Ukraine-Russia War: Key Developments on February 9

Fighting and Military Developments

• North Korean Troops Return to the Frontline: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that North Korean soldiers have reappeared in Russia’s Kursk region after initial reports suggested Moscow had withdrawn them due to heavy losses. "There have been new assaults in the Kursk operation areas … the Russian army and North Korean soldiers have been brought in again," Zelenskyy stated, adding that Ukrainian forces had neutralized "hundreds" of enemy troops.

• Battle for Toretsk: Russia’s Ministry of Defence announced the capture of Toretsk, a strategically significant mining town in eastern Ukraine. However, Kyiv has denied full Russian control over the area.

• Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant Attacks: Rafael Grossi, chief of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), reported an increase in attacks on the Russian-controlled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. Speaking after a meeting with the head of Rosatom, Grossi said it was unclear which side was responsible for the strikes.

• Russian Airstrike in Sumy: A Russian guided bomb attack on Myropillya in Ukraine’s northeastern Sumy region killed three civilians and destroyed a residential building, according to Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office.

Diplomacy and Political Moves

• Baltic States Cut Energy Ties with Russia: Lithuania has officially disconnected its electricity grid from Russia as part of a broader initiative to integrate with the European Union's energy network. Latvia and Estonia are set to follow, marking the final energy separation of the three Baltic states from Moscow.

• Trump-Zelenskyy Talks Possible: US President Donald Trump hinted at a potential meeting with Zelenskyy next week, though no location has been confirmed. Zelenskyy acknowledged ongoing discussions between US and Ukrainian teams regarding future diplomatic engagements.

• European Leaders Convene on Ukraine: European foreign ministers from France, Germany, Poland, Britain, Spain, and Italy will meet in Paris next Wednesday to discuss continued support for Ukraine ahead of the war’s third anniversary. Reports suggest US representatives may also attend.

• Kremlin Comments on Peace Talks: Russia dismissed speculation about US-led peace negotiations, stating that many reports on Washington’s plans to end the war were inaccurate and urging patience.

• Ukraine Calls for ICC Support Despite US Sanctions: After Trump announced sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC), Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry expressed hope that the court would continue prosecuting Russian war criminals. "We hope that they [sanctions] will not affect the court’s ability to achieve justice for the victims of Russian aggression," a ministry spokesperson said.

• Upcoming US Diplomatic Visit: Ukraine anticipates a visit from Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, later this month. Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, stated that Ukraine is prepared to provide Kellogg with detailed information on Russian aggression.

As fighting escalates and diplomatic efforts continue, Ukraine remains at the center of geopolitical maneuvering, with both military and political developments shaping the course of the ongoing war.