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Zelensky Open to Territorial Swaps in Potential Peace Talks with Russia
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has expressed openness to trading territory as part of potential peace negotiations with Russia, according to an interview with The Guardian published on February 11. Zelensky’s remarks come amid increased speculation about the possibility of peace talks, particularly as U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to end the war within 100 days of taking office. The Ukrainian leader suggested that territory could be exchanged, but he did not specify which areas might be involved. "We will swap one territory for another," Zelensky said, emphasizing that all Ukrainian territories are equally important and that there is no hierarchy of priority.
Zelensky’s comments highlight the complex and evolving dynamics of the conflict. Ukraine has managed to hold onto certain Russian territories captured during a cross-border incursion into Russia’s Kursk Oblast in August 2024. While Ukrainian forces initially gained control of approximately 1,300 square kilometers (500 square miles) of Russian territory, they have since lost about half of that area. However, they recently advanced 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) in a new offensive, demonstrating their continued ability to challenge Russian positions. Zelensky has previously stated that the territories under Ukrainian control could play a significant role in future negotiations, as they provide leverage in any potential deal with Russia.
The possibility of peace talks has gained traction since Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine peace, has stated that the new administration aims to end the war within 100 days. Kellogg is expected to visit Ukraine on February 20, following the Munich Security Conference, and Trump has announced plans to meet Zelensky in Washington in the coming weeks. Trump has also claimed to have a concrete plan to end the war quickly, describing it as a humanitarian imperative. However, Zelensky has made it clear that any negotiations must be grounded in the realities of the battlefield, as the outcome of the war will ultimately depend on military successes and failures.
Ukraine Strikes Key Russian Oil Refinery in Saratov
In a bold and strategic move, Ukrainian forces carried out a surprise attack on Russia’s Saratov oil refinery overnight on February 11. The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces confirmed the strike, which was reportedly conducted using drones. Videos shared on social media appeared to show a large fire and searchlights illuminating the sky near the refinery. The Saratov refinery is a critical facility for Russia, producing over 20 types of oil products, including gasoline, fuel oil, and diesel. It also supplies fuel to Russian occupation forces in Ukraine, making it a key target for Ukrainian military operations.
The attack on the Saratov refinery underscores Ukraine’s ability to strike deep within Russian territory, despite the vast distances involved. The refinery is located approximately 1,500 kilometers (930 miles) from Ukraine’s border, demonstrating the long-range capabilities of Ukraine’s unmanned systems. The operation was carried out by a coalition of Ukrainian forces, including the Unmanned Systems Forces, military intelligence, and Special Operations Forces. While the full extent of the damage is still being assessed, the strike highlights Ukraine’s determination to disrupt Russia’s war effort by targeting critical infrastructure.
The attack on Saratov follows earlier reports of explosions in Engels, a city located across the Volga River from Saratov. Engels is home to the Engels-2 strategic aviation airbase, which has been targeted by Ukrainian long-range strikes in the past. The ability of Ukrainian forces to strike such distant and strategic targets suggests that they are leveraging advanced technologies and intelligence to weaken Russia’s logistical and operational capabilities.
U.S. Will Not Send Troops to Ukraine, Pentagon Chief Confirms
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reaffirmed on February 11 that the United States will not deploy troops to Ukraine, even as discussions about potential peacekeeping forces continue among Western allies. Hegseth made the comments during a press conference in Stuttgart, Germany, where he was visiting U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command headquarters. While the U.S. has been a major supplier of military aid to Ukraine, the Biden administration—and now the Trump administration—has consistently ruled out the deployment of American troops to the conflict zone.
Hegseth’s remarks come amid expectations of a shift in U.S. policy under President Trump, who has pledged to end the war in Ukraine quickly. The Defense Secretary expressed hope for a swift peace agreement, which would allow the U.S. to reassess its global force posture. Hegseth is expected to attend the Ukraine Defense Contact Group (UDCG), also known as the Ramstein summit, where he will reiterate Trump’s commitment to a diplomatic resolution of the conflict. However, unlike previous meetings, the summit will not be convened by the U.S. but by the U.K., raising questions about the future of the Ramstein format under the new administration.
While the U.S. has been a key player in Ukraine’s defense, the decision not to send troops reflects broader concerns about escalation and the risks of direct involvement in the conflict. The U.S. is instead focusing on providing military aid, including advanced weaponry and intelligence support, to help Ukraine defend itself. At the same time, Trump has hinted at a desire to secure access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals as part of any future aid package, a proposal that Zelensky has indicated Kyiv is open to discussing.
North Korea Sends Arms and Troops to Support Russia in Ukraine
North Korea has reportedly sent approximately 200 long-range artillery guns to Russia to bolster its war effort in Ukraine, according to South Korea’s Defense Ministry. The Yonhap news agency reported on February 11 that the weapons transfer is part of a broader effort by Pyongyang to support Moscow, which has also included the supply of ballistic missiles, millions of artillery shells, and other military equipment. In addition to weapons, North Korea is believed to have deployed up to 12,000 troops to Russia’s Kursk Oblast to assist Russian forces in countering Ukrainian cross-border incursions.
The involvement of North Korean troops and weapons in the conflict has significant implications for the balance of power on the battlefield. Ukrainian military intelligence has estimated that North Korean forces have suffered heavy casualties, with up to 4,000 soldiers killed or injured in combat. Despite these losses, there are concerns that North Korea may send additional reinforcements, including gun and rocket artillery units, to support Russia’s war effort. The South Korean Defense Ministry has also warned that North Korea may be receiving technological assistance from Russia, particularly in the areas of nuclear-powered submarines and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), in exchange for its military support.
The deployment of North Korean troops to Ukraine is a rare instance of foreign soldiers fighting on behalf of Russia in the conflict. While North Korea’s involvement is not yet on the same scale as Russia’s own forces, it highlights the extent to which Moscow is willing to seek external support to maintain its military campaign. At the same time, the presence of North Korean soldiers on the battlefield has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation and the involvement of other external actors in the conflict.
Ukrainian Drones Destroy Rare Russian Smerch-2 Rocket Launcher
Ukrainian forces achieved a significant military success on February 11 when they destroyed a rare Russian Smerch-2 anti-submarine rocket launcher in the Donetsk Oblast. The destruction of the launcher, which was mounted on a Ural vehicle and concealed in a forest, was carried out by drones operated by the 63rd Separate Mechanized Brigade. Footage of the attack, shared by the brigade, shows the moment the launcher was struck and destroyed.
The Smerch-2 is a Soviet-era system designed to target submarines and torpedoes, though it has also been used in ground combat during the war in Ukraine. Its destruction is a notable achievement for Ukrainian forces, as the system is both rare and highly specialized. The use of drones in the attack highlights the critical role that unmanned systems have played in the conflict, both for reconnaissance and for conducting precision strikes.
Ukraine has invested heavily in the development and deployment of drones, with over 200,000 domestically produced drones delivered to front-line units in December alone. These systems have proven to be highly effective in targeting Russian equipment and personnel, allowing Ukrainian forces to inflict significant damage while minimizing their own casualties. The destruction of the Smerch-2 launcher is a testament to the growing sophistication and capability of Ukraine’s drone forces, which have become a key component of its military strategy.
Ukraine’s Military Reforms Aim to Enhance Battlefield Efficiency
As Ukraine approaches the fourth year of its full-scale war with Russia, it is implementing major reforms to its military structure in an effort to improve efficiency and organization on the battlefield. President Volodymyr Zelensky recently announced that Ukraine is transitioning to a corps-based system, which is expected to enhance the coordination and effectiveness of its armed forces. The reforms are part of a broader effort to modernize Ukraine’s military and ensure that it is better equipped to confront the challenges of modern warfare.
The transition to a corps system reflects Ukraine’s growing experience and sophistication as a military force. The reforms are designed to streamline command structures, improve communication, and enable more rapid decision-making on the battlefield. Zelensky has emphasized the importance of these changes, stating that they are essential for Ukraine’s long-term success in the conflict. While the reforms are still in their early stages, they represent a significant step forward in Ukraine’s efforts to build a more professional and effective military.
Despite the challenges posed by the ongoing war, Ukraine’s military has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability. The country’s ability to reform its armed forces while simultaneously engaging in active combat operations is a testament to the determination of its leadership and the courage of its soldiers. As the conflict continues to evolve, these reforms will play a critical role in shaping Ukraine’s military strategy and its ability to defend itself against Russian aggression.
