**Trump Extends Sanctions on Russia**
US President Donald Trump has extended some sanctions against Russia until March 6, 2026. This was announced in a decree that will be published in the US Federal Register on February 28.
The decree extends an emergency declaration made by then-President Barack Obama in 2014 after Russia annexed Crimea. It also keeps in place related sanctions imposed by Obama.
According to the decree, Russia’s actions and policies continue to threaten US national security and foreign policy.
**Renewed Engagement with Russia**
Trump has recently been engaged in talks with Russia on ending the war in Ukraine and reopening embassies in Washington and Moscow. However, Trump said on February 25 that sanctions would be lifted “at some point,” but only if a peace deal is reached.
Trump suggested additional sanctions would be imposed on Russia if President Vladimir Putin did not reach an agreement with Ukraine.
**Ukraine’s Visit to US**
President Volodymyr Zelensky was scheduled to visit Washington on February 28, where he was set to sign a critical minerals agreement with the US. However, his meeting with Trump has been canceled.
The Ukrainian Cabinet approved the decision to sign the deal, which will be signed despite the cancellation of the meeting.
**Russian Aggression**
Russia’s military has interfered with locals who were evacuating people from flooded areas on their own. The Russians confiscated boats and threatened volunteers.
President Zelensky thanked Ireland for its support of Ukrainians fleeing Russia’s full-scale invasion.
Ukraine’s forces have started to show signs of exhaustion, according to a spokesperson for the Khortytsia group of forces.
**International Reaction**
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed some Western countries are dissatisfied with the restoration of Russian-American relations and want to “create instability in the world.”
A Russian delegation arrived at the US Consul General’s residency in Istanbul for further talks, while France and Ukraine discussed using Ukrainian minerals for French defense needs.
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