{{dayPoint.date | date : 'd MMMM yyyy'}}

{{newsPoint.title}}

{{newsPoint.title+ ' '}}

{{newsPoint.subtitle}}

Trump says he would seek lifting sanctions on Russia in Ukraine peace deal

The US president did not elaborate on whether any top-level contact on the issue was in the pipeline

US President Donald Trump Heather Diehl/Getty Images

US President Donald Trump

© Heather Diehl/Getty Images

WASHINGTON, February 27. /TASS/. The United States would like to see anti-Russian sanctions lifted as part of a Ukraine peace deal, President Donald Trump said, taking reporters’ questions on the South Lawn in front of the White House ahead of a working visit to Texas.

"I’d love to do sanctions relief," the US leader said in response to a TASS reporter’s request to comment on a potential sanctions relief for Moscow and expansion of economic and trade ties between Russia and the United States.

"I’d like to see that war over with. I spoke with [Russian] President [Vladimir] Putin. We’d like to see the war end, and we’d like to end that fast," he added without explaining if any highest-level contact is in the pipeline.

Tags

Iran's nuclear program

IAEA chief says he discussed Iran with senior US official

The sides exchanged opinions on issues of arms nonproliferation

Board of Peace first meeting: What is known about organization at this point

The Board of Peace is currently focused on settling the conflict in the Gaza Strip

Hungary sends helicopters to Ukrainian border to protect energy infrastructure

Defense Minister Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky stressed that military units protecting critically important energy infrastructure will be provided with electronic warfare equipment in sufficient amounts

Deputy commander-in-chief of Russian Navy arrives at Massawa port in Eritrea

The visit is part of the events marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Russia and Eritrea

Possible US strike on Iran unlikely to cause longstanding regional conflict — Vance

US Vice President JD Vance stressed he does not know what Donald Trump will decide to do about Iran

Russia to upgrade Ka-52 ‘Alligator’ attack helicopter considering Syrian experience

The ‘Alligator’ is furnished with modern avionics

Trump says he would seek lifting sanctions on Russia in Ukraine peace deal

The US president did not elaborate on whether any top-level contact on the issue was in the pipeline

Afghan chief of General Staff reports 'large number' of Pakistani soldiers killed

Qari Fasihuddin Fitrat said that a significant number of enemy posts had been captured

Russian Security Council blames London for escalation between Pakistan, Afghanistan

The Security Council is concerned about the situation and has called for conflicts to be settled peacefully

Russian watchdog blacklists US legal entity Anti-Corruption Foundation as terrorist

Additionally, Lithuanian citizen Andrejus Trofimovas, who is currently on the international wanted list, has been incorporated into the registry

Afghanistan announces completion of military operation against Pakistan

The statement noted that the operation was a response to "the violation of Afghanistan's territorial integrity and the deaths of women and children" resulting from the Pakistani military's actions

Share of friendly countries reach 94% in Russian oil exports

Exports of petroleum products from Russia to friendly nations grew from 26% in 2021 to 86% in 2025

IN BRIEF: What is known about escalation between Afghanistan and Pakistan

Fighting broke out along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border on the evening of January 26

Enemy stands no chance of crossing to Dnieper’s left bank in Kherson region — governor

Despite the difficulties associated with the operational situation, the region continues to develop, Vladimir Saldo noted

Ukraine used Druzhba to pump its oil — Reuters

According to the report, Kiev pumped about 40,000 metric tons of oil monthly into the oil pipeline before the halt of supplies

Ukraine’s largest steel mill to close foundry production

The exorbitant price of electricity in Ukraine is the cause of halting production, the company added

First batch-produced Su-57 delivered to regiment in Southern Military District — source

The source added that another four such jets would be provided for the Aerospace Force in 2021

Russian forces wipe out Ukrainian positions in Zaporozhye Region

The troops also destroyed a dug-out sheltering with Ukrainian military personnel

Afghanistan launches new strikes on Pakistani border posts — TV

No information on casualties has been provided

UN Charter commitment must be reaffirmed by all countries — Russian Foreign Ministry

According to Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of International Organizations Kirill Logvinov, "an example of such reaffirmation was the Russia-China joint declaration on further strengthening cooperation to uphold the authority of international law, which was signed in Moscow on May 8"

Death in Kursk, balcony collapse in Taganrog: new attacks on Russian regions

Emergency responders are currently working at the scene

Yandex co-founder Volozh renounces Russian citizenship

According to the report, Arkady Volozh has the Israeli passport and is living there for more than a decade

Merz says he asked China to use its influence to end conflict in Ukraine

The German chancellor said that signals from China are taken very seriously in Moscow

US seeking a takeover of Cuba — Trump

On January 29, the United States signed an executive order making it possible for Washington to impose tariffs on goods from countries supplying oil to Cuba

Russia’s Pacific Fleet to commission corvette Unbeatable in first half of 2017

At present, the ship is doing seaworthiness trial tests under the control of the Fleet’s military specialists on armament systems, communications air defenses, radioelectronic warfare

Battlegroup West destroys 46 Ukrainian drone control centers, 5 Starlink stations

The battlegroup’s air defense units shot down 39 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones, battlegroup’s spokesman added

Afghanistan strikes 'nuclear facility' in Pakistan — TV

According to Ariana News, "hundreds of dead and injured" have been taken to a hospital in Islamabad

FACTBOX: Putin calls for faster adoption of autonomous systems

The Russian president recommended that the Moscow city government share its experience in the use of unmanned technologies and artificial intelligence with other Russian regions

Press review: Iran offers oil deals as US sets deadline and Iceland eyes EU entry

Top stories from the Russian press on Friday, February 27th

If Kiev rejects talks, Russia to oust Ukrainian troops from new regions by force — envoy

Gennady Gatilov pointed out that Kiev "has to recognize the incorporation of the new regions into Russia and withdraw its armed forces from these territories"

Diplomat advises Russian Paralympic athletes to ignore Western bullying

Maria Zakharova said she had no doubt about their strong willpower

Two Russians in St. Petersburg planned terrorist attack against senior military official

According to the Russian Federal Service, the suspects have been detained and have confessed to their involvement

Frequency of meetings on Ukraine talks can’t be strictly standardized — Kremlin

"Contacts are underway and in the course of them suitable timeframes will be discussed," Dmitry Peskov added

Exhumation of Soviet soldiers in Lvov 'degradation bordering on savagery' — Lavrov

The Russian foreign minister emphasized that despite the OSCE's declared commitment to defending and protecting human rights as one of the organization's fundamental aims, Western countries maintained a deathly silence while watching the actions of the Kiev regime

British forces in Ukraine constitute legitimate target for Russian army — Russian envoy

Earlier, the UK Defense Ministry reported that a headquarters unit of the so-called multinational forces for Ukraine has begun work as part of preparations for sending troops to Ukrainian territory from the countries which have declared themselves part of the Coalition of the Willing, after the end of the conflict

US would prefer diplomatic solution on Iran’s nuclear dossier — Vance

US Vice President emphasized that "it really depends on what the Iranians do and what they say"

Ukraine reports reaching understanding with Russia, US on control mechanisms

According to the official, agreement has been reached on "terminology," namely, "what constitutes a ceasefire, who will monitor its observance, what constitutes a line of separation, and where it should be drawn"

Number of Ukrainian refugees climbs to 5.6 million since 2022 — study

According to the research, the number grew by 400,000 in 2026 compared to late 2024

Poland launched campaign to fully 'cancel' Russia, says embassy

Russia’s Charge d’Affaires in Poland Andrey Ordash noted that 2022-2023 brought a notable increase in discrimination against Russian citizens in Poland

Russia lodges protest with Finnish ambassador over flag burning incident near embassy

"The Russian side emphasized that it considers the incident a blatant and blasphemous act against the state symbol of Russia," the Russian Foreign Ministry added

UK, French paratroopers prepare for deployment to Ukraine — newspaper

The newspaper noted that the strength of the UK Armed Forces was approximately 70,000, which is the lowest figure in more than 200 years

Kiev unwilling to get bodies of fallen soldiers to avoid paying compensations — Rada

According to Anna Skorokhod, a member of the Verkhovna Rada, it is a social issue, because when people see so many bodies being returned, they become even more negative about mobilization

Hungarian PM disputes Zelensky claims over Druzhba pipeline

According to Viktor Orban, Vladimir Zelensky is lying when he says it is impossible to resume oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline

NASA cancels Moon landing as part of Artemis III mission

According to NASA head Jared Isaacman, Artemis III will target launch in 2027 and it will no longer be a Moon landing

Tretyakov Gallery to present projects in Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, Beijing in 2026

According to Olga Galaktionova, this project, timed to the Days of Russian Culture in Kazakhstan, will be dedicated to the 20th century art, from Avant-Garde to Socialist Realism

Russian ambassador to OSCE refutes West’s allegations about Russia’s isolation

Dmitry Polyansky says he is ready to challenge any false narrative in an "honest, fact-based discussion, open or closed"

Human rights activist urges probe into Zelensky's wife involvement Epstein case

Alexander Brod argued that if there is credible evidence of Ukrainian elite complicity, the investigation should be pursued by US and British authorities

Annual inflation in Russia down to 5.81% over week — Economy Ministry

Foods had the price increase by 0.13%

Control of Rai-Aleksandrovka to better opportunities to engage Kiev forces near Slavyansk

Igor Kimakovsky, advisor to the head of the DPR, emphasized that this victory will enable the Russian army to deploy medium-range artillery against Ukrainian positions

Biden, Zelensky responsible for deaths in Ukraine — US journalist Hinkle

The US has transferred more than 60 packages of military aid to Ukraine since the beginning of the special military operation

Zaporozhye nuke plant says it views Energodar drone attack as terror attack

A local ceasefire has been in effect since 7:00 a.m. Moscow time on Friday in the area surrounding the ZNPP

Inflation in Russia accelerates to 0.19% over week — statistics

Consumer prices in the country ticked up by 0.51% from early February

Netherlands, Czech Republic, France ignored Kiev request on Butyagin — Russian embassy

Russian archaeologist and State Hermitage Museum employee Alexander Butyagin was detained on December 4, 2025, at a hotel in Warsaw

Iran rejected all of US demands during Geneva talks — WSJ

According to the newspaper, Iran rejected the idea of handing over its uranium stockpiles to a foreign country, stopping enrichment and demolishing its nuclear facilities

Special op, nuclear forces, Oreshnik and Burevestnik: what Putin told defense officials

The Russian president noted that Russia’s strategic nuclear forces will continue to play a key role in deterring aggression and maintaining the global balance of power

Kremlin takes note that expropriation of Russia's assets is no longer on EU agenda

Dmitry Peskov said there are also a number of other countries that are aware of the inevitable negative consequences of such a decision to expropriate Russia's assets

Russia’s Battlegroup Center destroys Ukraine’s fortified positions near Kransoarmeysk

UAV operators destroyed dug-outs with Ukrainian personnel

Cuba incurs over $3 billion in losses from US blockade — ambassador to Turkey

Alejandro Francisco Diaz Palacios recalled the executive order signed by US President Donald Trump on January 30, introducing tariffs on all goods coming from countries that supply or sell oil to Cuba, which further tightened the blockade

New Dutch cabinet doesn’t rule out sending troops to Ukraine after peace is reached

According to Dilan Yesilgoz-Zegerius, when exploring this option, it is necessary to take into account the concrete situation, the operation’s format and the relevant mandate

Despite ceasefire in Zaporozhye NPP area, Ukraine attacks Energodar

The enemy drone exploded in the courtyard of the Sovremennik Palace of Culture

Ex-PM of Ukraine dismisses claims of territorial concessions by Kiev negotiators

Nikolay Azarov added that the entire Kiev administration is a puppet regime

Colombian police arrest Russian citizen wanted by US

According to US investigators, between October 2024 and March 2025, the detainee allegedly "participated in a conspiracy to murder or kidnap two prominent figures in Europe"

Russia retains top global wheat exporter status in 2025

According to Russian Agriculture Minister Oksana Lut, based on the 2025 harvest volume, the export potential in 2026 is estimated at 55 mln tons

Ex-UK ambassador to Russia warns of horribly complex process of Ukraine’s EU accession

Anthony Brenton noted that it is "very difficult" to determine any timeframe for this process, as demanded in Kiev

Fico says has different views with Zelensky on Druzhba pipline’s technical condition

The Slovak prime minister recalled that Zelensky did not allow either the Slovak ambassador or EU ambassador to Ukraine to inspect the pipeline

Poland only harmed itself by closing Russian consulates, embassy says

According to Russia’s Charge d’Affaires in Poland Andrey Ordash, the workload on the embassy's consular section increased significantly after Poland expelled 45 Russian diplomats in March 2022

FACTBOX: What we know about third round of Iran-US talks in Geneva

Iran is ready for both peaceful and military development scenarios but sets the main objective of averting a possible conflict, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said

Poland conceals its role in 1938 Munich Agreement — Russian charge d'affaires

Historical narratives that cast Poland in a negative light are being deliberately suppressed, Andrey Ordash said

Resisting sanctions, responding to challenges: statements by Putin, Lukashenko

The geopolitical situation orders two nations to be ready to tackle any challenges jointly

Ukrainian military uses sophisticated attacks on civilian targets — Kherson governor

"The Russian Armed Forces are doing everything possible to diminish the Ukrainian military’s firepower," Vladimir Saldo stated

EU wants to join talks on Ukraine to derail them — Russian diplomat

Ambassador to the UK Andrey Kelin says that London and its allies "have nothing to propose" in the negotiations

IAEA chief says he discussed Iran with senior US official

The sides exchanged opinions on issues of arms nonproliferation

Russian troops liberate four communities in Ukraine operation over week — top brass

Russia’s Battlegroup North inflicted more than 1,485 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed five enemy armored combat vehicles in its areas of responsibility over the week, the Defense Ministry reported

Battlegroup West captures 29 Ukrainian soldiers in one week — DPR official

Earlier, Igor Kimakovsky reported that soldiers from the Battlegroup West had eliminated the Ukrainian General Staff’s security brigade and more than 200 pieces of enemy equipment

US, Iranian technical groups to begin consultations in Vienna on March 2 — minister

According to Abbas Araghchi, the sides plan to reconcile technical aspects with political demands

Pakistan government says 133 Afghan servicemen killed, 200 wounded in clashes

Pakistani troops also destroyed over 80 tanks, artillery guns and armored personnel carriers