Russian attacks across multiple Ukrainian regions killed at least one person and injured at least 4 people. Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: One killed, four wounded as Russian explosions rock capital Kyiv

Marc Fogel, an American teacher detained for over three years in Russia, was released on Tuesday (Feb 11) and was welcomed by US President Donald Trump as he said that Vladimir Putin had got "not much" in return.&nbsp;
The White House described it in a statement as a diplomatic thaw that is a step toward ending the Ukraine war.&nbsp;
Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump's special envoy, was with Fogel while leaving Russia and landed back in the US at Joint Base Andrews on Tuesday night.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-donald-trump-fires-usaid-inspector-general-report-8714191" rel="dofollow">US President Donald Trump fires USAID inspector general: Report</a>
Trump said that another detainee would be freed on Wednesday without revealing the name.&nbsp;
<h2>Who is Marc Fogel?</h2>
Marc Fogel, a 63-year-old former diplomat and a school teacher, was arrested in August 2021 and was serving a 14-year prison sentence.&nbsp;
According to his family and supporters, he had been travelling with medically prescribed marijuana and was designated by former President Joe Biden's administration as wrongfully detained in December.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-says-russian-missile-strike-kills-at-least-one-in-kyiv-8713602" rel="dofollow">Putin 'not preparing for peace': Zelensky slams Russia after missile attack killed one in Kyiv</a>
"I feel like the luckiest man on Earth right now," said Fogel. "I'm a middle-class school teacher who's now in a dream world."
Fogel's relatives said they were "beyond grateful, relieved, and overwhelmed&rdquo; that he was coming home.
President Trump, while speaking to reporters at the White House, said, "We were treated very nicely by Russia, actually. I hope that's the beginning of a relationship where we can end that war.&rdquo;&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelensky-says-open-to-land-swap-with-russia-to-end-war-donald-trump-vladimir-putin-8712366">Volodymyr Zelensky changes stance, says Ukraine 'open to land swap' with Russia</a>
Asked whether the US had given up anything in return, Trump replied &ldquo;not much&rdquo; but did not elaborate.
<h2>'Sign towards ending Ukraine war'</h2>
Michael Waltz, Trump's national security adviser, said the US and Russia "negotiated an exchange" to ensure Fogel's release.
Waltz stressed the development was "a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine.&rdquo;
After landing on US soil, the White House posted on X, "PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT!" along with a picture of Mr Fogel.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-may-be-russian-someday-says-trump-ahead-of-envoy-keith-kelloggs-meeting-with-zelensky-8710008">Ukraine 'may be Russian someday', says Trump ahead of envoy Keith Kellogg's meeting with Zelensky</a>
<h2>Russian citizen freed from US in exchange</h2>
The Kremlin said on Wednesday (Feb 12) that a Russian citizen was freed from a US prison in exchange for the release of Marc Fogel.&nbsp;
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the Russians will return home in the coming days, at which point Moscow will release their name.
Replying to Trump's remark that this could help end the war, Peskov said it was unlikely to be a turning point but described the releases as gradual steps to increase mutual trust, now at a low point.&nbsp;
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump's special envoy, was with Fogel while leaving Russia and landed in the US at Joint Base Andrews on Tuesday night. 

Marc Fogel, an American teacher detained for over three years in Russia, was released on Tuesday (Feb 11) and was welcomed by US President Donald Trump as he said that Vladimir Putin had got "not much" in return. The White House described it in a statement as a diplomatic thaw that is a step toward ending the Ukraine war. Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump's special envoy, was with Fogel while leaving Russia and landed back in the US at Joint Base Andrews on Tuesday night. Also read: US President Donald Trump fires USAID inspector general: Report Trump said that another detainee would be freed on Wednesday without revealing the name. Who is Marc Fogel? Marc Fogel, a 63-year-old former diplomat and a school teacher, was arrested in August 2021 and was serving a 14-year prison sentence. According to his family and supporters, he had been travelling with medically prescribed marijuana and was designated by former President Joe Biden's administration as wrongfully detained in December. Also read: Putin 'not preparing for peace': Zelensky slams Russia after missile attack killed one in Kyiv "I feel like the luckiest man on Earth right now," said Fogel. "I'm a middle-class school teacher who's now in a dream world." Fogel's relatives said they were "beyond grateful, relieved, and overwhelmed” that he was coming home. President Trump, while speaking to reporters at the White House, said, "We were treated very nicely by Russia, actually. I hope that's the beginning of a relationship where we can end that war.” Also read: Volodymyr Zelensky changes stance, says Ukraine 'open to land swap' with Russia Asked whether the US had given up anything in return, Trump replied “not much” but did not elaborate. 'Sign towards ending Ukraine war' Michael Waltz, Trump's national security adviser, said the US and Russia "negotiated an exchange" to ensure Fogel's release. Waltz stressed the development was "a sign we are moving in the right direction to end the brutal and terrible war in Ukraine.” After landing on US soil, the White House posted on X, "PROMISES MADE, PROMISES KEPT!" along with a picture of Mr Fogel. Also read: Ukraine 'may be Russian someday', says Trump ahead of envoy Keith Kellogg's meeting with Zelensky Russian citizen freed from US in exchange The Kremlin said on Wednesday (Feb 12) that a Russian citizen was freed from a US prison in exchange for the release of Marc Fogel. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said the Russians will return home in the coming days, at which point Moscow will release their name. Replying to Trump's remark that this could help end the war, Peskov said it was unlikely to be a turning point but described the releases as gradual steps to increase mutual trust, now at a low point. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Marc Fogel? Russia releases imprisoned American teacher; US calls it step to ‘end Ukraine war’

Moscow has released an American prisoner following the first known visit by a member of President Donald Trump's administration to Russia.

Moscow Releases Marc Fogel After Visit By Trump's Envoy

A darker crisis is unfolding in Ukraine, as American weapons intended for Ukrainian troops have reportedly fallen into the hands of Mexican drug cartels. This next report delves into how a perfect storm of corruption is threatening both Ukraine's survival and US border security.

Russia-Ukraine war: Ukraine allegedly sells American weapons to Mexican cartels

American support for Ukraine comes with a price tag of 500 billion dollars in mineral resources. That is the deal that US President Donald Trump wants for sending Ukraine weapons and materials in its war against Russia. It is becoming increasingly clear that the real prize in the Ukraine war is the hidden one.

War for wealth of Ukraine: Resources for Russia, corruption for Kyiv's elite

The Ukrainian armed forces have been selling arms received from the US to Mexican drug cartels, which they then use against the United States, American journalist Tucker Carlson said in an interview. Watch this report for more details!

Ukrainian soldiers lack ammunition, criminals selling weapons to cartels

Ukraine diverts US arms to Mexican cartels: Reports

Russia-Ukraine War: US weapons in Mexican cartel's hands?

Russia-Ukraine War: Reports suggest Ukrainian arms end up with Mexican cartels

Russia is pushing deeper into Ukraine, with its forces now targeting Toretsk in the Donetsk region. Kyiv reports the downing of a Russian SU-25 jet, while Ukraine denies full Russian control over the city. Meanwhile, Donald Trump claims to have spoken with Vladimir Putin, but the Kremlin remains silent.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia advances in Ukraine as battle for toretsk intensifies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in a precarious position following discussions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin about Ukraine's future that excluded him. Zelensky is fighting for survival and has proposed supplying allies with Ukraine's rare earth minerals, saying, "Let's do a deal."

Game Over: Zelensky crawls towards survival after Trump-Putin talks

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected at the Munich Security Conference, where the war with Russia and how to end it will be high on the agenda. Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky rushes to Munich for critical talks

US President Donald Trump reportedly said that he has spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin in an attempt to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine. Watch this report for more details!

Donald Trump says he's spoken with Putin about ending Ukraine war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (Feb 8) stressed that Russian President Vladimir <a href="https://www.wionews.com/tags/putin" rel="dofollow">Putin</a> is not preparing for negotiations or peace, but for the continuation of war.&nbsp;
The Ukrainian president said that Russia is forming new divisions and developing new military production facilities.&nbsp;
"This means one simple thing&mdash;Putin is preparing not for negotiations, not for peace, but for the continuation of the war&mdash;and not only against Ukraine," Zelensky said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-zelensky-open-to-face-to-face-talks-with-enemy-putin-but-only-under-one-condition-8691634" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;Won't be kind to him&rsquo;: Zelensky open to face-to-face talks with 'enemy' Putin, but only under one condition</a>
He further said that Russia's cooperation with North Korea will continue to expand, adding that Moscow is also spreading modern warfare technologies to the region, "particularly drone technologies."&nbsp;
"They are now increasing their army by more than a hundred thousand soldiers," the Ukrainian president claimed.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-calls-for-us-companies-to-invest-in-ukraines-rare-earths-8691277" rel="dofollow">Zelensky invites US companies to invest in Ukraine's rare earths</a>
He warned "All partners must be aware of this and see it clearly."
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Intelligence reports confirm that Russia is forming new divisions and developing new military production facilities. Their cooperation with North Korea will continue to expand. Moscow is also spreading modern warfare technologies to the region, particularly drone technologies.&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/2r5Uw4IdGQ">pic.twitter.com/2r5Uw4IdGQ</a>
&mdash; Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1888252053392159125?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2025</a></blockquote>
Earlier on Friday, Zelensky said that North Korean troops have returned to the frontline in Russia's Kursk region. A &ldquo;significant number&rdquo; of opposing troops had been &ldquo;destroyed&rdquo;, he said. &ldquo;We are talking about hundreds of Russian and North Korean soldiers.&rdquo;
North Korea sent more than 10,000 soldiers to Russia last year to help Moscow in its war with Ukraine.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-says-russia-ready-for-peace-talks-but-rules-out-speaking-directly-with-illegitimate-zelensky-8662995" rel="dofollow"> Putin says Russia ready for peace talks but rules out speaking directly with 'illegitimate' Zelensky</a>
US President Donald Trump on Friday said he would "probably" meet Zelensky next week. The US president when asked by reporters in the White House whether such a meeting would be in Washington, replied that it &ldquo;could be Washington &ndash; well, I&rsquo;m not going there&rdquo;, referring to Kyiv.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re also planning meetings and talks at the teams&rsquo; level. Right now Ukrainian and American teams are working out the details," he said in a post on X.&nbsp;
&nbsp;Zelenskyy&rsquo;s chief of staff said Ukraine was looking forward to a visit this month by Trump&rsquo;s special envoy for the region.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Zelensky said that Russia is forming new divisions and developing new military production facilities, adding Putin is preparing not for negotiations but for war. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Saturday (Feb 8) stressed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is not preparing for negotiations or peace, but for the continuation of war. The Ukrainian president said that Russia is forming new divisions and developing new military production facilities. "This means one simple thing—Putin is preparing not for negotiations, not for peace, but for the continuation of the war—and not only against Ukraine," Zelensky said. Also read: ‘Won't be kind to him’: Zelensky open to face-to-face talks with 'enemy' Putin, but only under one condition He further said that Russia's cooperation with North Korea will continue to expand, adding that Moscow is also spreading modern warfare technologies to the region, "particularly drone technologies." "They are now increasing their army by more than a hundred thousand soldiers," the Ukrainian president claimed. Also read: Zelensky invites US companies to invest in Ukraine's rare earths He warned "All partners must be aware of this and see it clearly." Intelligence reports confirm that Russia is forming new divisions and developing new military production facilities. Their cooperation with North Korea will continue to expand. Moscow is also spreading modern warfare technologies to the region, particularly drone technologies.… pic.twitter.com/2r5Uw4IdGQ — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 8, 2025 Earlier on Friday, Zelensky said that North Korean troops have returned to the frontline in Russia's Kursk region. A “significant number” of opposing troops had been “destroyed”, he said. “We are talking about hundreds of Russian and North Korean soldiers.” North Korea sent more than 10,000 soldiers to Russia last year to help Moscow in its war with Ukraine. Also read: Putin says Russia ready for peace talks but rules out speaking directly with 'illegitimate' Zelensky US President Donald Trump on Friday said he would "probably" meet Zelensky next week. The US president when asked by reporters in the White House whether such a meeting would be in Washington, replied that it “could be Washington – well, I’m not going there”, referring to Kyiv. “We’re also planning meetings and talks at the teams’ level. Right now Ukrainian and American teams are working out the details," he said in a post on X. Zelenskyy’s chief of staff said Ukraine was looking forward to a visit this month by Trump’s special envoy for the region. (With inputs from agencies)

'Putin preparing for war, not peace or negotiations', Zelensky claims

Kyiv was hit by a deadly Russian aerial strike, leaving three dead and five injured. As Russia intensifies its offensive, Ukraine relies on drones to counter the attacks. Drone warfare is reshaping the battlefield as both sides escalate their military strategies.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia pounds Kyiv with deadly strikes as Ukraine fights back with drones

On the six-month anniversary of its first attack in Russia's Kursk region, Kyiv launched a new offensive on Thursday. This surprise assault involved multiple attacks but was doomed from the outset. Russian forces quickly repelled the incursion, maintaining control of their settlements. Has Ukraine learned nothing from its previous counter-offensives? As Ukraine clings to Kursk, Russia continues its offensive, seizing another village in eastern Donetsk.

Russia punishes Ukraine in Kursk, America snubs nuclear Zelensky

Ukraine's Defense Forces rely on drones to counter Russian infantry amid a manpower shortage in Donetsk Oblast. Watch this report for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Outnumbered Ukrainians rely on drones to thwart attacks

Ukraine has been granted fighter jets from the Netherlands and France, offering a significant boost to its military capabilities as the war with Russia intensifies. This support is seen as a critical step in bolstering Ukraine's defense and enhancing its air power, fueling hope for a shift in the conflict's dynamics.

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine gets Dutch and French fighter jets, boosts hope

Russia has conducted drills involving its Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) in the Volga region, signaling a show of military strength as the war with Ukraine continues. These exercises are seen as a demonstration of Russia's nuclear capabilities, adding to the growing tension in the ongoing conflict and raising concerns over escalation.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia conducts Yars ICBM drills in the Volga region

After almost 3 years of war with Russia, Ukraine finally has modern Western fighter jets. Kyiv has received Mirage 2000s from France and F-16s from the Netherlands.

Breaking | Ukraine receives French Mirage 2000s and Dutch F-16s | Russia-Ukraine war

As the harsh winter begins to slowly fade, the frozen battlefields of Ukraine are turning into a different kind of war theater. The melting ice is now clearing paths for the Russian tanks, allowing them to advance swiftly and capture more territory. As Ukraine continues to fight to slow down the advance, take a look at this report.

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia focuses on small but steady territorial gains

Russia has begun exercises with its Yars intercontinental ballistic missile system, in what is likely to be seen as another attempt by Moscow to showcase its nuclear strength. This story tells you about the Yars, a nuclear missile that can be moved around on truck carriers or deployed in silos, and happens to be a crucial part of Moscow's nuclear deterrence. Watch in for more details!

Russian military conducts Yars nuclear capable missile drills

Russia-Ukraine War: Russia's tanks roll faster as ice melts, Ukraine struggles to hold ground

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announces that Ukraine has significantly increased its diplomatic and military contact with the United States, marking a shift in the strategic relationship between the two nations amidst ongoing tensions with Russia.

Ukraine has significantly intensified contact with the U.S. says Zelensky

With the war entering a dangerous phase and US President Donald Trump mounting pressure to end the war, Zelensky has finally blinked to say he has agreed to hold direct talks with Vladimir Putin. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky calls for dialogue amid much-awaited Putin-Trump talks

Russia-Ukraine War: Zelensky ready to hold talks with Trump

Russia-Ukraine War: Pressure from Trump forces Zelensky to call for dialogue

Zelensky says that over 45,000 Ukrainian soldiers have lost their lives defending the country against Russia's invasion since 2022, with the war entering a dangerous phase and US President Donald Trump mounting pressure to end the war Zelensky has finally blinked so to say he has agreed to hold direct talks with Vladimir Putin. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine war: Zelensky calls for dialogue amid much-awaited Trump-Putin talks

During his visit to Kyiv, the IAEA chief warned of the escalating nuclear risks posed by ongoing attacks on Ukraine's power grid. The warning highlights concerns over the safety of nuclear facilities and the potential global implications of further energy infrastructure strikes amidst the ongoing conflict.

IAEA chief warns of nuclear risk from attacks on Ukraine’s power grid during Kyiv visit

In the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Donald Trump proposes a controversial approach, suggesting military aid to Ukraine could be linked to securing mineral resources crucial for health and defense. His remarks have sparked debates about foreign policy priorities and geopolitical strategies.

Russia-Ukraine War: Trump's controversial Ukraine gambit, military aid tied to mineral health

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday called on US companies to invest in his country's rare earths after President Donald Trump said he wanted a deal with Kyiv, which involved getting the minerals in exchange for military aid.
US President Trump said a day earlier that he would want strategic metals&mdash;essential for various technologies&mdash;in exchange for security from the United States.&nbsp;
Zelensky, who had floated the idea to the Republican leader last year, said it would be "fair" to give US companies access to the minerals as Washington has helped Kyiv fend off Russian forces.
"I would like US business... to develop this field here," Zelensky said, according to comments published by his office.
"We are open to the fact that all this can be developed with our partners, who are both helping us to protect our land and pushing the enemy back with their weapons, and sanctions packages -- and this is absolutely fair."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-war-zelensky-says-us-has-not-stopped-military-aid-to-kyiv-8654837" rel="dofollow">Ukraine war: Zelensky says US has not stopped military aid to Kyiv</a>
He called the idea an "important economic point" in his so-called "victory plan" for ending the three-year war with Russia.
The Ukrainian leader said he had discussed such an initiative when he met Trump on a trip to the United States last autumn.&nbsp;
"I told him that we are open to investments from American companies," he said.&nbsp;
At the time, Zelensky said the plan was meant to protect Ukraine's natural resources.&nbsp;
Zelensky also said that a visit by Trump's Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, was in preparation.&nbsp;
"We already have working on the dates when the American team will arrive. We are now agreeing on the dates and the delegation, and we are waiting for the teams. We will work jointly," he said.&nbsp;
Trump, who took office last month, has said he wants to begin peace talks on the war between the neighbours, which has dragged on for almost three years.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

World: US President Trump said a day earlier that he would want strategic metals -- essential for various technologies -- in exchange for security from the United States. 

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday called on US companies to invest in his country's rare earths after President Donald Trump said he wanted a deal with Kyiv, which involved getting the minerals in exchange for military aid. US President Trump said a day earlier that he would want strategic metals—essential for various technologies—in exchange for security from the United States. Zelensky, who had floated the idea to the Republican leader last year, said it would be "fair" to give US companies access to the minerals as Washington has helped Kyiv fend off Russian forces. "I would like US business... to develop this field here," Zelensky said, according to comments published by his office. "We are open to the fact that all this can be developed with our partners, who are both helping us to protect our land and pushing the enemy back with their weapons, and sanctions packages -- and this is absolutely fair." Also read: Ukraine war: Zelensky says US has not stopped military aid to Kyiv He called the idea an "important economic point" in his so-called "victory plan" for ending the three-year war with Russia. The Ukrainian leader said he had discussed such an initiative when he met Trump on a trip to the United States last autumn. "I told him that we are open to investments from American companies," he said. At the time, Zelensky said the plan was meant to protect Ukraine's natural resources. Zelensky also said that a visit by Trump's Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, was in preparation. "We already have working on the dates when the American team will arrive. We are now agreeing on the dates and the delegation, and we are waiting for the teams. We will work jointly," he said. Trump, who took office last month, has said he wants to begin peace talks on the war between the neighbours, which has dragged on for almost three years. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Zelensky invites US companies to invest in Ukraine's rare earths

ukraine

Ukraine, News on Ukraine, stories on Ukraine, articles on Ukraine, Ukraine stories at Wion, Ukraine news, Ukraine latest news