Ukraine Latest: Saudis support Kyiv with $400m aid plan
Saudi Arabia signed agreements worth $400 million with Ukraine after the kingdom’s foreign minister made a surprise visit to Kyiv.
Sirens sounded across Ukraine for hours early this morning, signaling a drone attack from Russia. At least one person was killed, according to preliminary reports.
Vladimir Putin said NATO arms supplies to Ukraine make the alliance a “participant” in the conflict. It’s not a new thought, but one Russia’s president hasn’t followed through on, even as Western allies provide Kyiv with more sophisticated armaments.
Russia’s War in Ukraine: Key Events and How It’s Unfolding
Listen to our special conversations from last week, including our Twitter Space analyzing Zelenskiy’s press conference as it happened. We also discussed the military strategies of the war, the impact on energy and the environment, the effect of sanctions including on the wealth of Russia’s oligarchs and what the future holds for Ukrainian refugees.
On the Ground:
Sirens sounded in Ukraine shortly before midnight, signaling a Russian drone attack. Ukraine’s air force said it shot down 11 out of 14 Iranian-made single use drones. Russia attacked the western city of Khmelnytskyi, leaving at least one dead and four wounded, according to preliminary reports.
Blackout in Odesa After Accident
The city of Odesa and a surrounding district are facing a temporary blackout following the collapse of a high-voltage line, according to private energy company DTEK.
It’s the second power accident in the southern seaport of Odesa this month, as the city’s grid is still grappling with damage from multiple Russian air strikes. Still, Ukraine’s electricity supplies have improved in February and there are fewer power outages.
Ukraine Gets Support From Saudis
Prince Faisal bin Farhan was the highest-ranking Saudi official to visit Ukraine in 30 years. He met President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, his chief of staff Andriy Yermak, his Ukrainian counterpart Dmytro Kuleba, and others.
The agreements stipulated how some $410 million in humanitarian aid the Saudi government authorized for Ukraine back in October will be spent, the prince told reporters.
Zelenskiy Dismisses Ukrainian Joint Forces Commander (0:54 a.m.)
President Zelenskiy dismissed Eduard Moskalyov from his post of Ukraine’s joint forces commander, according to a copy of the decree released by his office. No details were given.
Moskalyov was commander of the forces which have been engaged in defending the Donbas region, Reuters reported. He had been in the post since March of last year.
