The latest updates on events in Ukraine, Russia, and the USA as of the morning of February 21 are compiled by Tengrinews.kz.
USA Urges G7 Not to Label Russia as "Aggressor"
The United States opposes labeling Russia as an aggressor in the war with Ukraine in a G7 statement prepared for the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. This was reported by sources to The New York Times.
A senior politician from one of the G7 countries stated that Canada circulated a draft statement among the other six member countries. According to the informant, this version of the document used wording that maintained the pro-Ukrainian tone adopted by the group of allies since February 2022.
The American side reviewed it and removed all mentions that could be interpreted as pro-Ukrainian. As a result, the source added, a neutral draft statement was prepared.
Trump's National Security Advisor Criticizes Zelensky
Mike Waltz, national security advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump, criticized Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky during a White House briefing for his insufficient readiness to discuss the use of Ukraine's natural resources, stating that he "needs to return to the negotiating table."
When asked whom Trump holds more responsible for the war: Russian President Vladimir Putin or Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Waltz evaded the question. He only noted that Trump's dissatisfaction with Zelensky has "several aspects," including the perceived lack of proper gratitude from Zelensky for U.S. support.
Waltz also thanked "good friends and partners" of the U.S. in Saudi Arabia for organizing negotiations between Russia and the U.S., in which Ukraine was not involved.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, Feb. 20, 2025 https://t.co/Nf6IZsEm3x
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 20, 2025
U.S. Vice President: Zelensky Should Thank the United States
U.S. Vice President JD Vance told reporters at a conference in Washington that Zelensky should "say thank you" to the United States for their generosity. He stated that if the Ukrainian leader disagrees with Trump, he should call the American president or diplomats instead of embarking on a tour for European media criticizing Trump.
I was honored to help kick off CPAC for a gathering of patriotic Americans in Washington this week.
— Vice President JD Vance (@VP) February 20, 2025
Under President Trump’s leadership, America is BACK!🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/OHQag2ENHS
On social media platform X, he wrote that Ukraine cannot defeat Russia due to its significant numerical advantage, and that European arms supplies are depleted. Regarding Ukraine, Trump "is dealing with reality, meaning facts," the vice president noted. In his opinion, the U.S. retains significant leverage over both sides of the conflict.
U.S. Presents Ukraine with "Enhanced" Mineral Agreement Draft
Zelensky met in Kyiv with U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine and Russia Keith Kellogg to discuss the mineral agreement, the war, the return of prisoners of war, and security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a future peace agreement.
According to American media reports, several advisors to the Ukrainian president urged him to sign the updated document to avoid further conflict with Trump and to provide the American president with a rationale for U.S. support for Ukraine.
A source familiar with the negotiations stated that Zelensky assured Kellogg of his desire to expedite work on the agreement and proposed creating a multi-level bilateral working group to discuss its security, economic, and legal aspects.
After the meeting, the Ukrainian president issued a statement thanking the U.S. for assistance and support from both parties.
"Ukraine is ready for a strong, effective investment and security agreement with the U.S. president. We proposed the fastest and most constructive way to achieve results. Our team is ready to work 24/7," he wrote on social media X.
I had a productive meeting with @SPE_Kellogg—a good discussion, many important details. I am grateful to the United States for all the assistance and bipartisan support for Ukraine and the Ukrainian people.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 20, 2025
It’s important for us—and for the entire free world—that American… pic.twitter.com/LH2vNGVGFQ
Klychko: Elections Now Are Poison for Ukraine
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klychko believes it is inappropriate to hold elections in Ukraine until sustainable peace is achieved. Klychko stated this in an interview with DW during a press conference in Brussels, where he received the Pavel Adamovich award. This award is given in the European Union for outstanding contributions to strengthening democracy at the local level, protecting human rights, and supporting civic solidarity.
According to Klychko, an electoral campaign could tear the country apart from within, "making it much weaker." After peace gradually returns to Ukraine, the next logical step would be elections, he is confident.
Preparing for any elections at this time is unreasonable, as "the question of whether Ukraine will exist or not remains open," he noted. While Ukrainians are fighting for independence and territorial integrity, political forces in the country should unite their strength and power to stop the war.
Photo: DW / Europaparlament
