Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has entered its 1,088th day, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warning that Russia is attempting to create conditions to frame itself as the victor in negotiations. The situation on Ukraine’s eastern front line remains tense, with fighting continuing between Russian and Ukrainian forces.
According to a US-based defence think tank, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian military advances south and southwest of Pokrovsk city have slowed over the last two weeks, indicating that Russia may prioritize offensive operations against Kostiantynivka in the warmer months. The ISW also attributes the slowing advance to front-line Russian units being degraded by battle and intense Ukrainian drone operations.
Meanwhile, European leaders scrambled to respond to US President Donald Trump’s plans for Ukraine peace talks, with France hosting a special summit about the conflict. Senior US officials will meet with counterparts from Moscow and Kyiv in Saudi Arabia, while NATO chief Mark Rutte emphasized the need for Europe to contribute “good proposals” for securing peace in Ukraine.
Russia has denied plans to rearm and attack Ukraine, following Zelenskyy’s warning of such a scenario at the Munich Security Conference. Belarus also clarified its position on rearming and attacking Ukraine, stating that it does not pose a threat to anyone.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/2/16/russia-ukraine-war-list-of-key-events-day-19