Ukraine war briefing: Zelenskyy says US has linked security guarantees to ceding of Donbas

In an interview with Reuters, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the US is conditioning security guarantees for a peace deal on Ukraine ceding the Donbas region to Russia. Zelenskyy believes that the US, under pressure from Donald Trump and influenced by the conflict with Iran, is pressuring Ukraine to quickly end the war. He also accused Russia of blackmailing the US by offering to cease intelligence sharing with Iran if the US cuts off intelligence to Ukraine. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian drone attack damaged an industrial area near a major Russian oil refinery in the Leningrad region. Russian attacks killed two people in Kharkiv and the surrounding region, while a strike on the Danube port of Izamil damaged port facilities and energy infrastructure.

A major Russian drone and missile attack on Ukraine killed four people and injured at least 35 on Tuesday. Ukraine's air force reported Russia launched nearly 400 long-range drones overnight, along with 23 cruise missiles and seven ballistic missiles, striking at least 10 locations across the country, including Kyiv, Dnipro, and Lviv. Daytime strikes injured 13 people in Dnipro and two in Lviv. The increased attacks come as Russia intensifies efforts to break through Ukrainian front-line defenses, signaling a potential spring offensive. The attacks occurred after US-brokered talks between Moscow and Kyiv failed to produce a ceasefire.

At least five people were killed in a large-scale Russian aerial bombardment across Ukraine on Tuesday, targeting multiple regions. The attacks, which officials described as among the worst in ten days, involved missiles and drones, with damage reported in eleven regions. Casualties were reported in Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Poltava, including a woman killed by a drone hitting an electric train. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted a significant number of incoming missiles and drones. The strikes also impacted Moldova's power link with Europe. President Zelensky stated that the attacks highlight Ukraine's need for increased protection and continued support.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has evidence Russia is providing intelligence support to Iran. According to Zelenskyy, this intelligence includes signals and electronic data gathered by Russia, along with information obtained through partnerships in the Middle East. Zelenskyy's statement, posted on X, cites a report by the Chief of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Oleh Ivashchenko. Zelenskyy argues that Russia's assistance helps Iran strike more accurately and prolongs the war. He believes this alleged support warrants a response.