New sanctions on Russia, support for Ukraine, and Macron's visit to Trump: highlights from February 24th.
The United Kingdom has announced the largest sanctions package against the Russian Federation since the beginning of the full-scale war. The General Staff has confirmed the strike on the Ryazan Oil Refinery in Russia.
For more details on what happened on Monday, February 24 - see the article by RBK-Ukraine.
Russia's War Against Ukraine: Latest News
- The occupiers have once again attacked with "Shahed" drones. In particular, debris from a drone hit a high-rise building in Brovary.
- In Kyiv, on the third anniversary of the war, an International Summit to Support Ukraine took place with the leaders of various countries. During this event, aid packages were announced by Canada, Sweden, Finland, the United Kingdom, Norway, Spain, and Denmark.
- The General Staff confirmed the strike on the Ryazan Oil Refinery in Russia. Additionally, an oil depot in the Tula region was attacked yesterday.
The EU Council has agreed on a broad 16th sanctions package against the Russian Federation on the third anniversary of the major war
According to an official statement from the European Union Council's press service, the package targets vital sectors of the Russian economy. The list includes 48 individuals and 35 organizations responsible for actions that undermine or threaten the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine.
Furthermore, the Council established two new criteria that will allow the EU to impose restrictive measures on individuals and entities owning or operating vessels of Putin's shadow fleet, as well as those supporting or benefiting from the Russian defense industry.
Additionally, 13 banks will be disconnected from SWIFT, imports of aluminum will be banned, and broadcasting licenses for 8 Russian media outlets in the EU will be suspended.
In the Russian Federation, it is cynically acknowledged that negotiations will not hinder their continuation of the war against Ukraine
The head of the Russian Foreign Ministry, Sergey Lavrov, claims that Russia is "ready to negotiate with both Ukraine and Europe, but hostilities will only cease when results are acceptable to Russia."
According to him, the option of a so-called "immediate peace," halting hostilities along the contact line and considering further steps, "will not be acceptable to Russia."
The President of Lithuania proposed a date for Ukraine's EU accession
"The security of Europe depends on the security of Ukraine. That is why let us accelerate Ukraine's accession to the EU. I propose the date of January 1, 2030. The opening of the first cluster can be done within a few weeks. Let us make Ukraine's path to the EU inevitable," said Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda during a summit of partner countries taking place in Kyiv.
Ukraine and the US teams are in the final stages of negotiations on a minerals agreement, - Stefanishyna
"The negotiations have been very constructive, with almost all key details agreed upon. We are committed to quickly finalizing this to proceed with its signing. We hope that the leaders of the US and Ukraine will sign and endorse it in Washington as soon as possible to demonstrate our commitment for decades to come," said Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna.
The UK has announced the largest sanctions package against the RF since the beginning of the full-scale war
The sanctions target military supply chains, revenues fueling the war, and businesses profiting the Kremlin, the British government stated. Thus, the list of restrictions includes 107 companies and individuals. The restrictions also encompass 40 vessels from the "shadow fleet" transporting Russian oil.
Additionally, London is imposing sanctions against 14 "new kleptocrats," some of whom lead strategic sectors of the Russian economy. Among them is Roman Trotsenko, one of the richest individuals in Russia, whose fortune is estimated at £2.2 billion.
Stubbs called on Europe for a common plan to participate in peace negotiations in Ukraine
Finnish President Alexander Stubbs proposed a three-phase structure: before negotiations, during the ceasefire, and after achieving peace.
"At this stage (the first - ed.), we need to think about how to put more pressure on the RF and how to support Ukraine. What security agreements can be made," he stated.
The UN General Assembly supported a resolution initiated by Ukraine and European countries
The draft resolution was voted on by 93 countries, 18 against, and 65 abstained.
Those who voted against included the USA, RF, Hungary, and Israel. Meanwhile, China abstained.
Putin convened a meeting on the development of the rare earth metals sector in the RF
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin stated that rare earth metals are critically important for microelectronics, energy, the digital economy, as well as the civil and defense sectors of Russia. In his opinion, the development of this sector will help grow the Russian economy.
France and the UK have prepared a security guarantee plan for Ukraine, - Macron
France and the UK have prepared a security guarantee plan for Ukraine. It may include sending troops to Ukraine. This was stated by French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with US President Donald Trump.
According to him, this plan may involve sending European soldiers to Ukraine. However, they "will not necessarily be stationed on the front line," but will be present "as a guarantee."
The UK announced the largest aid package for Ukraine
The United Kingdom will provide Ukraine with the largest aid package amounting to £4.5 billion ($5.69 billion).
"We must strengthen Ukraine even further to ensure lasting peace, not just a pause in this war. And we can do this in three ways. First, by increasing military assistance to Ukraine. And the UK is doing this - providing £4.5 billion in military aid, more than ever before," stated British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.