Ukraine is reportedly planning a presidential election and a referendum on a potential peace deal with Russia, with announcements possibly as soon as late February and a May timeframe cited by Ukrainian and European officials.

U.S. pressure is pushing for both votes to be held on May 15, with security guarantees used as leverage to ensure the elections occur.

Diplomatic talks between the United States and Ukraine include discussions about submitting a peace agreement to a referendum and coordinating a simultaneous national election, signaling ongoing coordination on the peace process.

A bombing in Sloviansk killed a mother and daughter, illustrating ongoing casualties and damage from fighting across multiple Ukrainian regions.

An attack in eastern Ukraine killed an 11-year-old girl and her mother, with many others injured; casualties were reported in the Donetsk region, and Russian-installed authorities in parts of Zaporizhzhia claimed a separate strike on a priest and several injuries.

Russia announced new restrictions on Telegram citing data-privacy concerns, drawing criticism that Moscow is tightening state surveillance and limiting independent communication.

Telegram’s future in Russia faces further limits, with the founder warning about government pressure and concerns over freedom of expression and privacy.

Ukraine is moving power substations underground to protect electricity infrastructure from Russian strikes, a costly effort funded in part by international lenders such as the European Investment Bank and potentially the European Central Bank.

Russia maintains that any peace agreement would require relinquishing control of territories including the Donbass, insisting Donbass is non-negotiable.

Kenya repatriated 27 citizens recruited to fight for Russia and condemned the practice of luring Africans into combat roles linked to Ukraine-related conflict.

Poland rejects Moscow’s claim of Polish involvement in a suspected attack on a Russian general, stating Polish intelligence followed laws and there was no such involvement.

VIG Ukraine unit Kniazha, backed by US DFC, expands war-risk insurance to cover up to $100 million in assets, aiming to reassure SMEs and individuals in Ukraine.