February witnessed the highest monthly destruction of Russian military vehicles since the invasion began, with Ukrainian forces eliminating over 3,472 vehicles and fuel tanks, along with hundreds of armored vehicles and tanks. Despite a decrease in ground combat engagements compared to January, Russian air strikes significantly increased. Heavy Russian losses, including an estimated 36,570 troops in February alone, suggest a high cost for minimal territorial gains in eastern Ukraine. This escalating equipment and personnel depletion has reportedly forced Russia to resort to using less protective equipment and civilian vehicles.
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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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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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Russia unleashed a massive drone assault on Ukraine, deploying 267 drones—the largest single attack since the full-scale invasion began. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 138 drones, but widespread damage resulted, including casualties in Kryvyi Rih and Odesa Oblast. The attacks, which also included missile strikes, caused significant damage to civilian infrastructure across the country, particularly in Kyiv and Zaporizhzhia. One fatality and numerous injuries were reported, highlighting the ongoing brutality of the conflict.
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President Zelenskyy vehemently rejected Donald Trump’s assertion that Ukraine initiated the war with Russia, calling it disinformation originating from Russia and emphasizing Ukraine’s unwavering stance against concessions. He dismissed Trump’s low approval rating claim, citing a recent poll showing significantly higher support. Zelenskyy also affirmed the Ukrainian army’s resilience and rejected any suggestion of replacing him during the ongoing conflict, underscoring the Ukrainian people’s unified opposition to Russian demands. Furthermore, he refuted Trump’s implication of a potential deal to avert the war, stating that Ukraine is not for sale and that any negotiations must involve Ukraine directly.
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In remarks made Tuesday, Donald Trump asserted that Ukraine bears responsibility for the ongoing conflict with Russia, suggesting a pre-invasion deal could have prevented the war. He criticized President Zelenskyy for not being included in recent US-Russia talks, claiming he could have brokered a deal preserving Ukrainian territory and preventing casualties. Trump further criticized Zelenskyy’s leadership and suggested Ukraine hold new elections as a potential peace measure. These statements follow Trump’s previous pronouncements supporting Russia and downplaying Ukraine’s defense.
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Ukraine’s resolute rejection of a U.S. demand for half its mineral resources underscores a critical moment in the ongoing conflict. This isn’t simply a disagreement over resources; it’s a stark illustration of the complexities of international relations, particularly when power dynamics are heavily skewed.
The proposed deal, initially floated at a staggering $500 billion for mineral rights, quickly morphed into a far more aggressive proposition: half of all Ukrainian mineral resources. This drastic shift, coupled with additional demands that Ukraine cede conquered territories and forgo NATO aspirations, reveals a transactional approach deeply troubling to many.
The demand for half of Ukraine’s mineral wealth is viewed by many as blatant exploitation, a situation where a nation already battling for its survival is being forced into a potentially ruinous bargain.… Continue reading
In a recent interview with The Guardian, President Zelensky revealed that assassination attempts against him occurred at the start of the full-scale Russian invasion, resulting in casualties within the Presidential Office. These attempts, along with others reported throughout the war, coincided with Russia’s pressure for Ukraine to accept unfavorable peace terms. Zelensky also highlighted Russia’s significant numerical military advantage over both Ukraine and Europe, warning that without Ukraine’s resistance, a full-scale Russian occupation of Europe is a real possibility. He cited intelligence indicating Russia’s plans to further expand its forces and potentially launch attacks beyond Ukraine’s borders.
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Overnight on February 11th, Ukrainian forces launched a joint operation involving drones and special forces, successfully striking the Saratov oil refinery, a key facility supplying fuel to Russian forces in Ukraine. The attack resulted in a significant fire at the Rosneft facility, the extent of which is still being assessed. This strike, along with recent attacks on other Russian energy infrastructure, is part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to weaken Russia’s military and economic capabilities. The Saratov refinery, with an annual refining capacity of 7 million tons of oil, is a critical component of Russia’s fuel infrastructure.
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A Ukrainian strike reportedly targeted the headquarters of Russia’s 35th Separate Guards Motor Rifle Brigade in the occupied city of Selydove, resulting in the deaths of numerous commanders. Unverified drone footage and social media posts from both Ukrainian and pro-Russian sources corroborate the attack, with some suggesting a U.S.-supplied HIMARS system was used. The strike, if confirmed, would significantly hinder Russia’s ongoing offensive towards Pokrovsk in the Donetsk region. While the Russian Ministry of Defense has yet to comment, the incident underscores the ongoing intense fighting in the area.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood