Trump labeled Zelensky as a "dictator," while the General Staff denies that Russia has launched an offensive from the Kursk region: key highlights from February 19.
Trump Calls Zelensky a "Dictator Without Elections"
U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, claiming he refuses to hold elections. Trump labeled him a "dictator without elections" and asserted that he allegedly "convinced" the U.S. to spend $350 billion on aid to Ukraine.
Zelensky Responds to Trump's Demand for Elections
Trump stated that Ukraine needs to hold elections, as the head of state supposedly has only a 4% approval rating.
In response, Zelensky referred to recent survey data from the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS), indicating that as of the first half of February 2025, 57% of Ukrainians trust him. According to the Ukrainian president, the figure of 4% is Russian disinformation, and Trump "unfortunately lives in this disinformation space."
Subsequently, U.S. Vice President JD Vance warned Volodymyr Zelensky against "speaking ill" of American leader Donald Trump. He stated that such remarks would not change the opinion of the U.S. President.
Ukraine Denies Putin's Statement on Russian Offensive
Russian leader Vladimir Putin claimed that Russian troops crossed the border into the Kursk region of Ukraine. However, Ukraine stated that it was merely a sabotage and reconnaissance group, and there is no talk of a large-scale Russian offensive, as there are no forces in the Kursk region capable of such an attack.
Kellogg's Visit to Kyiv
U.S. Special Representative for Russia and Ukraine Keith Kellogg arrived in Kyiv.
On the first day of his visit to Kyiv, Kellogg met with Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi, heads of intelligence and special services, and the head of the President's Office Andriy Yermak. He plans to meet with President Zelensky tomorrow, February 20.
How the Family of the Court Head in Kyiv Accumulated $3 Million in Assets
48-year-old Yaroslav Holovachev has led the Kyiv Court of Appeals for nearly 10 years, despite the law stating that the maximum term for the head of a first or second instance court is 6 years (two terms of 3 years each). Holovachev and his family enjoy free use of elite real estate registered under his father-in-law and mother-in-law.
Czech Officials Say Ukrainians Won't Receive Temporary Protection After the War
The Czech Minister of the Interior, Vít Rakušan, stated that after a ceasefire or the end of the war in Ukraine is declared, Ukrainians in the Czech Republic will not be able to obtain temporary protection. Prague also wants a resolution on refugees at the EU level.
Partial Anti-Epidemic Measures Introduced in 16 Regions of Ukraine
In 16 regions, partial anti-epidemic measures are being implemented due to a rise in viral infections. This includes distance learning in certain school classes, educational institutions, limiting the number of visitors in facilities, and other anti-epidemic measures to curb the spread and transmission of ARVI and stabilize the situation.
Strike on Odesa
Russian troops launched a massive strike on a densely populated area of Odesa, home to over 250,000 residents. As a result, people were injured, and there are issues with electricity and heating supply. At least 160,000 residents of Odesa were left without heating and electricity.
Other Important News:
- The U.S. has suspended the processing of immigration applications. This affects Ukraine as well.
- Zelensky stated that he is receiving calls from military personnel regarding the shortage of missiles for Patriot systems.
- Poland must return 90 million euros to the EU due to a scandal involving the purchase of generators for Ukraine.
- During the development of the controversial "DZVIN" system, former officials of the General Staff embezzled 246 million hryvnias — NABU.
- The Ministry of Health has published a list of medicines whose prices will decrease starting March 1.