Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with US officials in Washington, D.C. following reports that British officials, including Jonathan Powell, coached him to praise former President Donald Trump and avoid provocative statements to protect Ukraine. The meetings occurred on February 27th and 28th, with Zelenskyy's Oval Office meeting on February 28th failing to materialize. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reportedly met with Trump on February 27th, securing support for the Chagos deal and trade talks. Reports from The Telegraph suggest that Starmer advised Zelenskyy to begin US discussions with gratitude and public praise for Trump. Starmer himself praised Trump after the Alaska summit, framing US efforts as progressing towards ending Russia's war in Ukraine. The European delegation, including Macron, Merz, and von der Leyen, arrived with Zelenskyy to prevent clashes and bolster European influence, aiming to oppose ceding Donbas to Russia and secure US-backed guarantees. Analysts have indicated that the outcomes of the Alaska summit suggest Trump favors a comprehensive peace deal and might support Ukrainian territorial concessions, necessitating strong pushback. The current strategy for Ukraine and Europe is to present Putin, rather than Zelenskyy, as the impediment to peace. Meanwhile, Ukrainian Army chief Syrsky reported that while Russian troops suffered a defeat in the Sumy sector, they advanced 10-12 kilometers towards settlements near Dobropillia in the Donetsk region. A residential building was hit by the Russian army in Dobropillia, Donetsk Oblast. A residential building was struck by the Russian army in Dobropillia, Donetsk Oblast, according to a report from @zarGEOINT. Separately, a significant explosion occurred on August 15th at the "Elastic" gunpowder plant in the Ryazan region of Russia, resulting in the destruction of four buildings, including powder storage. This incident led to approximately 300 tons of artillery powder and 600 shells being lost. The blast caused 14 deaths, 19 missing individuals, and 149 injured, with 40 hospitalized. The plant manufactured TNT, RDX, propellants, and shell casings. Preliminary reports cited safety violations as the cause. Additionally, a Ukrainian FPV drone filmed the Melitopol airfield in the occupied Zaporizhzhia region, where scrapped Il-76 aircraft were observed. The White House reportedly informed the Ukrainian delegation that President Zelenskyy was required to wear a suit for a meeting, emphasizing the formal nature of the presidency.
