**Key Developments in Ukraine**
On February 3, several key developments took place in Ukraine.
**Ukraine’s Operation in Russia**
Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi outlined Ukraine’s priorities for the operation in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. He stated that Ukraine is effectively destroying Russian military facilities to reduce their strike potential. The commander emphasized the importance of holding defensive lines, preventing Russian advances, and enhancing the use of unmanned systems.
**Long-Range Drone Strikes**
Ukraine has intensified its long-range drone strikes on Russian oil facilities, aiming to disrupt fuel supplies to the Russian military and weaken Moscow’s energy export revenues. These strikes have been successful in targeting Russian oil facilities deep inside Russian territory.
**Kursk Oblast Operations**
In Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian forces have been holding positions since August 2024, reportedly seizing around 1,300 square kilometers of Russian territory. While Ukraine has lost roughly half of the captured area, fighting continues as Kyiv seeks to leverage its presence in Kursk Oblast in potential negotiations.
**Trump’s Aid Conditions**
U.S. President Donald Trump is seeking to have Ukraine supply rare earths as a condition for aid. Trump stated that he wants “security of rare earths” and emphasized the importance of this resource. This condition has raised concerns among Ukrainian officials.
**UN Monitors Alarmed by Executions of POWs**
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine is alarmed over a sharp rise in executions of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) by Russian forces. A total of 79 such executions have been recorded since August 2024, with many incidents involving group executions.
**Delayed US Military Aid**
US military aid to Ukraine has remained inconsistent, despite Congress approving $60 billion in additional military assistance. By November 2024, Ukraine had received only half of the promised military aid from existing Pentagon stockpiles.