Putin does not show any willingness to end the war in Ukraine

A recent report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) highlights the material, human, and economic challenges Russia is expected to face in the next 12 to 18 months if the war in Ukraine continues. Despite mounting domestic pressure, Russian President Vladimir Putin shows no indication of ending the conflict.

According to ISW, Russian forces have suffered significant losses, particularly in 2024. Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that Russian troop losses exceeded 434,000 this year alone. Meanwhile, estimates from Meduza and Mediazona in early 2024 suggested that between 66,000 and 88,000 Russian soldiers had been killed in the first two years of the war, indicating a sharp rise in casualties.

The report also states that Russia’s ability to sustain its offensive operations is under strain. The country's defense industry struggles to replace lost vehicles and artillery, and recruitment efforts fail to keep pace with the current rate of battlefield losses.

Russian Public Support and Economic Strain

Despite these challenges, ISW notes that Russian public support for the war remains high, with many backing continued fighting until Ukraine fully surrenders. However, the economic toll is becoming more evident, with inflation rising, the Russian National Welfare Fund depleting, and labor shortages worsening.

Kremlin propaganda, which emphasizes recent Russian advances and reiterates goals like "denazification," "demilitarization," and Ukraine's neutrality, has likely reinforced the belief among many Russians that victory is achievable through continued fighting. But as Ukrainian forces continue to inflict heavy damage, economic hardships are expected to grow, further testing Russia's ability to sustain the war effort.

No Indication of Putin Seeking Peace

Despite the worsening situation, ISW sees no sign that Putin is reconsidering his war strategy. The Russian president appears undeterred by the high cost in both lives and resources, remaining committed to forcing Ukraine’s surrender.

Meanwhile, international leaders continue to push for diplomatic solutions. U.S. President Donald Trump recently emphasized the importance of securing a ceasefire in Ukraine as a step toward peace negotiations.

Russia attacked Ukraine with 177 drones

Since the evening of February 25, Russian forces have launched 177 Shahed attack drones and various types of decoy drones against Ukraine. Ukrainian air defense has destroyed 110 of these drones, while 66 disappeared from radar.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the downed drones were confirmed in Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Kherson, and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts. The decoy drones, though undetected, did not cause any adverse effects.

The attack was launched from multiple Russian cities, including Oryol, Bryansk, Kursk, Millerovo, Shatalovo, and Primorsko-Akhtarsk.

Ukrainian air defense, including aircraft, anti-aircraft missile forces, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups, was deployed to repel the attack. Kyiv, Kharkiv, Kirovohrad, and Sumy oblasts were among the most affected regions.

Russian Shahed drone attack killed surgeon and Ukrinform journalist in Kyiv Oblast

On the night of February 25-26, a Russian drone struck the home of surgeon Pavlo Ivanchov and journalist Tetiana Kulyk in Kriukivshchyna, Kyiv Oblast.

Pavlo Ivanchov, 52, was the head of the Department of Surgery No. 3 at the Bohomolets National Medical University, while Tetiana Kulyk worked as a journalist for Ukrinform and led the Nation of the Invincibles project.

Ukrinform confirmed Kulyk’s death, while Bohomolets National Medical University awaits official police confirmation regarding Ivanchov.

Neighbors reported that both were at home at the time of the attack. By the morning of February 26, firefighters had contained the fire and recovered two bodies.

Ivanchov’s death was also announced by his friend and colleague, Andrii Khokhlov, who expressed his grief over the loss.

However, the Bohomolets National Medical University press service clarified that official confirmation from the police is still pending, as investigative actions are ongoing. The victims’ bodies have been sent for forensic examination.

Pavlo Ivanchov was a respected Ukrainian scientist specializing in tumor surgery, a Doctor of Medicine and Economics, and a professor with over 15,000 surgeries to his name.

Tetiana Kulyk, a journalist at Ukrinform, also headed the Main Multimedia Editorial Office and was a member of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine.

According to the Institute of Mass Information, Kulyk is the 98th media worker killed by Russia since the start of its full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Ukraine will maintain maximum armed forces strength under any circumstances - Zelensky

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reaffirmed that Ukraine will maintain the largest possible military force to safeguard its national interests, regardless of the circumstances.

Speaking to Ukrainian journalists on February 26, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine does not trust Russian statements about peace but relies on its armed forces as the primary security guarantee. He emphasized that maintaining a strong military is crucial for the country’s defense.

Additionally, Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine is in discussions with its international partners regarding the potential deployment of troops after the war with Russia ends. He acknowledged that Ukraine's allies hold differing views on the number of troops that could be stationed in the country.

Zelenskyy wants to discuss security guarantees within mineral resources deal with Trump

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has highlighted the importance of security guarantees in the development of Ukraine’s mineral resources under an agreement with the United States, stating that this issue will be a key topic in his discussions with Donald Trump.

Speaking to Ukrainian journalists on February 26, Zelenskyy described the mineral resources agreement as part of broader arrangements with the U.S. and potentially a component of Ukraine’s security guarantees. He emphasized that he had pushed for the inclusion of language referencing "Ukraine’s security guarantees" in the framework agreement.

Zelenskyy noted that the success of the agreement—or whether it quietly fades away—will depend on his upcoming conversation with Trump. He stressed that if the U.S. positions itself as one of Ukraine’s security guarantors, the deal could mark a significant step toward lasting peace and economic growth.

Russia will not agree to cease hostilities in Ukraine along the current frontline - Russian foreign minister

Russia has rejected the possibility of ceasing hostilities along the current front line, citing its constitution, which was amended in 2022 to include several partially occupied Ukrainian oblasts.

Speaking at a press conference in Qatar, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov dismissed proposals to fix the line of contact, insisting that such an arrangement is impossible due to Russia’s territorial claims.

Lavrov also criticized the idea of deploying foreign peacekeepers in Ukraine, arguing that it would escalate the conflict rather than resolve it. He accused European nations, particularly France and the UK, of promoting this approach to prolong the war.

Additionally, he referred to comments allegedly made by U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting that peacekeepers could only be deployed with the consent of both sides.

Lavrov further stated that during a meeting in Saudi Arabia, discussions did not include U.S. involvement in extracting rare earth metals in what Russia refers to as its "new regions"—a term used for the occupied Ukrainian territories.