President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed optimism about talks to end Ukraine’s war with Russia ahead of the four-year anniversary of the conflict.
The Ukrainian leader provided an update following trilateral negotiations in Geneva this week saying that discussions “have not always been easy or reasonable”.
“We believe that real opportunities to end the war with dignity still exist, and the world’s ability to pressure the aggressor could significantly help ensure that a dignified peace replaces the war,” he wrote in a post on X on Friday.
But it follows reports that he the country was preparing for “three more years of war” after losing faith in US security guarantees, according to Wall Street Journal correspondent Bojan Panczevski in a discussion on the Ronzheimer podcast.
It comes as Zelensky pushed back on Donald Trump’s demands Kyiv make concessions this week, saying it was “not fair” to only ask Kyiv to give ground to Russia.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that he could not say when the next round of talks would happen, after discussions in Geneva were left open but concluded without clear progress. Zelensky the next round of discussions could be “as early as this February”.
Key Points
- Zelensky says Ukraine 'ready for real compromises'
- Russia recruits over 1,000 Kenyans to fight in Putin’s war in Ukraine, intelligence report says
- Russian losses swell to 1,257,880: Ukraine
- Mapped: Russian advances in Donbas
- Ukraine officials to boycott games in protest over Russia’s participation
Explosions reported at Votkinsk missile factory in Russia
02:55 , Shahana YasminResidents in Russia’s Udmurt Republic reported explosions early on Saturday as drones struck the Votkinsk machine building plant, a major missile production site, according to the Kyiv Independent.
The plant is a state-owned defence enterprise that manufactures Iskander-M short-range ballistic missiles and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), and is suspected of producing the new Oreshnik ICBM, the outlet reported.
Videos shared on social media showed black smoke rising from the site, while locals posted images of shattered windows in nearby buildings, the outlet said.
Udmurtia governor Aleksandr Brechalov confirmed that a facility in the region had been hit by a Ukrainian drone and reported “damages and casualties,” but did not name the target.
Ukrainian drones damage Russian site, says governor
02:00 , Maira ButtUkrainian drones have damaged a site in southern Russia in the early hours of Saturday morning, according to governor of the Udmurtia region, Alexander Brechalov.
“A site in Udmurtia has come under attack from drones,” he said in a post on Telegram.
“There has been damage and injured as a result.”
He did not clarify the nature of the site but an unofficial Ukrainian site said the target had been a plant manufacturing Russian missiles in the city of Votkinsk in Udmurtia, about 1400 km (780 miles) from Ukraine.
EU fails to agree Russian sanctions package ahead of war anniversary
01:00 , Maira ButtEU envoys failed to agree on a 20th package of sanctions against Russia that could include a full maritime services ban on Russian crude oil exports.
The EU wants to adopt the next package to mark the four-year anniversary of the war on Ukraine on February 24.
Ambassadors could convene over the weekend to discuss it ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday.
Watch: Zelensky blasts Putin's 'historical s**t' in Ukraine negotiations
00:01 , Maira ButtRussia recruits over 1,000 Kenyans to fight in Putin’s war in Ukraine, intelligence report says
Friday 20 February 2026 23:00 , Maira ButtA new Kenyan intelligence report says that 1,000 Kenyans were recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine after being misled with false promises of jobs in Russia before being sent to the front lines.
The report was presented to parliament on Wednesday by parliamentary leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who accused Russian embassy officials of colluding with work recruitment agencies to dupe Kenyans into believing they would be given skilled jobs in Russia. He said the Russian embassy officials issued them tourist visas.
The Russian Embassy in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, denied the allegations, saying in a statement Thursday that it never issued visas to anyone intending to travel to Russia to fight in Ukraine. It added: “the Russian Federation does not preclude citizens of foreign countries from voluntarily enlisting in the armed forces.”
Russia recruits over 1,000 Kenyans to fight in Putin’s war in Ukraine
Ukraine frontline mapped: Kyiv counteroffensive regained territory before fruitless US peace talks
Friday 20 February 2026 22:00 , Maira ButtUkraine headed into the third round of direct talks with Russia and US mediators this week following a string of symbolic victories on the frontlines.
Two days of talks concluded abruptly on Wednesday, following lengthy discussions over territory the day before. Kyiv hailed progress in talks, though acknowledged that the two sides were still opposed on key issues.
There has been little progress in the talks to date, with Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky recently sharing his frustration that his country is “too often” asked to make concessions - as Moscow sticks to its maximalist demands.
Ukraine counteroffensive mapped: Kyiv regains territory before fruitless peace talks
How much land does Russia claim?
Friday 20 February 2026 21:00 , Maira ButtRussia currently occupies about 20% of Ukraine's national territory, including Crimea and parts of the Donbas seized before the 2022 invasion.
Analysts say Russia has gained about 1.3% of Ukrainian territory since early 2023.
Land is a key point of disagreement in talks between Russia and Ukraine. Kyiv says Ukrainians would not agree to giving away land Russia has not already taken.
While polls show a notable majority of Ukrainians oppose territorial concessions in exchange for Western security guarantees, the figures have narrowed slightly over the past year.
EU says Russia showing ‘no tangible signs’ of serious engagement and ‘not ready for peace’
Friday 20 February 2026 20:15 , Maira ButtThe European Union has said it is not seeing any tangible signs from Russia of serious engagement to end the war in Ukraine after the latest round of peace talks in Geneva.
“We see that Russia continues its relentless attacks on Ukraine. This does reflect that Russia is not ready for peace. We still do not see tangible signs that Russia is engaging seriously in peace,” said European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni.
“Even this week, ahead of the peace talks, Ukraine experienced another massive missile and drone strike, according to Ukrainian authorities. As long as the bloodshed continues, we will continue to put pressure on Russia,” he said.
The EU spokesperson added that “nothing can be decided about Ukraine without Europe at the negotiating table”.
CIA and MI6 knew Putin would invade Ukraine but no one - including Zelensky - believed it
Friday 20 February 2026 19:45 , Maira ButtAmerica’s intelligence agency the CIA and the UK’s MI6 knew that President Vladimir Putin was plotting on invading Ukraine in the weeks ahead of the war, according to an investigation by The Guardian.
Over 100 intelligence officials and insiders across multiple countries told the publication that the reports were dismissed, including by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky.
“In the final weeks, the intelligence leaders were starting to get it, the mood was different. But the political leadership just refused to accept it until right at the end,” said one US intelligence official.
“I felt the evidence we presented to them was overwhelming. It’s not like we held back something that, if only they had seen it, would have made all the difference,” said Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan on being dismissed by European countries.
“They were just seized with the conviction that this simply made no sense.”
Zelensky prepares for 'three more years of war' after losing faith in US security guarantees, say reports
Friday 20 February 2026 19:08 , Maira ButtUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has prepared for three more years of war after several meetings to end the war with Russia failed to reach a resolution.
Wall Street Journal correspondent Bojan Panczevski said he had been told of private cabinet meetings with Zelensky in which he expressed a lack of faith in the US to provide what he considers to be essential security guarantees.
“What makes me most sceptical is a meeting last Thursday [12 February] of Zelenskyy's private cabinet,” Panczevski told the Ronzheimer podcast.
“There, Zelensky announced that the negotiations had failed and that they now have to draw up a plan for another three years of war.
“Everyone was shocked.”
Hungary to block €90bn loan to Ukraine unless oil transit through Russian pipeline resumes
Friday 20 February 2026 18:45 , Maira ButtHungary will block a €90bn European Union loan for Ukraine until oil transit to Hungary via the Druzhba pipeline resumes, Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on Friday.
The pipeline carries oil from the eastern part of European Russia to points in Ukraine, Belarus, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Germany.
“By blocking oil transit to Hungary through the Druzhba pipeline, Ukraine violates the EU-Ukraine Association Agreement, breaching its commitments to the European Union. We will not give in to this blackmail,” Szijjarto said on X on Friday.
Diplomacy is still the only viable path to peace in Ukraine, UN refugee chief Barham Salih says
Friday 20 February 2026 18:12 , Maira ButtThere are many obstacles to a peace deal in Ukraine, but a diplomatic solution remains the only viable option, the newly appointed head of the U.N. refugee agency said Friday, warning that humanitarian operations are increasingly overstretched because of multiple global crises.
Barham Salih, Iraq’s former president who was elected UNHCR high commissioner in December, made his first visit to Ukraine since taking office.
After traveling to Ukraine’s front-line cities, including Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia, he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and discussed the latest in efforts to secure a peace deal. He also discussed the future of UNHCR operations as Ukraine endures Russian attacks on its energy grid during a harsh winter.
Diplomacy is still the only viable path to peace in Ukraine, UN refugee chief Barham Salih says
Ukraine is boycotting Paralympic opening ceremony
Friday 20 February 2026 17:40 , Sam RkainaUkrainian competitors will boycott the Milano Cortina Paralympics opening ceremony on March 6 in Verona, their committee said on Friday, due to the authorisation of some Russian and Belarusian athletes with their national flags.
The International Paralympic Committee's allocation of 10 combined slots to Russian and Belarusian athletes has created a political storm over the upcoming Games given the bitterness over the four-year-old invasion of Ukraine.
The Czech Paralympic Committee said it would also boycott the opening ceremony in solidarity with Ukraine, and some Polish officials will also stay away.
Russia, which has been excluded from much international competition due to the war, says it is wrong to mix sport and politics and that targeting disabled athletes is offensive.
Zelensky: no progress on land issue in talks with Russia
Friday 20 February 2026 16:51 , Sam RkainaThe military track in Ukraine-Russia talks is constructive, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Friday, but there is no positive movement on the territorial issue.
Ukraine expects the next round of talks to be held later this month, he told reporters in a Whatsapp group.
Kyiv also hopes for details on the next prisoner of war swap with Russia to be agreed in the coming days, he added.
Starmer and Macron to host Coalition of the Willing meeting
Friday 20 February 2026 15:26 , James ReynoldsEmmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer will chair a video conference of Ukraine's 'Coalition of the Allies' on February 24, Macron's office says.
That meeting next week is timed to coincide with the fourth anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The coalition includes more than 30 nations.
No progress on territory, says Zelensky
Friday 20 February 2026 14:47 , James ReynoldsVolodymyr Zelensky says that “so far no one sees any positive movement on the territorial issue”, despite the White House insisting that there was “meaningful progress” made this week in Geneva.
Zelensky reaffirmed that talks on military issues were constructive, reflecting the initial reports of his delegation leaving trilateral negotiations earlier this week.
He said that he is counting on another round of talks to come as soon as this month.
Germany will not acquire nuclear weapons, says defence minister
Friday 20 February 2026 14:02 , James ReynoldsGermany's defence minister on Friday ruled his country out of acquiring nuclear weapons and said military support for France would be conventional, even as the two countries begin talks on collaborating in nuclear deterrence.
"When it comes to the nuclear deterrence and defense capabilities of French partners and allies, then it is to support that conventionally, by conventional measures, but not in terms of nuclear participation," said Boris Pistorius.
European version of Five-Eyes under consideration
Friday 20 February 2026 13:27 , James ReynoldsGerman defence minister Boris Pistorius said on Friday a European version of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance of English speaking countries is being considered to better respond to threats posed by Russia.
Speaking at the Group of Five defence ministers meeting in Krakow with his counterparts of Poland, France, Britain and Italy, Pistorius said this was imaginable and considerations were ongoing.
"What can we do next? One idea could be to consider the idea of a joint tanker fleet or multi-domain task force, or even a European version of Five Eyes," the minister said.
Recap: Ukrainian defence exports 'could boost funds by billions of dollars'
Friday 20 February 2026 13:01 , James ReynoldsUkraine could export several billion dollars of military goods and services this year after authorising its first wartime foreign sales, a senior Ukrainian defence official revealed.
Davyd Aloian, deputy secretary of Kyiv's National Security and Defence Council, said that Ukrainian this month approved the majority of 40 applications from defence sector producers for exports of materiel and services.
"Taking into account ready-made products, spare parts, components, and services that can be provided, it amounts to several billion dollars,” he said, adding that Ukraine was considering introducing a tax on those exports.
Ukraine's allies have expressed interest in obtaining its cutting-edge defence technology, Aloian said, naming Germany, Britain, the US, Nordic countries, three Middle East nations, and at least one Asian country as among the keenest.
How much land does Russia claim?
Friday 20 February 2026 12:31 , James ReynoldsRussia currently occupies about 20% of Ukraine's national territory, including Crimea and parts of the Donbas seized before the 2022 invasion.
Analysts say Russia has gained about 1.3% of Ukrainian territory since early 2023.
Land is a key point of disagreement in talks between Russia and Ukraine. Kyiv says Ukrainians would not agree to giving away land Russia has not already taken.
While polls show a notable majority of Ukrainians oppose territorial concessions in exchange for Western security guarantees, the figures have narrowed slightly over the past year.
EU fails to agree Russian sanctions package ahead of war anniversary
Friday 20 February 2026 12:23 , James ReynoldsEU envoys failed to agree on a 20th package of sanctions against Russia that could include a full maritime services ban on Russian crude oil exports.
The EU wants to adopt the next package to mark the four-year anniversary of the war on Ukraine on February 24.
Ambassadors could convene over the weekend to discuss it ahead of a meeting of EU foreign ministers on Monday.
Zelensky says Ukraine 'ready for real compromises'
Friday 20 February 2026 12:07 , James ReynoldsVolodymyr Zelensky said today Ukraine is ready for “real compromises” but will not accept “ultimatums” from Russia amid uncertainty over progress in talks.
“We are ready for real compromises. But not compromises at the cost of our independence and sovereignty,” he said in conversation with Kyodo News.
The Ukrainian president said it was a “big compromise” that Ukraine was ready to talk about peace on the basis of the principle of “standing where we stand.”
He added: “What is Russia offering us as a compromise? What are they ready for? They said: “We are ready not to occupy your other regions.” But this is terrorism. Even these words themselves are terrorism. “I am ready not to kill you – give us everything.” What does that mean? This is not a compromise. This is an ultimatum. That is why I said: “We are ready for compromises that respect Ukrainian sovereignty and territorial integrity, our army, our people and our children. But we are not ready for ultimatums.”
Belarus denied visas for inaugural Board of Peace summit
Friday 20 February 2026 12:00 , James ReynoldsBelarus’ foreign ministry said today that its delegation was unable to get visas needed to attend the inaugural Board of Peace summit in Washington on Thursday.
In a blow to the close Russian ally, the ministry said visas were not issued “despite all documents being submitted on time and procedures followed”.
“If even basic formalities aren’t respected, what “peace” are we talking about?” they said.
UK and European allies to develop low-cost air defence weapons, UK says
Friday 20 February 2026 11:43 , James ReynoldsBritain and European allies including France, Germany, Italy and Poland will work together to develop new low-cost air defence weapons to protect the continent's skies, a statement from the UK's ministry of defence said on Friday.
"The UK and our E5 partners are stepping up - investing together in the next generation of air defence and autonomous systems to strengthen NATO's shield," Britain's minister for defence readiness and industry Luke Pollard said in a statement.
‘I don’t need historical s**t’: Zelensky tears into Putin over Geneva peace talks
Friday 20 February 2026 11:00 , James ReynoldsVolodymyr Zelensky tore into Vladimir Putin after the latest round of negotiations in Geneva failed to achieve a breakthrough.
“I don't need historical shit to end this war and move to diplomacy. Because it's just a delay tactic. I read no less history books than Putin,” the Ukrainian president said in a furious post on X.
While publicly hailing progress in talks, the two sides remain fiercely opposed on key issues, sources said following the latest talks. Here’s how things stand:
Zelensky tears into Putin over Ukraine peace talks: ‘I don’t need historical s**t’
In pictures: Ukrainians endure coldest winter in 16 years as Russia strikes energy infrastructure
Friday 20 February 2026 10:24 , James Reynolds
Watch: Zelensky addresses state of peace talks after abrupt Geneva finish
Friday 20 February 2026 10:00 , James ReynoldsRussian losses swell to 1,257,880: Ukraine
Friday 20 February 2026 09:30 , James ReynoldsRussian losses since February 2022 have swollen to 1,257,880, according to a tally published by the Ukrainian general staff today.
The figure includes 740 losses over the last day, they reported.
Will the war end in 2026?
Friday 20 February 2026 09:00 , James ReynoldsUS and Ukrainian negotiators have discussed an ambitious March goal for Russia and Ukraine to agree on a peace deal, sources said following talks in Geneva.
The idea is that any deal would be submitted to a referendum by Ukrainian voters, who would vote in national elections, according to five sources. Two said a vote could happen in May if things go to plan.
But several sources said the US-proposed timeline seemed unrealistic.
"The Americans are in a hurry," said one source familiar with the matter, adding that a vote could be organised in less than six months, but it would still take a substantial amount of time.
Such an election would require legislative changes, as such votes are prohibited during martial law in Ukraine. It would also be costly.
A Ukrainian source indicated Russia and Ukraine also still have a way to go on addressing the core issue of land.
"There's still no progress on the territorial question," they said, after the talks in Geneva.
US jets scrambled as Russian war planes spotted near Alaska
Friday 20 February 2026 08:44 , James ReynoldsThe United States scrambled fighter jets as Russian aircraft were spotted near Alaska.
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) reported on Friday it had tracked two Tu-95 strategic bombers, two SU-35 air superiority fighters, and an A-50 early warning aircraft operating “in the Alaskan air defense identification zone” on Thursday.
They did not specify exactly where the planes were sighted, or in which direction they were travelling.
NORAD subsequently scrambled two F-16s, two F-35s, an E-3 and four KC-135s to intercept and escort the aircraft out of the Alaskan ADIZ, they said.
NORAD is a bi-national mutual defence organisation in Canada and the United States.
Russian drones hit energy infrastructure in Poltava
Friday 20 February 2026 08:29 , James ReynoldsUkrainian state owned energy company Naftogaz announced this morning that Russian drones have struck oil and gas infrastructure in the central Poltava region.
EU says Russia showing ‘no tangible signs’ of serious engagement and ‘not ready for peace’
Friday 20 February 2026 07:45 , Arpan RaiThe European Union has said it is not seeing any tangible signs from Russia of serious engagement to end the war in Ukraine after the latest round of peace talks in Geneva.
“We see that Russia continues its relentless attacks on Ukraine. This does reflect that Russia is not ready for peace. We still do not see tangible signs that Russia is engaging seriously in peace,” said European Commission spokesperson Anouar El Anouni.
“Even this week, ahead of the peace talks, Ukraine experienced another massive missile and drone strike, according to Ukrainian authorities. As long as the bloodshed continues, we will continue to put pressure on Russia,” he said.
The EU spokesperson added that “nothing can be decided about Ukraine without Europe at the negotiating table”.
Zelensky says further steps on peace talks will be determined in meeting today
Friday 20 February 2026 07:30 , Arpan RaiUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is set to hold a peace talks discussion with the members of his negotiating team after talks in Switzerland.
"Today all members of our negotiating group will already be in Ukraine, and for tomorrow I have scheduled a special meeting with them regarding our next steps and decisions. There will be a report here in Kyiv on those aspects of the negotiations that should not be discussed over the phone. We will also define the further framework of talks with our partners – the American side, the Europeans – and with the Russian side," he said.
Poland ends special refugee support system for Ukrainians
Friday 20 February 2026 07:15 , Arpan RaiPolish president Karol Nawrocki has approved a legislation calling for an end to support measures for Ukrainian refugees entering Poland and moved help into the country’s general law for protection of foreigners seeking refuge.
The earlier legal framework was created when Russia launched a full-scale invasion on Ukraine in February 2022 and offered simplified residence, employment, access to social benefits, and education for Ukrainians fleeing the war.
“I sign this law with the conviction that it protects our state finances, streamlines the system, and restores a sense of basic justice," Karol Nawrocki said.
These provisions will now incorporate Ukrainians into a broader foreigner protection legislation and will create a unified temporary protection system that apply to all foreigners.
However, Poland will continue to extend the legal stay of Ukrainian nationals on their territory till 4 March, 2027.
The law also offers residency rights for Ukrainians already granted protection or whose documents were extended due to the war.
EU eager to start Kyiv membership talks 'as soon as possible'
Friday 20 February 2026 07:00 , Arpan RaiThe European Union is eager to begin Ukraine’s EU membership talks “as soon as possible”, European Council president António Costa said.
“I cannot say if it’s in 2027 or even in 2026 or later, but what is important is we cannot lose the momentum,” Costa said, speaking to reporters during a visit to Oslo.
The top official did not mention a specific date of Ukraine joining the bloc.
The US plan for an end to the war in Ukraine calls for Kyiv’s EU accession by January 2027, though experts generally consider that date highly unrealistic.
European intelligence chiefs do not see Ukraine peace deal as likely
Friday 20 February 2026 06:45 , Arpan RaiEuropean intelligence chiefs do not believe a deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine will be reached in 2026, Reuters is reporting citing the heads of five intelligence services.
Trilateral talks this year have failed to see any significant progress, despite positive sounds from both sides following earlier meetings.
Four of the five senior intelligence officials said Moscow is using negotiations with the US to seek sanctions being lifted and to help business deals be concluded. They have described the talks in Geneva as “negotiation theatre”, one said.
It marks a striking difference in views between Europe and the White House, which says talks have been constructive.
"Russia is not seeking a peace agreement. They are seeking their strategic goals, and those have not changed," one European intelligence chief said.
Russia says it has 'no reason' to believe that India will stop buying its oil
Friday 20 February 2026 06:25 , Arpan RaiRussia’s foreign ministry has said they have "no reason" to believe that India has changed its position on buying Russian oil.
The US president Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that India has agreed to stop its crude oil imports from Russia.
“We have no reason to believe that India has changed its position on buying Russian hydrocarbons. India’s purchase of Russian hydrocarbons benefits both countries and helps maintain stability in the international energy market,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said in her weekly briefing.
“There is nothing new in the claims of US president Donald Trump, as well as US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who have grabbed the right to dictate to independent nations,” Ms Zakharova said.
However, Russian crude accounted for its smallest share of India’s oil imports since late 2022 in January, industry data showed.
India – the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer – had sharply increased purchases of discounted Russian oil after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, with volumes exceeding 2 million barrels a day in some months.
But western sanctions and pressure to secure a trade deal with the United States have led New Delhi to scale back imports.
Since November, China has overtaken India as the largest buyer of Russia’s seaborne crude.
Ukraine's 2026 defence exports could hit 'several billion dollars', official says
Friday 20 February 2026 06:06 , Arpan RaiUkraine could export several billion dollars of military goods and services this year after authorising its first wartime foreign sales and is considering introducing a tax on those exports, a senior Ukrainian defence official said.
Earlier this month, the state commission handling related licences in wartime approved the majority of 40 applications from defence sector producers for exports of materiel and services, Davyd Aloian, deputy secretary of Kyiv's National Security and Defence Council, said in an interview to Reuters.
Ukraine halted weapons exports following Moscow's February 2022 invasion and has relied heavily on partners' arms supplies to defend itself against Russian forces.
At the same time, Kyiv poured resources into developing its armaments industry, particularly drones and missiles. Leveraging its vast battlefield experience, Ukraine has in recent years experienced a defence technology boom.
Asked about export potential for this year, Aloian said: "Taking into account ready-made products, spare parts, components, and services that can be provided, it amounts to several billion dollars."
Overall, the potential is "significantly higher" than pre-war exports, he said.
Zelensky tears into Putin over Ukraine-Russia peace talks: ‘I don’t need historical s**t’
Friday 20 February 2026 05:42 , Arpan RaiVolodymyr Zelensky has torn into Vladimir Putin after the latest round of negotiations in Geneva failed to achieve a breakthrough.
The increasingly frustrated Ukrainian president lashed out at the Russia leader in a post on X and an interview with British journalist Piers Morgan.
“I don't need historical shit to end this war and move to diplomacy. Because it's just a delay tactic. I read no less history books than Putin,” the Ukrainian president said in a furious post on X.
The remarks came hours after hopes of a Ukraine peace deal looked further than ever Wednesday, when critical talks with Moscow and Washington ended in less than two hours.
Zelensky tears into Putin over Ukraine peace talks: ‘I don’t need historical s**t’
Russia recruits over 1,000 Kenyans to fight in Putin’s war in Ukraine, intelligence report says
Friday 20 February 2026 05:35 , Arpan RaiA new Kenyan intelligence report says that 1,000 Kenyans were recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine after being misled with false promises of jobs in Russia before being sent to the front lines.
The report was presented to parliament on Wednesday by parliamentary leader Kimani Ichung’wah, who accused Russian embassy officials of colluding with work recruitment agencies to dupe Kenyans into believing they would be given skilled jobs in Russia. He said the Russian embassy officials issued them tourist visas.
The Russian Embassy in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, denied the allegations, saying in a statement Thursday that it never issued visas to anyone intending to travel to Russia to fight in Ukraine. It added: “the Russian Federation does not preclude citizens of foreign countries from voluntarily enlisting in the armed forces.”
Russia recruits over 1,000 Kenyans to fight in Putin’s war in Ukraine
Russia demands proof Navalny was poisoned
Friday 20 February 2026 05:06 , Arpan RaiRussia’s foreign ministry spokesperson has demanded that European nations accusing Russia of poisoning Alexei Navalany provide evidence.
“All the accusations against Russia were of the 'highly likely' variety. There were no specific details,” said Maria Zakharova.
“It was purely a proclamation to become the opening act of the Munich (security) conference and to overshadow the Epstein files.”
Britain, France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands said on Saturday that analyses of samples from Navalny's body had confirmed the presence of epibatidine, a toxin found in poison dart frogs in South America and not found naturally in Russia.
We're close to ceasefire-monitoring document, says Zelensky
Friday 20 February 2026 05:05 , Arpan RaiUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky says Russia and Ukraine are close to having a document establishing how any ceasefire to end the war would be monitored, following peace talks in Geneva.
Speaking on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Zelensky said that progress on political issues had been slower and that the country's leaders could try to hammer out a deal among themselves over the most divisive issue of land.
Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant operating on sole remaining main power line, says IAEA
Friday 20 February 2026 04:49 , Arpan RaiThe Russian-held Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southeastern Ukraine is operating on its sole remaining outside power line after losing a backup line more than a week ago, the UN's nuclear watchdog said.
In a statement, Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said the Ferrosplavna-1 electric line went down on 10 February "reportedly as a result of military activity".
The plant, Europe's largest with six reactors, was now operating with outside power only from the Dniprovska power line, he said.
The plant, captured by Russian forces in the first weeks of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, generates no electricity but needs power to keep nuclear material cool and prevent a meltdown.
Grossi said IAEA monitors permanently assigned to Zaporizhzhia were trying to obtain information on the damage, but security restrictions prevented them from gaining access to the plant's switchyard.
"The IAEA stands ready to accurately report on the nature of the damage and any impact on nuclear safety and security," Grossi said.
Control of the plant is a key point in negotiations between Ukraine and Russia over a settlement to the nearly four-year-old conflict.
One dead in Ukrainian attack on Sevastopol in Crimea
Friday 20 February 2026 04:32 , Arpan RaiUkrainian drones attacked the port of Sevastopol in Russian-annexed Crimea, killing one person, the regional governor said in the early hours today.
Mikhail Razvozhayev said air defence units had intercepted 16 Ukrainian drones.
He said several high-rise apartments and private homes had been damaged in the attack.
Zelensky says further steps on peace talks will be determined in meeting today
Friday 20 February 2026 04:08 , Arpan RaiUkrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is set to hold a peace talks discussion with the members of his negotiating team after talks in Switzerland.
"Today all members of our negotiating group will already be in Ukraine, and for tomorrow I have scheduled a special meeting with them regarding our next steps and decisions. There will be a report here in Kyiv on those aspects of the negotiations that should not be discussed over the phone. We will also define the further framework of talks with our partners – the American side, the Europeans – and with the Russian side," he said.
Russian attacks on Ukraine's fuel and energy company tripled in 2025
Friday 20 February 2026 03:59 , Arpan RaiRussian forces attacked Ukraine’s leading state-owned fuel and energy company Naftogaz Group three times more than its previous years’ strikes, the company said in a statement.
“The scale of attacks in 2025 was unprecedented in terms of the scale of attacks on our infrastructure,” Serhiy Koretskyi, CEO of Naftogaz Ukraine, said in a statement.
Russia attacked the energy company at least 229 times last year.
“Despite this, we are providing the country with gas and maintaining the stability of the energy system,” he said.
Poland ends special refugee support system for Ukrainians
Friday 20 February 2026 03:47 , Arpan RaiPolish president Karol Nawrocki has approved a legislation calling for an end to support measures for Ukrainian refugees entering Poland and moved help into the country’s general law for protection of foreigners seeking refuge.
The earlier legal framework was created when Russia launched a full-scale invasion on Ukraine in February 2022 and offered simplified residence, employment, access to social benefits, and education for Ukrainians fleeing the war.
“I sign this law with the conviction that it protects our state finances, streamlines the system, and restores a sense of basic justice," Karol Nawrocki said.
These provisions will now incorporate Ukrainians into a broader foreigner protection legislation and will create a unified temporary protection system that apply to all foreigners.
However, Poland will continue to extend the legal stay of Ukrainian nationals on their territory till 4 March, 2027.
The law also offers residency rights for Ukrainians already granted protection or whose documents were extended due to the war.
Ukraine officials to boycott games in protest over Russia’s participation
Friday 20 February 2026 03:29 , Arpan RaiUkrainian officials are poised to boycott the upcoming Milano Cortina Paralympics next month, protesting the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes competing under their national flags.
Ukraine's sports minister Matvii Bidnyi confirmed on Wednesday that while Ukrainian athletes will still take part in the 6-15 March games, no official representatives from Ukraine will attend the opening ceremony or any other event.
It comes after the International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) decision on Tuesday, which cleared a combined total of 10 para-athletes from Russia and Belarus to compete.
Six slots have been handed to Russia and four to Belarus.
Ukraine officials to boycott Winter Paralympics over Russia’s participation
EU eager to start Kyiv membership talks 'as soon as possible'
Friday 20 February 2026 03:18 , Arpan RaiThe European Union is eager to begin Ukraine’s EU membership talks “as soon as possible”, European Council president António Costa said.
“I cannot say if it’s in 2027 or even in 2026 or later, but what is important is we cannot lose the momentum,” Costa said, speaking to reporters during a visit to Oslo.
The top official did not mention a specific date of Ukraine joining the bloc.
The US plan for an end to the war in Ukraine calls for Kyiv’s EU accession by January 2027, though experts generally consider that date highly unrealistic.
