Ukraine LIVE: US and Europe’s war on words deepens as Russia ‘welcomes’ Trump move

In a win for on the third anniversary of ’s invasion, the United States on failed to get the UN General Assembly to approve its resolution urging an end to the war without mentioning Moscow’s aggression.

And the assembly approved a dueling European-backed Ukrainian resolution demanding immediately withdraw from .

It marks a setback for the Trump administration in the 193-member world body, whose resolutions are not legally binding but are seen as a barometer of world opinion. But it also shows some diminished support for , whose resolution passed 93-18, with 65 abstentions. That’s lower than previous votes, which saw over 140 nations condemn ’s aggression.

The United States had tried to pressure the Ukrainians to withdraw their resolution in favour of its proposal, according to a US official and a European diplomat who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the talks were private.

They refused, and then the assembly added language to the US proposal making clear that invaded its smaller neighbor in violation of the UN Charter.

The vote on the amended US resolution was 93-8 with 73 abstentions, with voting “yes,” the US abstaining and voting “no.”

The UK Government “will listen” to Moscow if can guarantee ‘s sovereignty and independence, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has told the Commons as he praised Ukrainians’ “Blitz spirit”.

Making a statement about on Monday, he said: “This debate takes place against the backdrop of intense diplomatic efforts responding of course to President (Donald) Trump’s call to bring this war to a swift end.

“At the G20 in South Africa last week, I listened to Sergey Lavrov.

“Once again, he shamelessly played the victim, rehashing the same old lies.

“And I will say to this House what I said in response – if is serious about a lasting peace that respects ‘s sovereignty, ‘s independence and the United Nation Charter, guarantees ‘s security against future aggression, rejects imperialism, then Britain will listen. No one wants this more than .”

The Foreign Secretary had earlier said: “Today we mark three years of Ukrainian courage in resisting that brutal, illegal, unprovoked invasion.

“I have witnessed their fortitude first-hand on three visits to Kyiv over the last year, their defiant Blitz spirit as Russian missiles and drones rain down night after night after night, so on this grim anniversary, amid all the talk about talks, we must not forget that ‘s barbaric war goes on, that Ukrainian people are suffering, and beyond Europe, the conflict is piling pressure on the world’s poorest, too.”

The United Kingdom has announced the largest sanctions package against since ‘s illegal invasion of started three years ago.

The Government has today imposed over 100 new sanctions directly targeting those who continue to aid the invasion, these include:

– 107 new sanctions announced as UK unleashes our largest sanctions package since the early days of the invasion.

– Milestone package targets Russian military supply chains, revenues fuelling Putin’s illegal war, and Kleptocrats driving profits for the Kremlin.

– Strengthening ‘s hand will help to build a secure and prosperous Europe and UK – a foundation of the government’s Plan for Change.

A statement from the Foreign, Commomwealth and Development Office said: “Today’s measures will target funds going into Putin’s war chest and propping up ‘s kleptocratic system.

“As the Prime Minister said last week, we are facing a once in a generation moment for the collective security of our continent. The UK is working with our Allies to put in the best position to achieve peace through strength. Today’s action is a further step towards this.

“The sanctions will also target ‘s military machine, entities in third countries who support it and the fragile supply networks that it relies on.”

The former leader of Reform UK in Wales has appeared in court accused of accepting bribes in exchange for making favourable statements about in the European Parliament.

Nathan Gill is charged with eight counts of bribery and one count of conspiracy to commit bribery.

Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard Gill allegedly made statements in the European Parliament and in opinion pieces to news outlets, such as 112 , which were “supportive of a particular narrative” which would “benefit regarding events in “.

The defendant is alleged to have been tasked by Oleg Voloshyn on at least eight occasions to make specific statements in return for money.

The conspiracy to commit bribery charge alleges Gill conspired with Voloshyn and “others” between January 1 2018 and February 1 2020, and that he accepted “quantities of money in cash” which was “improper performance by him of his function or activity as the holder” of a position in the European Parliament.

The other bribery offences are alleged to have taken place between December 6 2018 and July 18 2019.

During Monday’s hearing, the 51-year-old spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address with no pleas being entered to the charges.

Gill was stopped at Manchester Airport on September 13 2021 under the Counter Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019, the court also heard.

He was first elected as a Ukip member of the European Parliament in 2014 and his role ended when the UK left the EU in 2020 – at which point he was an MEP for the Party.

The defendant led Reform UK’s 2021 Welsh Parliament election campaign but is no longer a member of the party.

The Crown Prosecution Service said charges have been authorised against Voloshyn but he is not in the jurisdiction.

Gill, of Anglesey, north Wales, was granted bail on the condition that he surrender his passport, is not to obtain international travel documents and not to contact Voloshyn, and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on March 14.

Sir Richard Moore, the Chief of the UK Secret Intelligence Service (MI6), posted on X: “MI6 stand with our brave and resolute Ukrainian partners on this third anniversary of Putin’s naked and unprovoked aggression.”

Sir Richard ended his post with the words “Slava Ukraini”, which means “Glory to “.

A Ukrainian diplomat has thanked Scotland for the ongoing support shown to his country after a “very emotional” service making the third year of the full scale war.

The special service at the National War Memorial on Edinburgh Castle saw wreathes being laid in memory of those who have died in the ongoing war with .

MSPs, councillors, and representatives of the UK armed forces joined members of the Ukrainian community in Edinburgh for the service, with the First Minister reading from scripture and a choir singing the Ukrainian national anthem.

Among those present were the family of Jordan Maclachlan, a 26-year-old from the Highlands who was killed in January while serving as a medic for the Ukrainian army.

First Minister John Swinney said: “For me, the moment where the Ukrainian national anthem was sung with such strength and beauty was an indication of the solidarity Scotland shows to the people of on this significant anniversary, where we recommit ourselves to supporting , its territorial integrity and its independence.”

The First Minister said he had spoken to Mr Mclachlan’s family, adding: “I hope they felt the warm embrace of their country around about them.

“They are suffering unbearable pain, but I do hope they felt some support and encouragement and empathy from their fellow Scots.

“We have to make sure the sacrifice that Jordan made was a sacrifice that results in the freedom of the people of , which is what he was fighting for.”

Andriy Madzyanovsky, ‘s consul in Edinburgh, said the service had been “very emotional”.

Leaders from Europe and Canada were in ‘s capital to mark the third anniversary of ’s illegal invasion.

The visitors, including European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau were set to attend anniversary events and discuss supporting with President .

The anniversary was being marked as US policies on and shift under President .

The MoD released undated photos of the the Vanguard class nuclear submarine HMS Vengeance in Gare Loch, after departing HM Naval Base Clyde in Faslane, Scotland, to go on sea trials.

The US and Europe are locked in a war of words over , with President ’s administration understood to be pressuring Western allies not to back a UN resolution explicitly blaming for the war on .

The EU and US have proposed rival UN resolutions, while G7 nations struggle to agree on language condemning Russian “aggression”.

European officials warn the US could align with and China to block a stronger resolution backing .

The Kremlin has welcomed Washington’s shift, saying the US is “reformatting” its approach to the conflict.

US President has changed the global conversation around “for the better”, the Prime Minister’s official spokesperson has said.

The spokesperson told reporters: “He’s brought about these talks that could bring lasting peace in which is what we all want to see.

“We support president Trump’s US-led efforts and we look forward to discussing with president Trump later in the week how we reach that.”

Asked about the president’s description of as a “dictator”, the spokesperson added: “We support and share president Trump’s desire to reach a durable peace in .

“The Prime Minister looks forward to speaking to president Trump in more detail on that later in the week.”

Sir said the UK and its allies must “keep dialling up the economic pressure to get Putin to a point where he is ready not just to talk, but to make concessions”.

Speaking via video link to a conference of global leaders in Kyiv, the Prime Minister added: “So today, we’re announcing the UK’s largest packet of sanctions since the early days of the war, going after ‘s shadow fleet and going after companies in China and elsewhere who are sending military components.

“Later today, I will be discussing further steps with the G7 and I’m clear that the G7 should be ready to take on more risk, including the oil price cap, sanctioning ‘s oil giants and going after the banks that are enabling the evasion of sanctions.”

Sir also promised sweeping sanctions to put economic pressure on and get “not just to talk but to make concessions”, as he addressed a gathering of ‘s allies.

The UK is with “today and every day”, Sir said, in a speech to show solidarity with ‘s embattled nation.

Speaking via video link to a Kyiv conference, the Prime Minister said: “I have a very today, the UK is with you today and every day, from His Majesty the King to the NHS workers volunteering in hospitals in to the communities that took Ukrainian refugees to their heart.

“That’s why I signed our 100-year partnership with President Zelensky last month.”

Sir said the UK is willing to provide troops on the ground to enforce peace in .

Speaking remotely at a gathering of ‘s allies in Kyiv, the Prime Minister said: “If we want peace to endure, must have a seat at the table, and any settlement must be based on a sovereign backed up with strong security guarantees.

“The UK is ready and willing to support this with troops on the ground, with other Europeans and with the right conditions in place, and ultimately, a US backstop will be vital to deter from launching another invasion in just a few years time.

“So we will do everything we can to get the best outcome for and for us all.”

Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna has said the Ukrainian and American teams are in the final stage of negotiations on an agreement on Ukrainian minerals.

Writing on X, she said: “The Ukrainian and American teams are in the final stages of negotiations on the agreement.

“We are looking to complete them as soon as possible in order to move on to signing the agreement.

“We hope that the leaders of the United States and will be able to sign and approve it in Washington as soon as possible to demonstrate our commitment for decades to come.”

Speaking at today’s summit in Kyiv, with numerous Western leaders in attendence, President warned: “Peace cannot be simply declared in one hour.

“Putin will not give us peace, or give it to us in exchange for something.

“We have to win peace through strength and wisdom and unity, through our cooperation with you.”

’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said President has made it clear that is “ready to negotiate with both and Europe” but will “stop military hostilities” only when the negotiations yield a “firm, sustainable result” which suits .

Lavrov suggested the position of both and European countries is changing frequently and that “against this background, the position of the United States stands out.”

Germany’s mainstream led by Friedrich Merz won Germany’s national election, ensuring that has an even stronger supporter in the ‘s largest country and creating hopes for renewal in an economic powerhouse that has been badly battered in recent years.

The far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) surged to become the nation’s second-largest political force, gaining from a backlash against the high numbers of migrants and refugees the nation has absorbed over the past decade and a string of extremist attacks that has shaken its sense of security.

Merz, who is promising to unite Europe in the face of challenges from both and the United States, is expected to become the country’s next leader.

His first comments Monday after his party became the highest vote-getter in national elections were words of support for , which is marking the third anniversary of ‘s full-scale invasion.

Posting on X, Mr Merz said: “Europe stands unwaveringly by ’s side.

“Now more than ever, it holds true: We must put in a position of strength.”

Former Ukrainian interior ministry adviser Anton Geraschenko, posting on X, has an unverified clip apparently showing a Russian oil refinery on fire.

Posting on X, he commented: “A primary oil processing unit was damaged at the Ryazan oil refinery in last night’s drone attack, Russian Telegram channels report.

“A total of three drones attacked the facility, with the fire covering an area of 100 sq m. The plant has partially suspended operations.”

Writing on X, PM Sir said: “Three years on from Putin’s barbaric full-scale invasion of , we face a once in a generation moment for our collective security and values.

“We continue to stand with for a just and lasting peace.

“Slava Ukraini.”

The USA and are “very close” to signing a which could help to secure Kyiv’s future, former prime minister has claimed.

The former Conservative leader told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: “I believe that we’re very close to getting this minerals agreement signed between the United States and , and that commits the US not only to future financing of , but also to a free, sovereign and secure .

“I think that it’s positive for – and don’t forget, the fundamental loser in all that is going to be Putin, because what Putin wants is to be a vassal state of .”

Mr Johnson added: “What this deal envisages is an economic partnership with America, and the two things are simply not compatible.”

has taken a subtle dig at by saying he “” about origins of war.

The US president last week accused Kyiv of being responsible for the war against .

Mr Johnson, who is in to show solidarity with , said: “I am proud to be here in Kyiv on the third anniversary of Putin’s invasion.

“I salute the continuing heroism of the Ukrainian people in resisting a vile act of unprovoked aggression and I categorically reject the bizarre untruths currently being peddled about the origins of that war.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, visiting today Kyiv, has said the war is a “fight for survival”.

Posting on X, she said: “On the 3rd anniversary of ’s brutal invasion, Europe is in Kyiv.

“We are in Kyiv today, because is Europe.

“In this fight for survival, it is not only the destiny of that is at stake.

“It’s Europe’s destiny.”

in Marseille, according to local media.

La Marselleise reported the Police Prefecture as saying it was “awaiting further information and has not confirmed anything at the moment”.

The Russian Consul General in Marseille, Stanislav Oranskiy, told the paper the explosion took place inside the consulate and that firefighters had entered the building.

At least five explosions have been recorded at the Ryazan Oil Refinery after drone strikes overnight, the Ukrainian General Staff has claimed.

A post on Telegram said: “Units of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of , the Main Intelligence Directorate, in cooperation with other components of the Defense Forces, on the night of February 24, 2025, struck the Ryazan Oil Refinery in the Ryazan Region, which is involved in supporting the Russian occupation army.

“At least 5 explosions are known in the area of the target. Previously, a fire broke out in the area of the ELOU AT-6 primary oil processing plant. The results of the strike are being clarified. In addition, yesterday, units of the Unmanned Systems Forces of the Armed Forces of struck an oil depot – a fire was recorded in the area of the FDKU “8 March” combine in the Tula Region of the Russian Federation.

“Combat work on strategic objects involved in supporting the Russian armed aggression against will continue. What follows will be… Glory to !”

The European Council has adopted a wide-ranging 16th package of economic and individual restrictive measures targeting Russian businesses to mark the third anniversary of ‘s invasion of .

Kaja Kallas, who as High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy is the ‘s top diplomat, said: “For three years now, has relentlessly bombed , attempting to steal land that isn’t theirs to take. This new round of sanctions not only targets the Russian shadow fleet but those who support the operation of unsafe oil tankers, videogame controllers used to pilot drones, banks used to circumvent our sanctions, and propaganda outlets used to spout lies.

“There is no doubt about who the aggressor is, who should pay and be held accountable for this war. Every sanction package deprives the Kremlin of funds to wage war. With talks underway to end ’s aggression, we must put in the strongest possible position. Sanctions provide leverage.”

Sir will have “very good and constructive” conversations with US President when he visits Washington DC, the security minister said.

Asked how the Prime Minister would address Mr Trump’s claims that is a dictator, Dan Jarvis told Sky News: “President Zelensky was democratically elected, and I’m sure that the Prime Minister will have very good and constructive conversations with the president.

“We have shared interests in a range of different areas, not least in terms of our national security.

“We’re three years on now from Putin’s illegal invasion. This is a very important opportunity to have conversations about how we can draw that conflict to a conclusion.”

Asked whether the Home Office’s new package of sanctions against Russian elites was irrelevant if America did not follow suit, Mr Jarvis said: “It certainly isn’t irrelevant. What it is is a tightening of the screw, applying more pressure to .”

As marks three years since the full-scale Russian invasion, Mr Jarvis said “the risk, the toll, the burden that has been carried by is unsustainable for the long-term”, adding: “It is extraordinary that they’ve been able to persevere in the way that they have.”

said earlier this month that he was “okay” with not joining the military alliance, a sticking point for .

As he to broker a peace deal, seemingly without being involved in the discussions, he added it was unlikely Kyiv would get back all the land illegally occupied by Kremlin forces.

What do you think? Should Kyiv consider territorial concessions and abandon its NATO ambitions to end the conflict sooner, or should it continue fighting for its sovereignty at all costs? If you can’t see our poll above, .

The Ukrainian port cirty of Odesa was targeted by drone strikes overnight, according to the government.

A Telegram post said: “The enemy once again attacked the civilian population of the Odessa region with strike drones at night.

“In the suburbs of Odessa, drone fragments damaged port infrastructure, glazing and the roof of a private house, as well as cars.

“There were no fatalities or injuries. All relevant services are working on the liquidation.”

A day before the third anniversary of ’s invasion of , launched a missile attack on the city of Kryvyi Rih in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

The attack was part of the biggest ever drone attack on , with Russian troops reportedly firing 267 Shahed drones at targets across the country.

The head of the city’s Defence Council, Oleksandr Vilkul, reported the attack on Kryvyi Rih killed one civilian and left five others wounded.

The strike heavily damaged the city’s civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings, a church, a social institution, and a gas station.

“hates the West” and will stop at nothing in his attempt to derail democracy, .

And Inna Sovsun offered a sobering message to anyone who believes ’s war on her country has nothing to do with them – warning that Putin’s malign influence would continue to spread if he is not stopped.

Ms Sovsun, a member of ’s Rada, or Parliament, and a former education minister, spoke before the third anniversary of ’s invasion on February 24, 2022.

She said: “It’s the West that he really hates, and he chose to attack , not because we did anything except that we said that we want to be part of the European space, we want to be part of the of Western civilisation.”

The General Assembly has become the most important U.N. body on because the 15-member Security Council, which is charged with maintaining international peace and security, has been paralyzed by ’s veto power.

There are no vetoes in the assembly, and the resolution, which is co-sponsored by all 27 members of the , is almost certain to be adopted. Its votes are closely watched as a barometer of world opinion, but the resolutions passed there are not legally binding, unlike those adopted by the Security Council.

Since forces stormed across the border on Feb. 24, 2022, the General Assembly has approved half a dozen resolutions that have condemned Moscow’s invasion and demanded the immediate pullout of Russian troops.

The votes on the rival resolutions – which have sparked intense lobbying and arm-twisting, one European diplomat said – will be closely watched to see if that support has waned and to assess the backing for Trump’s effort to negotiate an end to the fighting.

The very brief U.S. draft resolution acknowledges “the tragic loss of life throughout the – conflict” and “implores a swift end to the conflict and further urges a lasting peace between and .” It never mentions Moscow’s invasion.

’s UN ambassador, Vassily Nebenzia, told reporters last week that the U.S. resolution was “a good move.”

The ‘s resolution, meanwhile, refers to “the full-scale invasion of by the Russian Federation” and recalls the need to implement all previous assembly resolutions “adopted in response to the aggression against .”

It singles out the assembly’s demand that “immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of within its internationally recognized borders.”

The Ukrainian Air Force says 113 Russian drones were intercepted overnight across multiple oblasts, with 71 other munitions not reaching their targets.

A post on Telegram, referring to local time, two hours ahead of GMT, said: “On the night of February 24, 2025 (from 8:00 pm on February 23), the enemy attacked with 185 Shahed attack UAVs and simulator drones of various types from the directions: Orel, Bryansk, Kursk, – , Chauda – Crimea.

“The air attack was repelled by aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups of the Air Force and Defence Forces of .

“As of 08:00, it has been confirmed that 113 Shahed attack UAVs and drones of other types have been shot down in Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, Kyiv, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Khmelnytskyi, Mykolaiv, Odesa, Kherson and Dnipropetrovsk regions.

“71 enemy drone simulators — lost in location (without negative consequences).

“The Dnipropetrovsk, Odesa, Kyiv and Khmelnytskyi regions were affected by the enemy attack.”

On the third anniversary of ’s invasion of , the U.N. General Assembly is expected to vote Monday on rival resolutions – ‘s European-backed proposal demanding an immediate withdrawal of Russian forces from the country and a US call for a swift end to the war that never mentions Moscow’s aggression.

The United States pressured the Ukrainians to withdraw their nonbinding resolution in favour of its proposal, a US official and a European diplomat said Sunday.

But refused, and it will be put to a vote in the 193-nation assembly, two European diplomats said. All spoke on condition of anonymity because the talks were private.

It is a reflection of the tensions that have emerged between the US and after President suddenly opened negotiations with in a bid to quickly resolve the conflict. It also underscores the strain in the transatlantic alliance with Europe over the Trump administration’s extraordinary turnaround on engagement with Moscow.

European leaders were dismayed that they and were left out of preliminary talks last week.

Military blogger Exile Nova, posting on Telegram, said: “The largest primary oil refining unit at Ryazan Oil Refinery, ELOU-AT-6, is believed to have been attacked.

“AT-6 is used to separate crude oil into basic fractions such as gasoline, diesel fuel, and fuel oil.

“The unit’s capacity is 23,190 tons per day, which is 47.5% of the refinery’s total primary refining capacity.”

‘We need the strength of Europe, the strength of America’

The Ukrainian President – who has offered to resign if his country can be guaranteed NATO membership -continued: “I thank everyone who repels such attacks on a daily basis – our aviation, anti-aircraft missile troops, electronic warfare units and mobile fire groups of the Air Force and Defense Forces.

“I also thank those on the ground who save lives and respond to the aftermath of shelling – the State Emergency Service, medics, and the National Police.

“The war continues. Everyone capable of helping with air defense must work to enhance the protection of human life. We must do everything possible to bring a lasting and just peace to .

“This is achievable through the unity of all partners – we need the strength of all of Europe, the strength of America, the strength of everyone who seeks lasting peace.”

and have swapped attacks as the war enters its fourth year – with taking the opportunity to issue a direct plea to Europe for help.

The Ukrainian President said on Sunday launched a massive attack using more than 250 drones targeting cities and villages across his country.

Across the border, numerous media sites reported a blaze an oil refinery in the Russian city of Ryazan.

Mr Zelensky, posting on X, said: Every day, our people stand against aerial terror. On the eve of the third anniversary of the full-scale war, launched 267 attack drones against – the largest attack since Iranian drones began striking Ukrainian cities and villages.

“In total, nearly 1,150 attack drones, more than 1,400 guided aerial bombs and 35 missiles of various types were launched this week.”