A new package of EU sanctions against Russia affects vital sectors of the Russian economy, further weakening the regime's ability to wage an illegal, unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov has stated in an interview conducted for Russian propaganda media outlets that Russia wants a long-term peace agreement on Ukraine that addresses the "root causes of the conflict" rather than a quick US-backed ceasefire followed by a quick resumption of hostilities.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has said that the US government is currently creating "a lot of uncertainty" about the war in Ukraine, NATO and Europe and expressed doubt that the Russian leader wants peace.

The leaders of Canada, the Baltic states, the Nordic countries and Spain have arrived in Kyiv on the morning of 24 February to mark the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa arrived in Kyiv on the morning of 24 February. 

The UK has decided to ban entry to individuals who provide significant support to Russia or owe their wealth to the Russian state. The new sanctions are supposed to be announced on 24 February, the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The buildings of the European Commission and the Council of the EU have been illuminated in the colours of the Ukrainian flag to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Russia may agree to use US$300 bn of its frozen assets in Europe to rebuild Ukraine but will insist that part of the money be used to rebuild the territories it currently controls (about 20% of Ukraine).

Keith Kellogg, the US Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, has described his talks with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as "extensive and positive".

US and Russian representatives have held informal discussions on the war in Ukraine in Switzerland over the past few months, including last week.

Andrius Kubilius, European Commissioner for Defence and Space, has confirmed media reports about a European aid package for Ukraine, which may be announced on the third anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Hungary's Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó has stated that he will not support the extension of sanctions against Russian and Belarusian citizens at a meeting of the Council of the European Union on 24 February.

US President Donald Trump's public attack on his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskyy was preceded by a growing sense of frustration in the White House.

Scott Bessent, US Secretary of the Treasury, has indicated that easing sanctions against Russia could be subject to negotiations on the war in Ukraine, stating that the US is prepared to either strengthen or relax restrictions based on Moscow's willingness to negotiate.

US National Security Adviser Michael Waltz has called on Kyiv to "tone it down" and sign the rare earth minerals deal that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has refused.