Expert guide to US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia

11:04 AM

Russia holds 'the cards' in possible peace talks, Trump says.

"I think the Russians want to see the war end, I really do. I think they have the cards a little bit, because they've taken a lot of territory. They have the cards," U.S. President Donald Trump said.

9:58 AM  (Updated:  February 20, 2025 10:29 am)

Updated: 7 killed, 30 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day.

Russian aerial strikes targeted an energy facility of Ukraine's DTEK company in Odesa Oblast overnight, the company announced. Governor Oleh Kiper said that 49,000 consumers remain without power as of 9 a.m. local time as repairs continue.

10:36 PM  (Updated:  February 20, 2025 10:17 am)

Elections in Ukraine

A beginner's guide to elections in Ukraine (also suitable for US presidents)

10:16 AM

Starmer to pitch plan on 30,000 European peacekeepers in Ukraine to Trump, Telegraph reports.

The purpose of this support is to ensure that "whatever forces are deployed will not be challenged by Russia," an unnamed source told the Telegraph.

9:15 AM

Trump wants to 'resurrect' Ukraine resources deal 'or things are not gonna make (Zelensky) too happy.'

"I think I’m gonna resurrect that deal, you know, we'll see what happens, but I’m gonna resurrect it or things are gonna not make him (President Volodymyr Zelensky) too happy," U.S. President Donald Trump said.

8:47 AM

European leaders back Zelensky after Trump's accusations.

"Ukraine has been defending itself against Russia's merciless war of aggression for almost three years... And it is simply wrong and dangerous to deny President Zelensky's democratic legitimacy," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on X.

8:10 AM

Macron, Starmer to visit Washington next week as they reaffirm support for Ukraine in calls with Zelensky.

French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will visit Washington next week to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump, Fox News reported on Feb. 19.

8:07 AM

General Staff: Russia has lost 863,580 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.

This number includes 1,190 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.

6:27 AM

Sanctions remain vital for maintaining international pressure on Russia, Deputy PM says.

Sanctions against Russia remain a key tool of international pressure, Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Olha Stefanishyna said on Feb. 19.

4:21 AM

Russian court issues first prison sentence under ‘LGBT extremism’ law.

A court in Siberia has issued Russia’s first prison sentence under the country’s ban on the so-called “international LGBT movement,” independent Russian outlet Mediazona reported on Feb. 19.

1:24 AM

Belarus exports rapeseed oil from occupied Ukrainian territories to EU, RFE/RL investigation finds.

The Belarusian company Agroproduct has been using raw materials from Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine’s southern Kherson Oblast to produce rapeseed oil, which it then exported to the European Union.

11:39 PM

Oil prices near one-week high amid Russia supply disruptions, sanctions uncertainty.

Oil prices remained near a one-week high on Feb. 19 as concerns over supply disruptions in Russia and the U.S. continued to drive the market.

9:46 PM

War update

Ukraine war latest: Trump calls Zelensky 'dictator,' warns of Ukraine's demise without elections

9:43 PM

Video

Ukrainians react to Trump’s shocking accusation about the war.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s latest comments about Ukraine are raising eyebrows — and spreading misinformation. He claimed that Ukraine was the one who started Russia's war, said that Ukraine had been “blown to smithereens,” and claimed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has a 4% approval rating — none of which has a factual basis. How do actual Ukrainians feel about Trump’s words? The Kyiv Independent’s Masha Lavrova hit the streets of Kyiv to hear their raw, unfiltered reactions.

9:27 PM

Russian war crimes

British volunteer who lost arm and leg evacuating Ukrainian civilians: ‘Russia is the enemy. How can you not see it?’

9:23 PM

Interview

US-Russia talks are 'the last warning for Europe,' Gabrielius Landsbergis says

9:05 PM

Vance says Zelensky 'badmouthing' Trump, calls it counterproductive.

"The idea that Zelensky is going to change the president's mind by badmouthing him in public media — everyone who knows the president will tell you that is an atrocious way to deal with this administration," U.S. Vice President JD Vance said.

8:28 PM

Lithuania's president unveils 6-point plan to support Ukraine, strengthen European security.

"We must act now to support Ukraine and boost Europe's security. No more talk shops — time for action," Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda wrote on X.

8:04 PM

North Korean troops in Russia reportedly told they're fighting South Korean forces.

One of the captured North Korean soldiers admitted that he and his fellow soldiers believed they were fighting South Korean troops, which heightened their morale and aggression, South Korean newspaper Chosun Daily reported.

6:39 PM

Trump calls Zelensky 'dictator,' warns of Ukraine's demise without elections.

"A dictator without elections, Zelensky better move fast, or he won’t have a country left," U.S. President Donald Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social.

6:22 PM

Ukraine refutes Putin's claims of Russian offensive from Kursk Oblast.

President Vladimir Putin told Russian media on Feb. 18 that Russian forces had crossed into Ukrainian territory from Kursk Oblast, a claim General Staff spokesperson Dmytro Lykhovyi has dismissed as part of a disinformation campaign.

5:38 PM

Putin would 'gladly' meet Trump, says war in Ukraine should be 'worked out' in advance.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Feb. 19 that he had been briefed on the outcome of U.S.-Russian talks in Riyadh, expressing willingness to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump.

5:18 PM

Czechia, Poland preparing decision on status of Ukrainians with temporary protection after ceasefire, war's end.

Prague and Warsaw are seeking to prepare a "rough version of the proposal," as the decision should be made later at the EU level, Czech Interior Minister Vit Rakusan told Czech news website Novinky on Feb. 18.

5:14 PM

Ukraine Business Roundup — Trump wants Ukraine's natural resources, and more

3:58 PM

Hungary again blocks EU sanctions against Moscow Patriarch Kirill.

"Hungary also blocked sanctions against 27 individuals and organizations, including Patriarch Kirill, arguing that targeting religious leaders undermines peace efforts," a Hungarian government spokesperson said.