**US Envoy Says Ukraine’s Territory Losses Can Be Formalized Without Recognition**
The US President‘s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, has said that formalizing Ukraine’s territorial losses in a potential peace deal will not mean the US recognizes those losses. In an interview with Fox News on February 13, Kellogg stated, “I think there will be a certain agreement on the potential loss of territory. But, look, you don’t have to admit it.”
Kellogg also supported US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s view that restoring Ukraine’s 2014 borders is unrealistic and that the Trump administration’s priority is ending the war as soon as possible.
**Criticism From Ukraine and Europe**
Experts and officials in Ukraine and Europe have criticized Hegseth’s comments for undermining Ukraine’s leverage before peace talks with Russia. Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, has been critical of the US Secretary of Defense’s views.
**Upcoming Meetings**
The top European security conference is taking place between February 14 and 16. Vice President JD Vance is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during this meeting. The US delegation will also include Kellogg and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Kellogg has scheduled a visit to Ukraine on February 20, while Trump mentioned plans to meet with Zelensky soon, but did not specify the location or timing.
**Ukraine Set to Receive AI-Powered Attack Drones**
Ukraine is set to receive 6,000 AI-powered HX-2 attack drones from the Munich-based defense technology firm Helsing. This comes as Russia continues to suffer casualties, with over 1,200 reported in the past day alone.
**Business Association Urges Ukraine to Disclose Mineral Data**
The European Business Association (EBA) has urged the Ukrainian government to declassify its information on mineral deposit data.
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