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While Ukraine heavily relies on foreign aid, the country’s war effort is also funded by its own people. In 2024 alone, individual volunteers and fundraisers have raised nearly $1 billion to buy critical weapons and equipment for the Ukrainian military. But why do ordinary Ukrainians continue donating when international aid exists? And how has Ukraine’s unique culture of giving become a lifeline for the country’s survival?
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6:05 PM
Weapons, cash seized as Romania targets far-right politician Georgescu's network, Reuters reports.
Romanian prosecutors requested the temporary arrest of 21 individuals linked to far-right leader Calin Georgescu on Feb. 28, days after his detention, Reuters reported.
How Ukrainians fund their own fight against Russia.
While Ukraine heavily relies on foreign aid, the country’s war effort is also funded by its own people. In 2024 alone, individual volunteers and fundraisers have raised nearly $1 billion to buy critical weapons and equipment for the Ukrainian military. But why do ordinary Ukrainians continue donating when international aid exists? And how has Ukraine’s unique culture of giving become a lifeline for the country’s survival?
5:18 PM
Orban opposes Ukraine's EU accession, claiming it would 'destroy' Hungary.
"It will destroy us. First of all, it will destroy Hungarian farmers and Hungarian agriculture; secondly, it will destroy the entire Hungarian national economy, and I have no idea how we will control the crime that will flood into Hungary with this," Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said.
5:12 PM
Russia interested in lifting US sanctions against oligarchs, energy exports, Zelensky's adviser says.
"Our understanding is that they are most concerned about two things. The first thing is those oligarchs who are under U.S., EU, and U.K. sanctions because this is a real problem for them. And the second thing is what prevents Russia from making money — energy (sanctions)," said Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the president's commissioner for sanctions.
4:52 PM
Washington approves new Russian ambassador to US, Russian Foreign Ministry says.
Alexander Darchiev, a veteran diplomat with a half-decade of experience in Washington, previously served as Russia's ambassador to Canada from 2014 to 2021 and later as the director of the North American Department at the Russian Foreign Ministry.
4:44 PM
Russia proposes resuming direct flights with US during talks in Turkey, Reuters reports.
Russia has suggested resuming direct air travel with the United States during diplomatic talks in Istanbul, Reuters reported, citing the Russian Foreign Ministry.
4:13 PM
Klitschko announces dismissals of top Kyiv administration officials amid corruption probe.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko announced on Feb. 28 that Petro Olenych, the deputy head of the Kyiv City Administration, and several other officials embroiled in a corruption probe would be dismissed.
1:34 PM
(Updated: February 28, 2025 3:44 pm)
Updated: Ukraine repelled Russian attempt to cross into Sumy Oblast on Feb. 25, fighting continues, military says.
Russian forces attempted to cross the Russia-Ukraine border in Sumy Oblast near the village of Novenke on Feb. 25 but were repelled, Dmytro Lyhkovii, a spokesperson for Ukraine's General Staff, told the Interfax-Ukraine news agency on Feb. 28.
3:24 PM
North Korea tests strategic cruise missiles as Kim orders nuclear readiness, state media reports.
North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, who supervised the launch, ordered the country's military to be in full nuclear strike readiness as "the most perfect deterrence and defence capacity."
2:21 PM
Ukrainian forces destroy Russian thermobaric munitions depot in Donetsk Oblast, General Staff reports.
A video of the strike shows an initial explosion is followed by a spectacular series of much larger subsequent explosions.
1:15 PM
Police raid Ukraine's 3 country's largest pharmaceutical plants, media reports.
The police searched the offices and production facilities of Arterium Corporation, Farmak Joint Stock Company, and Darnytsia Pharmaceutical Company, Ukrainska Pravda's source claimed.
2:31 PM
(Updated: February 28, 2025 12:47 pm)
Updated: Revolut denies operating in Ukraine without license after central bank's pushback.
According to Ukrainian banking law, a foreign bank can only operate in Ukraine if it opens a local branch or obtains a banking license. This process must first be approved by the NBU, the bank said in the press release.
12:26 PM
Starmer invites Zelensky, other leaders to summit on Ukraine, security on March 2.
Among those invited to the summit are leaders from all over Europe, including France, Germany, Denmark, and Italy, as well as Turkey, NATO, and the European Union.
11:49 AM
Europe cannot be vassal of US, Macron says amid Trump's foreign policy shifts.
Speaking during his two-day visit to Portugal, French President Emmanuel Macron said that Europe must be "more united and stronger than ever" and take decisive steps in "technological, industrial, (and) defense matters."
11:01 AM
Ireland open to sending peacekeepers to Ukraine, PM says.
Apart from Ireland, Switzerland and Turkey also reportedly consider sending their troops to Ukraine. Russia opposed NATO peacekeepers in Ukraine, but the three nations are not members of the military alliance.
9:46 AM
Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 3, injure 20 over past day.
Ukrainian forces downed 107 out of 208 drones, including Shahed-type attack drones, launched by Russia overnight, the Air Force reported.
9:37 AM
'Initial steps' identified — US comments on Istanbul talks with Russia about embassy operations.
"The United States raised concerns regarding access to banking and contracted services as well as the need to ensure stable and sustainable staffing levels at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow," the U.S. State Department said.
9:07 AM
UK ready 'to put boots on the ground, planes in the air' to back Ukraine peace deal, Starmer says.
"I'm working closely with other European leaders on this, and I'm clear that the U.K. is ready to put boots on the ground and planes in the air to support a deal, working together with our allies, because that is the only way that peace will last," U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.
8:48 AM
US-Ukraine framework deal on natural resources ready, treasury secretary says as Zelensky visits Washington.
"President Zelensky is coming to sign the deal tomorrow... I'm sure President Zelensky and President Trump will have a wide-ranging discussion. But as far as the deal, it is complete, it is on paper," U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Fox Business.
8:09 AM
General Staff: Russia has lost 874,560 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022.
This number includes 1,060 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.
8:01 AM
Ukrainian activist, soldier Vasyl Ratushnyi killed on front lines.
Ratushnyi was the son of the writer Svitlana Povalyaeva and the brother of the prominent activist Roman Ratushnyi, who died in combat in 2022.
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