Following a phone conversation, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended a state visit invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. This invitation follows ongoing discussions between the two leaders regarding a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine, with Zelensky emphasizing the principle of “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” The visit is significant, given South Africa’s existing relationship with Russia and its attempts to mediate the conflict. The invitation also comes at a time of strained relations between South Africa and the United States, highlighting South Africa’s independent foreign policy approach.
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South Korean media, citing the National Intelligence Service (NIS), reported the deployment of additional North Korean troops to the Kursk region of Russia, where fighting between Russian and Ukrainian forces is ongoing. While the exact number remains undisclosed, this follows previous NIS reports of over 11,000 North Korean troops already deployed to support Russia’s war effort. These deployments coincide with evidence suggesting Russia has also utilized North Korean weaponry. North Korea, however, has yet to publicly confirm its military involvement in the Ukraine conflict.
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President Trump initially considered canceling Ukrainian President Zelensky’s upcoming Washington visit after pressuring Ukraine to finalize a minerals deal. Following Trump’s public criticism of Zelensky and a subsequent message to Kyiv canceling the meeting, French President Macron intervened. Macron’s intervention reportedly convinced Trump to reinstate the visit, scheduled for February 28th. The finalized minerals deal, a key point of contention, lacks explicit U.S. security guarantees, though U.S. support for Ukraine’s pursuit of them is acknowledged. Zelensky’s visit will proceed despite earlier setbacks.
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Following recent criticism of Ukrainian President Zelensky, President Trump walked back his harsh statements, emphasizing a desire to collaborate with Zelensky on ending the war in Ukraine. Trump’s shift in tone comes amidst ongoing U.S. efforts to broker a peace deal and follows clarification from European leaders regarding the nature of their aid to Ukraine. Trump expressed confidence in a potential deal with Russia, stating a belief that Russian President Putin would uphold any agreement, while acknowledging the necessity of verification. This change in rhetoric precedes Zelensky’s White House visit to finalize an agreement on access to Ukraine’s critical minerals.
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President Trump stated that sanctions against Russia will eventually be lifted, despite no current agreements to do so. This follows renewed US-Russia contact aimed at ending the war in Ukraine and restoring diplomatic and economic relations. While the Biden administration recently implemented extensive sanctions targeting Russia’s oil sector, Trump’s administration previously considered both easing and expanding sanctions depending on the progress of peace negotiations. These potential approaches highlight the ongoing tension between leveraging sanctions for maximum pressure and using them as incentives for diplomatic resolution.
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France is also negotiating with Ukraine for access to critical minerals, mirroring similar U.S. efforts to diversify mineral supplies. These discussions, initiated by President Macron in October and led by Defense Minister Lecornu, aim to secure raw materials for France’s defense industry over the next several decades. Unlike the U.S. deal, France’s pursuit of these minerals is not framed as repayment for aid provided to Ukraine. The negotiations are currently in their early stages.
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During a cabinet meeting on February 26th, President Trump characterized Vladimir Putin as “very smart,” suggesting Putin’s intentions in Ukraine extended beyond negotiation to complete control of the country. Trump asserted that Putin would ultimately be forced to make concessions to resolve the conflict. However, he also indicated a reluctance to provide extensive security guarantees to Ukraine, placing the onus primarily on Europe.
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President Trump declared that Ukraine’s NATO aspirations are unrealistic, a statement made during a press conference following a Cabinet meeting. He plans upcoming negotiations with Putin to resolve the Ukraine conflict, a process that excludes explicit inclusion of Zelenskyy. This strategy follows Trump’s recent controversial dialogue with Putin and his criticism of Zelenskyy, prompting sharp rebukes from critics. Furthermore, a finalized U.S.-Ukraine mineral resource revenue-sharing agreement has been announced, despite lacking explicit U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine.
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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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British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a significant increase in UK defense spending, aiming to reach 2.5% of GDP by 2027 and 3% by 2034, to counter the perceived threat from Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he labelled a tyrant. This increase, framed as the largest since the Cold War’s end, is intended to deter further Russian aggression in Europe and protect the UK from various forms of Russian interference. The plan involves strengthening alliances with the US and other European nations, while also focusing on procuring crucial military equipment like drones and tanks to bolster UK readiness. A peacekeeping plan for Ukraine, developed with France, seeks indirect US support.
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John Q. Hosedrinker