Key developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict: Day 1,087

Saturday 15 February 2025 - 13:49

The Russia-Ukraine war continues to unfold, with significant developments on February 15, 2025.

Military Actions Russian forces have reportedly taken control of the village Berezivka in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, marking an expansion of their territorial gains. Despite facing significant casualties, Moscow has continued to advance. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that a Russian drone strike had targeted a radiation containment structure at the Chornobyl nuclear plant, although the situation remains stable following the extinguishing of a fire. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed the explosion but reassured that radiation levels remained normal. Ukraine’s air force reported that Russia launched 133 drone attacks overnight.

In additional military reports, Russia’s Defence Ministry claimed control over two settlements in Donetsk and a village outside the city of Kurakhove, as well as several towns seized last month. Ukrainian forces acknowledged the assaults but did not confirm the captures.

During the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy mentioned that 4,000 North Korean troops fighting alongside Russia had suffered heavy losses, with two-thirds of them killed. He also stressed Ukraine’s reliance on military aid from the US, stating that without it, the chances of surviving the invasion are low.

Human Rights Developments Ukraine has successfully secured the return of eight children forcibly taken to Russian-controlled areas, as reported by the Kyiv Independent. Since the conflict began, over 20,000 children have been displaced to Russia or Russian-occupied territories, according to Ukrainian records.

Diplomatic Developments In Munich, US Vice President JD Vance emphasized the Trump administration’s goal of securing “durable peace” for Ukraine and Eastern Europe, stating that the US aims to avoid prolonged conflict in the region. Zelenskyy requested security guarantees for Ukraine in any future peace deal. French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated that Ukraine should drive peace discussions with Russia. Meanwhile, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius criticized recent US statements on Ukraine, calling them "clumsy" and a "mistake."

European Union President Ursula von der Leyen warned that pushing Ukraine into an unfavorable peace agreement would undermine US interests. NATO officials, including Secretary-General Mark Rutte, stressed the need for increased military spending among NATO members to allow the US to shift focus toward Asia. Hungarian President Viktor Orban predicted that the end of the war could lead to a reconnection between Russia and global energy networks.