In our weekly digest, you will learn about the main news in Ukraine, a detailed analysis of key events and an overview of international assistance to Ukraine, including military aid, which helps strengthen the country’s defense capabilities and economy. We will also talk about the situation at the frontline, how the war in Ukraine affects global processes, and highlight events that shape the future of the world.
When asked whether he considers Zelenskyy a dictator, Trump said: “Did I say that?”
During a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, US President Donald Trump said that he does not consider Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a “dictator”.
When asked by journalists whether Trump considers Zelenskyy a “dictator,” the US president replied, “Did I say that?”
I think I have a very good relationship with President Zelensky, and now we will fulfill the agreement, and we will participate there. In fact, we will dig there. We need rare earth resources, – Trump said.
At the same time, the American leader said that he respects the Ukrainian president and announced a morning meeting with Zelenskyy.
I think we’re going to have a good meeting tomorrow morning at 11 am. I have a lot of respect for him. We gave them a lot of weapons and money. But they fought very bravely, – Trump added.
The US president also considers it a problem that Zelenskyy calls Russian President Putin a “dictator”.
The relationship between President Zelensky and President Putin is not very good. It’s not very good. It’s a bad relationship, and we’re going to have to try to work something out. Sometimes this happens. I get along with both of them, I have a very good relationship with them, – Donald Trump said.
The US and Ukraine did not sign an agreement on minerals – media
On February 28, an agreement on minerals was not signed in Washington. It was supposed to be certified by the presidents of Ukraine and the United States, Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but the Ukrainian head of state left the White House early.
Sky News correspondent Mark Stone was among the reporters in Washington waiting for the public signing of the agreement and the subsequent press conference between Trump and Zelenskyy.
Everything is happening in the East Room of the White House. We were standing in line, ready to enter the East Room for the signing ceremony. There were tables, pens on the tables. Everything was ready for the signing of the agreement, after which a press conference was to take place. But after what we showed you a few minutes ago, what happened about 40 minutes ago (the dispute between Trump and Zelenskyy – ed.), everything seems to have fallen apart, – the correspondent said.
Later, Voice of America journalist Ostap Yarysh reported on social media platform X that the agreement had not been signed.
The Ukrainian delegation and President Zelensky left the White House and did not speak to the press. According to reports, the agreement between Ukraine and the United States was not signed.
“Ukraine needs a lasting peace”: Zelenskyy makes statement after meeting with Trump
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump that Ukraine needs a just and lasting peace. They were supposed to sign a framework agreement on rare earth minerals, but this did not happen.
Thank you, America, thank you for your support, thank you for this visit. I thank the President, the Congress and the American people. Ukraine needs a just and lasting peace, and this is what we are working for, – Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a post on his X.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal supported the president’s position and said that “peace without security guarantees is impossible”.
This is a threat to the entire European continent. We need a sustainable, just peace, – the Prime Minister wrote in a post on Telegram.
New Zealand imposes new sanctions against Russia
New Zealand authorities have announced a package of additional sanctions against Russian citizens and businesses in support of Ukraine.
The additional sanctions are aimed at 52 individuals and legal entities “with links to Russia’s military-industrial complex and energy sector, – said Foreign Minister Winston Peters.
The sanctions list includes the heads of several Russian regions, military-industrial complex enterprises, and military commanders. Restrictions were also imposed on Russian NGOs and charitable foundations.
In addition, sanctions were imposed on a senior North Korean military officer involved in providing strategic assistance to Russia’s military efforts.
EU approves 16th package of sanctions against Russia
On February 24, the EU Council approved the 16th package of sanctions against Russia.
As High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas emphasized, this new round of sanctions targets not only Russia’s shadow fleet, but also those who support the operation of dangerous oil tankers, video game controllers used to fly drones, banks used to circumvent sanctions, and propaganda outlets used to spread lies.
There is no doubt who the aggressor is, who should pay and be held accountable for this war. Each package of sanctions deprives the Kremlin of funds to wage war. As negotiations to end Russia’s aggression continue, we must put Ukraine in the strongest possible position. Sanctions provide leverage, – Kallas said.
Denmark will provide Ukraine with about two billion kroner for weapons
The Danish government will provide Ukraine with about two billion kroner (about $285 million) for weapons and ammunition.
According to the government, the funds will be used to provide ammunition for Ukrainian soldiers and to create a Ukrainian brigade together with the Nordic and Baltic countries.
We will continue our support as long as it is needed. Ukraine is fighting for the whole of Europe. We must put Ukraine in the strongest possible position, – said Danish Prime Minister Frederiksen.
The Danish government has prepared an aid package to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. On February 24, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen visits Ukraine and participates in a meeting of leaders of Ukraine’s partner countries.
Trump refuses to call Putin a dictator
US President Donald Trump refused to call Russian President Vladimir Putin a dictator.
At a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron, Trump was asked whether he could call Putin a dictator.
I don’t use those words lightly, – he said.
The US president then turned the conversation to “lost lives” and “settlement”.
We will see what happens. I think we have a chance for a really good settlement between the different countries, and you know what you’re saying about Europe and about Ukraine as part of this whole situation. The other side also has a lot of support. We’ll see how it works out. Maybe it will work out. You can never compensate for life. That’s the only thing you can’t do. You can compensate for money, but you cannot compensate for lives. A lot of lives lost, – Trump said.
Canada announces another military aid package for Ukraine
Canada will provide Ukraine with 25 more LAV III armored fighting vehicles for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The first two of these armored vehicles will be delivered in the near future.
This was stated by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the Support Ukraine Summit, which is taking place in Kyiv on February 24 with the participation of world leaders.
In addition, he said, the Ukrainian Air Force will receive four F-16 fighter jet simulators.
This is in addition to millions of additional components of ammunition, drones and first aid kits. We are also distributing the first tranche of $5 billion in aid to Ukraine, funded by the proceeds of frozen Russian assets, along with a grant to help Ukraine maintain its energy security, – Trudeau said.
Sánchez: Spain will provide Ukraine with a new €1 billion military aid package
Spain will provide Ukraine with a new €1 billion military aid package in 2025. This was announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during the Support Ukraine Summit in Kyiv on February 24.
Sanchez emphasized that peace cannot be reduced to a ceasefire. According to him, Spain is ready to support Ukraine for as long as it takes.
We are ready to continue to provide military assistance and equipment with even more determination than we have done in the past. I am ready to announce a new military aid package for Ukraine worth 1 billion in 2025, – Sánchez said.
This package is part of a 10-year bilateral security and defense agreement signed in May 2024. During his speech, Sánchez added that Spain would also work with Ukraine on the recovery process, encourage its companies to participate in Ukraine’s projects and programs, and address the needs of the Ukrainian diaspora.
Sánchez said that Spain and Ukraine will create a special hub in the province of Alicante.
We must ensure that Ukraine joins the EU in the near future. Ukraine’s accession to the EU is the biggest victory for the Ukrainian people, – he added.
Norway to provide EUR 3.5 billion to Ukraine in 2025 – Prime Minister
Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre has said that Norway will allocate 3.5 billion euros for Ukraine’s needs this year.i He made the statement during a speech at the Support Ukraine Summit, which is taking place in Kyiv on February 24 with the participation of world leaders.
I want to say on behalf of Norway that 3.5 billion will be allocated in 2025 (for the needs of Ukraine – ed.). We will further allocate all possible funds to help your needs as best we can, – Støre emphasized.
EU will not demand natural resources from Ukraine in exchange for aid – President of the European Council
The European Union (EU) member states will not demand any of Ukraine’s natural resources in exchange for aid.
This was stated by the President of the European Council Antonio Costa in an interview with Suspilne.
Over the past three years, the European Union has been a major donor to support Ukraine, and we are doing this for Ukraine, for Ukrainians, as well as for European security, and we are not taking back any of the natural resources in Ukraine, – Costa said.
As for the agreement between Ukraine and the United States on rare earth metals, the President of the European Council added:
Ukraine is a sovereign country that has the sovereign right to manage its territory and negotiate at the international level.
The US extends a series of sanctions against Russia for another year
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has extended the sanctions imposed on Russia in 2014 for another year. The relevant document was published in the US Federal Register.
According to the document, the United States has extended sanctions against Russia imposed in 2014 over the occupation of Crimea, the war against Ukraine, and Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. All sanctions against the Russian government issued by the order have been extended.
Now this order will be submitted to the US Congress.
Kateryna Yashchuk
