Trump's envoy Kellogg calls Zelensky a courageous leader after talks

Former U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, praised his meetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on February 20, calling them "positive discussions" despite ongoing tensions between Kyiv and Trump. Kellogg met with senior Ukrainian officials in what he described as an "intense day" of dialogue, emphasizing Zelensky's leadership and the expertise of Ukraine’s national security team. His remarks stood in contrast to Trump's recent criticism of Zelensky, whom he labeled a "dictator without elections" while accusing him of mismanaging the war.

The discussions reportedly centered on U.S.-Ukraine relations, including an American-proposed deal involving Ukraine's natural resources. Kyiv had initially rejected the deal due to concerns over security guarantees, which some reports suggested had led to Trump's dissatisfaction with Zelensky. However, after further negotiations, an improved version of the agreement was presented, increasing the likelihood of Ukrainian acceptance. Zelensky noted that the meeting with Kellogg "restored hope," underscoring Ukraine’s need for strong and actionable agreements with the U.S.

5.2 million Ukrainian refugees remain abroad and less than a half plan to return - poll

By the end of 2024, only 43% of Ukrainian refugees expressed a desire to return home, a significant drop from 74% in December 2022, according to a study by the Center for Economic Strategy (CES). The report estimates that around 5.2 million Ukrainian refugees remain abroad, with most residing in Germany and Poland. The demographic profile of refugees has evolved, with a growing proportion of men now living abroad, while women and children still make up the majority. Women are 31% more likely to want to return than men, and those working remotely for Ukrainian companies are significantly more inclined to go back.

The CES study highlights key factors influencing refugees' decisions, including economic stability, security conditions, and employment prospects. Those with higher pre-war incomes are almost three times more likely to return than lower-income individuals, and Ukrainians in Poland are 90% more inclined to return than those in Germany. Approximately 4.2 million Ukrainians currently hold temporary protection status in EU countries, with the highest numbers in Germany (1.2 million), Poland (988,000), and the Czech Republic (385,000).

Looking ahead, CES projects that between 1.7 and 2.7 million Ukrainians may choose to remain abroad permanently, leading to a potential 5.1% to 7.8% reduction in Ukraine’s annual GDP. The study attributes the decline in willingness to return to prolonged security concerns, housing destruction, and limited economic opportunities. While some refugees who initially planned to return have done so, many are increasingly adapting to life abroad, shifting their perspectives toward long-term resettlement.

Russians have launched a railway connection between Rostov and Mariupol

Russia has launched a railway connection between Rostov-on-Don and occupied Mariupol, significantly improving its military logistics in the region. This new route shortens the time needed to transport equipment, ammunition, and personnel to the front lines, further strengthening Russia’s supply chains. The next step in Moscow’s strategy is reportedly to establish a direct railway link between occupied territories in eastern Ukraine and Crimea, solidifying its control over key logistical hubs.

While Russia quietly builds up its war infrastructure, the West, particularly Washington, continues to deliberate on how to respond. The new railway underscores Moscow’s long-term planning for sustaining its war effort, as it systematically reinforces supply routes across occupied Ukrainian territories. The development raises concerns about the effectiveness of existing Western strategies to counter Russia’s growing logistical capabilities.

Ukraine has lost 40 percent of its gas production after Russia`s strikes

Russia’s recent strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure have resulted in a 40% loss in domestic gas production, significantly impacting the country’s energy security. According to Reuters, Ukraine will now need to import up to 800 million cubic meters of gas from Europe in both the summer and winter to compensate for the deficit.

To ensure stability for the next heating season, Ukraine must accumulate approximately 13 billion cubic meters of gas. This increased reliance on European imports adds financial strain and highlights the urgent need for additional international support to bolster Ukraine’s energy resilience amid ongoing Russian attacks.

One killed and nine injured due to Russian attacks on Donetsk Oblast

Russian attacks on northern Donetsk Oblast have resulted in at least one fatality and nine injuries, according to regional authorities. The strikes caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure, particularly in Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, and Nykanorivka.

In Sloviansk, an aerial bomb explosion left seven people injured, including two elderly women with shrapnel wounds and four others suffering acute stress reactions. Sixty two houses and an administrative building were damaged in the attack.

In Kramatorsk, a 39-year-old man was injured, while 46 homes and two vehicles sustained damage. Meanwhile, in Nykanorivka, a civilian was killed, another was wounded, and a house was destroyed, highlighting the continued devastation caused by Russian strikes in the region.

Russians struck a police car in Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast, injuring three people

Russian forces targeted a police vehicle in Kupiansk, Kharkiv Oblast, on February 21, injuring three police officers, according to Kharkiv Oblast Police.

The attack occurred at 7:55 a.m. when a Russian Molniya UAV struck a police service car with officers inside. The three injured officers from the Kupiansk District Police Department sustained contusions and are currently under medical supervision.

Trump says Zelenskyy is not "very important" in peace talks

U.S. President Donald Trump stated in an interview with Fox News Radio that he does not consider Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to be a key figure in negotiations to end the war in Ukraine.

Trump criticized Zelenskyy for failing to negotiate an end to the war since Russia’s full-scale invasion began, saying, “I don’t think he’s very important to be at meetings, to be honest with you.” He also blamed both President Joe Biden and Zelenskyy for not preventing the war, arguing that Russia could have been “talked out of it so easily.”

While acknowledging that Russia had no justification for its attack on Ukraine, Trump maintained that different negotiations could have averted the conflict.