February 24 marks the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, a tragic milestone in a war that has reshaped the world and tested Ukraine’s resilience. Since that fateful day in 2022, millions of Ukrainians have endured unimaginable loss, displacement, and destruction, yet their spirit remains unbroken. Cities have been devastated, families torn apart, and thousands of lives lost, but Ukraine continues to stand strong, defending its sovereignty and fighting for freedom. The world has witnessed the horrors of war, crimes, and atrocities committed by Russia and the extraordinary courage of those resisting aggression. As Ukraine enters another year of struggle, its people remain steadfast, calling for continued support from the international community to achieve victory, justice, and lasting peace.

Recap of Zelensky's big Press Conference

On February 23, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a major press conference titled “Ukraine Year 2025,” marking the eve of the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. A key question remains: Is it possible to end the war in 2025?

The Prospect of a Ceasefire in 2025

Zelenskyy acknowledged the possibility of a ceasefire this year but stressed that without clear security guarantees, it could not be considered a true end to the war. He noted that the United States appears to support a ceasefire as a means of halting the conflict.
“They believe that achieving a ceasefire would be a major success and that Putin would not dare to launch another offensive. However, we believe that security guarantees must be in place,” Zelenskyy stated.

Is Zelenskyy Willing to Step Down for Peace?

Zelenskyy reaffirmed his commitment to achieving peace, even if it means stepping down as Ukraine’s leader. He emphasized that his primary goal is to secure peace rather than cling to power.
“My goal now is peace for Ukraine in 2025. If stepping down is necessary to achieve that, I am ready,” he declared.
The president also reiterated his pursuit of security guarantees for Ukraine, including potential NATO membership, which he considers the most cost-effective and secure path forward.

U.S. Efforts to End the War

According to Zelenskyy, the United States is determined to bring an end to the "hot phase" of the war in 2025, though he warned that achieving this would be difficult without sufficient Ukrainian support.
“I believe the United States will do everything possible to end active hostilities this year. However, achieving peace without properly assisting Ukraine would be a different approach,” he explained.

U.S. Aid to Ukraine: A Debt or a Grant?

Zelenskyy addressed concerns about the financial aid provided by the U.S., rejecting claims that Ukraine owes a staggering $500 billion.
“Right now, they say it’s $500 billion. Let's clarify the numbers. We know $100 billion was agreed upon, and that is a fact. I am not going to recognize the $500 billion figure,” he stated.
He further stressed that grants should not be categorized as debt, reminding that the U.S. Congress initially provided assistance under terms that did not include repayment obligations.
“I negotiated this with President Biden and Congress. This was bipartisan support. Grants are grants, not loans,” he reiterated.
Zelenskyy did, however, acknowledge that Ukraine is open to negotiating a new agreement where aid is provided under terms of eventual repayment with returns.

What Happens If U.S. Aid Stops?

Zelenskyy underscored that while Ukraine remains hopeful that U.S. assistance will continue, a complete halt would mean losing 20% of all aid.
“Imagine having 20% less aid—it would have significant consequences. That is why we anticipate continued support,” he said.
To mitigate risks, Ukraine is also in discussions with European nations and other international partners to increase military and financial assistance, including domestic defense production funding.

Elections in Ukraine: A Possibility During War?

Zelenskyy addressed the possibility of holding elections amidst the ongoing conflict, highlighting significant legal and security challenges.
“Security is our number one concern. How can people vote in frontline areas if they can’t return home? How can the military vote? What about those in temporarily occupied territories?” he questioned.
He emphasized that holding elections under current circumstances would be unconstitutional and logistically impractical, especially in contested regions like Sumy and Kharkiv.

Is an Immediate End to the War Realistic?

Zelenskyy dismissed claims that the war could end within a week, pointing out that such a resolution would require negotiations and firm security guarantees for Ukraine.
“Ending the war this week is impossible without our direct involvement in negotiations,” he said.

Ukraine and Russia’s Territorial Dispute

Addressing the question of Russian-occupied territories, Zelenskyy clarified that Ukraine has no interest in acquiring Russian regions such as Kursk. However, he hinted that territorial exchanges could be part of future negotiations to restore Ukraine’s sovereignty.
“We are focused on reclaiming our territories,” he emphasized, adding that Kursk could play a role in broader diplomatic discussions.

The Threat of North Korea’s Involvement

Zelenskyy warned that North Korea’s involvement in the war is allowing its military to gain valuable experience in modern warfare, particularly in drone and electronic warfare tactics.
“This is a major risk for our partners in the Asia-Pacific region. North Korea is learning advanced tactics that they will bring back and incorporate into their army,” he cautioned.
He also revealed that North Korean forces fighting for Russia have suffered over 4,000 casualties, with thousands more being deployed as replacements. Additionally, North Korea continues to supply Russia with artillery shells and missiles, intensifying the war.

Why Zelenskyy Rejected a Rare Earth Metals Agreement

Zelenskyy disclosed that he had refused to sign an initial agreement on rare earth metals because it lacked security guarantees and appeared to serve as a debt repayment mechanism rather than an equal partnership.
“The proposal did not meet our strategic interests. It defined our resources as debt repayment rather than a fair trade agreement,” he explained.
He reiterated that Ukraine must ensure its resources are protected while negotiating equitable terms with international partners.

Will Trump Visit Ukraine?

Zelenskyy was asked whether former U.S. President Donald Trump had been invited to visit Ukraine.
“I always extend an invitation. Many U.S. officials have visited us, including members of Congress and key government figures. I would welcome a visit from President Trump. But if he cannot come, I am willing to travel to Washington for a substantive discussion,” Zelenskyy stated.

Zelenskyy’s press conference highlighted the complex realities Ukraine faces as it approaches the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion. While the possibility of a ceasefire in 2025 exists, Ukraine remains steadfast in its demand for security guarantees. U.S. assistance, diplomatic negotiations, and military strategies will continue to shape the country’s path forward in its fight for sovereignty and peace.

UK to ban entry for Russian elites as Starmer heads to Washington for Ukraine talks

The United Kingdom is set to impose a travel ban on individuals with significant ties to the Russian state or those who have amassed wealth through Kremlin connections. The new sanctions, part of a broader Western effort to tighten economic and political pressure on Moscow, come as the war in Ukraine enters its fourth year.

Scheduled for announcement on February 24—the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion—the measures will target senior politicians, government officials, and business figures with direct access to the highest levels of the Russian government, according to the U.K. government.

These restrictions build on Britain’s existing sanctions against Russian elites accused of supporting President Vladimir Putin’s war effort. British Security Minister Dan Jarvis delivered a clear message: those benefiting from the Kremlin’s actions will no longer be welcome.

"The measures announced today slam the door shut on oligarchs who have enriched themselves at the expense of the Russian people while bankrolling this illegal and unjustifiable war," Jarvis said.

Meanwhile, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is set to travel to Washington this week for high-level talks with U.S. President Donald Trump on the ongoing war in Ukraine. His visit follows that of French President Emmanuel Macron, who will meet with Trump at the White House on Monday.

Both leaders are expected to urge Trump against rushing into a ceasefire deal with Putin that could weaken Ukraine’s security. European officials have grown increasingly uneasy over Trump’s direct negotiations with Moscow, which have notably excluded Kyiv.

During their meetings, Starmer and Macron will push for continued Western military support for Ukraine and stress the critical role of European allies in shaping any peace agreement. They will also discuss potential military guarantees to secure Ukraine’s long-term defense.

Russia has violated the ceasefire 25 times since the war started in 2014 - Zelensky

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made it clear that "silence at the front" is not enough to secure real and lasting peace, emphasizing that Russia—a persistent aggressor—has violated ceasefire agreements more than 25 times since 2014.

Speaking at the International Summit on the Support of Ukraine in Kyiv, held on the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Zelenskyy underscored the need for stronger security guarantees and international unity.

"A reliable and lasting peace is much more than silence at the front. We remember that Russia has violated the ceasefire more than 25 times since 2014," he stated.

He revealed that when Keith Kellogg, special envoy for Ukraine and Russia under former President Donald Trump, visited Ukraine, he provided him—and Trump—with a document listing every ceasefire Russia had broken, complete with specific dates.

"Peace can only be achieved through balanced diplomacy and firm security guarantees," Zelenskyy stressed. He called for Ukraine, Europe, and the United States to stand together at the negotiating table, presenting a unified front against Russian aggression.

"Putin won’t simply give us peace. He won’t offer it in exchange for something. We have to secure peace with strength, wisdom, and unity—through our collective efforts. Unfortunately, peace cannot be declared in an hour, a day, or even tomorrow. That’s the reality. And if anyone tries to achieve it without real support or security guarantees, it simply won’t work," he concluded.

Ukrainian parliament fails to back the resolution on elections in Ukraine after hot phase of war ends

The Verkhovna Rada, Ukraine’s parliament, has failed to secure the 226 votes needed to pass a resolution affirming its commitment to democracy amid Russia’s ongoing aggression. The measure received 218 votes and declared that presidential elections would be announced once Ukraine achieves "a comprehensive, just, and sustainable peace."

received 218 votes and
The resolution, No. 13039, reaffirmed that both the Verkhovna Rada and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were elected in free, transparent, and internationally recognized democratic elections. It also emphasized that holding elections under martial law would violate both national and international electoral principles, effectively turning them into a "farce similar to the reappointment of Vladimir Putin in March 2024."
Lawmakers directly pointed to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that his war of aggression has made it impossible to organize free and fair elections with international oversight.

"The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine emphasizes that Vladimir Putin is responsible for the fact that it is currently impossible to hold free, transparent, and democratic elections in Ukraine. The martial law imposed due to Russia’s full-scale invasion does not allow elections to take place under the Ukrainian Constitution," the statement reads.

The Verkhovna Rada made clear that Ukraine remains committed to its democratic principles. Once peace is secured, parliament will formally announce elections to be held in accordance with international standards.

Additionally, the statement emphasized that President Zelenskyy’s mandate remains legitimate and unquestioned by both the Ukrainian people and the parliament.

"President Volodymyr Zelenskyy must continue to exercise his powers until a newly elected president takes office, in accordance with Article 108.1 of the Ukrainian Constitution," the resolution states.

Despite the resolution’s failure to pass, the message from Ukraine’s leadership remains firm: elections will only take place when the country is secure, ensuring that democracy is upheld rather than compromised.