Trump's new remarks on Zelenskyy, EU's upcoming emergency meeting on Ukraine - Friday brief

Trump makes new sharp remarks on Zelenskyy and Ukraine war

US President Donald Trump has once again criticized President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. He specifically stated that he does not consider Zelenskyy's presence at negotiations and meetings regarding the end of the Russia-Ukraine war to be necessary.

RBC-Ukraine cites Trump’s key statements in an interview with Fox Radio.

EU to hold emergency meeting on Ukraine

The EU will hold an emergency meeting on Ukraine to discuss the development of new defense plans.

According to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity, around a dozen officials from countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Poland, along with representatives from the European Union and NATO, will participate in the video conference.

"European leaders are rushing to craft new defense plans given the prospect of the US removing its vast military and financial support for Ukraine. Washington has also started negotiations for peace — a prospect that would affect the security architecture on the continent for years to come — without the involvement of Europe or Kyiv," the article states.

The authors note that the defense ministers' meeting will coincide with a visit to Kyiv — marking three years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine — by several European leaders, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers will also meet in Brussels on Monday.

Russia may agree to transfer frozen assets for Ukraine's reconstruction

Russia could agree to transfer its assets frozen by Western countries for Ukraine's reconstruction. In total, Europe and the US have blocked around $300 billion in Russian assets.

Three unnamed sources told Reuters that Moscow is considering using a significant portion of these frozen assets for Ukraine's reconstruction as part of a potential peace agreement.

One source clarified that Russia could agree to transfer two-thirds of the frozen assets for Ukraine’s recovery, provided there are "accountability guarantees." Moscow allegedly wants to use the remaining $300 billion to restore the temporarily occupied territories.

Capable of reaching Moscow: Ukrainian Trembita missile showcased at exhibition for the first time

A new Ukrainian development was showcased at the Defense Innovations Forum in Kyiv for the first time. According to its developers, the Trembita missile is capable of reaching Moscow.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, on February 21, Kyiv hosted the largest defense innovation forum in Ukraine’s history. The Defense Tech Innovations Forum showcased hundreds of technologies, ranging from UAVs to missiles.

At this forum, a Ukrainian-made drone-missile was displayed up close for the first time. It is a cruise missile capable of reaching speeds of up to 400 km/h.

Kellogg makes first statement after meeting with Zelenskyy

US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, described his discussions with Ukrainian leadership as positive, including his talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

"Extensive and positive discussions with President Zelenskyy, the embattled and courageous leader of a nation at war and his talented national security team," the US envoy said.

Ukraine and US aim to finalize minerals deal this week

Ukrainian and US negotiators are working to resolve differences in a strategic minerals deal, aiming to finalize the agreement this week.

According to Bloomberg, Ukrainian officials discussed the minerals issue with US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg during his visit to Kyiv. Bloomberg sources, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the closed-door nature of the talks, disclosed this information.

The sources said the US proposal included a 50% share of revenues from license sales and other profits from Ukrainian minerals, which would violate Ukrainian law. In response, Kyiv reportedly suggested amendments to make the deal mutually beneficial.