Ukraine Invasion: Part 60

[MagicFox]

We have got to thread 60. So many thanks as always to regular contributors and to those providing updates. For the 60th time, Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

**
Agreed thread guidance:

A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events

B. If you post a link please tell us where it leads/give a precis of the content

C. Discussion and debate is welcome, but please keep it respectful

D. Please keep on topic

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

The Russians have blown up a dam near Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region. This creates the threat of a humanitarian catastrophe, stated Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets.
According to him, the destruction of the dam could lead to the flooding of settlements, the destruction of infrastructure, soil contamination, and the death of entire ecosystems.

⚡️Russia may withdraw from negotiations unless Ukraine cedes part of the Donetsk region, Bloomberg reports, citing sources.
Interlocutors say that the negotiations scheduled for next week are being called decisive for reaching a peace agreement.
According to them, Russia is ready to sign a draft peace memorandum only on the condition that Ukraine withdraws its troops from the Donetsk region. In such a case, the next step should be a summit between the leaders of Ukraine, the US, and Russia.
Furthermore, the RF agrees to a ceasefire monitoring led by the US and is ready to abandon the demand to limit the Ukrainian army, but opposes the presence of foreign troops in Ukraine.

Pilots of the 28th Separate Mechanized Brigade have recorded Russian strikes using phosphorus on a residential neighborhood in Kostiantynivka.
Immediately following this, a FAB-1500 bomb was dropped.
Approximately 2,000 civilians currently remain in the city.
https://t.me/liveukraine_media/38141

North Korean troops marched with the Russian flag during a military parade in Pyongyang to mark the conclusion of the 9th Congress of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.
The parade, held on the night of February 25, featured special operations and engineering units that had previously been deployed to the Kursk region of the Russian Federation.
Ukrainian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi responded to the event, noting that "at least 6,000 North Korean soldiers" were missing from the "propaganda charade." He stated that these soldiers "died in an illegal war of aggression 8,000 km away from home, which they had nothing to do with."

Russians launched strikes against at least four regions of Ukraine today. Here are the reported consequences:
🔴Sumy region. A drone strike on an agricultural enterprise killed two female employees (aged 67 and 72), who were recovered from under the rubble. Another 60-year-old woman was seriously injured and hospitalized. Head of the Regional Military Administration Oleh Hryhorov reported that the building was effectively destroyed.
🔴Kharkiv region. Russian forces struck a private house in the village of Verkhnia Rohanka using UAVs. Five people were injured, including two children (a 4-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl) who suffered acute stress reactions.
🔴Kherson region. The city of Kherson was targeted by drones and artillery, resulting in injuries to four residents.
🔴Dnipropetrovsk region. Russian forces shelled three districts of the region more than 30 times. Damage was reported to residential buildings, an enterprise, an administrative building, a lyceum, and several vehicles.

Russians attacked a railway station in the Dnipropetrovsk region with drones.
As a result of the strike on an electric locomotive, the driver was injured, and a fire broke out.

🇩🇰The Danish government will consider a bill in April, following Norway's lead, to adjust the rules for providing special protection to Ukrainians.
Denmark plans to stop providing temporary protection on general grounds for newcomers from 14 regions "less affected by military operations."
The new rules also restrict the stay of Ukrainian men in the country. According to the proposal, men of conscription age (23 to 60) will be denied access to residency.
Exceptions are made for cases where they can confirm their exemption from military service.

⚡️In late January, a Russian strike drone entered Kyiv’s government quarter—an incident that prompted Elon Musk to order the blocking of Starlink for the Russians, journalist Simon Shuster reports for The Atlantic, citing sources.
The drone flew toward the Office of the President and crashed into a nearby building. Officials in the Cabinet of Ministers saw it fly past their seventh-floor windows.
Shortly after the attack, the newly appointed Minister of Defense, Mykhailo Fedorov, provided Musk with evidence that the Russian army was using Starlink to pilot drones, including the one that reached the government quarter.
A source told Shuster that "whitelist" software was created in about a day. The SpaceX team was instructed to "take the gloves off" and use Starlink for anything that could help Ukraine. Even within the company, there is no clear consensus on what exactly motivated Musk's decision.
▪️ Defense Minister Fedorov told reporters that following the terminal deactivation, the number of Russian streams decreased 11-fold, and Ukraine began intercepting radio broadcasts more frequently.
▪️ The enemy's lack of stable communication allowed the AFU to launch an offensive in the Oleksandrivsk direction—thwarting a Russian advance toward the Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions. Ukrainian paratroopers liberated over 300 km2 of territory.

In terms of Ukraine, Iran used to supply Russia with drones but will this make any difference if Russia is able to manufacture their own now?

Russia has been manufacturing drones based on Iranian designs for over a year, and has made improvements to them. So I wouldn't expect it to affect Ukraine.

It's notable that while Russia is supposed to be a military ally to Iran, with a mutual defense agreement, they've done exactly nothing to help Iran.

Classic DARVO

Well current events are going to be interesting for Russia.

Thanks @MissConductUS disappointing but not surprising. Neither is it surprising that Moscow just sits and watch events unfold in Iran. Every other actor is only measured in usefulness to them.

You’re quite welcome.

In a delicious bit of irony, American made Shahed 136 style drones are being used against Iranian regime targets.

https://www.twz.com/news-features/u-s-military-has-used-long-range-kamikaze-drones-in-combat-for-the-first-time

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Update: Iranian state media confirms (kyivindependent.com/israel-claims-khamenei-is-dead-tehran-denies/) Khamenei's death.
Iranian state media confirmed on Feb. 29 that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has died following Israeli-U.S. strikes, ending hours of conflicting claims and denials surrounding his state.
The state outlets also reported that several members of Khamenei’s family, including his daughter and granddaughter, were killed in the strikes.

⚡️ Middle East tensions surge as Iran vows revenge (kyivindependent.com/middle-east-tensions-surge-as-iran-vows-revenge-launches-widespread-retaliatory-strikes/), launches widespread retaliatory strikes.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said that "the most intense operation against Israel and the United States is set to begin," while state outlets warned that "revenge is coming."

⚡️ Update: US strike on Iran marks its first use of cheap one-way drones. (kyivindependent.com/breaking-israel-launches-pre-emptive-attack-on-iran-us-reportedly-jointly-involved/)
The tactic of deploying low-cost one-way drones has been widely used by both sides in the Russia-Ukraine war.

⚡️Russia condemns US attack (kyivindependent.com/russia-condemns-us-and-israels-attack-on-iran/) on its ally Iran as 'unprovoked act of aggression’.

⚡️Russia would accept security guarantees (kyivindependent.com/russia-would-accept-ukraine-security-guarantees/) for Ukraine, Budanov says.
"At past negotiations, the Russian side directly said that they would accept the security guarantees offered to Ukraine by the U.S.," the head of the President's Office, Kyrylo Budanov, said on Feb. 28.

⚡️ Ukraine voices support for US-led strikes (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-voices-support-for-us-led-strikes-against-iran/) against Iran.
"The reason for the current events is precisely the violence and arbitrariness of the Iranian regime, in particular the murders and repressions against peaceful protesters, which have become particularly large-scale in recent months," the Foreign Ministry said in its Feb. 28 statement.

⚡️Ukraine sanctions Russian postal services (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-sanctions-russian-postal-services-delivering-to-occupied-territories-zelensky-says/) delivering to occupied territories, Zelensky says.
Among the companies sanctioned are Russian DPD service and Freightlink, joint-stock companies registered in Russia, according to a document attached to a decree published on the Office's website, signed by Zelensky on Feb. 27.

Reporter’s notebook: What a factory says about Ukraine’s economy (kyivindependent.com/reporters-notebook-what-a-factory-says-about-ukraines-economy/)
The western part of war-torn Ukraine lies in the space between normalcy and reality. More tourists, more construction, more skiing. Fewer air raids, fewer blackouts, fewer speeding khaki pickup trucks.
But no part of the country is immune to the effects of war.

⚡️ Update: Putin’s fall 'inevitable' – Ukraine reacts to Khamenei’s death (kyivindependent.com/israel-claims-khamenei-is-dead-tehran-denies/).
“Assad, Maduro, and now Khamenei. Putin has lost three of his closest pals in little more than a year,” Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said.

⚡️At least 6 killed, 28 injured (kyivindependent.com/at-least-6-killed-28-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/) in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day.
Russia launched 123 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 110 drones.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 1h
⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — MAR 1, 2026
■ 4th-highest drone activity, 3rd-highest drone losses; substantial land-based equipment losses
■ Engagements & casualties below average; no confirmed territorial change
■ Increased 🇷🇺 shelling, but still well below the long-term average
■ Overnight 🇷🇺 attacks: 123 drones; 89% intercepted, 11 locations affected
■ 11 🇺🇦 strikes reported; 30-day strike ratio improves

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Russia is the main threat to Denmark’s upcoming elections.
The Danish Security and Intelligence Service has warned of a high risk of external interference in the parliamentary elections scheduled for March 24. According to the agency’s assessment, Russia is the primary source of the threat, while the United States and China may also attempt to influence the process in pursuit of their own interests, particularly regarding Greenland.
Denmark notes that Moscow may view the country as a priority target for influence operations because of its support for Ukraine — another sign that Russia’s aggressive actions extend far beyond Ukraine’s borders.

🇫🇷 France has initiated an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council over the situation in the Middle East.
“France is requesting the urgent convening of a meeting of the UN Security Council. I am in close contact with our European partners and friends in the Middle East,” French President Emmanuel Macron said.

❗️An Iranian Shahed-type kamikaze drone struck Dubai International Airport, local media reported.
According to preliminary information, the strike hit the airport grounds, prompting the urgent evacuation of passengers and staff. A large number of people were reportedly at the airport at the time.
Information on casualties and the extent of the damage is being clarified.

Crowds of Iranians in Tehran, other cities across Iran and in Iranian communities abroad took to the streets late Saturday night to celebrate news of Khamenei’s death, according to media reports. Videos of people cheering, whistling and chanting from balconies and windows spread widely on social media.

Exclusive documentation shows—Russia is still acquiring vast quantities of aviation equipment from Western suppliers via intermediaries we can identify.
Found out details: united24media.com/world/russias-aircraft-still-fly-on-western-parts-heres-how-16032

🇪🇺 EU countries expressed “grave concern” about the recent developments in Iran and called on all parties to exercise maximum restraint, protect civilians, and respect international law, EU leaders said in a joint statement.

⚡️ President Trump has confirmed the death of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei on Truth Social.

Ukraine is scaling the Drone Line project together with the Netherlands, Mykhailo Fedorov said.
During a meeting with Dutch Defense Minister Dylan Yesilgöz-Zegerius, the sides agreed to attract additional resources to continue and expand the Drone Line project.
To date, the initiative unites more than 1,000 crews. During the winter, every third occupying soldier eliminated was attributed to their work.
The minister said the goal is to strengthen the UAV component within army corps. Funding has already begun for the creation of drone regiments and for scaling this experience across all corps.
In January, in some areas, the enemy reportedly lost up to 170 soldiers for every kilometer of advance.
“Fifty thousand enemy losses per month are part of our war plan. Combining the Drone Line, drone regiments, and the basic support program for UAV brigades will help implement it,” the defense minister added.

🇳🇱 New Dutch foreign and defense ministers have arrived in Kyiv for their first visit abroad.
The ministers met with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
The Ukrainian side also welcomed the Dutch government’s decision to continue assistance, including more than €3 billion in annual support through 2029, as well as backing for Ukraine’s future membership in the EU and NATO.

❤️‍🩹 Two infantrymen from the 60th Separate Mechanized Brigade held their positions for 143 and 99 days.
The photo captures the moment they leave their positions — filled with joy and strength of spirit

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Iran has launched missiles toward British military bases in Cyprus, according to initial reports.
Further details are still emerging.

Dubai’s airports have been closed for an indefinite period, Dubai Airports announced.
The suspension affects both Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

Fragments of an Iranian missile fell near the entrance of the luxury Fairmont The Palm hotel in Dubai.
The five-star hotel is located in one of the city’s main tourist areas — on the artificial Palm Jumeirah island.

An Iranian drone has reportedly hit the iconic Burj Al Arab — the 321-meter luxury hotel standing on its own artificial island.

Life in the Line of Fire – the Village Next Door to Kyiv’s Thermal Power Plant
An exclusive Kyiv Post report from the village of Pohreby near Kyiv. Located next to one of the capital’s largest thermal power plants, Pohreby is regularly targeted by the Russian army.
www.kyivpost.com/videos/70959

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

"I hope there will be an exchange in the coming days, and you will all see it," said the Head of the Office of the President, Kyrylo Budanov, in an interview with Ukrainian TV channels.
Other statements by Budanov:
▪️Ukraine still has several arguments for leverage in the negotiations. Even from the Russians, constructive points are heard at times.
▪️China has a significant influence on Russia. Do we have the ability to use this influence here and now? No, we do not. There are opportunities to find such ways, but it is a matter of time.
▪️As of now, Russia does not agree to a trilateral meeting of the presidents, but that is as of now. In our time, opinions change quite quickly. Ultimately, such a meeting is needed to end the war, and we cannot avoid it.
▪️Regarding control over the demilitarized zone—maximum progress has been made there. It can be said that, in principle, an understanding has already been reached on how the monitoring will work.
▪️During past negotiations, the Russian side directly stated that they would accept the security guarantees offered to Ukraine by the US. For Ukraine, these are our guarantees, and they will have to respect them.
▪️Most likely, security guarantees will be activated in parallel with the end of the war.
▪️The biggest cornerstone is territory. The Russians themselves say that if the territorial issue is resolved right now, everything else will not matter.

Russians have once again attacked Ukraine with missiles and drones. Here is what is known about the consequences:
🔴Zaporizhzhia. An 86-year-old woman was killed, and two other female residents of the district were injured. The attack damaged a private home; a fire at a warehouse of a local enterprise has been extinguished.
🔴Sumy region. Two women were killed and another was wounded as a result of the Russian attack. The Russians hit an agricultural enterprise in the Yampil community.
🔴Kherson. A 72-year-old woman was killed by Russian shelling, and two other women, aged 45 and 46, were injured. A 31-year-old man was injured by an explosive dropped from a drone.

Highlights of that: Iran has launched missiles toward British military bases in Cyprus, according to initial reports.
Further details are still emerging.

“Assad, Maduro, and now Khamenei. Putin has lost three of his closest pals in little more than a year,” Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said.

Russia is the main threat to Denmark’s upcoming elections.

There is a report from elsewhere that Trump is blocking multi-billion sale of weapons to Taiwan. https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2026/03/01/2003853056

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-1-2026/

Key Takeaways

1. Russia continues to offer no support but boilerplate condemnations to Iran following the deaths of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several other senior Iranian officials.
2. European states continue to crack down on Russian shadow fleet vessels sailing in violation of international sanctions.
3. Ukrainian forces recently advanced in the Dobropillya tactical area. Russian forces recently advanced in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area.

Hello everyone. I hope the sun is shining wherever you are today.
I have some news to share with you. I am incredibly humbled and proud to let you know that the charity product that I have been working on for the past year has finally launched in the UK today. It is already available in our shops in Ukraine and will be available in our European stores (except for Slovakia and Hungary I believe) later this month.

75% of the profits will go towards supporting children’s mental health and well-being in Ukraine. I can’t describe how much this means to our colleagues and customers in Ukraine, we had a video call for the company employees on Thursday at Ned our Ukrainian colleagues joined. They told us how they spent the previous night in the shelter due to the drones attack on Kyiv, how it has been the worst winter yet, with no heating and no electricity. How they are in a survival mode, just going on and on but thankful to have their jobs and for all the support they have received from the business since the start of the war. Their jobs give them purpose in life, and they are like family. I have known our Ukrainian partners for 18 years since we launched in Ukraine and have been in constant contact with them since the war started.

I am fully aware that by sharing this I am outing the business I work for, but this link to the product does not mention my name or job title.

https://www.lush.com/uk/en/p/there-will-be-sun-soap

I can share more details if anyone is interested, please send me a private message. I have already shared extra info with @ReleaseTheDucksOfWar

Impact of Iran Conflict on Russia-Ukraine War.

This could be a long, sapping conflict that diverts air defence and other supplies, and attention from Ukraine. I think the Iranian ambassador (image below) is stating the obvious: the Iranian state apparatus is probably not going to crumble, it will totter on with a vengeance with replacement leaders for those who have gone on to better things in their mindset (martyrdom) picking up the torch. The missiles and drones that have been held back will be fired once the lower grade ones have run down defences in the Gulf. In the medium term it might go into simmering mode.

Russia gets a potential economic boost from this. Analyst at Finam Financial Group Igor Dodonov said...

the situation remains fairly favorable for shares of Russian oil and gas companies for now, and further gains can be expected. "However, in the absence of new developments, some investors may be tempted to lock in profits, so a certain degree of caution is warranted," he added. [TASS again, have been trawling Russian sites].

Zelensky is of course anti-Iranian Govt. over cooperation with Russia. He met Pahlavi recently at the Munich conference.

[I see that Moscow is expecting a flight from Abu Dhabi according to reporting on the BBC Russian service.]

Thanks @MMBaranova .

And I've just seen your comment on one of the Dubai threads that the toll in your Ukrainian family is now three dead and four significantly injured.

I'm so sorry.

Thank you so much @Mb76 .

Definitely need a bit of sunshine in my life at the moment; I'll buy some of those soaps today.

They'll also make perfect gifts.

Kyiv Independent:

⚡️ Update: Putin sends condolences over Khamenei's death in Israeli-US strikes.

"In our country, Ayatollah Khamenei will be remembered as an outstanding statesman who made a huge contribution to the development of the friendly Russian-Iranian relations," the Russian leader said.

⚡️ 'Ukrainians made it through,' Zelensky says on toughest winter of Russia's invasion.

The winter of 2025-2026 has been described as Ukraine's toughest yet, as heavy Russian strikes on the energy system, combined with severe frosts, have pushed the country to the brink of a humanitarian crisis.

⚡️ Update: Cyprus denies being targeted by Iranian missiles.

Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides said that U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer assured him that "Cyprus was not a target," after British Defense Minister John Healey said Iran launched missiles toward the island amid regional hostilities.

⚡️Iran agrees to new talks, Trump claims after day of strikes.

"They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them," Trump told the Atlantic on March 1. He did not say when the talks would take place, noting that some of the previous negotiation officials had been killed in the recent US-Israel strikes.

⚡️ The day Russia didn't show up for Iran

Russia's image as a reliable ally has suffered yet another blow as Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint U.S.–Israeli strikes across Iran on Feb. 28, marking a fresh outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East.

So far, Moscow's response to the U.S.–Israeli bombardment of hundreds of targets in Iran has been limited to diplomatic support for Tehran, even as U.S. President Donald Trump has openly called for a change of regime.

⚡️Ukraine's air defense expertise 'irreplaceable,' Zelensky says as war escalates in Middle East.

"The situation in the Middle East shows how difficult it is to provide 100% protection against missiles and Shaheds. ... Everyone now sees that our experience in defense is largely irreplaceable."

⚡️Update: European countries threaten potential 'defensive action' against Iran's missile, drone capabilities.

"We will take steps to defend our interests and those of our allies in the region, potentially through enabling necessary and proportionate defensive action to destroy Iran's capability to fire missiles and drones at their source," the U.K., France, and Germany said in a joint statement on March 1.

⚡️Update: UK bringing in Ukrainian experts for help shooting down Iranian drones, Starmer says.

London has accepted a U.S. request to use British military bases to launch strikes on Iranian missile storage and launchers, U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said.

"We are not joining these strikes, but we will continue with our defensive actions in the region," Starmer said.

"And we will also bring experts from Ukraine, together with our own experts, to help Gulf partners shoot down Iranian drones attacking them."

⚡️Ukrainian drones reportedly strike Novorossiysk oil terminal in southern Russia.

Ukrainian drones struck an oil terminal, leaving fires in the southern Russian port city of Novorossiysk overnight on March 2, Telegram news channel Astra reported.

⚡️Update: Iran 'will not negotiate,' official claims after Trump says Tehran agreed to new talks.

Iran is not willing to negotiate with the U.S., Supreme National Security Council Secretary Ali Larijani claimed on March 2, after U.S. President Donald Trump said new negotiations would be held.

⚡️ At least 9 killed, 19 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day.

Russia launched 94 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said, reporting that Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 84 unmanned aircraft.

⚡️70% of Ukrainians skeptical US-Ukraine-Russia talks will bring lasting peace, poll shows.

Only 25% of respondents said they rather believe in the talks' potential success, while 5% remained undecided, according to a poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS).

Live:Ukraine

⚡️ In Belgium, a tanker from the Russian shadow fleet was intercepted overnight.

The operation by the Belgian Armed Forces, supported by France, was named "Blue Intruder." The vessel, identified as the Ethera, is currently being escorted to the port of Zeebrugge, where it will be seized, according to Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken.

⚡️ Croatia will join the boycott of the 2026 Paralympics opening ceremony in a show of solidarity with Ukraine.

Earlier, similar decisions were announced by Czechia, Finland, Latvia, Estonia, Poland, the Netherlands, and Canada, following the decision to allow Russians and Belarusians to compete under their own flags.

⚡️ The United Kingdom is reviewing an export license for high-tech equipment to Armenia due to potential links to Russia.

The basis for the review was an investigation by The Guardian, which established that the Armenian purchasing company, Rydena LLC, was created in 2024 by former top managers of Umatex—a company closely linked to the Russian military-industrial complex.

Rydena LLC sought to purchase machinery for producing material that can be used in both civil and military sectors. Initially, the export was approved, but the Trade Minister suspended the deal due to the risk of the equipment being used for weapons production.

Against this backdrop, the Trade Minister also stated that the British government plans to strengthen export licensing legislation to prevent the diversion of goods to Russia.

⚡️ Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has passed the most difficult winter in all the years of the war, yet the Russians are preparing new attacks on infrastructure.

"It is a fact, they are preparing new attacks on infrastructure. Intelligence provides the relevant information. Therefore, everyone whose service is to protect Ukraine from strikes must be just as focused now in the spring as they were in the winter. Every threat must be reacted to, and Russian targets must be shot down to the maximum extent possible," the President said.

Zelenskyy stated that the situation in the Middle East has shown the difficulty of full protection against missiles and "Shaheds" even in countries that possess higher-quality air defense than Ukraine. At the same time, Ukraine is ready to assist partner countries with its experience in countering enemy attacks.

⚡️ Tonight, Russians launched 94 strike drones at Ukraine. Ukrainian air defense shot down 84. Here is what is known about the consequences of the attacks:

🔴 Dnipropetrovsk region. Occupiers attacked the Pokrovsk community with guided aerial bombs—a 55-year-old man was killed. In Kryvyi Rih, enterprises were damaged and fires broke out, and in the city of Apostolove, Kryvyi Rih district, a transport enterprise was damaged.

🔴 Zaporizhzhia. Russians struck the village of Komyshuvakha with guided aerial bombs. Two girls, aged 9 and 15, were injured and received medical assistance.

⚡️ 70% of Ukrainians do not believe that the current negotiations involving Russia and the United States to end the war in Ukraine will lead to a sustainable peace, according to a KIIS poll.

Sociologists note that in January 2026, an additional open-ended question was asked regarding why Ukrainians do not believe in the success of the negotiations—and respondents primarily explained this by citing Russia and its position.

United 24 Media:

🔷 Russia’s "reliable ally” myth is collapsing again. Despite the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei in US–Israeli strikes and Donald Trump’s calls for regime change, Moscow’s support for Tehran remains strictly verbal. It turns out Russian "allyship" only goes so far—when the bombs start falling, its partners are on their own.

🔶 Brent crude has reached its highest level since August 2025 — about $70 per barrel — and could rise further amid the war in Iran, Reuters reports.

The Persian Gulf accounts for around 20% of global oil supplies. The risk of shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz or attacks on tankers is forcing companies to reconsider oil and liquefied natural gas supply routes, putting additional pressure on prices.

A quick settlement now appears unlikely. The scale of US and Israeli strikes, along with Washington’s tough rhetoric, suggests preparations for a prolonged campaign. This increases the risk of serious disruptions to energy supplies from the Middle East.

Russia could benefit from higher oil prices, and Russian analysts are already estimating potential gains. However, the US and Europe still have a significant lever of influence — the detention of “shadow fleet” tankers transporting Russian oil.

Belgian and French forces have detained the oil tanker Ethera in the North Sea. The vessel, sailing under the flag of Guinea, was reportedly carrying sanctioned Russian oil and was towed to the port of Zeebrugge.

Belgian Defense Minister Theo Francken said the tanker is suspected of using a false flag and forged documents, as well as violating sanctions. The vessel regularly operated between Russia and South America, frequently switched off its transponders, and repeatedly changed flags.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha thanked Belgium and partners from the G7, as well as Nordic and Baltic countries, for supporting the operation and ensuring its successful implementation.

“Belgium is once again demonstrating leadership in strengthening European security. We call on all partners to follow this example, to decisively counter Russia’s shadow fleet through sanctions and concrete actions, and to promote peace through strength,” Sybiha added.

🇬🇧🇺🇦🇮🇷 “We will invite experts from Ukraine to help our partners in the Persian Gulf shoot down Iranian drones,” Keir Starmer said.

🔷 Ukrainian Defense Forces have reached a strategic turning point on the frontline, reclaiming more land than they have lost to Russian occupation over the recent period.

According to statements made by Ukrainian officials and military experts on March 1, 2026, this shift marks a significant change in the dynamics of the war following the winter campaign.

Details: https://united24media.com/latest-news/russia-loses-winter-battle-in-ukraine-as-kyiv-liberates-more-territory-16378

❗️President Zelenskyy: Russia has chosen new targets for strikes on Ukraine.

According to the president, the enemy will now focus on infrastructure, logistics, and water supply facilities.

“Citizens should pay attention to this challenge. And for our part, we must secure more missiles for air defense,” Zelenskyy said during a conversation with reporters.

Kyiv Post:

⚡️ Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), working with the Defense Forces, struck Russian naval vessels and key military assets in Novorossiysk, according to Kyiv Post sources.

Preliminary reports indicate SBU drones hit:
▪️Russian warships
▪️A 30N6E2 radar guidance system for the S-300 PMU-2 “Favorit”
▪️A Pantsir-S2 air defense system
▪️Six of seven oil loading berths at the Sheskharis oil terminal

⚡️ One of Saudi Arabia’s biggest oil refineries has been forced to halt operations after a drone attack, threatening fuel supplies to Europe.

The targeted facility in Ras Tanura is owned by Saudi Aramco, the world’s largest oil producer by output and reserves.

⚡️ The Russian military has sustained a "mortal wound" in 2026. From 250k casualties at Pokrovsk to a $52B railway collapse and donkey-led resupply lines, the front is crumbling.

Time is not just running out on Russia's invasion - but on the Putin Regime.

Get the full battlefield intelligence report here: https://www.kyivpost.com/videos/70841

⚡️ Zelensky has set dates for Slovak Prime Minister Fico to visit Kyiv to “discuss outstanding issues,” even as Bratislava threatens to cut electricity supplies over a row about Russian oil transit.

⚡️ Zelensky voiced support for regime change in Tehran during his Sunday evening address, as US military operations against Iran continue to intensify.

The Ukrainian president said it is “crucial that this opportunity for change for Iran is properly seized.”

⚡️ Emmanuel Macron is preparing to revise France’s nuclear strategy as Russia’s war against Ukraine drags into a fifth year, with NATO allies increasingly concerned about Washington’s wavering commitment to European security.

⚡️ Russia is rolling out nationwide drone training in schools, with returning war veterans teaching children how to operate deadly UAVs, according to Ukraine’s intelligence.

The programme has now been expanded to the federal level.

Family casualties: yes, the three dead were the Nova Khakovka family group I posted about a while ago. One military injury was quite a while ago too, but more recently three were injured in strikes on residential buildings in Dnipro. They had up to then lived a fairly charmed life.

It has certainly been dangerous and debilitating with power supply interruptions through winter adding to the grind.

The spike in oil prices isn't helpful for Ukraine either

This is the best thing I have heard all day - it's absolutely lovely! Well done. As soon as I get to a LUSH, I will buy one.

I am so sorry @MMBaranova

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

‘This issue concerns us’ — Zelensky warns Middle East war could strain Ukraine air defense supplies (kyivindependent.com/this-issue-concerns-us-zelensky-warns-prolonged-middle-east-war-could-strain-air-defense-supplies/)
The US-Iran war could cause a shortage of missile supplies to Ukraine’s air defense if the war is prolonged, Ukraine and experts say.

⚡️'Wars can be fought forever’: Trump claims (https://kyivindependent.com/wars-can-be-fought-forever-trump-claims-us-has-virtually-unlimited-weapons-stockpile/) US has ‘virtually unlimited’ weapons stockpile.

⚡️Macron unveils expansion of France’s nuclear arsenal (kyivindependent.com/macron-unveils-expansion-of-frances-nuclear-arsenal-opens-door-to-european-deterrence-cooperation/), opens door to European deterrence cooperation.
Speaking at the L’Île Longue naval base in northwestern France — home to the country’s ballistic missile submarines — Macron argued that Europe must assume a more autonomous role in its own defense amid Russia’s war against Ukraine and shifting U.S. strategic priorities.

What an Iran oil spike would mean for Russia (kyivindependent.com/russia-very-likely-to-gain-from-middle-east-crisis/)
As markets opened on March 2, Russian officials were quick to frame the escalating Middle East crisis as an economic opportunity for the Kremlin.
“Russia is very likely to benefit from the conflict,” Oleksandr Talavera, professor of financial economics at the University of Birmingham, said.

⚡️ Ukraine captured more territory (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-captured-more-territory-than-it-lost-to-russia-over-febraury-2026-syrskyi-says/) than it lost to Russia over February 2026, Syrskyi says.
The claim came amid a slowdown in Russian advances on most parts of the front line over winter.

Russian drone hits passenger train (kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-hits-passenger-train-in-dnipropetrovsk-oblast-1-killed-7-injured/) in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, 1 killed, 7 injured
The strike marks the second reported Russian attack on a passenger train since Jan. 27, when a train in Kharkiv Oblast was hit, and comes amid intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine’s railway infrastructure since July 2025.

⚡️ US deploys LUCAS attack drones (kyivindependent.com/us-deploys-one-way-drones-against-iran-following-ukraines-battlefield-experience/) against Iran 'for first time in combat.'
The LUCAS attack drone has an estimated unit cost of just $35,000.

Ukraine, US shortlist investment projects worth over $1.2 billion for groundbreaking reconstruction fund (https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-us-shortlist-22-projects-worth-over-1-2-billion-for-joint-reconstruction-fund/)

⚡️ Russia's central bank challenges EU decision to indefinitely freeze (kyivindependent.com/russia-challenges-eu-decision-to-indefinitely-freeze-sovereign-assets/) sovereign assets.
The case was brought before the European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.

⚡️70% of Ukrainians skeptical (kyivindependent.com/70-of-ukrainians-skeptical-us-ukraine-russia-talks-will-bring-lasting-peace-poll-shows/) US-Ukraine-Russia talks will bring lasting peace, poll shows.
Only 25% of respondents said they rather believe in the talks' potential success, while 5% remained undecided, according to a poll by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS).

‘Clearing up the mess’ — Ukraine’s oil and gas giant gets new supervisory board (kyivindependent.com/small-step-to-clearing-up-mess-in-energy-sector/)
After more than a month-long delay, Ukraine’s government on March 2 appointed a new supervisory board for state-owned oil and gas giant Naftogaz, replacing a controversial ex-official recently charged with embezzling millions of dollars.

Ukrainians who fled war find themselves facing new uncertainty in the Middle East (kyivindependent.com/ukrainians-who-fled-war-find-themselves-facing-new-uncertainty-in-the-middle-east/)
For some Ukrainians who left their country to escape Russia’s full-scale invasion, the sense of safety abroad has once again been shaken – this time in the Middle East.

⚡️IPC bars (kyivindependent.com/ipc-bars-ukrainian-team-from-wearing-uniform-with-map-of-ukraine-at-winter-paralympics/) Ukrainian team from wearing uniform with map of Ukraine at Winter Paralympics.
The International Paralympic Committee barred Ukraine’s Paralympic team from wearing their ceremonial uniform for the upcoming Winter Games, saying the design featuring a map of Ukraine was political, according to National Paralympic Committee President Valerii Sushkevych.

⚡️At least 6 killed, 35 injured (kyivindependent.com/at-least-6-killed-35-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/) in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day.
Russia launched 136 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said, reporting that Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 127 unmanned aircraft.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 2h
⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — MAR 3, 2026
■ Drone losses remain high; other losses include 20 APVs, six air defence systems, and one naval asset
■ Engagements and casualties remain below average; no confirmed territorial change
■ Officer death batch from KIU: +51 (5.4 per day since the start of the war)
■ 🇷🇺 drone activity remains high; shelling above average but still well below the long-term average
■ Overnight 🇷🇺 attacks: 136 drones; 93% intercepted; six locations affected
■ Nine 🇺🇦 strikes reported; 30-day strike ratio improves