Poland in talks with Ukraine on temporarily closing border for trade

Poland is leading talks with Ukraine regarding the temporary closure of their mutual border for trade, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk. He emphasized that such a solution would be "painful for both parties" and acknowledged the need for a serious conversation about limiting the export of Ukrainian goods. Tensions have risen as Polish farmers protest against Ukrainian agricultural imports and the EU's Green Deal. Tusk expressed readiness for hard decisions but insisted on finding a long-term solution in consultation with Ukraine to avoid unnecessary tensions. A summit on agriculture is scheduled in Warsaw on February 29, where Tusk will meet with representatives of Polish farmers. Poland has raised concerns about the negative impacts of the EU's free trade regime with Ukraine on its agricultural producers. The country has already imposed bans on certain Ukrainian products, including grain.

Transnistria appeals to Moscow to help end 'economic blockade' by Moldova

Lawmakers in the Russian-controlled Moldovan region of Transnistria have appealed to Moscow for assistance in ending what they describe as an "economic blockade" imposed by Moldova. Transnistria, internationally recognized as part of Moldova, has been under Russian occupation since the early 1990s. Concerns arose when Transnistrian authorities planned a Congress of Deputies on February 28, and reports suggest that a declaration adopted during the congress appealed to Russia for protection against Moldova's pressure. Ukraine has warned against any attempts to involve Transnistria in Russia's war and destabilize Moldova. Tensions between Moldova and Transnistria have increased since the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Moldova considers Russia's military presence in Transnistria illegitimate and calls for the withdrawal of Russian forces.

Ukraine's Defence Intelligence says Russia didn't achieve desired result at "lawmakers' congress" in Transnistria

The Defence Intelligence of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine (DIU) has commented on the so-called congress of Transnistrian parliamentarians, stating that the results do not meet the Kremlin’s expectations. According to Andrii Yusov, a representative of the Defence Intelligence, reports about Transnistrian lawmakers intending to request integration into Russia have not been confirmed. He mentioned that Russia's efforts, both political and informational, have failed in this situation. The so-called congress also reportedly turned to European institutions in a "multi-vector style."

Russians attacked Kupiansk

A Russian air strike on the center of Kupiansk in Kharkiv Oblast resulted in two deaths and at least five injuries. The city, just eight kilometers from the front line, was occupied by Russia between February and September 2022. Russian forces used guided aerial bombs in the attack, targeting the city center and causing casualties. The military had previously warned of Russia's concentration of forces near Kupiansk, indicating it remains a primary target for Russia in the region. The strike follows Russia's intensified offensive efforts across various sectors of Ukraine's front line.

Russians shelled Zaporizhzhia

Russian forces attacked several localities in Zaporizhzhia Oblast on February 27, resulting in one resident's death and another's injury. The assaults involved various means, including drone strikes, multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) attacks, air strikes, and artillery shelling. The attacks caused damage to residential buildings and infrastructure in Ukrainian-controlled areas, which continue to be targeted despite parts of Zaporizhzhia Oblast being occupied by Russian forces.