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 🇺🇦

**
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UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

🗣 President Zelenskyy said that due to hostilities in the Middle East, Ukraine cannot confirm Abu Dhabi as the venue for a meeting with the US and Russia.
“There is no updated information. The meeting was scheduled for March 5–6 in Abu Dhabi. So far, because of these hostilities, we cannot confirm that it will take place there. Nevertheless, the meeting has not been canceled,” he said.
The president also noted that the situation in the Middle East has not yet affected the supply of American weapons to Ukraine under the PURL initiative, primarily missiles for air defense systems.

🇶🇦 Qatari company QatarEnergy has suspended production of liquefied natural gas and related products following Iranian attacks on its facilities.
Qatar accounts for about 20% of global LNG exports and is among the world’s three largest producers.

The energy crisis is spreading beyond the region: India is now cutting gas supplies to industry.
Indian companies have reduced gas deliveries to enterprises by 10–30% following the suspension of LNG production in Qatar and supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz, Reuters reports.
India is the world’s fourth-largest importer of liquefied natural gas and one of the largest buyers of Qatari LNG. Major market players have already notified customers about reduced volumes.

President Zelenskyy said that Ukraine sees Russia’s plans for an offensive in the east, as well as in the Zaporizhzhia, Dnipro, and Odesa directions. However, according to him, Russian troops lack the forces to carry out the offensive planned for March.
“Their maps do not match reality — where our forces are and where theirs are. They cannot launch the March offensive exactly as they intended.”
The president also said that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico did not express any gratitude to Ukraine for the restoration of the Druzhba oil pipeline.
He added that the repairs were carried out under combat conditions and that workers were injured during the process.

“I have ordered an increase in the number of nuclear warheads in our arsenal. We will also stop reporting data on our nuclear forces,” French President Emmanuel Macron said during a speech at the Île Longue military base, where France’s nuclear submarines are stationed.
▫️ The increase in the arsenal is necessary to deter possible aggression against France. The issue has already been discussed with the other two NATO nuclear powers — the United States and the United Kingdom;
▫️ France will allow the temporary deployment of its nuclear-capable aircraft in allied countries as part of its new nuclear strategy;
▫️ Decisions on the use of nuclear weapons will be made jointly with partner countries. Negotiations are underway with the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Greece, Sweden, and Denmark;
▫️ “To be free, we must inspire fear. To inspire fear, we must be strong. We must increase the number of weapons”;
▫️ Germany, the UK, and France will cooperate on the development of long-range missiles.
France currently has about 300 nuclear warheads. The planned increase would be the first expansion of its arsenal since 1992.

❗️ Interceptor drones destroyed more than 1,500 Russian UAVs in February, Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi said.
The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine noted that these systems are playing an increasingly important role in repelling attacks. In Kyiv and the surrounding region, their share in downing Shahed drones exceeded 70%.
The general added that the Defense Forces are adapting to new tactics involving drones flying at extremely low altitudes.
“Despite the significant deterioration in weather conditions and the shortage of air defense assets, in February we did not allow the performance of ‘small air defense’ to decline,” Syrskyi said.

Severely wounded and taken captive, a Ukrainian soldier, call sign “Positive,” found himself in the most negative of circumstances. Yet, not only did he survive, but he also ultimately convinced his Russian captors to surrender.
Full story: https://united24media.com/war-in-ukraine/how-russian-soldiers-surrendered-to-an-unarmed-wounded-ukrainian-prisoner-16371

🇺🇦🏊‍♂️ A veteran from the Luhansk region, Ivan Artiukh, won four gold medals in swimming at competitions in the United States.
A former fighter of the Lyut assault brigade, Artiukh claimed four gold medals at the Air Force and Marine Corps Trials in San Diego, California.
He won in all four entered swimming events: 100 m and 50 m freestyle, 50 m backstroke, and 50 m breaststroke.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Russia is planning to create water supply disruptions in Ukraine during upcoming attacks, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
According to Zelensky, Russian forces are expected to target infrastructure, logistics networks, and water supply systems.

Zelensky has offered Middle Eastern leaders Kyiv’s drone know-how (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/71087) in exchange for pressuring Moscow towards a month-long ceasefire in Ukraine.

Iran’s nuclear facility at Natanz reportedly was struck (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/71036) during recent US and Israeli military operations, Tehran’s ambassador to the UN nuclear watchdog said.
Meanwhile the IAEA reports no signs of damage to other Iranian nuclear facilities.

Ukraine has received a $1.5 billion disbursement from the IMF (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/71116) — the first tranche under a new $8.1 billion, four-year program aimed at stabilizing the country’s wartime economy amid Russia’s prolonged invasion.

Ukrainian intelligence says Russia’s new Izdeliye-30 cruise missile still contains components from the US, China and Europe (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/71033) — despite sweeping international sanctions.

Kyiv’s recent deep strike campaign against high-value targets (https://www.kyivpost.com/analysis/71054) within Russia features longer-range drones, improved warheads, cleverer tactics, and bigger kamikaze aircraft swarms.

United States–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund selected 22 projects for further processing, with 8 high-priority bids valued at $1.2 billion. (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/71074)

Trump boasts “I got him before he got me” over Khamenei’s death after US-Israeli strikes (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/71024) — claiming it foiled what US intelligence believes was a 2024 Iranian-linked plot to kill him, amid rising Middle East tensions and the ongoing Operation Epic Fury.

Some holders of Ukraine’s dollar bonds are weighing legal action after last year’s GDP warrant swap, (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/71075) arguing the new Class C notes granted stronger protections than their own debt.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Partisans of the "ATESH" movement carried out a sabotage operation on a key railway in Luhansk, striking the weapons supply line to the Pokrovsk sector.
Two relay protection cabinets were disabled, causing a failure in train traffic control. As a result, military echelons are accumulating on the outskirts of the city and are unable to move further.

Donald Trump stated that the U.S. has a "virtually unlimited supply" of weapons with which war could be waged "forever."
The day before, the WSJ wrote that the U.S. is rushing to end the war with Iran before problems with ammunition quantities begin. Meanwhile, Bloomberg, citing sources, reported that the UAE and Qatar are lobbying allies to help persuade Trump to end the war as soon as possible. If the hostilities continue at this intensity, Qatar’s air defenses will last for only four days.
Trump accused his predecessor Joe Biden of giving Zelenskyy hundreds of billions of dollars and a vast amount of free high-quality weaponry, but stated that he had rebuilt the military during his term and continues to do so.
He referred to Zelenskyy as "Phineas Barnum"—a 19th-century American showman who, according to Trump, could sell anything to anyone.

Andrii Yermak, the former Head of the Office of the President, has been appointed chair of the National Bar Association of Ukraine (NBAU) committee on the protection of victims of armed aggression against Ukraine, compensation mechanisms, and legal support for restoration and European integration.
▪️Andrii Yermak resigned on November 28, 2025. This was preceded by NABU searches at his home, which were linked to "Operation Midas"—a large-scale corruption investigation involving Energoatom. According to some reports, Yermak allegedly appeared in surveillance tapes under the code name "Ali Baba."

The Russian Central Bank has sued the European Union for the indefinite immobilisation of €210 billion in sovereign assets.

https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2026/03/03/russian-central-bank-sues-eu-for-immobilising-210-billion-in-assets

The front on those cunts.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

Chart of the week: Russia lost more territory than it gained for the first time since 2023 (kyivindependent.com/chart-of-the-week-russia-lost-more-territory-than-it-gained-for-the-first-time-since-2023/)
Russia lost more territory than it gained in February for the first time since Ukraine’s failed counteroffensive in 2023, according to independent Finnish open-source intelligence collective Black Bird Group.

⚡️Ukrainian forces liberate (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-liberates-9-settlements-in-donetsk-oblast-as-russian-advances-slow/) 9 eastern settlements as Russian troops face Starlink disruptions, Ukraine's military says.
Ukraine has liberated nine settlements in the Oleksandrivka sector along the southeastern front line, Ukraine's Air Assault Forces said on March 2 on Facebook.

⚡️ NATO intercepts Iranian missile (https://kyivindependent.com/nato-intercepts-iranian-missile-heading-toward-turkey/) heading toward Turkey in first such incident.
"We reserve the right to respond to any hostile attitude towards our country," Turkey's Defense Ministry said.

⚡️ Russia continues to escalate drone attacks (kyivindependent.com/f-2/) on passenger trains, railway infrastructure.
Russian drone hit two passenger trains in just one day.

⚡️ Putin, Orban discuss Hungarians in Ukraine's army captured by Russia, Kremlin says. (https://kyivindependent.com/putin-orban-discuss-hungarians-in-ukraines-army-captured-by-russia-kremlin-says/)
Orban held a phone call with Putin amid an escalating spat between Kyiv and Budapest.

⚡️ Putin to host Hungary's FM (kyivindependent.com/putin-hungarys-foreign-minister-to-discuss-ukraine-druzhba-dispute-in-moscow/) to discuss Budapest-Kyiv rift over Druzhba pipeline.

⚡️ Belgium sets 10 million euro bail (kyivindependent.com/belgium-sets-10-million-euro-bail-for-detained-russian-tanker/) for detained Russian shadow fleet tanker Ethera.
The vessel will not be allowed to leave port until the bail is paid and a re-inspection confirms compliance with maritime regulations.

⚡️Russia 'deliberately and brutally' execute (kyivindependent.com/russia-deliberately-and-brutally-execute-337-ukrainian-pows-by-end-of-2025-ombudsman-says/) 337 Ukrainian POWs by end of 2025, ombudsman says.
"Russia has turned torture into state policy and uses it as a weapon,” Ukraine's Human Rights Ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets, said on March 3 during a meeting of the U.N. Human Rights Council.

⚡️Russian tanker reportedly on fire (kyivindependent.com/russian-tanker-reportedly-on-fire-in-mediterranean-sea-media-reports/) in Mediterranean sea, media reports.
A Russian-flagged liquified natural gas (LNG) tanker, the Arctic Metagaz, has reportedly caught fire in the Mediterranean sea, multiple media outlets reported on March 3.

⚡️ Zelensky floats swapping (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-floats-swapping-patriot-missiles-for-interceptor-drones-amid-increased-iranian-shahed-threat/) Patriot missiles for interceptor drones amid increased Iranian Shahed threat.

⚡️ As Ukrainian regions start preparing for next winter, Kyiv lags behind (kyivindependent.com/as-ukrainian-regions-start-preparing-for-upcoming-winter-kyiv-lags-behind/)
Regional leaders and mayors met with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv on March 3 to approve plans for the upcoming winter. The National Security and Defense Council soon approved all plans, except the one meant for Kyiv.

⚡️ At least 3 killed (kyivindependent.com/at-least-killed-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day-4/), 30 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day.
Russia launched 149 drones at Ukraine overnight, the Air Force said, reporting that Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 129.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬
⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — MAR 4, 2026
■ Record 7-day equipment losses; 4ᵗʰ-highest drone losses; heavy unarmored vehicle losses
■ Engagements below average; casualties near average; no confirmed territorial change
■ 🇷🇺 drone activity still high (7ᵗʰ highest); shelling near average
■ Overnight 🇷🇺 attacks: 149 drones; 87% intercepted; 16 locations affected
■ Five 🇺🇦 strikes reported; 30-day strike ratio <20×

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

🇺🇦🇦🇪 President Zelenskyy held a phone conversation with the President of the UAE.
The leaders discussed key aspects of the situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region.
Bin Zayed Al Nahyan noted that the Iranian regime is striking not only military facilities, but virtually everything — homes, shopping malls, and even mosques, the Ukrainian president said.

🇺🇸🇺🇦 Trump assured that Russia’s war against Ukraine remains among his top priorities.
“This issue [Ukraine and Russia] is very high on that list [of priorities],” he said.
Trump also expressed hope that a peaceful settlement would be possible.
“Sometimes I blame one side, sometimes the other.”

🇵🇱 Poland will eventually seek to obtain its own nuclear weapons, Tusk said.

Kaja Kallas, the European Union High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission, announced that she and the European Commission are working on a plan to prevent hundreds of thousands of former Russian military personnel from entering the Schengen Area freely.

The conflict in Iran could trigger Europe’s largest refugee crisis, according to The Times.
The publication cites the annual report of the EU Asylum Agency, which identifies Iran as a “significant potential crisis.”
“With a population of around 90 million, even partial destabilization could lead to refugee movements on an unprecedented scale. The displacement of just 10% of Iran’s population would be comparable to the largest refugee flows of recent decades,” the report states.
EU governments fear that asylum systems, already under severe strain, could be overwhelmed. Reducing migration remains a political priority for most European countries.
Earlier, Politico reported that after the conflict began, European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner held talks with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan about a possible new wave of migration.The oil rally triggered by the war in Iran will not save Russia’s budget, which has been inflated by the cost of the war in Ukraine, The Moscow Times writes.
“For the budget deficit to reach the planned 3.8 trillion rubles, the average annual export price of Russian Urals oil must be $59 per barrel — this figure is built into the budget.
And for revenues to match expenditures, the price would need to reach $97 per barrel,” the article says.
Urals is currently trading at $65.49 per barrel.
In December, amid US sanctions against Russian oil companies, the price of Urals fell to $34 per barrel.

Germany has joined the boycott of the opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games in Italy due to the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes under national flags and anthems, DW reports.

One in two Russians surveyed considers strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure “justified,” while one in five considers them unacceptable, according to a Levada Center poll.
Energy strikes are justified by 57% of respondents.Their arguments include:
▫️ “These are retaliatory strikes; we didn’t start them” — 32%;
▫️ Such strikes are needed to “damage the economy, halt military production, and weaken Ukraine’s military potential” — 15%;
▫️ The strikes will “bring the end of the conflict closer and force Ukraine to negotiate” — 12%;
▫️ The strikes will “damage the army, secure victory, and achieve our goals” — 9%.
Twenty percent of respondents oppose the strikes. Their arguments:
▫️ “People are dying; civilians and ordinary citizens unrelated to the war are suffering” — 52%;
▫️ “I am against military action; no one needs war — we need peace” — 16%;
▫️ “Hospitals, schools, and kindergartens are left without power and heat; people are suffering” — 13%.

The chaos in the world is a direct consequence of Russia’s attack on Ukraine, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said.
“The explosive situation in the Middle East and the drones in the sky over Cyprus are not separate conflicts, but a direct consequence of the destruction of international law.
It all began with Ukraine, when the Russian Federation, a permanent member of the UN Security Council, cynically violated its neighbor’s borders, sending a signal to the entire world that the rules no longer apply,” Meloni said in an interview with Tg5.

🤬 “We weren’t going anywhere.” Russia will open its pavilion at the Venice Biennale for the first time since 2022.
After a break caused by the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia is preparing to return to the Venice Biennale.
In 2022, Russian artists refused to participate in the exhibition because of the war, and in 2024 the pavilion was handed over to Bolivia.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Putin is preparing a massive new mobilisation that could send up to 400,000 more troops into the war against Ukraine, (www.kyivpost.com/post/71131) despite mounting Russian losses, Zelensky said.

In a historic move, Ukraine is allowing critical infrastructure companies (www.kyivpost.com/post/71136) to form their own air defense groups and receive additional weapons under military supervision.

Ukraine identifies Russian major general (www.kyivpost.com/post/71209) suspected of organizing the missile strike on Kyiv’s Okhmatdyt children’s hospital and issues war crimes notice.

The US has launched a military operation in Ecuador
The armed forces of the United States and Ecuador have begun a joint operation against drug cartels on the country’s territory.

Trump reveals Tehran wants to negotiate (www.kyivpost.com/post/71155) while notifying Congress after taking action in joint US-Israeli strikes, instead of asking for Constitutionally mandated approval before plunging US into war.

Drone debris with Russian markings “Geran-2” found in Dubai. (www.kyivpost.com/post/71190)
Fragments of the UAV were discovered near Jebel Ali port following Iran’s attack on the UAE.
Videos circulating on social media were reportedly filmed by Russian tourists staying in the Emirates during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

FRIENDLY FIRE: Russian military helicopter crashes in Rostov region (www.kyivpost.com/post/71186) while scrambling to intercept Ukrainian drones.

An Israeli F-35I fighter jet shot down a Russian Yak-130 combat training aircraft of the Iranian Air Force over Tehran.

Americans have more work on their plate, (www.kyivpost.com/post/71122) Kremlin says as next trilateral talks hang in the balance.
Peace talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US — planned for March 5–6 in Abu Dhabi — are now in doubt.

Don’t Overlook Belarus and Ukraine — The Belarusian democratic opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya urges the free world not to forget about Europe’s victims (www.kyivpost.com/post/71204) of Russian despotism and imperialism.

“RUSSIA WILL BE NEXT” — Kremlin propagandists shocked by operations against Iran.
Kyiv Post collected reactions from pro-war Russians (www.kyivpost.com/post/71145) to the strike on the Islamic theocratic state.

Oil Shock Incoming, Putin Can’t Hide: The real shock is the Strait of Hormuz, oil and LNG risk, and what happens to Russia’s sanctions evasion and drone supply chains if Tehran fractures.
www.kyivpost.com/videos/71153

“This is NOT Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with,” (www.kyivpost.com/post/71156) Trump said he was upset with UK Keir Starmer for not backing US-Israeli strikes on Iran, and threatened trade cuts against Spain for denying US planes use of its bases.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇭🇺 Hungary's opposition party "Tisza" is leading ahead of Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's "Fidesz" party, Reuters reports.
According to a survey by Závecz Research conducted on February 22–28, among decided voters, 50% support "Tisza," while 38% support "Fidesz."

German Chancellor Merz, following a meeting with Trump, stated that Europe will not accept an agreement regarding Ukraine concluded without its participation.
He also mentioned that during the negotiations with Trump, he emphasized the need to increase pressure on Moscow. Merz is convinced that only through increased pressure from Washington will Putin be ready to make concessions.

Reuters, which spoke with European diplomats and officials, wrote that Ukraine's efforts to accelerate the European Union accession process as part of any peace deal are meeting resistance from EU governments.
In particular, EU governments, including France and Germany, have privately expressed skepticism regarding the discussed reform of the accession process that would shorten Ukraine's path to membership, diplomats note. Many of them pointed to concerns within EU capitals regarding this idea.
Among their fears is that Ukraine and other countries would not continue reforms, such as the fight against corruption, if they were already granted EU membership.

🇪🇺🇺🇦 The EU is pressuring Ukraine to grant access to the "Druzhba" oil pipeline, FT reports, citing sources.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa allegedly requested an inspection of the pipeline's restoration process but were refused.
EU diplomats called this a mistake, as Ukraine's refusal led Hungary to block a loan and Slovakia to halt emergency electricity supplies until "Druzhba" is operational.
At the same time, Ukraine denies delaying the pipeline's restoration: Naftogaz technicians have shown severe damage following a Russian attack.
▪️ Transit via "Druzhba" was suspended at the end of January 2026 after Russian attacks. Hungary and Slovakia, which received the vast majority of their oil through "Druzhba," claim that Ukraine is blocking the oil route "for political reasons."

A Polish court has extended the detention of Russian archaeologist Alexander Butyagin until June 1.
He will remain in a pre-trial detention center while awaiting a decision on his extradition to Ukraine. The next hearing is scheduled for March 18.
Butyagin is an employee of the State Hermitage Museum who led illegal excavations in occupied Crimea for 12 years. In Ukraine, he is suspected of destroying the cultural layer of an archaeological site, specifically the ancient city of Myrmekion near Kerch. According to Ukrainian law enforcement, the damage caused exceeds 200 million UAH ($4.8 million).

Law enforcement has identified the Russian commander who organized the attack on Okhmatdyt on July 8, 2024.
He is Major General Sergei Kuvaldin, Commander of the Long-Range Aviation of the Russian Air Force. He has been served with a notice of suspicion for violating the laws and customs of war. Okhmatdyt was attacked with a Kh-101 missile, which is programmed by coordinates—meaning the hospital was targeted deliberately.
As a result of the attack, a doctor and a patient's grandfather were killed, and at least 25 adults and nine children were injured. Shortly after the strike, Kuvaldin was promoted from Deputy Commander to Commander of Long-Range Aviation.
▪️Previously, Ukrainian law enforcement served Kuvaldin with a notice of suspicion for organizing the missile strike on Lviv on September 4, 2024, which claimed the lives of eight people.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-3-2026/

Key Takeaways

1. The United States and Israel are striking Iran’s drone and missile facilities to reduce the pressure on missile and drone interceptors – a capability the United States is denying Ukraine by refusing to provide Tomahawk cruise missiles.
2. Russian officials continue to condemn the US-Israeli strike campaign against Iran, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to support the United States.
3. Ukrainian forces liberated more territory than they lost in mid to late February 2026 for the first time since the Summer 2023 counteroffensive.
4. The Russian military command continues to operate in an alternate reality, setting wildly unrealistic deadlines that do not match Russia’s actual battlefield capabilities.
5. Russia has failed to achieve the objectives of its Winter 2025-2026 long-range missile and drone campaign against Ukrainian energy and civilian infrastructure.
6. Insider reports continue to indicate that the Kremlin is expecting the war to continue until at least the September 2026 State Duma elections.
7. Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Novopavlivka. Russian forces recently advanced near Slovyansk.

https://understandingwar.org/research/russia-ukraine/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-2-2026/

Key Takeaways

1. Russian President Vladimir Putin is attempting to posture himself as a peacemaker and potential mediator between Iran and the Gulf States amid the ongoing US-Israeli operation against Iran.
2. Iranian threats against vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz are causing significant spikes in global oil prices which, if sustained, could reverse over a year of declining Russian oil revenues.
3. US allies and partners in the Middle East should learn from Ukraine’s years of experience defending against almost nightly large-scale Russian missile and drone strike packages, including some comprised in large part of Iranian-origin attack drones.
4. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia will shift its long-range missile and drone strikes target set to include Ukrainian logistics and water infrastructure going into Spring 2026.
5. Russian forces advanced in the Slovyansk and Pokrovsk directions.

@Mb76 the soap is exquisite. I will be sure to buy a blossom or two. It is such a meaningful and needed cause, so thank you to you and your company.

Thank you for the kind words about the soap charity product that I willed into existence through my company… here is a lovely photo of a display from one of our Kyiv shops 🌻
The signage is beautiful too, they did this product justice

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Trilateral peace talks (kyivindependent.com/trilateral-peace-talks-on-hold-zelensky-says/) on hold as Ukraine waits for US, Zelensky says.

⚡️Ukraine hits (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hits-russian-minesweeper-valentin-pikul-severely-damages-2-anti-submarine-ships-sbu-source-says/) Russian minesweeper Valentin Pikul, 'severely' damages 2 anti-submarine ships, SBU source says.
Ukrainian forces struck the Russian port of Novorossiysk, hitting the minesweeper Valentin Pikul and "severely" damaging two anti-submarine ships, the Yeysk and the Kasimov, on March 2, a source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent.

⚡️Russia's nuclear giant controls massive weapons production ecosystem ignored by sanctions (kyivindependent.com/russias-nuclear-giant-controls-massive-weapons-production-ecosystem-without-threat-of-sanctions-report-finds/), report finds.
Rosatom, Russia's state nuclear corporation, operates 21 entities that are directly involved in weapons production but face no EU sanctions, according to a report published March 4 by the Kyiv-based think tank DiXi Group.

⚡️Putin threatens to cut Russian gas to Europe (https://kyivindependent.com/putin-threatens-to-cut-russian-gas-to-europe-unless-eu-reverses-ban-leveraging-iran-war/) unless EU reverses ban, leveraging Iran war.
As the U.S.-Iran war disrupts global energy markets, the Russian president is brainstorming ways to strong-arm the EU into rethinking its ban on Russian LNG and pipeline gas.

⚡️ Zelensky orders development of support plan (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-orders-development-of-support-plan-for-middle-east-allies/) for Middle East allies hit by Iran strikes.

"Our military has the necessary capabilities. Ukrainian experts will work on site, and teams are already negotiating this," President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

⚡️Putin increases (kyivindependent.com/putin-raises-russian-military-personnel-to-nearly-2-4-million/) Russia's regular army personnel to nearly 2.4 million.
Russia's regular army has grown to 2,391,770 personnel. Of these, 1,502,640 will serve as active-duty troops — 2,640 more than before, according to the March 4 decree.

⚡️ Putin releases 2 Hungarians captured fighting for Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/putin-hungarys-foreign-minister-to-discuss-ukraine-druzhba-dispute-in-moscow/) after Szijjarto talks.

⚡️Slovakia's Prime Minister claims he has secret satellite imagery (kyivindependent.com/slovakias-prime-minister-claims-he-has-secret-satellite-imagery-showing-druzhba-pipeline-not-damaged/) showing Druzhba pipeline not damaged.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico on March 4 claimed he has satellite imagery proving that the Druzhba oil pipeline, which previously transited Russian oil, is not damaged.

In the Middle East, chaos is Putin's new ally
(kyivindependent.com/why-putin-benefits-from-chaos-in-the-middle-east/)
"Russia benefits from chaos in the Middle East and relishes condemning perceived American unilateralism," writes Anna Borshchevskaya, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, in this op-ed.
"This helps Moscow score points in the so-called Global South among countries generally sympathetic to Russia's narratives."

War has drained Ukraine’s workforce, but women (https://kyivindependent.com/war-has-drained-ukraines-workforce-but-women-and-veterans-are-stepping-in-to-fill-the-void/) and veterans are stepping in to fill the void
The effects of Russia’s full-scale invasion are shrinking Ukraine’s labor pool, with mass mobilization and emigration leaving labor shortages across the economy.
A labor-market assessment by Helvetas Swiss Intercooperation and Ukraine’s State Employment Service warns of a “graying economy” where workers 60 and older make up a disproportionate share of key sectors. To prevent a collapse as these specialists retire, Helvetas is working with municipal vocational schools to provide short-term, market-oriented retraining.

⚡️At least 7 killed, 25 injured (kyivindependent.com/at-least-7-killed-25-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-past-day/) in Russian attacks on Ukraine over past day.
Russian forces launched 155 different types of drones against Ukraine overnight, of which roughly 100 were Shahed-type unmanned aerial vehicles, the Air Force said.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 1h
⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — MAR 5, 2026
■ Record total equipment and drone losses; record 7-day losses in unarmored vehicles
■ Engagements and casualties below average; no confirmed territorial change
■ Record 🇷🇺 drone activity; shelling and strikes near the average
■ Overnight 🇷🇺 attacks: 155 drones; 88% intercepted; 11 locations affected
■ 14 🇺🇦 strikes reported; the 30-day strike ratio improves

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

In his latest interview with the Italian media outlet Corriere della Sera, President Zelenskyy stated that since the beginning of the year, Ukraine has regained 460 square kilometers of its territory. He also noted that Russia loses 35,000 soldiers each month—a figure that equals the number of new troops it recruits.

❗️Nordic countries are preparing joint evacuation plans in the event of war, Reuters reports.
The plans will include coordination of transport, border control, evacuation routes, and other mechanisms for relocating civilians. Germany, Poland, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, and the Baltic states — Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania — are participating in the initiative.
Officials say the decision was made in light of the experience of the war in Ukraine, which demonstrated the need to prepare in advance for the mass evacuation of civilians during military threats.

Three more countries have joined the boycott of the 2026 Paralympic Games opening ceremony over the participation of Russia and Belarus.
Austria, Romania, and the United Kingdom have confirmed that their officials will not attend the ceremony.

👮‍♂️ More than 213,000 war crimes committed by Russians have been recorded in Ukraine so far, the Prosecutor General’s Office reported.
Taras Semkiv, Head of the Department for Counteracting Crimes Committed in Armed Conflict at the Office of the Prosecutor General, said that since the start of the full-scale war, 1,127 suspects have been identified, 809 individuals have been charged, and 242 have been convicted.
Among the suspects are 30 prisoners of war. Of them, 27 have already been formally charged and their cases have been sent to court, while 22 have received sentences.
According to Semkiv, information about Russian FPV drone strikes that violate international humanitarian law is received daily.

Qatar has completely halted LNG and related products production due to Iranian strikes, Reuters reports. Restarting operations could take several weeks.
Damage has been reported in the Ras Laffan and Mesaieed areas, where the country’s main gas liquefaction facilities are located.
According to Reuters sources, restarting the liquefaction process at the Ras Laffan complex will take at least two weeks. It will take a similar amount of time for the facilities to gradually return to full capacity.

❗️Iranian drones attacked the airport in Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan. The consequences are still being clarified, Reuters reports.
Baku strongly condemned the incident, stating that such actions violate the norms and principles of international law and increase tensions in the region. Azerbaijan reserves the right to take the necessary measures in response, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said.
According to the ministry, on the afternoon of March 5 drones launched from Iranian territory struck targets in Nakhchivan. One drone hit the building of the international airport terminal, while another fell near a school in the village of Shekerabad.
Iranian Ambassador Mojtaba Demirchilou has been summoned to the Foreign Ministry.

Iran struck Amazon data centers in the Persian Gulf, disrupting banking services across the region, Reuters reports.
According to the agency, two AWS facilities in the UAE sustained direct damage, while a data center in Bahrain was damaged by a nearby strike. As a result, the company’s cloud services in the region experienced outages.
The disruptions affected digital infrastructure used by banks and major companies in the Persian Gulf. AWS advised customers to temporarily shift services to other regions to restore stable operations.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called Iran one of the “key factors” enabling Russia’s war against Ukraine, noting that pressure from Israel and the United States could weaken Tehran’s ability to support Moscow.

🙏 Zhanna Kadyrova’s “Origami Deer,” evacuated from frontline Pokrovsk, is going on a European tour.
Starting March 8, the art object will be shown in Warsaw, Vienna, Prague, Berlin, Brussels, and Paris. The sculpture will later become a key exhibit of the Ukrainian pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale.
In addition to the installation, visitors will be able to watch the documentary “VPO (Internally Displaced Person),” which рассказывает about the evacuation of the “Deer” from the Donetsk region in 2024.
“Origami Deer” was installed in 2019 at the site where a Soviet aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons had been dismantled. The sculpture became a symbol of the unfulfilled security guarantees under which Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal in 1996.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Ukrainian troops have destroyed a Russian S-400 “Triumf” (www.kyivpost.com/post/71226) (NATO: SA-21 “Growler”) air defense system in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast, with the complex worth up to $1 billion.
The S-400, considered Russia’s analogue to the US Patriot system, has a reported range of up to 380 kilometers (240 miles).

The US and at least one Gulf state are in talks to buy Ukrainian interceptor drones to counter Iranian Shaheds, the Financial Times reports.
A Ukrainian official called the talks with the Pentagon “sensitive,” adding that any sale of Ukrainian systems — even those produced abroad — must be approved by Kyiv.
Unlike $3.5 million Patriot missiles, Ukrainian interceptors cost only a few thousand dollars, while a Shahed drone costs about $30,000.

A new staffing request suggests Washington is already preparing for a prolonged campaign against Iran that could last at least 100 days (www.kyivpost.com/post/71262) — and possibly stretch into September.

Sociologist and rights watchdog director Ramin Jabbarli says Iran’s blackout has cut internet and phone (www.kyivpost.com/post/71253) lines since strikes began, as the Khamenei succession fuels civil war fears.

5 THINGS TO KNOW: US/Israel-Iran war from the Ukrainian perspective. (www.kyivpost.com/post/71222)
For veterans of the Russo-Ukraine War, the US/Israeli assault on Iran is mostly – but not totally – a great deal of “déjà vu all over again.”

Zelensky spoke with Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Middle East security, (www.kyivpost.com/post/71231) warning that Iranian missiles and Shahed drones must not destroy lives.

The Iranian Embassy in Ukraine invited Ukrainians to sign a book of condolences for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from March 4–6.
The move sparked backlash from Ukraine’s Ambassador to South Africa, Oleksandr Shcherba, who condemned the initiative and reminded that Iran helped Russia wage war against Ukraine.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Ukrainian troops have destroyed a Russian S-400 “Triumf” (www.kyivpost.com/post/71226) (NATO: SA-21 “Growler”) air defense system in Russia’s Belgorod Oblast, with the complex worth up to $1 billion.
The S-400, considered Russia’s analogue to the US Patriot system, has a reported range of up to 380 kilometers (240 miles).

The US and at least one Gulf state are in talks to buy Ukrainian interceptor drones to counter Iranian Shaheds, the Financial Times reports.
A Ukrainian official called the talks with the Pentagon “sensitive,” adding that any sale of Ukrainian systems — even those produced abroad — must be approved by Kyiv.
Unlike $3.5 million Patriot missiles, Ukrainian interceptors cost only a few thousand dollars, while a Shahed drone costs about $30,000.

Russian officials claim fragments of a new US-made drone were found after a Ukrainian strike (www.kyivpost.com/post/71273) in the Donetsk region on Wednesday.
The wreckage is believed to belong to a previously unseen drone allegedly used by Ukrainian forces.

A new staffing request suggests Washington is already preparing for a prolonged campaign against Iran that could last at least 100 days (www.kyivpost.com/post/71262) — and possibly stretch into September.

Sociologist and rights watchdog director Ramin Jabbarli says Iran’s blackout has cut internet and phone (www.kyivpost.com/post/71253) lines since strikes began, as the Khamenei succession fuels civil war fears.

Poland has sent two military aircraft to evacuate Polish tourists stranded in the Middle East, (www.kyivpost.com/post/71270) as travel across the region remains heavily disrupted by the intensifying conflict.

5 THINGS TO KNOW: US/Israel-Iran war from the Ukrainian perspective. (www.kyivpost.com/post/71222)
For veterans of the Russo-Ukraine War, the US/Israeli assault on Iran is mostly – but not totally – a great deal of “déjà vu all over again.”

Zelensky spoke with Jordan’s King Abdullah II on Middle East security, (www.kyivpost.com/post/71231) warning that Iranian missiles and Shahed drones must not destroy lives.

The Iranian Embassy in Ukraine invited Ukrainians to sign a book of condolences for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from March 4–6.
The move sparked backlash from Ukraine’s Ambassador to South Africa, Oleksandr Shcherba, who condemned the initiative and reminded that Iran helped Russia wage war against Ukraine.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Slovakia's state energy company, SEPS, intends to terminate its contract with Ukraine's Ukrenergo for emergency electricity supplies.
The request for the unilateral termination of the contract between SEPS and Ukrenergo was submitted by Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
According to the director of SEPS, Kyiv allegedly requested emergency electricity supplies after the government had already prohibited them.
▪️On February 23, Robert Fico stated that Slovakia would stop emergency electricity supplies due to the suspension of Russian oil transit via the "Druzhba" pipeline.
At the time, Ukrenergo stated that the cessation of emergency supplies would not affect the situation in the country.

The SBU struck the naval minesweeper "Valentin Pikul" and the anti-submarine ships "Yeysk" and "Kasimov" in the port of Novorossiysk on March 2.
A source in the SBU informed hromadske of this, noting that 3 Russian sailors were killed and 14 others were wounded during the attack.
Additionally, the SBU struck:
▪️a 30N6E2 guidance radar of the S-300PMU-2 "Favorit" system;
▪️a "Pantsir-S2" air defense system;
▪️6 out of 7 oil loading arms at the "Sheskharis" oil terminal.

Russian forces attacked the railway in the Odesa and Mykolaiv regions — children are among the victims.
A missile struck the Odesa region, injuring four people, two of whom are children. The administrative building of a railway station was damaged.
In the Mykolaiv region, a Russian drone hit an empty train that had arrived for technical maintenance. One railway worker was injured.
Additionally, Russian drones targeted Kherson and the surrounding region today — three people were killed, and at least three others were injured. A car in the Sumy region was also struck, wounding three civilians.

Explosions were heard overnight in Russia's Krasnodar region — in Sochi, Gelendzhik, Armavir, and Novorossiysk.
Up to 20 explosions within half an hour were also reported in Saratov and Engels during a drone attack, according to local residents. Power outages followed shortly thereafter.

(kyivindependent.com/why-putin-benefits-from-chaos-in-the-middle-east/)
"Russia benefits from chaos in the Middle East and relishes condemning perceived American unilateralism," writes Anna Borshchevskaya, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute, in this op-ed.
"This helps Moscow score points in the so-called Global South among countries generally sympathetic to Russia's narratives."

This is exactly what I was expecting. The global south will notice US hypocrisy anyway (and that of all the countries which get swept into it), and Putin is extremely good at making the most of this. It's a gift to him.

It is hard to imagine just what Iran is going to gain by attacking the other Gulf States. You'd expect the Glulf States to have conflicted feelings about the US and Israel's attacks, at the least.

But Iran attacking them is going to reduce sympathy. Odd.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️'Taking hostages and stealing money' — Sybiha says Hungary detained Ukrainian bank employees (kyivindependent.com/taking-hostages-and-stealing-money-sybiha-says-hungary-detained-ukrainian-banks-employees-with-cash-shipments/) with cash shipments.
"We are talking about Hungary taking hostages and stealing money. If this is the “force” announced earlier today by Mr. Orban, then this is a force of a criminal gang. This is state terrorism and racketeering," Sybiha wrote in a statement on March 5.

⚡️ Update: Ukrainian consuls not given access (kyivindependent.com/taking-hostages-and-stealing-money-sybiha-says-hungary-detained-ukrainian-banks-employees-with-cash-shipments/) to bank employees held in Hungary, Kyiv says.
Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha demanded the immediate release of the Ukrainian citizens and said Ukraine would raise the issue with the EU.

⚡️ Update: Hungary claims Ukrainian citizens detained over money laundering suspicions (kyivindependent.com/taking-hostages-and-stealing-money-sybiha-says-hungary-detained-ukrainian-banks-employees-with-cash-shipments/).
A former Ukrainian intelligence general, responsible for the shipment, was among those detained, Hungary's National Tax and Customs Administration (NAV) claimed.
In connection with the incident, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry warned Ukrainian citizens to avoid traveling to Hungary for safety reasons.

⚡️ Update: Hungary says it's deporting (kyivindependent.com/taking-hostages-and-stealing-money-sybiha-says-hungary-detained-ukrainian-banks-employees-with-cash-shipments/) detained Ukrainian bank employees.
All seven Ukrainian nationals detained by Hungary while carrying out cash and gold shipments "will be expelled," Hungarian government spokesperson Zoltan Kovacs said.

⚡️ Russia sending election operatives (kyivindependent.com/russia-sending-political-technologists-to-hungary-to-keep-orban-in-power-media-reports/) to Hungary to prop up Orban, media reports.
Sergei Kiriyenko, a powerful Kremlin aide, has reportedly been tasked with overseeing the Russian operation in Hungary, applying the same set of methods deployed during Moscow-backed meddling in Moldova.

⚡️US joins Russia, China in opposing (kyivindependent.com/us-joins-russia-china-in-opposing-iaea-resolution-condemning-attacks-on-ukraines-energy-infrastructure/) IAEA resolution condemning attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
The U.S. voted against a resolution condemning attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure during a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors on March 5, joining Russia, China, and Niger in opposing the measure.

⚡️Update: Ukraine hit 4 Russian ships (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-hits-russian-minesweeper-valentin-pikul-severely-damages-2-anti-submarine-ships-sbu-source-says/), killed 3 sailors in March 2 attack on Black Sea port in Krasnodar Krai, SBU source says.
Ukrainian forces struck Russia's port of Novorossiysk on March 2, damaging four Russian ships, including the frigate Admiral Essen, which carries Kalibr cruise missiles, a source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent.
"The ship sustained critical damage, significantly limiting its ability to deploy Kalibr cruise missiles. At present, the frigate cannot strike targets in Ukraine," the source told the Kyiv Independent.

⚡️Reversing its position, US allows India to buy Russian oil (kyivindependent.com/us-allows-india-to-buy-russian-oil/).
"To enable oil to keep flowing into the global market, the Treasury Department is issuing a temporary 30-day waiver to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil," U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on March 5.

⚡️ Ukrainian drone blitz (kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-hit-aircraft-repair-plant-2-russian-air-defense-systems-in-occupied-crimea-sbu-says/) hits Russian aircraft repair plant in occupied Crimea, SBU says.
Long-range drones also hit two Pantsir-S2 systems near a Russian military airfield in Dzhankoi.

⚡️200 Ukrainian POWs return home (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-and-russia-hold-latest-pow-exchange/) in latest exchange, Zelensky says.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed releasing 200 Ukrainian POWs in exchange for the same number of Russian soldiers captured by Ukraine, in a swap brokered by the U.S. and the United Arab Emirates.

⚡️ Ukraine to provide US with 'necessary resources (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-provides-us-with-necessary-resources-to-counter-shahed-drones-zelensky-says/)' to counter Iranian drones, Zelensky says.
The statement comes after reports the Pentagon and at least one Gulf state are holding talks to purchase Ukrainian-made interceptor drones.

⚡️Fox News mislabels Ukrainian Shahed-drone intercept footage (kyivindependent.com/fox-news-mislabels-ukrainian-shahed-drone-intercept-footage-as-part-of-american-high-tech-arsenal-destroying-iranian-drones/) as part of American ‘high-tech arsenal’ destroying Iranian drones. [Just like Russia: claiming that other lands' tech is their own]

⚡️Ukraine's Navy says it 'destroyed' (kyivindependent.com/ukraines-navy-says-it-destroyed-russian-ka-27-helicopter-over-black-sea/) Russian Ka-27 helicopter over Black Sea.
The latest report brings up the number of Russian helicopters Ukraine says it has destroyed to 349 since the beginning of the full-scale invasion. [ @notimagain is that feasible?]

⚡️Over 800 Patriot missiles (kyivindependent.com/over-800-patriot-missiles-used-in-middle-east-in-3-days-more-than-ukraine-since-2022-zelensky-says/) used in Middle East in 3 days — more than Ukraine since 2022, Zelensky says.
Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine is ready to provide drone interceptors in exchange for missiles, though he did not specify which countries could be involved.

⚡️ Ukraine exports electricity for first time (kyivindependent.com/ukraine-exports-electricity-for-first-time-since-last-year/) since last year.
Ukrenergo told the Kyiv Independent that Ukraine resumed electricity exports on March 5 for the first time since November 2025.

⚡️ Orban threatens force over oil dispute (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-threatens-to-give-one-person-address-to-ukraines-military/); Zelensky says Ukrainian army could 'speak' to one EU funds blocker.
President Volodymyr Zelensky said he hopes the blocking of a 90 billion euro ($107 billion) EU loan for Ukraine by "one person" will end, warning that otherwise he could give that individual's address to Ukraine's military.

No shortcuts for Ukraine’s EU accession, Dutch FM says. Reforms key to progress (kyivindependent.com/no-shortcuts-for-ukraines-eu-accession-dutch-fm-says-reforms-key-to-progress/)

Russia denies (kyivindependent.com/russia-denies-accepting-security-guarantees-for-kyiv-contradicting-ukrainian-official/) accepting security guarantees for Kyiv, contradicts Ukrainian official

⚡️ 91 Ukrainians face deportation after Poland's nationwide police raid (kyivindependent.com/91-ukrainians-face-deportation-after-large-scale-polish-police-raid/).
The Ukrainian citizens are among the 147 foreigners wanted by Polish law enforcement who were detained during the raid carried out on March 2 and 3.
The law enforcement operation was primarily aimed at verifying the legality of foreigners' stay.

London court rejects extradition request for former Zelensky ally (kyivindependent.com/london-court-rejects-extradition-request-for-former-zelensky-ally/)
A London court has rejected Ukraine’s extradition request for Artem Dmytruk, a controversial lawmaker who previously represented President Volodymyr Zelensky’s party in parliament.
Dmytruk has been charged with assaulting a soldier and a law enforcement officer in separate altercations.

⚡️ At least 2 killed, 8 injured in Russian attacks on Ukraine (kyivindependent.com/at-least-2-killed-8-injured-in-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-over-the-past-day/) over the past day.
Russian forces launched 141 different types of drones against Ukraine overnight.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬
‪@ragnarbjartur.bsky.social‬
· 3h
⚡️ RUSSIA'S WAR AGAINST UKRAINE — MAR 6, 2026
■ Record 7-day total equipment, drone, and unarmored vehicle losses
■ Engagements below average but casualties above average; no confirmed territorial change in the last 9 days
■ 🇷🇺 drone launches, shelling, and strikes below average
■ Overnight 🇷🇺 attacks above average; interception rate could be better
3 ■ 12 🇺🇦 strikes reported; the 30-day strike ratio <20x

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Hungary has hidden the stolen collection vehicles of Ukrainian bank Oschadbank, seized on March 5, on the closed territory of its Anti-Terrorist Center, European Pravda reports, citing sources.
Oschadbank previously stated that the location of the vehicles — which were transporting $40 million, €35 million and 9 kg of gold — was established by representatives of the Ukrainian Embassy in Budapest and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine.

Germany will provide Ukraine with additional aid worth more than 200 million euros in response to ongoing Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, Foreign Minister Wadephul said.
According to him, the funds will be used, among other things, to finance surveillance drones and support civil defense.

Britain will send fighter jets to Qatar, helicopters to Cyprus, and a warship to the Mediterranean — Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
He said Britain would send four additional Typhoon fighter jets to Qatar, while Wildcat helicopters with anti-drone capabilities will arrive in Cyprus on March 6.
According to the prime minister, British aircraft have already shot down several drones, one of which was heading toward a military base.
Starmer stressed that the main priority is protecting British personnel and allies. He added that the situation should be resolved through negotiations, particularly on nuclear issues.

Italian Parliament supports air defense deployment to the Gulf region.
Parliament approved a government resolution on the country's participation in a “joint EU effort” to protect against Iranian missile and drone attacks. The resolution was supported by 179 MPs, with 100 voting against and 14 abstaining.
The document provides for the deployment of air defense, missile defense, and surveillance systems to protect Italian citizens and support partners in the Gulf.

A war in Iran could disrupt supplies of key materials for microchip production, Reuters reported, citing South Korean lawmakers and manufacturing companies.
Kim Yong-bae, a lawmaker from the ruling People Power Party, cited helium as an example during a briefing with reporters. The gas is used to dissipate heat in semiconductor manufacturing. It is produced in only a few countries, with Qatar among the key players. There are currently no substitutes for helium in microchip production.
South Korea’s Ministry of Industry said the country relies heavily on the Middle East for 14 other items in the microchip supply chain, including bromine and semiconductor inspection equipment.
South Korean semiconductor maker SK Hynix said it had long secured diversified supply chains and sufficient helium reserves, so it saw little risk for the company.
Samsung declined to comment. Taiwan’s TSMC said it did not expect any major impact at this time and would continue to closely monitor the situation.
U.S. contract microchip manufacturer GlobalFoundries said it was in direct contact with suppliers, customers and partners in the region and had plans to minimize the impact.
Kim Yong-bae warned that the crisis could hinder plans by major tech companies to build AI data centers in the Middle East, putting additional pressure on demand for microchips.

🇫🇮 The Finnish government is proposing to lift the country’s total ban on nuclear weapons.
Current regulations prohibit the import of nuclear devices into the country, as well as their transportation, supply and possession.
The Ministry of Defence emphasizes that Finland does not seek to host nuclear weapons on its territory, and NATO has no plans to deploy them there. However, the change is necessary to fully utilize the Alliance’s deterrence capabilities.

European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas stated that Middle Eastern countries are surprised by the assistance Ukraine is providing them in countering Iranian drones.
This support comes despite Ukraine being under constant attacks itself. She made these remarks before an online meeting between EU foreign ministers and Gulf country representatives, according to Suspilne News on March 5.

The Ukrainian team performed best at the European Championship in shotgun shooting.
According to the results of the 10-meter air rifle competition, Ukraine finished first in the overall team standings, winning 14 medals: 5 gold, 3 silver and 6 bronze

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Hungary has given Ukraine three days to restore oil transit through the Druzhba pipeline, State Secretary at Hungary’s Energy Ministry András Czepek said.

Representatives of Ukraine’s National Bank are heading to Hungary to clarify the situation with the detention of Oschadbank cash couriers, the NBU said.
Deputy Governor Oleksii Shaban has traveled to Budapest with a team.

Russia is providing Iran with intelligence for attacks on US forces, The Washington Post reports.
Since the start of the war on Saturday, Moscow has reportedly shared the locations of American military assets, including warships and aircraft.

Poland will temporarily restrict air traffic along its eastern border from March 10 to June 9, 2026, citing the need to ensure national security.

Ukraine’s National Police have opened criminal proceedings over the alleged abduction of Ukrainian citizens and the seizure of an Oschadbank vehicle on Hungarian territory.
Police say they have contacted Europol, Hungary’s tax and customs service, and Hungarian police as they coordinate efforts to establish all circumstances of the incident. The investigation is ongoing.

300 more Ukrainians have returned home from Russian captivity in the second stage of a prisoner exchange.
Yesterday, during the first stage, 200 Ukrainians were freed. In total, 500 Ukrainians have returned home over the two-day exchange.

Zelensky says Russia wants Ukraine to leave Donbas to regroup for future offensives, (www.kyivpost.com/post/71303) warning withdrawal could trigger a new large-scale invasion.

Trump to meet arms makers to accelerate weapons production. (www.kyivpost.com/post/71353)
As the US rebuilds weapons stocks after Iran, NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte says support for Ukraine will continue.

The EU will ask international partners to help close a €30 billion funding gap for Ukraine, Bloomberg reports.
The issue is expected to be raised at a late-March EU summit in Brussels after Hungary blocked a €90 billion loan package for 2026–2027 over a dispute involving the Druzhba oil pipeline.
Officials warn that without the first tranche by early April, Ukraine could face a serious funding shortfall.

Ukraine‘s drones struck Russian military targets in occupied Crimea, including the Yevpatoria Aircraft Repair Plant and positions near the Dzhankoi airfield.
Among the reported targets were two Pantsir-S2 air defense systems, a Mohajer-6 drone, a ZU-23 anti-aircraft gun on a truck, two fuel tankers, and a ground control station for a Forpost UAV.

Ukraine’s team will boycott the Winter Paralympics ceremony in Verona in protest, joined (www.kyivpost.com/post/71354) by the Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland.

Sweden has urged citizens to withdraw cash in case of war, recommending that people keep at least 1,000 kronor (about $95) on hand and have bank cards from different banks, Bloomberg reports.

Spain is deploying its most advanced frigate to help defend Cyprus (www.kyivpost.com/post/71292) after drone attacks heightened tensions across the Middle East, the Spanish Defence Ministry said Thursday.
The warship will help provide air defense for the EU member state as regional tensions continue to escalate.

Iran War: questions and challenges for Ukraine and its friends. (www.kyivpost.com/opinion/71236)
What does the latest major conflict on the world stage mean for Ukraine, its struggle against Russian aggression, and its supporters?

Ukrainian authorities have uncovered two fuel embezzlement schemes within the military that caused state losses of about Hr.30 million ($684,000). (https://www.kyivpost.com/post/71255)

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

⚡️Ukrainian pilots repelled Russian attacks for nearly a month without the necessary missiles for F-16s, Reuters sources report.
From late November to mid-December 2025, Ukraine did not receive a sufficient number of American missiles for the F-16 fighter jets used to shoot down Russian drones and missiles.
Ukraine had only a few AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missiles for the entire F-16 squadron when deliveries ceased. This occurred just as Russia was preparing mass strikes on the energy sector.
Despite the shortage, pilots conducted daytime sorties and downed targets using rotary cannons. The military also attempted to reuse missiles that had failed to detonate during previous missions. [ @notimagain ]
The missile deficit was covered in December, when Ukraine received AIM-9 missiles from its partners.
Journalists were unable to establish the reasons for the shortage or whether the delays were related to hesitance on the part of the US or Europe.
The international investigative project VSquare claims that Putin has instructed a group of political strategists and Russian military intelligence to interfere in Hungary's parliamentary elections this April.
According to investigative journalists, working alongside European security services, the Russian goal is to secure a victory for the current Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán.
The investigators report that the Russian leader tasked Sergey Kiriyenko, the First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Administration, with "handling" Hungary. Kiriyenko was previously involved in the Russian interference campaign during the 2024 presidential elections in Moldova.
At that time, Russia employed vote-buying, troll farms, and local activists to turn public opinion against the pro-Western president, Maia Sandu.
Russia intends to station "Russian experts in social media manipulation" at the Russian Embassy in Budapest.
Three individuals have already received official and diplomatic passports, which grants them a certain level of immunity.

The Ukrainian military has received a new "Ptashka" strike quadcopter, capable of hitting targets at a record distance of 50 km.
This is the highest performance metric among all drones of this type currently in service with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
The "Ptashka" features a fiber-optic control channel. It is designed to operate in high-intensity combat conditions, across various weather environments, both day and night.
The drone's payload capacity is sufficient for strikes against enemy infantry, firing positions, dugouts, as well as soft-skinned and light armored vehicles.

The IAEA Board of Governors supported a resolution condemning attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, which pose a threat to nuclear safety. The US, along with Russia, China, and Niger, voted against it, writes Reuters, whose journalists were at a closed meeting with diplomats.
The Board consists of 35 states. 20 voted in favor, 10 abstained, and 4 were against.
This is already the seventh such resolution since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, it is the first time the United States has opposed it.
They explained their position by stating that the document does not contribute to achieving peace.
▪️This is not the first time the United States has voted differently than Ukraine on resolutions concerning Ukraine. On February 24, they abstained in the UN General Assembly regarding the resolution on "Supporting a Lasting Peace in Ukraine." In December, the US, along with the RF, voted against a UN General Assembly resolution on the Chornobyl disaster.

I think it's a terrible strategic mistake by the Iranians, but their thinking seems to be that if they can inflict enough pain on the other Gulf countries, they in turn will pressure Trump to stop the campaign. Even if that happened, it would still leave the Israelis attacking, and it's unlikely that Trump would back down. Some of the Gulf states are telling Iran that they may join in the attacks if Iran doesn't stop. And some, like Saudi Arabia, are already bitter enemies of Iran.

And Iran is firing far fewer missiles and drones now than at the beginning of the conflict. The strategy of attacking the missile storage and launch sites seems to be working.

Iran’s Underground ‘Missile Cities’ Have Become One of Its Biggest Vulnerabilities - U.S. and Israeli aircraft are circling over the subterranean bases, destroying missile launchers as they emerge to fire

And there are other ways the Gulf countries can hurt Iran:

U.A.E. Explores Freezing Iranian Assets to Punish Tehran for Attacks - Any crackdown on Iran’s shadow financing networks in the Gulf state would strangle Tehran’s access to foreign currency, global trade

Setting their neighborhood on fire is going to backfire badly on Iran.