On the diplomatic front, US President Donald Trump announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit the White House on Friday to finalize a significant minerals agreement between the two nations. This development follows intensive negotiations aimed at granting the US access to Ukraine’s vast mineral resources, including rare earth elements, in exchange for continued American support amid Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.
“I hear that he’s coming on Friday,” President Trump told reporters in the Oval Office. “Certainly it’s okay with me if he’d like to.”
The proposed deal has undergone revisions since its initial presentation. Earlier drafts reportedly included a US demand for $500 billion in potential revenue rights from Ukraine’s mineral exploitation—a point of contention for Kyiv. The updated agreement, however, has omitted this demand, focusing instead on joint development and revenue sharing. Specific details regarding the US stake and terms of joint ownership are expected to be determined in future negotiations.
Ukraine possesses significant reserves of critical minerals, such as lithium, graphite, and various rare earth elements, which are essential for advanced technologies and defense applications. However, a substantial portion of these resources is located in regions currently under Russian occupation, posing challenges to their immediate development.
This impending agreement aims to strengthen US-Ukraine economic ties and provide Ukraine with much-needed support in its defense efforts. While the deal emphasizes economic collaboration, it does not explicitly include security guarantees—a primary concern for Kyiv. Discussions regarding future military aid and security assurances are anticipated to continue alongside the economic negotiations.
The forthcoming meeting between presidents Trump and Zelensky marks a pivotal moment in US-Ukraine relations, especially following recent tensions and public exchanges between the two leaders. The international community will be closely monitoring the outcome of this engagement and its implications for the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.
Battlefield updates
The past week has been marked by significant military engagements, strategic territorial shifts, and critical diplomatic negotiations in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The situation remains fluid, with both sides experiencing gains and setbacks. The international community continues to monitor developments closely, as the outcomes bear substantial implications for regional security and global geopolitical dynamics.
Ukrainian forces have reported notable successes in the Donetsk region. They have regained control of the settlement of Kotlyne, marking a strategic victory in an area that has been heavily contested. This recapture is part of a broader Ukrainian counteroffensive aimed at reclaiming territories occupied by Russian forces.
In the town of Chasiv Yar, recent geolocated footage has confirmed that Russian forces have taken control of the Kanal Microdistrict. The Russian Ministry of Defense has also claimed the capture of the Novyi Microdistrict. These advancements indicate a concerted effort by Russian troops to secure key urban areas, potentially disrupting Ukrainian supply lines and command structures in the region.
Overnight, Russia attacked Ukraine with nearly 200 drones, targeting the Kyiv region and energy facilities in the east. Officials said at least seven people were killed.
Civilian Impact and Infrastructure Damage
The conflict continues to have a deep impact on civilian populations and infrastructure. In the Kyiv region, Russian air attacks have resulted in injuries and property damage. A 19-year-old woman sustained a head injury and was hospitalized, and residential houses have been set ablaze due to the shelling.
In Kramatorsk, Russian shelling has led to at least one death and multiple injuries. The governor of the Donetsk region, Vadym Filashkin, reported that 13 individuals were injured in the attack.
North Korea sending more troops to Russia, Seoul says
South Korea’s spy agency says North Korea appears to have sent additional troops to Russia for use in its war in Ukraine. Pyongyang previously provided Moscow with around 10,000-12,000 troops in 2024, according to US, South Korean and Ukrainian intelligence officials.
Seoul’s National Intelligence Service said in a brief statement yesterday that it was trying to determine exactly how many more troops North Korea has deployed to Russia. It also assessed that North Korean troops were redeployed at fronts in Russia’s Kursk region in the first week of February, following a reported temporary withdrawal from the area.
Volodymyr Zelensky, in an address on February 7, confirmed a new Ukrainian offensive in Kursk and said North Korean troops were fighting alongside Russian forces there.
Yesterday, South Korea’s JoongAng Ilbo newspaper, citing unidentified sources, reported an additional 1,000-3,000 North Korean soldiers were deployed to Kursk between January and February.
Compiled by Ana Dumbadze
