February
01.02.2025
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Saturday
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Death in the Poltava Tower

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Russia launched a massive attack of 40 missiles and 123 drones across Ukraine, with the deadliest impact on a residential building in Poltava. The death toll rose from 2 to 11 throughout the day, including entire families.

In parallel developments, a recruitment officer was shot at a gas station in the Poltava region, while an explosion at a recruitment center in Rivne killed one and injured six. These incidents follow patterns of resistance to mobilization efforts.

By evening, reports emerged of a Russian strike on a boarding school in Sudzha, with Air Forces later providing evidence of Russian responsibility for the attack. The military reported 104 combat engagements along the front.

Trump's team continued signaling potential negotiations, with his special representative suggesting Ukrainian elections should follow a ceasefire, marking a shift in diplomatic discourse.
02.02.2025
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Sunday
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The Poltava Tower's Fourteen

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The death toll from yesterday's missile strike on Poltava's residential building climbed to 14, including two children, as rescue operations concluded. The morning brought news of overnight drone attacks across multiple regions, with Kharkiv suffering a significant Shahed strike.

President Zelenskyy warned against US-Russia negotiations excluding Ukraine, while requesting direct talks with Trump. A successful operation in Kursk region reportedly eliminated key Russian and North Korean officers, with Zelenskyy claiming one North Korean brigade was completely destroyed.

The evening saw another attack on a military recruitment center in Pavlohrad, following yesterday's shooting of a recruitment officer in Poltava region. Russian forces maintained pressure on Pokrovsk direction, with General Syrsky reporting 15,000 Russian casualties in January alone.

By night, Russian forces attacked a bus in Kherson with a drone, injuring five civilians.
03.02.2025
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Monday
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White House Speaks While Refineries Burn

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White House's direct communication with Moscow emerged through Trump's announcement of peace talks with both Russia and Ukraine. Ukrainian drones struck Russian oil and gas facilities in Volgograd and Astrakhan regions, with General Staff confirming the attacks.

Three violent attacks on military recruitment offices drew sharp condemnation from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi, while UN documented 79 executions of Ukrainian POWs by Russian forces since August. A Moscow explosion killed Sarkisyan, former anti-Maidan organizer who led the "Arbat" battalion.

By evening, Trump proposed exchanging Ukrainian rare earth metals for continued US aid, while Reuters revealed that Biden's administration had delivered only half of promised military assistance by November 2024. The day concluded with Zelenskyy approving reorganization plans for the Armed Forces amid 97 combat engagements, with 39 in Pokrovsk direction.
04.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day Izium Council Fell to Missiles for Earth Metals

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The morning began with US weapons shipments resuming after a brief pause, while Trump proposed trading military aid for Ukraine's rare earth metals. A Russian ballistic missile struck Izium's city center at 10 AM, initially killing four civilians. The casualty count rose throughout the day to five dead and fifty-five wounded, including three children and a pregnant woman. The strike destroyed the city council building.

Zelenskyy responded to Trump's proposal by expressing willingness to jointly extract resources. By evening, he escalated rhetoric by demanding return of nuclear weapons if NATO membership continues to be delayed. The military reported 54 combat clashes along the front lines, with Ukrainian forces striking a Russian command post in Kursk region.

Late evening, Zelenskyy revealed for the first time that over 45,000 Ukrainian soldiers have died in the war.
05.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Trump's Minerals Met Zelenskyy's Nuclears

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Russian Shahed drones struck Kharkiv overnight, causing fires in two districts. Ukrainian forces confirmed striking a Russian oil refinery in Krasnodar region and a Buk missile system in Zaporizhzhia, continuing the pattern of deep strikes from previous days.

Zelenskyy's interview with Piers Morgan revealed that 40% of Ukraine's military equipment is now domestically produced, while US support comprises 30% of defense capabilities. The interview included unprecedented demands for nuclear weapons return if NATO membership remains delayed.

Trump's "constructive negotiations" proposal linking military aid to Ukrainian mineral resources emerged as a major story, while reports surfaced of 20 American fighters missing in action since 2022. By afternoon, an explosion at a military recruitment center in Kamianets-Podilskyi killed one and wounded four, marking the fourth such incident this week.
06.02.2025
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Thursday
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Fighter Jets Land as Kursk Burns

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Ukraine received a new batch of F-16s from the Netherlands and Mirage 2000s from France, marking a significant expansion of air capabilities. The delivery coincided with reports of Ukrainian forces launching an offensive in Russia's Kursk region with 500 personnel and 50 armored vehicles.

Zelenskyy signaled readiness for talks with Putin, continuing the negotiation narrative that emerged with Trump's mineral resources proposal from previous days. The debate over wartime elections intensified, with Kellogg emphasizing constitutional constraints.

By evening, air raid alerts sounded across Ukraine due to drone threats. Russian forces reportedly attempted to launch an Oreshnik missile at Kyiv, but it fell on Russian territory. The General Staff reported 89 combat engagements along the front lines, maintaining the intensity level from previous days.
07.02.2025
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Friday
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Trump's Peace Terms Surface While Kursk Burns

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The morning began with reports detailing Trump's envoy Kellogg's first meeting with Ukraine's ambassador, where he rated current sanctions against Russia "three out of ten" while promising to double them under Trump. By midday, sources claimed Trump's peace deal was "90% ready," coinciding with confirmation of Ukraine's 5km advance into Russia's Kursk region.

The afternoon saw Trump announcing plans to meet Zelenskyy next week, while also indicating intention to speak with Putin. Zelenskyy confirmed upcoming negotiations with Trump's team and validated the Kursk offensive's progress.

Evening developments centered on Ukraine's military recruitment plans for ages 18-24 and a potential US-Ukraine gas storage deal. The Justice Department's dissolution of its Russian oligarch task force continued generating discussion throughout the day, marking a shift in US policy approach.
08.02.2025
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Saturday
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Morning of Kursk's Two Miles

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Ukrainian forces advanced 2.5 kilometers into Russia's Kursk region, with Zelenskyy confirming the operation struck a command post, killing 20 Russian officers. The offensive involved North Korean troops on the Russian side, marking their first confirmed combat engagement.

Russia launched its largest drone attack of 2025, with nearly 140 UAVs targeting four Ukrainian regions. Defense forces claimed to have shot down 67 drones, with 71 more "locationally lost."

The Baltic states completed their power grid separation from Russia, ending a 20-year transition process. The Defense Ministry prepared to announce details of new military contracts for ages 18-24, following yesterday's recruitment discussions.

Evening reports focused on Putin's plans to expand his army by 100,000 troops, while Trump's recent concessions to Putin generated analysis in Western media. Ukraine selected Ziferblat to represent the country at Eurovision 2025.
09.02.2025
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Sunday
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Dawn When Trump Called Putin

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Morning news focused on Trump's claimed phone conversation with Putin regarding war termination, though Kremlin neither confirmed nor denied the call. Simultaneously, Russia launched its largest drone attack of 2025, with over 150 Shaheds targeting six regions.

By midday, Zelenskyy addressed questions about 2025 war conclusion prospects and martial law continuation, stating that lifting restrictions for elections would compromise military capabilities. Biden's proposed $500M security guarantee package emerged as a parallel narrative.

Evening reports detailed Trump advisor's statement that post-war security guarantees should be Europe's responsibility, marking a shift from previous US positions. Military updates showed 133 combat engagements, primarily in Pokrovsk and Kursk sectors, continuing the operational tempo from previous days. Baltic states completed their power grid separation from Russia, accelerating the timeline announced earlier this week.
10.02.2025
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Monday
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Dawn of Trump's Negotiators

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Russian drone attacks on Kyiv and Sumy opened the day, with officials reporting all 83 drones intercepted. Parallel attacks targeted Russia's Krasnodar region and Afipsky oil refinery.

By midday, media focus shifted to Trump's Ukraine initiatives, as Zelenskyy announced Trump team representatives would visit Kyiv this week. Kellogg reportedly paused his peace plan development to consult NATO allies. The Munich Security Conference report warned of decreasing US support.

Evening coverage revealed new military recruitment incentives for ages 18-24, including preferential mortgages. Defense forces reported containing 40 Russian attacks in the Pokrovsk direction, while maintaining positions gained in Kursk region. Bloomberg indicated Kellogg would present war termination options to Trump in coming weeks.

NABU launched investigations into both Energoatom leadership and Klitschko allies, suggesting internal political tensions.
11.02.2025
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Tuesday
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When Earth Metals Met Gas Pipes

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Russia launched a targeted missile strike against Ukraine's gas infrastructure in Poltava region, using 19 missiles and causing emergency power outages across multiple regions. Ukrainian forces responded with drone strikes on Russia's Saratov oil refinery and Engels airbase.

Trump's claim about Ukraine agreeing to a $500 billion rare earth minerals deal dominated midday coverage, coinciding with reports of his administration pausing their peace plan development. Parliament approved the purchase of nuclear reactors for Khmelnytskyi power plant through Bulgaria.

By afternoon, Zelenskyy revealed willingness to negotiate territorial exchanges with Russia, specifically mentioning Kursk region, following recent Ukrainian advances there. The Defense Ministry launched new recruitment contracts for ages 18-24, offering financial incentives. Pentagon explicitly ruled out deploying US troops to Ukraine, while "Ramstein" meeting preparations indicated no new US aid packages forthcoming.
12.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Dawn of Two Calls Through Saudi

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Russian ballistic missiles struck Kyiv at dawn, killing one person and injuring several, including a child. Air defense intercepted 6 missiles and 71 drones.

By midday, Pentagon chief's statement declaring Ukraine's 1991 borders "unrealistic" shifted media focus from operational updates to diplomatic possibilities. This contextualized subsequent revelations about Trump's direct phone conversation with Putin and immediate follow-up call with Zelenskyy. Both calls centered on potential peace negotiations.

Evening coverage revealed Trump's plan to meet Putin in Saudi Arabia, while parallel coverage tracked SBU chief Maliuk's personal involvement in capturing a high-ranking intelligence official accused of working for Moscow. The day's trajectory from morning violence to evening diplomacy mirrors the week's broader pattern of escalating military pressure concurrent with accelerating peace initiatives.
13.02.2025
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Thursday
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Dawn of Saudi's Absent Chair

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Trump's announcement of a bilateral meeting with Putin in Saudi Arabia without Ukraine's participation dominated morning coverage, following yesterday's separate phone calls. Chinese alternative proposal to host the summit emerged in parallel.

By midday, NSDC imposed indefinite sanctions against five oligarchs including former president Poroshenko, while SBU arrested Colonel Koziura for alleged FSB cooperation. Putin's administration announced formation of negotiation team with US.

Evening developments centered on Zelenskyy's firm stance against bilateral talks without Ukraine, coinciding with reports of SBU's second drone strike on Andreapol oil facility. Trump's team attempted to soften concerns by clarifying that territorial losses in potential peace agreement wouldn't constitute formal recognition.

Late evening brought announcement of trilateral talks in Munich, promptly denied by Zelenskyy's office, highlighting growing discord between US and Ukrainian diplomatic positions.
14.02.2025
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Friday
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Day When Drone Hit Chornobyl

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Russian drone struck Chornobyl's protective sarcophagus at 85-meter altitude, evading radar detection. IAEA confirmed damage while radiation levels remained stable. This attack overshadowed morning developments regarding Trump's peace initiative.

At Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy addressed requirements for Ukraine's security, stating need for 1.5-million-strong army if staying outside NATO. He set conditions for Putin meeting, demanding pre-approved peace framework with US. Vice President Vance contradicted Defense Secretary by not ruling out US troop deployment.

Evening brought confirmation of Saudi Arabia's willingness to host Trump-Putin summit, while Ukraine submitted rare earth metals partnership proposal to US. Media coverage shifted between Chornobyl incident's technical implications and diplomatic maneuvering around potential peace talks formats.
15.02.2025
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Saturday
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Day When Munich Spoke While Chornobyl Burned

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Morning coverage centered on Zelenskyy's stark warnings at Munich Security Conference about Ukraine's survival prospects without US military support, while firefighters contained a Russian drone strike at Chornobyl's protective structures. Vance's accusation of WSJ misrepresenting his statements about US troop deployment sparked media debate.

By afternoon, AP's revelation of Europe's secret planning for post-war military presence in Ukraine shifted attention from US support concerns. Military reports indicated unprecedented intensity with 176 combat clashes, primarily in Kupiansk and Pokrovsk sectors.

Evening brought confirmation of Trump-Putin meeting preparations in Saudi Arabia, while Kellogg outlined potential peace terms requiring Russian territorial concessions. The day concluded with reports of 250 Russian attacks, marking the most intense fighting of 2025.
16.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day Ukraine Named Its Dead

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Russian forces launched massive drone attacks on Mykolaiv's infrastructure, leaving 100,000 without heat. Ukrainian air defense intercepted 95 drones across 10 regions. In Pokrovsk direction, Ukrainian forces liberated Pishchane village, marking a tactical shift.

At Munich, discussions continued regarding peace formats, with Trump's team excluding European participation while Scholz insisted on EU involvement. Reports emerged of imminent US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, while Ukraine rejected Trump administration's demands for control over rare earth metals extraction.

For the first time, Zelenskyy revealed military casualties: 46,000 killed and tens of thousands missing. Bloomberg reported Trump administration's aim for Easter ceasefire. The day concluded with Zelenskyy arriving in UAE, Ukraine's key mediator for prisoner exchanges, while air raid sirens sounded in Kyiv.
17.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Ukraine Rejected Saudi Talks

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Morning brought British Labour leader Starmer's readiness to deploy troops for peace implementation, while emergency power outages hit multiple regions following Russian drone strikes. Ukrainian forces struck Russian oil infrastructure, targeting Ilsky refinery and Kropotkinskaya pumping station.

By early afternoon, Zelenskyy announced Ukraine's exclusion from and rejection of US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, stating Ukraine wasn't informed and won't recognize resulting agreements. This revelation came alongside news of Washington Post reporting European considerations to deploy up to 30,000 troops to Ukraine.

Evening developments centered on European leaders' disagreements at the Paris summit regarding peacekeeping missions, while Trump's envoy Kellogg insisted no peace agreement would be imposed on Ukraine. The day concluded with renewed drone attacks on Kyiv's industrial areas, maintaining pressure on the capital's infrastructure.
18.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day of Saudi's Empty Box

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US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia dominated media coverage, with both sides deliberately excluding Ukraine despite Saudi objections. The 4.5-hour meeting yielded minimal concrete outcomes beyond agreement to restore embassy staffing and establish working groups. Zelenskyy postponed his Saudi visit in response.

European leaders struggled to maintain relevance, with Rheinmetall's chief noting Europe's relegation to the "children's table." Reports emerged of a new €6 billion EU military aid package, while France announced a second emergency meeting on Ukraine's security.

Combat intensity increased, with Russia deploying larger assault groups and more armored vehicles. The General Staff confirmed Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, including the Ilsky refinery. Trump expressed "disappointment" with Ukraine's refusal to negotiate, while US intelligence assessed Putin remains uninterested in genuine peace talks.
19.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day When Odesa Froze in Dark

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Russian drone strikes on Odesa's infrastructure left 250,000 residents without heat and power during morning hours, damaging children's clinics and kindergartens. While the city struggled with outages, Trump's special envoy Kellogg arrived in Kyiv with a stated mission "to listen."

By midday, Zelenskyy held a press conference responding to Trump's claim of his 4% approval rating, attributing it to Russian disinformation. The Ukrainian stock market dropped following Trump's criticism. Boris Johnson and Keir Starmer publicly supported Zelenskyy's position.

Evening developments centered on Macron's announcement of EU security commitments following a second emergency summit, while Ukrainian forces reportedly struck Russian oil infrastructure in Kuban. Trump escalated rhetoric by calling Zelenskyy a "dictator without elections," prompting his vice president to warn against "attacking Trump."
20.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day of Kellogg's Silent Walk

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Russian forces launched massive attacks on Ukraine's gas infrastructure and Odesa's power grid during early morning hours. Trump's accusations against Zelenskyy regarding a failed minerals deal dominated morning coverage, while Republicans compared Trump to Stalin.

Starmer's proposal to deploy 30,000 European troops in Ukraine gained traction across media platforms. By afternoon, Trump's envoy Kellogg met Zelenskyy in Kyiv, with Washington specifically requesting no press conference or statements - a sharp departure from diplomatic norms. Zelenskyy later indicated readiness for a "strong deal" regarding minerals and security.

Evening reports revealed US resistance to labeling Russia as "aggressor" in G7's third invasion anniversary statement, while claims emerged about US halting weapons sales to Ukraine. These developments followed the previous day's Saudi talks exclusion and Trump's escalating rhetoric against Kyiv.
21.02.2025
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Friday
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Day of Johnson's Empty Plate

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The morning revealed Russia's demands from Er-Riyadh talks, while Reuters exposed secret US-Russia negotiations in Switzerland. House Speaker Johnson's statement about "no appetite" for Ukraine aid dominated coverage, following previous days' pattern of US-Russia diplomatic engagement excluding Ukraine.

US removed pro-Ukrainian language from G7 statement, with Senator Rubio privately reassuring European allies. The administration's special envoy Kellogg praised Zelenskyy as "courageous," contrasting with Trump's dismissal of the Ukrainian president as "not important" for peace talks.

Evening reports focused on potential Trump-Putin meeting on May 9 in Moscow, though Trump later denied these claims. Ukrainian polling showed increasing support for compromise solutions, while teams from both countries continued working on a new bilateral agreement amid air raid alerts in Kyiv.
22.02.2025
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Saturday
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Day When Starlink Became Leverage

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The morning began with reports of US threats to disconnect Ukraine from Starlink unless a minerals agreement was signed. This followed previous days' negotiations with Kellogg. Russia launched its largest drone attack of 2025, with over 160 UAVs targeting multiple regions, killing one railway worker.

By afternoon, Sky News revealed Ukraine's hesitation to sign the minerals deal due to "problematic issues," while new details emerged showing 100% American ownership demands in the latest draft. The Washington Post exposed US requests for Ukraine to withdraw its UN resolution condemning Russian aggression.

Evening developments centered on Musk's denial of Starlink threats and a Russian missile strike on Kryvyi Rih. The day's coverage showed increasing pressure on Ukraine from multiple directions, with minerals, Starlink access, and UN resolutions being used as leverage points.
23.02.2025
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Sunday
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Day When Two Hundred Drones Brought Minerals Back

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Russia launched its largest drone attack of the war - 267 UAVs and ballistic missiles - with 138 drones shot down and 119 lost to electronic warfare. The attack coincided with reports of Ukraine rejecting US demands for a $500 billion minerals fund.

By afternoon, during the "Ukraine. Year 2025" forum, Zelensky announced readiness to resign if it would secure peace or NATO membership. The statement followed days of US pressure regarding mineral rights and Starlink access. Officials clarified that mineral rights negotiations continue, with occupied territories holding resources worth $350 billion.

German elections showed CDU leading with the pro-Russian AfD in second place. Intelligence chief Budanov warned of possible massive Russian attacks on February 24, while noting North Korea now supplies 50% of Russia's ammunition needs. Evening brought air raid alerts to Kyiv, while Trump's team suggested using "Istanbul agreements" as peace framework.
24.02.2025
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Monday
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Day Three Years Became Numbers

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Russia marked the invasion's third anniversary with its largest drone attack yet - 185 UAVs targeting multiple regions. European leaders converged on Kyiv for a "Support Ukraine" summit, while the G7 meeting included an unexpected dialogue between Zelensky and Trump.

The UN General Assembly split over two competing resolutions, with the US opposing Ukraine's version while pushing its own. Lithuania proposed January 1, 2030, as Ukraine's EU entry date, while Canada pledged ammunition and $5 billion in frozen Russian assets.

By evening, Trump announced plans to meet Zelensky "this or next week" regarding the minerals agreement that dominated previous days' coverage, claiming it could return "tens of billions." The day ended with Macron suggesting renewed contact with Putin, while Trump expressed hope for post-war economic cooperation with Russia.
25.02.2025
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Tuesday
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Day When Europe Challenged Half Trillion Deal

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Russia launched a massive overnight attack with 213 drones and 7 missiles, with air defense intercepting 139 projectiles. The UN Security Council adopted a US-proposed single-sentence resolution on the war's anniversary, notably omitting mention of Russian aggression.

By midday, the World Bank released new reconstruction cost estimates of $524 billion, as European leaders positioned themselves against the US-Ukraine minerals agreement. The EU revealed a competing €200 billion aid package, while Poland announced additional €200 million military support.

Evening brought reports of a Russian strike on Kramatorsk causing 16 casualties, as Financial Times confirmed Ukraine and US reached agreement on mineral rights. Sources indicated Zelensky might sign the deal in Washington on February 28, potentially meeting Trump. The day ended with another drone hitting Kyiv, marking continued Russian pressure during negotiations.
26.02.2025
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Wednesday
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Day Minerals Bought War Rights

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Russian drone attacks killed two in Kyiv region - a prominent surgeon and his TV journalist wife - and five in Kostiantynivka. The full text of the US-Ukraine minerals agreement emerged, revealing direct links to security guarantees. While Zelensky emphasized Ukraine would incur no debt, Trump framed the deal as giving Ukraine "the right to fight."

Initial uncertainty about Zelensky's Washington visit cleared when Trump confirmed their Friday meeting. The Ukrainian government approved the agreement text, but Trump dampened expectations, stating Ukraine must "forget about NATO" and that Europe, not the US, should provide security guarantees.

Former Russian Foreign Minister Kozyrev suggested Ukraine should develop nuclear weapons in response. By evening, Trump acknowledged he "can't guarantee" a peace deal, noting Putin "wanted the whole thing," while maintaining his promise of seeking "the best peace agreement."
27.02.2025
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Thursday
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Day When Ground Gave Power

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The US-Ukraine minerals agreement negotiations reached critical phase with security guarantees emerging as central point of contention. Trump's team attempted to remove these guarantees, while Zelensky refused to sign without them. France revealed ongoing parallel negotiations since autumn regarding Ukrainian mineral resources.

North Korean troop deployment to Russia was reported by South Korean intelligence, while ISW indicated Russia's shift toward using ultimatums rather than military force to capture Ukrainian cities. US-Russia talks in Istanbul lasted six hours, as Putin praised initial contacts with Trump's administration.

By evening, Trump extended sanctions against Russia while retracting his "dictator" comment about Zelensky. Turkish peacekeeping forces emerged as potential solution, with Erdogan discussing deployment with both Moscow and Kyiv. Russian forces launched drone attacks on Zaporizhzhia and Kharkiv's energy infrastructure.
28.02.2025
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Friday
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Day White House Door Slammed

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Russia launched 208 drones overnight, with Ukrainian forces neutralizing 204 through interceptions and electronic warfare. Emergency power outages returned to multiple regions. Russian forces briefly breached the Sumy border before being repelled.

The anticipated White House meeting between Zelensky and Trump devolved into a public confrontation, broadcast live. The Ukrainian delegation left prematurely after Trump claimed Zelensky was "not ready for peace." The planned minerals and security agreement remained unsigned. Following the confrontation, Zelensky held urgent calls with Macron and NATO leadership.

By evening, global leaders rallied to support Ukraine as Trump demanded Zelensky explicitly state his desire for peace before any future negotiations. Russian forces launched a new wave of drone attacks on Kharkiv, targeting medical facilities and residential areas.
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