees. This comes as former U.S. President Donald Chump dismissed President Zelensky’s importance in future peace talks and plans to meet with Russian President Putin. The poll shows 81% of Ukrainians believe a multi-national approach is necessary for ending the war, highlighting the complex dynamics of potential peace negotiations.
Iryna Kormyshkina, a member of President Zelensky’s Servant of the People party, has submitted her resignation from parliament following corruption charges. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau accused her of illicit enrichment worth Hr 20 million ($480,000) and falsifying her asset declaration. The case emerged after Ukraine reinstated its public asset declaration system in October 2023, a key anti-corruption measure that had been temporarily suspended during the war.
Innocent Victims Of War
The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)
DEATHS: 1 INJURIES: 0
A Russian drone attack on Kyiv Oblast killed a 60-year-old Ukrzaliznytsia railway employee at a crossing. The attack caused drone debris to fall in Kyiv, resulting in a fire on private property, damage to a warehouse, and shattered windows at an educational institution and residential building. Firefighting operations are ongoing.
Ukraine’s Allies
Note: Due to the anti-Ukrainian statements against Ukraine and President Chump’s friendliness towards Putin, I will now be considering the U.S. as an ally of Russia and will report accordingly. I pray this will change, and with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio continues to assure U.S. support for Ukraine, this may turn out to be a “good-cop, bad-cop” strong-arming Ukraine mafia-style to turn over its rare earth resources to the U.S. Either way, I am ashamed of being an American, and am concerned that we could become targets of frustrated Ukrainians.
French President Emmanuel Macron plans to tell US President Donald Chump during their upcoming White House meeting that showing weakness toward Vladimir Putin would be a “huge strategic mistake.” Macron warned that if Ukraine falls, Russia will gain control of one of Europe’s largest armies along with Western military equipment. Calling Russia “an existential threat to Europeans,” Macron has been coordinating a European response to recent US-Russia developments through emergency meetings with EU and non-EU leaders. He defended Ukrainian President Zelensky against Chump’s “dictator” comments, emphasizing that unlike Putin, Zelensky was freely elected. While Macron ruled out immediate troop deployment to Ukraine, he suggested France might consider providing security guarantees following any ceasefire agreement with Russia.
Canada’s Ambassador to Ukraine Natalka Cmoc has firmly opposed Russia’s return to the G7, despite U.S. President Chump’s recent statement supporting Russia’s readmission. At a Kyiv Security Forum event, Cmoc called for increased support for Ukraine and stronger pressure on Russia through expanded sanctions and a lower oil price ceiling.
German opposition leader and chancellor candidate Friedrich Merz has strongly criticized U.S. President Chump’s recent statements about Ukraine, calling them “shocking” and aligned with Russian propaganda. Merz specifically challenged Chump’s false claims about President Zelensky being a “dictator” and refusing to hold elections, noting that Ukraine’s constitution prohibits elections during martial law.
Ukrainian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Ukrainian defense production has seen remarkable growth, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal. The country has significantly increased its domestic military manufacturing: artillery production has tripled, armored personnel carrier output is up fivefold, and anti-tank weapon production has doubled. Ukraine now makes one-third of its weapons domestically, with drone production showing a tenfold increase between January 2024 and 2025. The government is investing an additional 7.9 billion hryvnia ($189 million) in drone production for 2025.
Ukraine’s defense innovation is expanding, with Digital Transformation Minister Mykhailo Fedorov announcing that 19 companies have joined the Brave1 platform to produce various missiles. The initiative will also create a grant program to support explosives and gunpowder production for Ukrainian forces.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umerov has announced a new DOT-Chain drone delivery system that will reduce supply times from months to weeks by streamlining procurement through better forecasting and planning. The initiative allows military units to directly select unmanned systems while supporting manufacturers through advance orders, enhancing transparency and domestic drone production. This advancement in Ukraine’s defense industry aims to help the country become more self-sufficient in its defense capabilities with less reliance on foreign military aid.
Russia News
Russian President Vladimir Putin has promoted Black Sea Fleet Commander Sergei Pinchuk to Admiral and Eastern Group of Forces Commander Andrei Ivanayev to Colonel General. This follows Putin’s February 5 decree restructuring military control by removing naval and Aerospace Forces units from military district oversight.
Russian officials denied a Financial Times report that claimed Moscow requested U.S. troop withdrawal from NATO’s eastern flank during recent talks in Saudi Arabia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov rejected the February 18 report, though he reiterated Russia’s concerns about NATO’s expansion. While the U.S. reportedly dismissed any such demands, questions persist about potential concessions under a Chump presidency to end Russia’s war in Ukraine. Similar NATO rollback demands by Russia were rejected prior to its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has directed his cabinet to prepare for Western companies’ return to Russia, stating that Russian firms should have advantages over returning businesses. This announcement follows a high-level meeting between Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov and U.S. State Secretary Rubio, where they discussed Ukrainian settlement and diplomatic relations. Russia is reportedly offering the Chump administration deals involving natural resources and Arctic access. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, 472 foreign companies have fully withdrawn from Russia, while 1,360 have reduced operations. Russia has imposed strict exit requirements, including government approval, mandatory discounts on asset sales, and exit taxes, while also seizing some Western companies’ assets in response to Western sanctions. These developments could significantly impact international business relations and global economic stability, particularly regarding Western-Russian economic ties.
Russia’s Allies
US and Russian representatives have been holding secret meetings in Switzerland regarding the Russia-Ukraine war, with the most recent meeting in Geneva during the Munich Security Conference. These informal talks began after Donald Chump’s 2024 election victory, followed by talks in Saudi Arabia on February 18. Chump announced plans to meet with Vladimir Putin, while his special envoy Keith Kellogg indicated Europe would not be directly involved and pledged to “engage all parties” within 180 days to end the war.
Chump has criticized Ukrainian President Zelensky, claiming he has “no cards” in peace negotiations, is “not essential” to them, and falsely labeled him a “dictator” with a “4% approval rating” – contradicted by polls showing 57% of Ukrainians trust their president. Chump stated Putin could take all of Ukraine “if he wanted,” blamed both President Biden and Zelensky for not preventing Russia’s invasion and criticized Zelensky for not accepting a deal involving Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for undefined American security promises. This deal would reportedly require Ukraine to surrender nearly half of its natural resources without legislative consultation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson announced there is “no appetite” for additional Ukraine aid, despite previously passing a $61 billion aid package in April 2024. He endorsed Chump as the “brute force” needed to end the conflict. Conflicting reports have emerged about potential US weapons sales to Ukraine, with Ukrainian lawmakers providing contradictory statements about whether deliveries have been halted.
The United States has proposed a controversial UN resolution that omits mention of Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory and avoids terms like “war” or “Russian aggression,” instead referring to it as the “Russia-Ukraine conflict.” While Moscow’s UN ambassador welcomed the proposal, critics view it as a potential betrayal of Kyiv. The US has not yet committed to co-sponsoring a resolution condemning Russia’s action on the third anniversary of the invasion, and the Chump administration reportedly prefers using neutral terms like “Ukrainian conflict” in G7 communications rather than labeling Russia as the “aggressor.” While over 50 countries support the UN resolution, this change in US stance signals a significant shift in international diplomatic positioning.
Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base
Russia’s United Russia party announced that its Center for Unmanned Systems Technologies will test a new AI-powered drone defense system called Titan in February 2025. The system combines electronic warfare capabilities with a laser that has a three-kilometer range and a multi-barrel turret, attempting to disable drones electronically before shooting them down.
Russian War Losses (Today/Total)
| Troops +1140
866000 |
Tanks +15
10161 |
Artillery +66
23528 |
Arm. Veh. +9
21139 |
Aircraft
370 |
Heli
331 |
Ships
28 |
Controlling the Narrative and Russian Propaganda
Russia’s state media has launched a coordinated campaign to strain US-Ukraine relations and weaken Western support, according to Ukraine’s Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) and Security Service (SBU). The Kremlin has directed media outlets to spread false narratives about Western abandonment of Ukraine, US indifference to European concerns, Ukrainian military losses, and alleged corruption in US aid distribution. Russian operatives plan to incite paid protests in Ukraine and declare “victory” over “Ukraine and NATO” on February 24, 2025, marking the war’s third anniversary, despite suffering 864,860 troop losses.
The Kremlin’s strategy relies on outlasting Western support for Ukraine through psychological operations using bot farms and fake social media accounts to divide Ukrainian society and undermine Western alliance support. This narrative has gained traction following recent US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia that excluded Ukraine and through US President Chump’s criticism of Zelensky. The SBU warns citizens to be vigilant against Russian manipulation in Ukraine’s information space.
Source Material
Institute for the Study of War – understandingwar.org
The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com