FEBRUARY 2025
February 1
Trump Said He Will Speak to Putin
American President Donald Trump has said that he will speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin, claiming the pair of them will prepare to do something “significant” with Washington and Moscow in serious discussions.
February 2
Zelensky Warns of Excluding Ukraine From Peace Talks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenesky has warned his nation’s allies that exclusion from peace talks between Russia and Ukraine would be very dangerous. Zelensky asked for more communication and engagement between Kyiv and Washington.
America Wants Ukraine to Hold Elections
Keith Kellog, the American envoy to Ukraine has said that the United States wants Ukraine to hold parliamentary and presidential elections by the end of the year, especially if a ceasefire is achieved.
Moldova Sending Gas to Transnistria
Moldova has begun sending EU-supplied gas to the breakaway region of Transnistria which has been affected by an unprecedented energy crisis since January.
February 4
United Nations Echoes Ukrainian Concerns Over Prisoner of War Executions
The United Nations has echoed the concerns of Kyiv over Russia killing 79 Ukrainian prisoners of war in 24 separate incidents since September of 2024.
Trump Looking to Receive Ukrainian Rare Earth Minerals in Exchange for US Aid
Reports from the Oval Office have emerged that Donald Trump is looking to secure a supply of rare earth minerals from Ukraine in exchange for continued US aid.
Moscow Not Ready to Pursue Four-Way Peace Talks
Moscow is not ready to pursue the proposed plan for four-way peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, the United States, and the EU, which Ukrainian President Zelensky proposed.
February 5
Carsten Breuer Warns of Russian Willingness to Attack Europe
Germany’s top general, Carsten Breuer, warned that Russia could test NATO’s defensive readiness with an attack against a European country in the next four years.
Ukraine in Discussion With American Delegation Over Aid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told reporters that his team was in contact with Keith Kellogg and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz to work on dates for a US delegation to visit Kyiv. He also said Ukraine was open to investments by US companies to supply rare earths to the US in exchange for aid.
Zelensky Demands Nuclear Weapons if NATO Membership Not Extended
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for Ukraine to be equipped with nuclear weapons as a guarantee of peace if his nation is not admitted into NATO following the end of the war against Russia.
EU Developing Special Legal Tribunal
The EU has laid down the legal foundations for the creation of a special tribunal that will have the power to hold Russian political and military leaders accountable.
February 6
United Kingdom Expected to Announce More Aid for Ukraine
David Lammy, the United Kingdom’s Foreign Minister, is expected to announce $68.7 million in financial support for Kyiv to help put Ukraine “in the strongest position possible.”
Ukrainian Potential to Buy Liquified Natural Gas from the USA
Andrii Sybiha, the Foreign Minister of Ukraine, has said there is huge potential for Ukraine to buy liquified natural gas (LNG) from the United States and invited American businesses to assist in reconstructing Kyiv.
Russia Supports Trump’s Comments on Ukraine and NATO
Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister has praised American President Trump’s comments about extending NATO membership to Ukraine would be a matter of concern for Moscow.
Zelensky Confirmed Willingness to Hold Elections
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed his willingness to hold elections but said it would be impossible during the war, citing logistical and legal concerns.
February 7
Ukraine Open to Allow Russian Citizens of Kursk to Return
The Ukrainian presidency has released a statement that it is willing to open a corridor to allow Russian citizens of the Kursk Oblast under Ukrainian occupation to return to Russian-controlled regions as long as Moscow submits an official request.
Ukraine Has Received Fighter-Jets from France and the Netherlands
The Ukraine Defense Ministry has announced that the first shipments of French Mirage 2000 fighter jets have arrived in the country. Additionally, a delivery of USA-made F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands has arrived in Ukraine. Both the F-16s and the Mirage 2000’s will soon begin carrying out combat missions.
February 8
Baltic States Disconnect from Russian Energy Grid
Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia have disconnected their electricity system from Russia’s grid which is part of a plan for the three Baltic states to integrate into European Union networks to increase regional energy security.
European Powers to Meet in Paris and Discuss the War
European foreign ministers will discuss the war at a meeting in Paris next week to “show continued support for Ukraine.” Ministers from France, Germany, Poland, Britain, Spain and Italy will take part in the talks with rumours of an American envoy attending.
February 9
Trump Speaks to Putin
American President Donald Trump said he spoke to Vladimir Putin over the phone about bringing an end to the war.
February 10
Olaf Sholz Slams Slams Donald Trump
Germany’s Olaf Sholz criticised Donald Trump’s request for Ukrainian rare earth metals in exchange for continued American assistance. Sholz described Trump’s request as “selfish and self-serving” and that countries that support Ukraine should do so without anything in return.
February 11
Transnistria Rejects European Union Offer of Gas
Moldova’s Prime Minister Dorin Rocean said Transnistria has rejected the European Union’s $61.8 million offer to fund gas purchases. Rocean said, “Russia does not allow them to accept European aid for fear of losing control over the region.” Transnistria’s leader, Vadim Krasnoselsky, said a Hungarian company was arranging to supply gas to the separatist enclave with “Russian credit and functional support.” Recean said gas would start flowing under this arrangement as early as February 13.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Speaks on Ceasefire Conditions
The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister, Sergei Ryabkov, stated that all demands put forth by Putin in June to end the conflict with Ukraine must be met before any settlement is possible. These conditions include Ukraine dropping its NATO ambitions and withdrawing troops from four Ukrainian regions claimed by Russia.
USAID Funding Freeze Affects Ukraine
The US decision to freeze foreign aid has begun threatening six investigations by Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office into Russia’s alleged war crimes. The war crimes investigation committees are reportedly valued at $89 million, with funds for at least five of the projects frozen.
Xi Jinping to Attend Moscow Victory Day Celebrations
Chinese President Xi Jinping reportedly accepted Russia’s invitation to attend commemorations of the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. May 9th marks the 80th anniversary of the victory.
February 12
Details About Trump and Putin Conversation Emerge
Commenting on the phone call between the presidents of Russia and the USA, Trump said his conversation with Putin was “friendly” and that commitments would need to be made by both sides to find an end to the war. Additionally, Trump added that territorial concessions to Russia are likely to bring an end to the war.
February 13
Trump Says Negotiations Have Begun
Donald Trump said that he has spoken again with Vladimir Putin by phone and the pair have agreed to begin negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. The US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth says President Donald Trump’s efforts to seek an end to the Ukraine war were “certainly not a betrayal” of Kyiv. China says it is “happy” that the US and Russia have “strengthened communication,” while German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius called Trump’s actions “regrettable.”
Zelensky Rejects Russian-USA Negotiations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has been adamant about refusing to accept negotiations made between Russia and the USA that exclude Ukraine. Zelensky has called for European allies to engage in the negotiation process to prevent bilateral relations occurring directly between Moscow and Washington over the future of Ukraine.
February 14
Zelensky Voices Stance to American Vice President
In talks with American Vice President JD Vance at the Munich security summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine will be ready for direct talks with Russia once his nation has reached a common stance with Europe and the USA on ending the war.
UK Asserts Ukrainian Security Needs
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer told Zelenskyy that there could be no peace talks in the Ukraine-Russia conflict without Ukraine’s involvement. He said Kyiv needs “strong security guarantees” if a deal is struck, backing support for Ukraine’s NATO membership.
Kyiv Will Not Accept Peace Not Involving Europe or Ukraine
Zelensky said Kyiv would not accept any agreements on his country’s fate decided on by Washington and Moscow if Ukraine and Europe were not involved. He also called for a plan to “stop Putin” before any peace talks happen. Zelensky also warned global leaders against trusting Putin’s claim of willingness to end Russia’s war on Ukraine.
European Union Speaks on Peace Deals
The European Union’s foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas warned that any deal made behind Europe’s back regarding ending the war in Ukraine would inevitably fail.
NATO Voices Role in Ukrainian Security
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that the military alliance has to make sure that Russia does not attack Ukraine again but clarified that NATO membership was never promised as a part of a peace deal.
Russian Drone Strikes Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant
A Russian drone with a high-explosive warhead hit the protective containment shell of the Chornobyl nuclear power reactor in the Kyiv region, Ukraine said.
February 15
US Vice President JD Vance Speaks at Munich
JD Vance said that the Trump administration wants a “durable, lasting peace” in Ukraine and Eastern Europe that doesn’t see “Eastern Europe in conflict just a couple years down the road.”
Vance Wants Increased NATO Member Spending
In a meeting with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, and United Kingdom Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Vance said NATO members must increase their military spending so the US could focus more on Asia.
Zelensky Not Ready to Sign USA Rare Earth Deal
At the Munich Security Conference, President Zelensky said he was not ready to sign a mineral resource agreement with the USA as there was no plan to protect Ukraine and its interests. The US seeks to gain 50% of Ukraine’s rare earth metals and even deploy troops to protect them if a deal to end the war with Russia is achieved.
February 16
European Leaders Push for Army
An emergency summit held by European leaders regarding the war in Ukraine and growing concerns over the Trump administration’s willingness to negotiate a peace deal with Russia separate from European and Ukrainian consultation has sparked calls for developing a European army.
Trump Says Meeting with Putin Coming Soon
Donald Trump believes he is very close to meeting with Vladimir Putin, adding that the Russian president is willing to stop the fighting in Ukraine.
February 17
European Leaders Want a Say in Peace Talks
Leaders of Europe have announced that they must have a say in talks to end the fighting in Ukraine despite the expressed statements of Washington and Moscow. Europe is divided over the level of necessary American involvement on the continent and the future of European military involvement. Poland is opposed to military intervention while the United Kingdom is in a supportive position and France is undecided.
USA and Russia Starting Talks
Representatives of the USA and Russia are meeting in Saudi Arabia to discuss bringing the war in Ukraine to an end. The meeting in Riyadh, Saud Arabia comes as the United States has alienated its Ukrainian and European allies over the potential actions it will take directly with Russia.
February 18
USA and Russia Talk in Saudi Arabia
Delegations from the United States and Russia met in the Saudi Arabian capital of Riyadh with representatives from each nation hailing the positive steps which include the plans for a peace process to end the fighting in Ukraine.
European Leaders Consulted After US-Russia Meeting
The French foreign ministry released a statement that the USA diplomat, Marco Rubio, spoke with his French, German, British, and Italian counterparts after the bilateral negotiations with Russia.
Macron to Hold Second Meeting with European Leaders
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced a meeting between European leaders and Ukraine after the United States bilateral talks with Russia have left both Europe and Ukraine out of negotiations.
EU Lawmakers Warn of Continued USA Reliance
A statement from the European People’s Party, Socialists and Democrats, Renew and Greens urges Europe to “double down” on bolstering its defences and supporting Ukraine amid the US-Russia talks in Riyadh. “Europe can no longer fully rely on the United States to defend our shared values and interests, including continued support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the European lawmakers said.
February 20
Russia Releases Statement About the Status of the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhia
Russian General Sergei Rudskoi said that Russia now controls 75% of Ukraine’s Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia and Kherson regions and more than 99% of the Luhansk region. He said the four regions are now legally part of Russia and will never be returned to Ukraine.
Britain and France Preparing a European Security Force
Britain and France are spearheading attempts to create a European “reassurance force” of fewer than 30,000 troops to protect Ukraine after any ceasefire deal with Russia. The plan would likely focus on air and maritime defence, with “minimal” forces on the ground and none near the eastern frontline.
Trump Criticises Zelensky and Blaims Him for War
Trump hit back at Zelensky over his complaints about being excluded from peace talks, as he blamed the Ukrainian leader for Russia’s invasion in 2022. “You’ve been there for three years,” Trump said. “You should have never started it. You could have made a deal.”
Zelensky Criticises American Proposed Rare Earth Deal
Zelensky has also slammed the rare earth elements deal proposed by Trump, saying he is open to the US investing in Ukraine’s natural resources, but Kyiv should also receive security guarantees. He said Trump’s demand for $500 billion of rare earths for previous US aid is “not a serious conversation” claiming Washington has supplied Ukraine with only $67 billion in weapons and $31.5 billion in other financial support.
France Believes the USA Wants a Lasting Peace
After speaking with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told European foreign ministers he believes Washington wants a lasting peace deal for Ukraine. Barrot said the White House’s “objective was not a fragile ceasefire or a transitional pause that would allow Russia to rebuild their forces, but a lasting peace.”
Kazakhstan Contacts Ukraine After Russian Drone Strike
Kazakhstan’s first Deputy Foreign Minister Akan Rakhmetullin said Astana has contacted Ukraine after a drone attack in Russia this week which hit a Kazakh oil pipeline.
The European Union Prepares Sanction Package Against Russian Aluminum
The European Union has agreed on a new package of sanctions which would place a ban on importing Russian aluminium, the bloc’s diplomats said. The decision is yet to be formally approved by EU foreign ministers.
February 21
Dmitry Peskov Speaks on Scenarios in Ukraine
Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said any plans by the United Kingdom to send troops to Ukraine as part of a potential peacekeeping mission would be unacceptable. Such a move would involve forces from a NATO member state, which would have necessary ramifications for Russia’s security.
Washington Criticises Ukrainian Actions
White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz also criticised Zelensky’s comments, saying Ukraine needs to “tone it down and take a hard look and sign that deal”, referring to the rare earth minerals that the US now wants for helping Kyiv’s war effort.
Ukraine Working With the International Monetary Fund
Ukraine began talks with the International Monetary Fund’s team working on the country’s latest loan programme review, which could unlock about $917 million in new funds.
Ukraine Believes Ceasefire Possible
Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine’s military intelligence agency chief, said he believes a ceasefire between Moscow and Kyiv could happen this year. “How long it will be, how effective it will be – is another question,” Budanov added.
NATO Expresses Necessity for American Presence for Security Guarantees
NATO chief Mark Rutte said any European security guarantees for Ukraine under a future peace deal would need to be backed by the US, “not with boots on the ground,” but backup to ensure that the deterrence is there, he said.
February 22
Trump Walks Back Comments Against Ukraine
US President Donald Trump has reversed course and said Russia did in fact invade Ukraine, and that Kyiv would soon sign a minerals agreement with Washington as part of efforts to end the war.
February 23
USA Close to Ukraine Mineral Deal
Trump said the US is close to a deal with Ukraine on sharing revenue from Ukrainian minerals as part of efforts to end the Ukraine war. He said the US wants to recover the billions of dollars in military aid it has given to Ukraine.
The US Wants Draft Resolution to Be Voted On
The US wants the United Nations Security Council to vote on a draft resolution of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine before the 193-member General Assembly votes on the same text. The US proposal pits it against Kyiv and the European Union, which have been working on a separate draft.
February 24
Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine Hits Three-Year Mark
President Vladimir Putin said Russian soldiers were defending “national interests” at the risk of their lives in Ukraine and pledged to continue with an “unchanged” strategy for strengthening the armed forces. Putin also said in a military decorations award ceremony that God and fate entrusted him and the Russian army with “the mission” to defend the country. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia would never sell captured Ukrainian territories, claiming that “the people decided to join Russia a long time ago.”
Zelensky WIlling to Resign for Ukrainian NATO Ascension
Zelensky said he was willing to step down as president if it meant Ukraine’s entry to NATO was guaranteed. “If there is peace for Ukraine, if you really need me to leave my post, I am ready,” he said.
Mineral Deal Reportedly Close
Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff said the US expects Washington and Kyiv to sign an agreement for rare earths this week. However, Zelensky refuses to accept that Kyiv owes Washington $500 billion for aid. Saying that the US gave $100 billion in aid to Ukraine during the past three years and that a minerals deal could not work if the US demands that aid be repaid. Noting that about $15 billion of previously pledged US aid to Ukraine has yet to be delivered, Zelensky said deploying American soldiers to Ukraine would be logical if the bilateral minerals deal included security guarantees.
February 25
EU Officially Adopts 16th Package of Sanctions Against Russia
The European Union officially approved its 16th package of sanctions imposed against Russia in response to its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The new measures, announced on the third anniversary of the war target Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers, banks, aluminium imports, cryptocurrencies, and other sectors.
Canada Pledges $5 Billion in Aid to Ukraine
Canada will send $5 billion in aid to Ukraine using funds from seized Russian assets. Trudeau also pledged 25 additional light armoured vehicles for Ukraine and a grant to help with energy security as Russia attacks the country’s power grid.
United Nations Passes Draft Resolution
A US effort to sink a draft U.N. resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine failed after European countries marshalled support for Kyiv. The United Nations General Assembly passed the resolution with 93 countries voting in favour. The US and Russia both voted against the European resolution but voted in favour of a US draft lenient towards Russia.
The United Kingdom Announces 67 New Sanctions Against Russia
The United Kingdom posted a notice announcing 67 new sanctions against Russia. The targets include global companies supplying to the Russian military and extending the regime on shipping by 40 vessels.
February 26
Donald Trump Confirms Mineral Deal
United States President Donald Trump confirmed earlier media reports that he had reached a deal with Ukraine to access the European country’s rare earth minerals and other natural resources.
Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs Disapproves European Peacekeeper Deployment
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov reiterated Moscow’s disapproval of European peacekeepers being stationed in Ukraine, despite Trump claiming Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to it.
Russia Willing to Strike a Deal Over Rare Earth Metals With the USA
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Russia has a lot of rare metal deposits and that they were willing to strike a deal with the US. This comes after Trump pledged that “major economic development transactions with Russia” would take place in the future.
February 27
UN Diplomats Walk Out During Russian Speech
Dozens of diplomats at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva walked out of a session to mark the third anniversary of Moscow’s invasion of Kyiv during a speech by Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Vershinin.
Ukraine and US Close to Final Version of Rare Earth Deal
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed that both Ukraine and the US have prepared a final version of an agreement on Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. Shmyhal said the US supported Ukraine’s efforts to obtain security guarantees.
The US Abstains From Condemning Russia
The US abstained from co-sponsoring a joint statement at the World Trade Organization that condemned Russia’s war on Ukraine, the Reuters news agency reported, quoting two unnamed sources. This is the first time the US did not support the annual statement since the war began.
Zelensky Speaks on Final Mineral Deal
Zelensky confirmed that the final minerals deal does not include a “$500billion, $350billion, or $100billion” debt, branding such terms as unfair for Ukraine. He asserted that Kyiv would not accept even “10 cents of debt repayment.”
Trump Tells Europe to Step Up
During his first cabinet meeting, Trump said it was not up to the US to provide Ukraine with security guarantees and Europe should step up. Additionally, Trump brushed aside any motions of Ukraine to join NATO.
February 28
Trump Says Ukraine is Gambling With World War 3
In a heated meeting between Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Volodymyr Zelensky at the Oval Office in Washington D.C. Ukraine rejected and refused to sign the proposed rare earth metals deal, to which the US administration accused the Ukrainian president of overplaying his hand and gambling to start World War 3.
Russia Will Not Return Any of the Annexed Territories
The Kremlin has ruled out surrendering control of any of the annexed territories of Ukraine. “The territories that have become subjects of the Russian Federation, which are inscribed in our country’s constitution, are an inseparable part of our country,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
European Leaders Show Support to Zelensky
France, Germany, and Poland have all made prompt declarations of support for Ukraine after the heated meeting between Zelensky and the US presidential administration.