While Zelensky clashed with Trump, Russia strengthened its partnership with China, according to ISW.

On the day when Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was debating with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, Russia was deepening its ties with American adversaries, particularly China. This is stated in a report from the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW) dated February 28.

"Russia continues to demonstrate a deepening of relations with American adversaries, despite Putin's efforts to show Russia's readiness for negotiations with the United States," the report says.

Specifically, on February 28, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu held a separate meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to discuss bilateral security issues, as well as international and regional matters.

Analysts noted that Shoigu and Xi also emphasized the need to continue coordinating efforts on key international platforms, including BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, as well as diplomatic efforts to "resolve the Ukrainian crisis."

Shoigu stated that relations between Russia and China have reached "unprecedented" heights, and Russian state media highlighted statements from Xi and Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian that praised the close bilateral relations.

"Russia continues to align itself with the adversaries of the United States, emphasizing the importance of strengthening and supporting U.S. allies and partners, including Ukraine," ISW noted.

Ukraine Strengthens Cooperation with South Korea

At the same time, experts from the Institute noted that on February 28, Ukrainian Deputy Defense Minister Sergey Boev met in Kyiv with a South Korean delegation led by National Assembly member Yoo Young-won. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss bilateral relations between Ukraine and South Korea, as well as North Korea's involvement in the war on Russia's side against Ukraine.

The delegations discussed issues of experience exchange in the defense industry, and Yoo Young-won expressed interest in organizing a joint seminar between Ukrainian and South Korean defense manufacturers.

ISW noted that this meeting took place after South Korea's recent report on the deployment of 1,000 to 3,000 additional North Korean troops in the Kursk region from January to February 2025.

It is worth noting that on February 28, a verbal spat erupted between Zelensky and Trump, which led to the collapse of a deal regarding rare earth minerals.

On the night of March 1, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Zelensky should apologize to Trump.