Ukrainian forces have retreated from three villages in Donetsk Oblast as Russia continues its offensive in the region. Russia has gained a foothold in Ocheretyne, a front-line village near Berdychi and Semenivka. The situation in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhove sectors is described as the most difficult, with up to four brigades involved in assault operations. Ukrainian troops are also facing attacks in other sectors, including Kupiansk, Lyman, Siversk, Sloviansk, and Kramatorsk. The situation remains intense in the south as well, with Russia attempting to advance near various villages in different oblasts.
In a meeting with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly mentioned that Ukraine could only hold out until March or April without American support. This conversation led to Johnson’s decision to push for a vote on the Ukraine aid bill, which had been delayed in Congress. The aid package has since been approved, providing military assistance to Ukraine. Johnson’s shift in approach was influenced by various factors, including national security concerns and pressure from his national security adviser. Despite Politico’s report, Johnson stated that the meeting with Zelensky did not impact the conditions for passing the bill.
The Security Service of Ukraine launched drone strikes against oil refineries and a military airfield in Russia, aiming to disrupt Moscow’s war efforts. These attacks are part of Ukraine’s strategy to target Russian energy infrastructure. While Russian authorities claimed to have intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones during the attacks, Ukraine continues to target Russian energy facilities. The strikes on Russian oil refineries have drawn criticism from U.S. officials over concerns about the global energy market. President Zelensky defended the retaliatory strikes on Russian oil refineries as a legitimate use of Ukraine’s resources.
Russia targeted Ukraine’s gas infrastructure, hitting facilities in several oblasts. This attack on critical energy infrastructure has become more frequent in recent weeks. Ukrainian officials assured that the attack would not impact services to consumers and efforts were underway to deal with the consequences. Ukraine has been facing increased attacks on its energy infrastructure, including strikes on thermal power plants. Despite these challenges, Ukraine’s energy company Naftogaz celebrated its first heating system without gas imports, emphasizing the importance of energy independence. The country has received significant external financing to address its budget deficit.
Several countries, including Japan, Norway, Belgium, and Spain, have pledged aid to Ukraine in the face of ongoing Russian aggression. Japan has emphasized its focus on supporting Ukraine’s energy sector and has become one of the largest donors to the country. Spain has committed to providing Patriot anti-aircraft missiles, while Belgium will support a German-led air defense initiative and supply rockets to Ukraine. Norway has offered financial assistance for maintaining tanks and military equipment. The U.S. House of Representatives approved a foreign aid bill providing significant support to Ukraine. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal expressed gratitude for the international assistance, highlighting the importance of these funds for various sectors in Ukraine.
