Russia carried out 154 drone strikes on Ukraine overnight, with Kharkiv suffering the most damage. Two civilians were killed, and several others were injured. Ukraine’s emergency services reported fires in at least four locations in Kharkiv, including residential areas, shops, a shopping mall, and a gas station. A three-story hospital was destroyed, but rescue teams managed to pull 63 survivors—56 of them women and children—from the rubble. Kyiv claimed that its air defenses intercepted 103 drones, while 51 drones failed to hit their intended targets.

Friedrich Merz, Germany’s chancellor-in-waiting, has stated that while Europe should develop independent defense capabilities, it cannot replace the U.S. in safeguarding Ukraine. His party secured victory in the February 23 elections.

Experts argue that France and the U.K. collectively hold more military power than Russia. However, Europe's lack of political unity has hindered its strategic effectiveness. Meanwhile, Kyiv has warned that without U.S. military assistance, continuing the war will become extremely difficult. Even with collective efforts, Europe alone cannot fully compensate for the loss of American support.

In a Telegram post, Kyiv reported that Russia launched 166 drone attacks across multiple regions of Ukraine overnight. Ukrainian forces claimed to have intercepted 90 of the drones. The attacks resulted in the deaths of six civilians and injured ten others. The strikes targeted areas in Chernihiv, Sumy, and Kyiv. Meanwhile, Ukrainian police reported that in the past 24 hours, 42 homes were destroyed in attacks on the Donetsk region. Negotiations between Russia and the United States regarding an end to the war are currently ongoing.

Before taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump had pledged to end the ongoing war. As he moved forward with this plan, Ukraine found itself in a difficult position. Trump reportedly sought a share of Ukraine’s mineral resources in exchange for financial aid.

In response, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky initially declared, “I cannot sell my country.” However, he has now reversed his stance and agreed to a mineral-sharing agreement. Russia has condemned the deal, calling it a betrayal.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Trump stated that American taxpayers want a refund of the $300–350 billion provided to Ukraine in aid. Later this week, Trump and Zelensky are scheduled to meet at the White House.

Central President of Islami Chhatra Shibir, Zahidul Islam, claimed that the 1971 issue centered around figures like Tikka Khan and Bhutto, who directly facilitated genocide in Bangladesh. Speaking on a talk show, he asserted that those responsible for the genocide must be held accountable. He further argued that since Sheikh Mujibur Rahman released 195 identified war criminals, he should be posthumously tried if held responsible for that decision. Zahidul also praised Ziaur Rahman, stating that he had dismantled divisive politics and initiated inclusive governance.

Mike Amesbury, a 55-year-old independent MP in the UK Parliament, has been sentenced to 10 weeks in prison for punching a voter. A video of the incident recently went viral on social media, showing the MP engaging in a heated argument with a voter before suddenly punching him. The victim, 45-year-old Paul Fellows, filed a complaint, leading to Amesbury’s conviction. Following the verdict, Amesbury’s political career now hangs in uncertainty as calls for his resignation grow.

During a press conference in Kyiv on Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused former U.S. President Donald Trump of running a misleading campaign by blaming Ukraine for the ongoing war. Trump recently stated that Russia’s military invasion was triggered by Ukraine’s actions and that the war could have been avoided had Kyiv reached an agreement. Trump also questioned Zelensky’s legitimacy, citing his declining popularity, which he claimed is now at 4%. In response, Zelensky labeled Trump’s remarks as part of Russian propaganda. Meanwhile, reports indicate that the U.S. and Russia held discussions in Saudi Arabia on ending the Ukraine war—without Ukrainian representation. Zelensky also accused Trump of attempting to claim $500 billion worth of Ukraine’s mineral resources, equating it to selling off the country’s sovereignty.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has expressed willingness to send British troops to Ukraine to establish lasting peace. In an article published by The Telegraph, he wrote, “A sustainable peace in Ukraine is essential to prevent future Russian aggression.” Ahead of an emergency summit of European leaders in Paris, he stated, “If necessary, we are prepared to ensure Ukraine’s security through direct troop deployment.” He further warned that any pause in war should not be an opportunity for Russia to regroup for future attacks.

During his speech at the Munich Security Conference on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed concern that Vladimir Putin has become the most influential member of NATO, suggesting that NATO’s decisions may shift according to his will. Prior to this, Putin set two conditions to end the war: Ukraine must abandon its NATO membership aspirations, and Ukrainian troops must withdraw from four Ukrainian regions under Russian control. Following a phone conversation with Putin, former U.S. President Donald Trump hinted at accepting these conditions. In response, Zelensky proposed the creation of a new European military alliance, stating that the U.S. will no longer support Europe as it did in the past.

Officials from the United States and Russia will soon meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss ending the war in Ukraine, according to Reuters. However, Ukraine has not been invited to the talks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Kyiv will not engage in talks with Russia without consulting its strategic partners first. The U.S. delegation will include Secretary of State Marco Rubio, National Security Adviser Mike Walz, and White House Middle East Representative Steve Witkoff. The objective of the discussions, as per McColl, is to arrange a meeting between Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin, and Zelensky to establish peace and bring an end to the conflict.

On February 15, during the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged the creation of a unified European military force. He emphasized that Europe must become self-reliant in the face of ongoing threats from Russia and the uncertainties posed by the United States. Zelensky insisted that Europe’s future should depend on Europeans themselves and that decisions affecting Europe should be made within Europe. He stated, “Ukraine will never accept any agreements made behind our backs without our involvement.” Zelensky also confirmed that Ukraine would not accept any ceasefire without real security guarantees and emphasized that NATO membership remains a possibility for Ukraine.

Thousands of pro-Palestinian demonstrators took to the streets of London to protest against former U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal to take control of Gaza. According to Al Jazeera, the rally marched toward the U.S. Embassy in Nine Elms, London. Protesters held placards reading, “Hands off Gaza!” and banners stating, “Stand Against Trump—Canada is Not Your 51st State!” Among the demonstrators was 87-year-old Holocaust survivor Stephen Kapos, who condemned Trump’s announcement as “illegal, unrealistic, and irrational.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has admitted that Ukraine's survival would be difficult without continued US support. In an interview with 'Meet the Press,' he stated, "It would be very, very, very difficult." Former US President Donald Trump previously discussed ceasefire negotiations with both Vladimir Putin and Zelensky. Trump also commented that Ukraine’s NATO membership is unrealistic and expressed doubts about Kyiv regaining all its lost territories. Zelensky, however, accused Russia of seeking a ceasefire merely to regroup and prepare for further aggression, asserting that Ukraine must reclaim all its occupied land and receive NATO-like security assurances.

The possibility of the Russia-Ukraine war escalating into a nuclear conflict has gained some credibility after a devastating drone attack struck Ukraine’s Chernobyl nuclear reactor. The attack damaged sections of the reactor’s protective walls, according to the United Nations' International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The incident also caused a fire within the reactor. The IAEA described this as the most severe accident in Chernobyl’s history since the 1986 disaster. Ukraine has blamed Russia for the attack, but Moscow has denied any involvement.

US President Donald Trump has agreed to meet with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in the near future. Starmer is expected to visit the United States within the next few weeks. The UK Prime Minister’s office confirmed that Starmer had discussed his upcoming US trip with Trump over the phone. Trump said that Starmer had requested another in-person meeting. The meeting is being described as a friendly discussion, signaling strong relations between the two countries, according to Reuters.