**Ukraine and Russia Agree to Evacuate Kursk Oblast Residents**
Russia and Ukraine have reached an agreement to evacuate residents of the Kursk Oblast region through Belarus, a Russian official said on February 24. The move comes after Ukraine launched a surprise incursion into the area in August 2024.
Russian rights commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova stated that people are already being evacuated from Sumy Oblast and will be taken to Russia through Belarus. However, it is unclear how many people will be relocated under this agreement.
**Ukraine’s Control of Kursk Oblast**
Ukraine still holds significant territory in the Kursk Oblast region, which could be a bargaining chip in potential peace negotiations with Russia. Many believe that Ukraine’s control of the area could be used to negotiate a settlement.
**Allegations of Ukrainian Atrocities**
Russian media has been reporting allegations that Ukrainian troops have shot civilians, including women and children, in areas where they have been operating. However, these claims have been dismissed by Ukraine as disinformation. The Center for Countering Disinformation stated that Russia is working to create a narrative of Ukrainian atrocities.
**U.N. Condemns Russian Invasion**
The UN General Assembly approved a resolution on February 24 condemning Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with 93 countries voting in favor and 18 against. The U.S., Israel, Hungary, Russia, and Belarus voted against the resolution.
**EU Supports Russia with Fossil Fuel Imports**
A new report by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air revealed that the EU paid $22.9 billion for Russian fossil fuel imports in 2024, exceeding the $19.6 billion in financial aid sent to Ukraine that year.
**U.S. Pushes for Peace Negotiations**
U.S. President Donald Trump has been pushing for a swift resolution to Russia’s war against Ukraine. The first step came on February 18 when Russian and U.S. officials met in Saudi Arabia for preliminary talks without Ukraine.
