New sanctions against Russia, aid to Ukraine and Macron's visit to Trump - Monday brief
Collage by RBC-Ukraine
Britain will provide Ukraine with the largest aid package. London also announced the largest package of sanctions against Russia since the beginning of the full-scale war. Meanwhile, world leaders and EU leaders have arrived in Kyiv amid 3rd anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Read more about what happened on Friday, February 24.
EU and Canada leaders arrive in Kyiv amid 3rd anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine
World leaders and EU leaders have arrived in Kyiv. A meeting will be held in the capital to discuss security and support for Ukraine, according to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
On the morning of February 24, the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion, world leaders and EU leaders arrived in Kyiv.
In particular, Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Miсhal, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and European Council President António Costa arrived in Kyiv.
Russia won’t halt hostilities in Ukraine during negotiations - Russian official
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov stated that his country will not cease hostilities in Ukraine during negotiations.
"Russia will stop military actions when agreements that satisfy both sides are reached," Lavrov said.
According to him, the option of an "immediate truce," halting hostilities along the front line, and then considering further steps does not suit Russia.
UK announces its largest aid package for Ukraine
The United Kingdom will deliver its largest-ever aid package to Ukraine, amounting to £4.5 billion ($5.69 billion). At the same time, London will introduce a new package of sanctions against Russia, RBC-Ukraine reports, citing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
"We must strengthen Ukraine even more to guarantee lasting peace, not just a pause in this war. And we can do this in three ways. First, by increasing military aid to Ukraine. And the UK is doing just that - providing £4.5 billion in military assistance, more than ever before," Starmer stated.
UK imposes its largest sanctions package against Moscow: Details
The United Kingdom has imposed the largest sanctions package against Moscow since the early days of the invasion of Ukraine in 2022. These measures target the revenues fueling Vladimir Putin’s illegal war and Kleptocrats driving profits for the Kremlin, the UK government’s website reports.
The package targets Russia’s military machinery, organizations in third countries supporting it, and the supply networks it relies on. Sanctions have been introduced against 107 companies and individuals.
France and UK draft security guarantee plan for Ukraine - Macron
France and the United Kingdom have prepared a security guarantee plan for Ukraine, which may include sending troops to the country, stated French President Emmanuel Macron during a meeting with US President Donald Trump.
Macron stated that France and the UK have developed a security guarantee plan for Ukraine.
According to him, the plan may involve deploying European soldiers to Ukraine. However, they will not necessarily be positioned on the front lines but will be present as a guarantee.
UN General Assembly adopts resolution on Ukraine. US and Russia vote against it
The UN General Assembly on Monday, February 24, adopted a resolution proposed by Ukraine and its partners with 93 votes in favor. Russia and the US voted against it.
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding that Russia immediately withdraw its troops from Ukraine, with 93 votes in favor. 18 countries voted against it, while 65 abstained.
Among those who voted against were the US, Russia, Hungary, and Israel. Meanwhile, China abstained.
Putin convenes meeting on development of rare earth metals industry in Russia
Russian President Vladimir Putin convened a meeting on the development of the rare earth metals industry in Russia on the evening of Monday, February 24, Russian media reports.
Putin stated that rare earth metals are critically important for microelectronics, energy, the digital economy, as well as Russia's civilian and defense sectors. In his opinion, the development of this industry will help boost Russia’s economy.
