On February 20, Ukraine marks the anniversary of the Heavenly Hundred, honoring the protesters killed during the Revolution of Dignity in 2014. On this day, Ukrainians remember the courage and sacrifice of those who stood against tyranny in Kyiv’s Independence Square, demanding democracy, justice, and a European future. The brutal crackdown by security forces left over a hundred demonstrators dead, but their sacrifice became a turning point in Ukraine’s modern history. A decade later, their legacy continues to inspire the nation as it defends its freedom against Russian aggression. Memorial ceremonies, candlelight vigils, and moments of silence take place across Ukraine to pay tribute to the fallen heroes, reaffirming the country's commitment to the values they fought for.

Putin tries to get from Trump a maximum of concessions

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports that Russian President Vladimir Putin strategically appoints negotiators only after the United States announces its delegation, aiming to maximize concessions from Washington. According to Russian opposition media, the Kremlin’s primary goals include regaining access to approximately $6 billion in frozen Central Bank reserves and restoring full diplomatic operations between the two countries, including the return of Russian diplomatic properties previously confiscated by U.S. authorities over espionage concerns.

Following negotiations in Saudi Arabia on February 18, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that both sides had agreed to restore "the functionality" of their respective diplomatic missions in Washington and Moscow. However, analysts suggest that Russia is attempting to secure economic and diplomatic gains unrelated to the war in Ukraine while offering little in return. Suppose the U.S. accepts these conditions without demanding Russian concessions regarding Ukraine. In that case, it risks losing leverage crucial to achieving former President Donald Trump’s stated objective—a lasting and favorable peace for both the U.S. and Ukraine.

Rubio reiterated Trump’s stance that the war should end with a "fair, lasting, and stable" resolution acceptable to all parties. While he acknowledged that peace requires mutual concessions, he remained vague on necessary compromises. When pressed on Russia’s willingness to negotiate, Rubio stated that Moscow appears ready to discuss ending the war but emphasized that any agreement depends on the readiness of all sides to make difficult compromises.

The Russian air forces hit a 9-storey house in Kherson; children are among the victim

Russian occupation forces launched an airstrike on Kherson on Wednesday, February 19, hitting a residential high-rise with a guided bomb. The attack injured six people, including 13-year-old twin siblings, according to Alexander Prokudin, head of the Kherson Regional Military Administration.

Prokudin shared images of the aftermath on Telegram, showing extensive damage to apartments and balconies. Initially, officials reported six casualties, but later updates confirmed that three people sustained injuries, including the twin boy and girl.

The children suffered mind-blast injuries and severe psychological trauma. Emergency services and medical teams are providing necessary assistance as authorities continue to assess the full extent of the damage.

Russian mass attack targeted Ukraine's gas facilities - energy minister

Russia launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure overnight on February 20, targeting gas production facilities, Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko reported. The assault included 161 Shahed-type drones and 14 cruise and ballistic missiles, according to Ukraine’s Air Force. Ukrainian defenses intercepted 80 drones over 11 oblasts, while 78 drones failed to reach their targets.

Explosions were recorded in Kyiv, Odesa, and surrounding areas, with Russian strikes damaging a DTEK energy facility in Odesa Oblast, leaving 49,000 residents without power, Governor Oleh Kiper confirmed. Halushchenko emphasized that the objective of these attacks was to cripple Ukraine’s gas production, which is essential for household heating and energy needs.

The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, and restoration efforts are underway. Halushchenko previously warned that repeated Russian strikes had significantly weakened Ukraine’s domestic gas production, forcing the country to import an estimated 1 billion cubic meters of gas by the end of the year.

Putin reacted to Starmer`s plan for peacekeeping troops in Ukraine

The Kremlin has once again raised alarms over NATO, declaring that any plan to deploy troops to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping mission would be "unacceptable" for Russia. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow is closely monitoring these discussions with "concern," emphasizing that the potential deployment of NATO contingents in Ukraine poses a direct security threat to Russia.

MeanwhileThe Telegraph. The plan reportedly calls for at least 30,000 European-led troops to be stationed in Ukrainian cities, ports, and critical infrastructure sites—such as nuclear power plants—far from active combat zones.

Under the Anglo-French initiative, these forces would have sufficient firepower to counter threats and reopen Ukraine's airspace for commercial flights. Additionally, Starmer is expected to urge Trump to maintain American fighter jets and missiles on high alert in Eastern Europe as a deterrent against future Russian aggression.

Russian shelling killed three civilians in Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast

Russian forces launched a deadly attack on Kostiantynivka, Donetsk Oblast, on February 20, killing three civilians and damaging residential and commercial areas. According to the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office, the shelling began at 12:20 and lasted for over half an hour, targeting homes, shops, and infrastructure. A 47-year-old man and two women were killed in the attack, which also damaged houses, a pharmacy, vehicles, power lines, and a gas pipeline. An investigation has been launched into the incident as a war crime.

Earlier the same day, Russian forces conducted airstrikes on Kostiantynivka at 9:25, reportedly using FAB-250 bombs with UMPK guidance kits. A 67-year-old man was killed in that attack. The Donetsk Oblast Military Administration released images from the aftermath, showing the scale of destruction. Kostiantynivka remains a frequent target of Russian strikes as Moscow intensifies its assault on Ukraine's eastern regions.