• The United Nations plans to reduce its humanitarian support in Ukraine following a significant decline in funding, according to Joyce Msuya of the UN’s humanitarian co-ordination office. Speaking at a UN Security Council session on Tuesday, Msuya explained that while the UN had sought $2.63 billion in January to assist six million Ukrainians in need, they have revised their target to help 4.8 million people with $1.75 billion. This adjustment follows what she called a "steep downturn" in financial support for humanitarian efforts inside Ukraine.

The United Nations plans to reduce its humanitarian support in Ukraine following a significant decline in funding, according to Joyce Msuya of the UN’s humanitarian co-ordination office. Speaking at a UN Security Council session on Tuesday, Msuya explained that while the UN had sought $2.63 billion in January to assist six million Ukrainians in need, they have revised their target to help 4.8 million people with $1.75 billion. This adjustment follows what she called a "steep downturn" in financial support for humanitarian efforts inside Ukraine.

• Msuya emphasized that the new focus will prioritize delivering aid to those in the most urgent situations. “The aim is to reach people in the highest risk categories, zeroing in on four main priorities: those living near conflict zones, assistance during evacuations, response to immediate emergencies after missile strikes, and support for the most vulnerable displaced individuals,” she stated. Without augmented international support, she warned, even critical life-saving operations could be threatened. Current estimates show that 12.7 million people in Ukraine require assistance.

Msuya emphasized that the new focus will prioritize delivering aid to those in the most urgent situations. “The aim is to reach people in the highest risk categories, zeroing in on four main priorities: those living near conflict zones, assistance during evacuations, response to immediate emergencies after missile strikes, and support for the most vulnerable displaced individuals,” she stated. Without augmented international support, she warned, even critical life-saving operations could be threatened. Current estimates show that 12.7 million people in Ukraine require assistance.

• Around the globe, UN agencies are paring down their operations and reducing staff due to falling donor contributions, particularly from the United States. Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. cut funding to its humanitarian body, USAID, by 83%. Prior to this reduction, USAID accounted for $42.8 billion annually—making up nearly 42% of global humanitarian spending. These funding cuts have had broad impacts on the UN’s ability to operate effectively worldwide.

Around the globe, UN agencies are paring down their operations and reducing staff due to falling donor contributions, particularly from the United States. Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. cut funding to its humanitarian body, USAID, by 83%. Prior to this reduction, USAID accounted for $42.8 billion annually—making up nearly 42% of global humanitarian spending. These funding cuts have had broad impacts on the UN’s ability to operate effectively worldwide.

• The Guardian and its media collaborators have reconstructed the final months in the life of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who died after spending a year in a Russian prison. Roshchyna was abducted in the summer of 2023 near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility. It was her fourth trip into Russian-occupied areas. By that point in the conflict, she remained the only Ukrainian journalist willing to cross the frontlines, determined to break the informational silence enforced by Russian forces.

The Guardian and its media collaborators have reconstructed the final months in the life of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna, who died after spending a year in a Russian prison. Roshchyna was abducted in the summer of 2023 near the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility. It was her fourth trip into Russian-occupied areas. By that point in the conflict, she remained the only Ukrainian journalist willing to cross the frontlines, determined to break the informational silence enforced by Russian forces.

• South Korean lawmakers disclosed on Wednesday that approximately 600 North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine have been killed out of an estimated 15,000 deployed. The total number of North Korean casualties, including the wounded, is believed to be around 4,700. Lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun noted an improvement in North Korea’s combat performance after six months in the field, attributing this to greater familiarity with modern weaponry such as drones. In return for its military involvement, Pyongyang is reportedly receiving technological support from Moscow, including assistance with satellites, drones, and anti-aircraft missile systems.

South Korean lawmakers disclosed on Wednesday that approximately 600 North Korean troops fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine have been killed out of an estimated 15,000 deployed. The total number of North Korean casualties, including the wounded, is believed to be around 4,700. Lawmaker Lee Seong-kweun noted an improvement in North Korea’s combat performance after six months in the field, attributing this to greater familiarity with modern weaponry such as drones. In return for its military involvement, Pyongyang is reportedly receiving technological support from Moscow, including assistance with satellites, drones, and anti-aircraft missile systems.

• U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has cautioned that America may withdraw from its role as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict unless clear and actionable proposals are brought forward by both Russia and Ukraine. The comments suggest diminishing interest from Washington in continuing its diplomatic efforts. Rubio’s office emphasized that President Trump, now 100 days into his term, had previously pledged to resolve the war swiftly. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce added, “Concrete initiatives must now be presented. Failing that, we will disengage from the mediation process.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has cautioned that America may withdraw from its role as a mediator in the Ukraine conflict unless clear and actionable proposals are brought forward by both Russia and Ukraine. The comments suggest diminishing interest from Washington in continuing its diplomatic efforts. Rubio’s office emphasized that President Trump, now 100 days into his term, had previously pledged to resolve the war swiftly. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce added, “Concrete initiatives must now be presented. Failing that, we will disengage from the mediation process.”

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday advocated for a “just” conclusion to the war with Russia that does not grant territorial gains to Vladimir Putin. Speaking at a summit organized by Poland, Zelenskyy stated, “We want this conflict to end on fair terms—without offering Putin rewards, especially none involving land.” His remarks appeared to counter reported U.S. suggestions to freeze the current frontlines and cede de facto control of Crimea to Russia, a proposal Zelenskyy has firmly rejected.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Tuesday advocated for a “just” conclusion to the war with Russia that does not grant territorial gains to Vladimir Putin. Speaking at a summit organized by Poland, Zelenskyy stated, “We want this conflict to end on fair terms—without offering Putin rewards, especially none involving land.” His remarks appeared to counter reported U.S. suggestions to freeze the current frontlines and cede de facto control of Crimea to Russia, a proposal Zelenskyy has firmly rejected.

• Speaking with ABC News on Tuesday, Donald Trump said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to halt the conflict in Ukraine—just days after saying the opposite. Asked if Putin is seeking peace, Trump answered, “I think he does.” He added, “If it hadn’t been for me, I believe he would’ve tried to take over the whole country.” Trump also expressed dismay over Russian missile attacks, stating, “I was not pleased seeing Putin strike several towns and cities.”

Speaking with ABC News on Tuesday, Donald Trump said he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin is ready to halt the conflict in Ukraine—just days after saying the opposite. Asked if Putin is seeking peace, Trump answered, “I think he does.” He added, “If it hadn’t been for me, I believe he would’ve tried to take over the whole country.” Trump also expressed dismay over Russian missile attacks, stating, “I was not pleased seeing Putin strike several towns and cities.”

• A wave of Russian drone strikes hit the Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv and Dnipro on Tuesday night, killing one person and wounding over three dozen others, according to officials. The assault on Kharkiv, a northeastern city frequently targeted during the war, resulted in injuries to 38 individuals, including two children, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed. Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that the number of injured had reached 39 and detailed 16 separate strikes affecting apartment buildings, private residences, healthcare facilities, and other infrastructure. In Dnipro, governor Serhiy Lysak said that drone impacts led to one death and multiple fires, damaging numerous homes.

A wave of Russian drone strikes hit the Ukrainian cities of Kharkiv and Dnipro on Tuesday night, killing one person and wounding over three dozen others, according to officials. The assault on Kharkiv, a northeastern city frequently targeted during the war, resulted in injuries to 38 individuals, including two children, regional governor Oleh Syniehubov confirmed. Mayor Ihor Terekhov reported that the number of injured had reached 39 and detailed 16 separate strikes affecting apartment buildings, private residences, healthcare facilities, and other infrastructure. In Dnipro, governor Serhiy Lysak said that drone impacts led to one death and multiple fires, damaging numerous homes.