Ukraine Invasion: Part 55

[MagicFox]

We're on 55. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦 That last one went quickly!

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Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ US military aid freeze to Ukraine temporary (kyivindependent.com/us-military-aid-freeze-to-ukraine-is-temporary-linked-to-trump-zelensky-exchange-speaker-johnson-says/), linked to Zelensky-Trump clash.

⚡️ US suspends military aid to Ukraine in pressure campaign (kyivindependent.com/us-suspends-ukraine-military-aid-to-pressure-zelensky-into-talks-trump-adviser-says/) for peace talks, Trumps adviser says.

⚡️ US continues intelligence sharing with Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/us-continues-sharing-intelligence-with-ukraine-despite-trumps-aid-freeze-media-reports/) despite military aid freeze, CNN reports.

⚡️ Zelensky, Macron, Starmer may visit Washington (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-macron-starmer-may-visit-washington-next-week-media-reports/) next week, media reports.

⚡️ Ukraine natural resources deal not ready (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-minerals-deal-not-ready-as-trump-seeks-better-terms-cbs-new-reports/) as Trump seeks better terms, CBS News reports.

⚡️ Zelensky says White House clash 'regrettable,' proposes steps (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-says-white-house-regrettable-vows/) for peace.

⚡️ Russian forces in Kharkiv sector suffer more fatalities than wounded (kyivindependent.com/russian-forces-in-kharkiv-sector-suffer-more-irrecoverable-losses-than-wounded-brigade-spokesperson-says/) , Ukraine says.

Trump cuts to US weapons aid likely to hit Ukrainian civilians bef (kyivindependent.com/trumps-cuts-to-us-weapons-aid-likely-to-hit-ukrainian-civilians-before-front-line/)ore front line (kyivindependent.com/trumps-cuts-to-us-weapons-aid-likely-to-hit-ukrainian-civilians-before-front-line/)
President Donald Trump’s freeze on weapons is alarming Ukrainians, who look to U.S. air defense to stave off the worst of Russia's missile attacks.
For much of the weaponry that Ukraine needs to continue fighting, Europe could stand in for U.S. weapons, especially given the new political will to rearm the EU. But for air defense that protects Ukrainian cities from deadly Russian aerial attacks, nobody can replace the U.S.

⚡️Eutelsat in talks to expand satellite services (https://kyivindependent.com/eutelsat-in-talks-to-expand-satellite-services-for-ukraine-amid-starlink-uncertainty-ft-reports/) for Ukraine amid Starlink uncertainty, FT reports. 
Shares in Eutelsat surged as much as 123% to 4.5 euro before settling at a 70% gain, driven by investor confidence that European leaders will increase military support for Ukraine.

⚡️ Merz seeks to quickly push through $3.2 billion (https://kyivindependent.com/merz-seeks-to-quickly-push-through-3-2-billion-in-german-aid-for-ukraine/) in German aid for Ukraine.
Speaking at a press conference, Merz said he plans to raise the issue with outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who has opposed the package unless funded by additional government borrowing.

‘America sided with Russia, North Korea, and Iran’ – Ukraine reacts to US military aid freeze (https://kyivindependent.com/im-full-of-anger-ukraine-awakes-to-a-nightmare-as-us-freezes-military-aid/)

⚡️ Most French support (kyivindependent.com/most-french-support-continued-assistance-to-ukraine-sending-peacekeepers-media-reports/) assistance to Ukraine, sending peacekeepers, poll shows.
Some 64% of respondents want France to continue to provide assistance to Ukraine. Meanwhile, 20% of respondents believe that the amount of aid must be increased.

Europe is sitting on Russia's $198 billion. Giving it all to Ukraine is tricky (https://kyivindependent.com/can-europe-give-russias-frozen-billions-to-ukraine/)
The latest reports suggest that EU officials are considering loosening fiscal rules to free up at least 160 billion euros ($168 billion), which could be used to create a joint EU instrument for defense investment.
But there is, potentially, an even bigger sum sitting right under their noses — the $198 billion in Russian central bank reserves, currently frozen in Belgium.

⚡️ Ukraine strikes Russian military facility in Kursk Oblast (kyivindependent.com/up-to-30-russian-troops-killed-in-ukrainian-strike-on-kursk-oblast-facility-general-staff-claims/), kills up to 30 troops, General Staff reports.
The facility was reportedly used for planning attacks, including launching first-person-view (FPV) drones at Ukrainian positions. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these claims.

⚡️ Russian fighter jet provokes French Reaper drone over Mediterranean (kyivindependent.com/russian-fighter-jet-confronts-french-reaper-drone-in-mediterranean-france-reports/), French Defense Minister says.
A Russian Su-35 fighter jet engaged in a dangerous provocation against a French Reaper drone over the Mediterranean Sea on March 2, French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu reported on March 4.

Trump's pivot toward Moscow met with joy in Russia (kyivindependent.com/trumps-pivot-toward-moscow-met-with-joy-in-russia/)

⚡️Russia launches counter-terrorist operation in Dagestan, kills 4 (kyivindependent.com/russia-kills-4-in-counter-terrorist-operation-in-dagestan-authorities-claim/), authorities claim.

⚡️ Russian oil deliveries to Czech Republic via Druzhba pipeline (kyivindependent.com/russian-oil-deliveries-to-czech-republic-via-druzhba-pipeline-halted-czech-minister-says/) suspended, Czech official says.

⚡️ Ukraine to boost gas imports due to Russian attacks (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-to-boost-gas-imports-due-to-russian-attacks-on-energy-infrastructure-bloomberg-reports/) on energy infrastructure, Bloomberg reports.
Ukraine plans to import about 3.5 billion cubic meters of gas for the upcoming heating season due to ongoing Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, Bloomberg reported on March 4.

⚡️Ukraine’s DroneUA begins supplying robots (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-droneua-begins-supplying-robots-to-nasa/) to NASA.
DroneUA, a Ukrainian distributor of unmanned systems, has started supplying robots to NASA, the company announced on March 4.

⚡️Russia’s airlines face growing crisis (kyivindependent.com/russias-airlines-face-growing-crisis-as-sanctions-strangle-aircraft-maintenance/) as sanctions strangle aircraft maintenance.
Between Dec. 1 and Jan. 20, Russian aircraft experienced 11 engine failures—more than double the number from the previous two months, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

⚡️Russian attacks across Ukraine kill (kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-across-ukraine-kill-2-injure-7-over-past-day/) 2, injure 7 over past day.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪
⚡️ WAR IN UKRAINE - MAR 5, 2025
■ Engagements & casualties above the 7-day average
■ 2nd day of relatively modest equipment losses
■ Double-digit number of 🇺🇦 strikes, improved strike ratio

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

French President Emmanuel Macron will address the nation today.
“My dear compatriots! In this time of great uncertainty, when the world is facing its greatest challenges, I will speak to you tonight at 8:00 p.m.”

The German parties CDU/CSU and SPD, currently negotiating to form a government under the leadership of Friedrich Merz, have agreed on a multi-billion-euro defense and infrastructure financing package on credit, Bild reports.
As part of the plan, they also intend to reform the debt brake, aiming to push it through with a majority in the current Bundestag. This would require an amendment to the German constitution.
Next week, the CDU/CSU and SPD parliamentary groups are expected to submit a proposal to amend the Basic Law.

“I received a letter from Zelenskyy about his willingness to sit down at the negotiating table to achieve lasting peace,” — Trump before the US Congress.
The American leader quoted the letter from Zelenskyy and expressed gratitude to the Ukrainian side for this step. He also emphasized that he had received clear signals from the Russian Federation about its readiness for peace.

The EU is preparing for a pro-Russian group of leaders to obstruct key decisions at this week’s summit, Politico reports.
The wide range of topics on the agenda and the lack of unity suggest the summit could take various turns. Leaders will discuss ways to swiftly redirect resources to strengthen national militaries while also seeking to demonstrate support for Ukraine, including by reaffirming its path to EU membership.

I am announcing a freeze on all international aid, — Trump.
Main statements from the US President:
- I am terminating the climate change agreement—it is a “green fraud.”
- I am ending US participation in the WHO.
- We are lifting all Biden-era restrictions.
- This week, I will make a historic announcement to boost the extraction of the most important minerals in the US.

The Ukrainian Army will receive domestically produced NORD high-speed drones, the Ministry of Defense announced.
These UAVs feature carbon frames of various sizes, allowing them to carry combat loads of several kilograms. They can reach speeds of up to 150 kilometers per hour.

I'd be a rubish politician as my tolerance level is zero these days. Pro-Russian EU leaders working to undermine the EU/European response should be chucked out. The point of the EU is working together for a common goal. Saboteurs should not be tolerated.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

If the US halts military aid, Ukraine’s forces can fight at the current pace for several weeks, but deep strikes into Russia will suffer due to a lack of ATACMS.
www.kyivpost.com/post/48237

China is READY for “any type of WAR” with the US — This is how the Chinese Foreign Ministry responded to Trump’s new tariffs on Chinese imports.

DroneUA, a Ukrainian distributor of unmanned systems, has started supplying robots to NASA, the company announced on March 4.

Ooh, that's worrying me a bit.

After the last few weeks, we have to assume any data going to the US may be going to Putin (in this instance possibly via Musk). So letting a US agency see your military designs might not be a great idea.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇪🇺🇭🇺 The European Parliament seeks to strip Hungary of its voting rights, Politico reports.
MEPs from the Volt party have prepared a plan including this measure ahead of the EU summit on March 6.
The move comes in response to Hungary repeatedly blocking joint decisions. Just days ago, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán called on the EU to negotiate with Russia and stated that his country would oppose a joint declaration at the upcoming emergency EU summit. [not sure how big the Volt party is or if there is any realistic chance of this happening]

🇺🇸 Trump insists on a “bigger, better deal” with Ukraine on rare earth minerals, CBS News reports.
Sources indicate that the current version of the agreement is not final, and some of its terms may still be adjusted.
◼️ Initially, the deal was supposed to be signed on February 28 during Zelensky and Trump’s meeting, but their discussion turned into a heated argument. Since then, the Ukrainian president has repeatedly emphasized that Ukraine remains willing to sign the agreement.

◼️ In his address to Congress, Trump stated that he appreciates Kyiv’s readiness to move forward with the deal on mineral resources.

The Kremlin responded to media reports about the suspension of U.S. military aid to Ukraine, calling it the “best contribution” to a so-called “peaceful” resolution of the Russia-Ukraine war.

🇮🇪 Ireland will allocate a €100 million aid package to Ukraine, including non-lethal military equipment and other support.
Additionally, the Irish government has approved a bill that removes the requirement for UN authorization to deploy Irish peacekeeping forces abroad. Previously, Ireland had stated its willingness to send peacekeepers to Ukraine for post-war security.

🇫🇷 Marine Le Pen, the unofficial leader of France’s right-wing populist party National Rally, condemned the White House’s decision to freeze military aid to Ukraine.

I agree. I think, realistically, that they have to be regarded as a potential enemy now. If they invade Canada or Greenland then we'd find ourselves directly at war with them via NATO. Quite how going to war with an ally works, I shudder to think, because our intelligence and military infrastructure is so mixed up with theirs.

Sounds like China are more than ready for fisticuffs.

Yes, so much unthinkable stuff.

We have to start thinking it. Now. Right Now.

Being caught with our pants down will be so much worse.

Hope for the best, obviously. But prepare for the worst.

It’s hard to these days with software etc but the clever thing to do is only provide an export variant and keep the full leaded Gucci version for your own use

The Soviets were very keen on doing that with, for example, their military aircraft during the Cold War and other countries have followed that example.

Yes, but has he made his horse a Consul yet?

Thanks, @notimagain . That's mildly reassuring.

@velinatchakarova

US has cut off intelligence-sharing with Kyiv in a move that could seriously hamper Ukraine’s military’s ability to target Russian forces. It could be another move to pressure Ukraine into concessions ahead of the minerals deal signing similar to news on the US military aid stop.

wtf?!

Shashank Joshi: This is really serious. America threatening Canada not only with Five Eyes expulsion & border changes but also military cooperation (continental air defence is joined at hip) & “water”. The US is currently a major national security threat to Canada.

@MagicFox

continental air defence is joined at hip

It is, the system has gone by the acronym NORAD rather than USAD for decades for good reason.

www.norad.mil

Oh dear. It gets worse every day, and Canada is in NATO which means we get directly involved if they're invaded.

🤦🏼‍♀️

We are - this close to a damn war with our closest ally. Wtaf?!

It’s actually terrifying!

It's not that close yet.

It’s far more close than it should ever have been allowed to become.

One man vs tens of thousands of lives and wrecked countries?

Take him out ffs

@notimagain what's your take on the implications of all this?

I can't bear to ask poor MissConduct.

I'm pretty sure we would see some form of civil war in the USA before military conflict with Canada.

Just my opinion. America won't risk conflict with anyone else whilst they are concerned about China.

I imagine - hope - that the US generals would refuse the orders.

Give it time enough for Trump to get the US military under his heel and it might happen. But it won't happen yet, surely.

It’s beyond my understanding…

With the current POTUS there seems to be a consistent pattern of behaviour - on almost first contact with an, any issue, after a few opening comments start going off almost tangentially talking absolute extreme nonesense, (first obvious example of that I saw this term was the horribly badly informed, highly misleading anti-DEI rant the day after the Washington DCA midair) and then quietly back off or appear slightly more considered over the following days..

Now that might work with your supposed allies to some degree but it could have quite horrific consequences very rapidly in some circumstances, so I’m not at all comfortable with it.

Yes exactly, this risk of miscalculation that it engenders alongside the definite damage done to the relationship with allies