Ukraine This Week

**Ukraine This Week: Key Developments and Trends**

This week has been marked by significant events on the front lines, diplomatic meetings, and controversies in Ukraine. The Kyiv Independent’s Anna Belokur summarizes the key trends.

**Military Situation**

The military reports that around 2,000 people remain in areas under Ukrainian control. A nursing home was attacked, leaving over 70 residents stranded. According to Filashkin, Russian troops shelled Donetsk Oblast 20 times, killing one person and causing significant damage.

**Russia’s Military Strength**

Russia launched a total of 94 Shahed-type attack drones from bases in Millerovo, Oryol, Bryansk, and Kursk. Ukrainian forces shot down 47 drones over 11 oblasts. Russian forces suffered 1,570 casualties just over the past day.

**International Developments**

Switzerland has offered to host a meeting between US President-elect Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The European Commission plans to draft new sanctions against Russia next week, aiming to approve them on February 24 – the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

**Diplomatic Controversies**

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico called Ukraine an unreliable partner and accused President Volodymyr Zelensky of blackmailing European leaders for support. Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Putin as a “f***ing idiot,” saying he must understand that Russia is no longer an empire.

**Economic Developments**

Afghanistan has become the largest importer of Russian flour in 2024, according to Agroexport. Ukraine and Italy are discussing the possibility of purchasing Italian-made air defense systems using profits from immobilized Russian assets.