In the early hours of February 26th, Ukrainian forces launched a coordinated drone strike targeting strategic Russian infrastructure. The operation, involving the AFU and HUR, successfully hit the Tuapse Oil Refinery in Krasnodar, causing significant damage and disrupting oil exports crucial to funding the Russian war effort. Simultaneously, military airfields in occupied Crimea were also attacked. These actions coincided with a large-scale Russian drone attack on Ukraine, resulting in civilian casualties.
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In a press conference, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov rejected calls for a ceasefire along the current front lines, citing Russia’s constitution, which was amended to include illegally annexed Ukrainian territories. Lavrov opposes foreign peacekeeping deployments, arguing that such actions would escalate the conflict rather than de-escalate it. He further asserted that the US was not involved in discussions regarding rare earth metal extraction in occupied Ukrainian regions during a recent Saudi Arabia meeting. Lavrov stated that Russia will only discuss a resolution to the conflict by addressing its root causes. Upcoming US-Russia talks in Istanbul are planned for February 27th.
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Ukraine’s parliament unanimously passed a resolution affirming President Zelensky’s legitimacy and rejecting calls for immediate elections during martial law. The resolution, supported by 268 members, explicitly states that elections will only occur after a comprehensive and just peace is achieved, directly countering claims from Trump and Putin questioning Zelensky’s authority. This action solidifies Zelensky’s mandate to negotiate peace and potentially complicates ongoing US-Russia peace talks which excluded Ukraine. The vote underscores Ukraine’s defiance of external pressure to hold elections prematurely.
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Latvia’s foreign minister warns that Russia’s peace initiatives are aimed at weakening the U.S. and regaining control over Ukraine, objectives unmet through military means. Despite Russia’s limited territorial gains in Ukraine, Putin seeks to achieve these goals through negotiations, underscoring the need for allies to remain vigilant. Europe’s involvement in peace talks is crucial, emphasizing the need for a unified transatlantic approach that prioritizes Ukraine’s security and a lasting peace, not merely a temporary ceasefire. Latvia, along with other Baltic states, is bolstering its defense capabilities to deter further Russian aggression.
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The US’s support for a Russian-backed UN resolution, which avoided blaming Russia for the Ukraine conflict, contrasts sharply with its rejection of a European-led resolution condemning the invasion. This conflicting vote pattern, occurring on the third anniversary of the war’s start, highlights a growing rift between Washington and its European allies. The US resolution, passed in the UN Security Council, urged a swift end to hostilities but lacked condemnation of Russian aggression. This action follows President Trump’s shift towards Moscow and away from longstanding US support for Ukraine.
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Russia proposed a deal to the Trump administration offering U.S. access to rare earth minerals in Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories, specifically Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia. This followed a similar, rejected proposal from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to President Zelenskyy. The proposal, discussed at a Saudi Arabia meeting, aims to secure Russia’s control of seized Ukrainian land while potentially appealing to Trump’s financial interests. Trump expressed openness to such an agreement, while the Trump administration has neither confirmed nor denied its commitment.
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A recent study by Economists for Ukraine reveals that the actual value of US military aid to Ukraine significantly differs from official figures. The discrepancy stems primarily from the overvaluation of supplied US arms stockpiles and indirect aid transfers through allies. While the US claims over $60 billion in aid, the study estimates the true value of military aid at $18.3 billion, with an additional $32.6 billion in direct budget support. This total of $50.9 billion, though substantial, represents a small fraction of the US federal budget.
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On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. voted against a UN resolution condemning the aggression, instead proposing a weaker alternative that omitted any mention of Russian culpability. This action, aligning the U.S. with Russia and against most European allies, marks a significant departure from past U.S. foreign policy. The U.S. resolution, calling only for an end to the conflict, was passed alongside the Ukrainian resolution, which garnered 93 votes in favor. This stark contrast highlights a deeply troubling and arguably dishonest shift in the U.S. stance on the conflict.
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Poland’s 46th military aid package for Ukraine, totaling €200 million, demonstrates its continued commitment to supporting Ukraine’s defense. This contribution follows Poland’s significant role in training approximately 28,000 Ukrainian soldiers, a third of the EU total. Poland’s aid, encompassing tanks, heavy equipment, and ammunition, is among the highest globally relative to its GDP. Further bolstering Ukrainian capabilities, Poland continues to supply Starlink terminals for improved frontline communication.
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The United States voted against a UN resolution condemning Russia’s aggression in Ukraine, prioritizing a diplomatic approach aimed at bringing both sides to the negotiating table. Instead, the U.S. supported a separate, less condemnatory resolution calling for an end to the conflict. This decision reflects a broader U.S. strategy to soften its language regarding Russia, a shift coinciding with President Trump’s push for peace negotiations and criticisms of Ukraine. This strategy contrasts with resolutions passed by the UN General Assembly and supported by most EU nations.
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John Q. Hosedrinker