Kellogg's comments on meeting with Zelenskyy, Russia's plans to spread disinformation in Ukraine: February 21 highlights
U.S. Special Representative Keith Kellogg made his first statements following his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. China welcomed the "consensus" between the U.S. and Russia regarding the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian military intelligence reported that Russian propagandists have been instructed to spread disinformation within Ukrainian society. Here are the key events for February 21.
Kellogg commented on the meeting with Zelenskyy
Special Representative Keith Kellogg described his discussions with Ukrainian leaders as "extensive and positive."
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had earlier expressed hope that the meeting would "restore hope" for a peaceful resolution to the conflict
Trump: Zelenskyy "not required" to be at talks
US President Donald Trump said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy "does not have to" be in talks with Russia.
According to him, Zelenskyy did a terrible job in negotiations with Russia and allegedly did nothing in these three years.
In addition, Trump accused Kyiv of talking "tough" but not having any "trump cards."
And US special envoy Steve Witkoff said that he spent a lot of time with Russian leader Vladimir Putin and even developed a friendship with him.
China supports "consensus" between the US and Russia on the war in Ukraine
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, speaking at the G20 summit in South Africa, welcomed the recent "consensus" achieved between the United States and Russia regarding the war in Ukraine.
He noted that there has been an increase in calls for peace talks and that the "window for peace is opening."
Axios: US and Ukraine negotiated "all night"
The United States and Ukraine held talks all night into Friday morning regarding a rare earth elements deal. This time, Washington presented an "improved" version of the agreement, Axios reports, citing its own sources.
According to the publication, the US has presented an “improved” proposal and made additional changes, but its exact terms are currently unknown. As one American official noted, “the decision is now up to Zelenskyy.”
Reuters: Russia wants to direct frozen assets to the reconstruction of occupied territories
Reuters, citing its own sources, reports that Russia may agree to use $300 billion from its frozen assets for post-war reconstruction in Ukraine, but will insist that some of the money be spent on restoring the territories it occupied.
Intelligence: Russians intensify efforts to spread distrust
The Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine learned that Russian propagandists have received instructions to intensify efforts to incite distrust in Ukrainian society.
To do this, they will spread narratives such as “The West has betrayed Ukraine,” “The opinion of Europeans and Ukrainians does not concern either Moscow or Washington,” “The US and Russia agreed on everything behind Ukraine’s back,” “The Ukrainian government is illegitimate,” “The Ukrainian army is losing at the front,” “Corrupt people are stealing billions of dollars of American aid from Ukraine.”
SBU: Russians have activated psyops
The Security Service of Ukraine has revealed a "significant increase" in Russian special services in conducting information and psychological special operations against Ukrainians.
In particular, Russians are calling on Ukrainians to take part in mass protests and offering money for participating in rallies.
Belgian F-16s to arrive in Ukraine later than planned
The first of 30 F-16 fighters that Belgium promised to Ukraine will arrive with a delay before the end of 2025. The country's Chief of Defense Staff, Frederik Vansina, explained that the transfer of the fighters was postponed due to the delay in the arrival of the F-35s, which Belgium purchased to replace the F-16s.
The Verkhovna Rada committee proposes to introduce military censorship of expenditures
Danil Getmantsev, Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy, proposes introducing a military policy of expenditure censorship.
According to him, there is a direct connection between events in international politics and Ukrainian finances. In his opinion, this is why Ukraine should critically review and consolidate all available domestic financial sources and resources, that is, "count every penny."
MP Kormyshkina decided to resign as deputy
Iryna Kormyshkina (Allahverdiyeva), a member of parliament from the Servant of the People party, has filed an application to resign from her position. She was previously charged with two counts of illegal enrichment and for entering false data into an e-declaration.
Ukrainian developers presented the Trembita cruise missile
Ukrainian developers from Pars have presented a model of the Trembita cruise missile. It costs $4,000, is equipped with a 20-kilogram warhead, and can hit targets at a depth of 150-160 kilometers.
Other news
- Ukraine has increased the production of drones 10 times, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said.
- The survey showed that since January, trust in Zelenskyy has increased to 65%.
- In Dnipro, a judge took possession of a rented apartment in the historic center of the city, law enforcement officials report.
- An American who directed attacks on the Armed Forces of Ukraine for two years complained about his lack of freedom due to surveillance by Russian special services.
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