Ukraine says it will not negotiate with Putin, Russia faces new sanctions from US, EU

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he will not take part in talks with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin, which are being brokered by Türkiye.

Responding to reporters' questions on February 24, Mr. Zelensky said: "Turkish President Erdogan knows my position. We discussed this before the conflict. I told him about bringing President Putin to the negotiating table. But Mr. Erdogan could not do it. Now he thinks he can do it? Now we cannot."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky attends an event marking the first anniversary of the conflict with Russia in the capital Kiev on February 24. Photo: AP

According to CNN, regarding the reason for not being able to dialogue with the Kremlin leader, Mr. Zelensky said: "He is no longer the same man as before."

Ukrainian President optimistic about victory

On the one-year anniversary of the conflict with Russia, President Zelensky participated in commemorative events in the capital Kiev on February 24.

In his address to the nation, Mr Zelensky asserted that Ukrainians had proven “invincible in a year of pain, sadness, faith and unity”. He paid tribute to cities that had been badly affected by the fighting such as Bucha, Irpin and Mariupol, describing them as “capitals of invincibility”.

At a press conference later the same day, the head of Kiev stressed that Ukraine would certainly win the conflict with Russia if “partners keep all commitments and deadlines.”

US, EU announce series of new sanctions against Russia

Sweden, which holds the rotating presidency of the European Council, announced on February 24 that the European Union (EU) has approved the 10th package of sanctions against Russia.

The new sanctions package will include restrictions on individuals and entities supporting Moscow’s special military operations, propaganda or the transfer of drones to the Russian military; measures to counter Russian disinformation; and tighter export restrictions on technology and items that could be used for dual purposes.

According to Sweden, these will be “the strongest and most far-reaching sanctions ever aimed at helping Ukraine win the conflict”.

On the same day, the US State Department also announced sanctions against more than 60 senior officials and three companies related to Russia's nuclear program. Washington also announced sanctions against many Russian officials, organizations and citizens accused of "stealing grain from Ukraine", and imposed visa restrictions on more than 1,200 members of the Russian armed forces.

Moscow has not yet responded to the new moves by the EU and the US.