As Ukrainian and American delegations prepare for critical negotiations in Saudi Arabia, Russian forces exploit intelligence blackout to threaten key Ukrainian positions in Kursk
Summary of the Day – March 10, 2025
Ukrainian officials entered today’s high-stakes talks with the United States carrying proposals for partial ceasefires and mineral deals, while simultaneously confronting a deteriorating battlefield situation in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi confirmed reinforcements are being deployed, though insisted Ukrainian units are not currently under threat of encirclement despite recent Russian advances and the loss of crucial American intelligence support.
The diplomatic and military developments unfolded against the backdrop of reports that US President Donald Trump’s administration is exploring options to ease sanctions on Russia—including the oil price cap—as potential incentives for peace concessions. Meanwhile, pro-Russian far-right demonstrations in Romania turned violent after presidential candidate Calin Georgescu was barred from upcoming elections, highlighting the continuing influence of Russian-backed political movements across Europe.
“There is Currently No Threat”: Syrskyi Reinforces Kursk Positions
Ukrainian units are not currently under threat of encirclement in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi announced on March 10, contradicting earlier reports from Ukrainian soldiers deployed in the region who had warned of potential entrapment.
“There is currently no threat of encirclement of our units in Kursk Oblast. The units are taking timely measures to maneuver to favorable defense lines,” Syrskyi wrote on Facebook, acknowledging the fluid situation while projecting confidence in Ukrainian forces’ ability to adapt.
His statement follows concerning developments south of the Ukrainian-held town of Sudzha, where Russian forces reportedly achieved a breakthrough that threatened to sever Ukrainian positions in the Russian region. Syrskyi revealed he had decided to reinforce Ukrainian troops in Kursk Oblast with “the necessary forces and means,” including electronic warfare and drone units.
The commander claimed Russian forces are suffering heavy losses, noting that near the village of Plekhove, Moscow lost an entire infantry battalion in just four days of fighting. Yet his reassurances come amid mounting concerns about Ukraine’s ability to maintain the Kursk salient—a territorial bargaining chip that could strengthen Kyiv’s negotiating position—particularly after the U.S. suspended military aid and intelligence sharing.
The Border Battle Expands: Russia Attempts Footholds in Sumy Oblast
Russian forces are attempting to establish a foothold near Novenke, a Ukrainian village in Sumy Oblast near the border with Russia’s Kursk Oblast, State Border Guard spokesperson Andrii Demchenko revealed on March 10. This development signals Moscow’s intent to not only push Ukrainian forces out of Kursk but potentially penetrate Ukrainian territory.
Service members of the 117th Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces walk through a forest after operating a Ukrainian-made 120mm mortar toward Russian positions in Sumy Oblast, Ukraine. (Diego Fedele/Getty Images)
“These are small assault units, composed of a few people. They try to penetrate our territory, accumulate forces, and advance further into Ukraine, probably to cut off logistical routes,” Demchenko explained on national television. The village of Novenke lies approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the regional center, Sumy, creating significant strategic concerns.
Ukrainian artillery and drone units continue attacking Russian positions to prevent force concentration, but the situation underscores the precarious position of Ukraine’s northern border defenses. Russian forces have reportedly been attempting to push toward Novenke for several weeks, with the apparent goal of cutting the vital Sumy City-Sudzha H-07 highway—a critical supply line for Ukrainian operations.
The situation along the border between Sumy and Kursk oblasts remains “under the control of the Ukrainian Defense Forces,” according to Syrskyi, though he grimly noted that several settlements on the border “no longer exist,” having been destroyed by Russian attacks. A potential Russian breakthrough in Sumy Oblast could significantly weaken Ukraine’s negotiating position ahead of peace talks.
Ukraine Strikes Deep: Oil Refineries Hit in Samara and Ryazan Oblasts
Ukrainian military intelligence’s (HUR) drones struck the Novokuybyshevsk oil refinery in Russia’s Samara Oblast overnight on March 10, a source in the agency told the Kyiv Independent, confirming Ukrainian forces’ continued ability to project power deep into Russian territory.
The refinery, located roughly 900 kilometers (560 miles) from the front line, represents a strategic target in Ukraine’s systematic campaign against Russian fuel production facilities. “This refinery is strategically important for the Russian military as it ensures a stable fuel supply for military operations,” said Andrii Kovalenko, head of the Center for Countering Disinformation at Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council.
The facility’s “capacity amounts to 8.8 million metric tons of oil per year, making it one of the 10 largest refineries in Russia,” Kovalenko added. According to HUR sources, the plant produces jet fuel critical for supersonic aircraft such as Su-27 fighter jets and Tu-22 bombers.
This strike followed another successful Ukrainian operation against the Ryazan oil refinery on the night of March 8-9. The Ukrainian General Staff reported that this facility, which also provides fuel for Russian military jet engines, was hit and suffered an explosion. Ryazan Oblast Governor Pavel Malkov claimed Russian air defenses had downed drones over the region but did not directly address damage to the refinery.
These coordinated strikes on multiple refineries demonstrate Ukraine’s strategy of targeting Russia’s fuel production capacity to undermine Moscow’s ability to sustain its war effort, despite the suspension of U.S. intelligence support.
Intelligence Blackout Impact: “Hundreds of Dead Ukrainians”
Ukrainian soldiers navigate the wreckage of a residential complex in Dobropillia, Ukraine, following a large-scale Russian attack on March 7 that killed 11 people and injured 47. Concerns are growing in Ukraine over U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent decision to pause intelligence sharing with Kyiv, raising fears that Russian missile strikes could now hit cities without advance warning. (Paula Bronstein / Getty Images)
The White House decision to halt the transfer of military intelligence to Ukraine has allowed Russian forces to advance on critical sections of the front line, leading to significant Ukrainian casualties and weakening President Zelensky’s negotiating position, according to sources cited in a Time magazine report.
“As a result of this pause, there are hundreds of dead Ukrainians,” one Ukrainian officer told the publication. “The biggest problem is morale,” he added, as Ukraine’s armed forces are being left to fight without some of their most effective capabilities—not due to Russian attacks, but because of the American pullback.
The situation is particularly dire in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces are struggling to maintain territory captured during their August offensive. Without U.S. intelligence, Ukrainian troops can no longer detect approaching Russian bombers and other combat aircraft in time, making it increasingly difficult to warn both soldiers and civilians of impending strikes.
Russian forces have reportedly reclaimed 17% of the territory previously held by Ukrainian forces in just one week, putting nearly 10,000 Ukrainian troops at risk of encirclement. By March 7, Russian forces had effectively split Ukrainian units, cutting them off from their primary supply line.
According to Deep State, a project close to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, this supply corridor has now been reduced to just one kilometer in length and less than 500 meters in width, severely compromising Ukraine’s ability to hold its positions.
The intelligence blackout has also hampered Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities. Sources close to Ukraine’s General Staff report that the group of Western partners who helped receive and process satellite intelligence at Ukrainian military headquarters in Kyiv has left the country, leaving a significant gap in Ukraine’s operational capabilities.
JD Vance’s Cousin in Ukraine: Family Connection Reveals Divided Loyalties
A close relative of U.S. Vice President JD Vance fought for nearly three years as a member of an elite Ukrainian infantry unit and believes his cousin is being manipulated by the Kremlin, according to a French publication.
Nate Vance, 47, told Le Figaro that he has known JD Vance since childhood and believes the recent White House meetings with Zelensky constituted “an ambush of absolute bad faith.” Despite describing his younger cousin as “smart” with his “heart in the right place,” the elder Vance condemned JD’s misreading of Ukraine and treatment of Zelensky.
“JD is a good guy, intelligent…When he criticized aid to Ukraine, I told myself that it was because he had to please a certain electorate, that it was the game of politics. But what they did to Zelensky was an ambush of absolute bad faith,” Nate Vance said.
According to the report, Nate Vance served with the Da Vinci Wolves, an elite infantry unit that became part of Ukraine’s 67th Mechanized Brigade. He reportedly participated in heavy combat in the Kupiansk, Avdiivka, and Pokrovsk sectors before returning to the United States in early 2025.
The elder Vance claimed he attempted to contact his politician cousin to provide an unbiased firsthand account from the war’s front lines but received no response. “His own cousin was on the front lines. I could have told him the truth, without pretense, without personal interest,” Nate Vance said. “He never tried to find out more.”
The revelation adds a personal dimension to JD Vance’s controversial stance on Ukraine. The vice president faced pro-Ukraine demonstrators while walking with his three-year-old daughter on March 8, later complaining on social media about being confronted in public.
The irony of Vance’s concern over his daughter’s potential discomfort stands in stark contrast to the trauma experienced daily by thousands of Ukrainian children amid intensified Russian missile attacks—the very attacks that U.S. intelligence cutoffs have made more difficult for Ukraine to defend against. While Vance worries about protesters frightening his child during a brief public encounter, Ukrainian three-year-olds endure air raid sirens, shelter in basements, and face the psychological trauma of constant bombardment without the protection that resumed U.S. support could help provide.
Russia Launches Massive Drone Strike on Ukraine
Russian forces launched a series of drone strikes against Ukraine on the night of March 9 to 10, deploying 176 Shahed and decoy drones from multiple launch points inside Russia and occupied Crimea.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that the drones were launched from the directions of Kursk and Bryansk cities; Millerovo, Rostov Oblast; Shatalovo, Smolensk Oblast; Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Krasnodar Krai; and occupied Cape Chauda, Crimea.
Ukrainian forces managed to down 130 of the Shahed and decoy drones over 15 different oblasts, including Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Kyiv, Kirovohrad, Zhytomyr, Vinnytsia, Dnipropetrovsk, Zaporizhia, Donetsk, Odesa, Mykolaiv, and Kherson. Additionally, 42 decoy drones were “lost,” likely due to Ukrainian electronic warfare interference.
Despite Ukraine’s relatively successful defense, some drones struck targets in Kharkiv, Poltava, and Kyiv oblasts, resulting in damage to civilian infrastructure. At least six people were killed and 22 others injured in Russian attacks across Ukraine over the past day, with casualties reported in Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.
The aftermath of a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia Oblast. (Governor Ivan Fedorov / Telegram)
The massive drone assault demonstrates Russia’s continuing strategy of overwhelming Ukrainian air defenses through simultaneous attacks from multiple directions. The high number of decoy drones suggests an evolving tactic designed to deplete Ukraine’s air defense resources while increasing the likelihood that some attack drones will reach their targets.
Sky and Sea Ceasefire: Ukraine’s Proposal for US-Led Peace Talks
The Ukrainian delegation will propose a ceasefire in the sky and at sea during high-stakes talks with the U.S. this week, according to Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne, citing an anonymous Ukrainian official familiar with the negotiations. This strategic proposal aims to establish confidence-building measures that could eventually lead to broader peace discussions.
“We do have a proposal for a ceasefire in the sky and ceasefire at sea,” the Ukrainian official stated, explaining that “these are the ceasefire options that are easy to install and to monitor, and it’s possible to start with them.” The proposal would include a ban on long-range strikes, potentially addressing concerns on both sides.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded cautiously to the announcement while en route to Jeddah: “I’m not saying that alone is enough, but it’s the kind of concession you would need to see in order to end the conflict.” He emphasized that resolving the war would require concessions from both Ukraine and Russia.
The Ukrainian delegation, led by Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak, will also insist on prisoner of war exchanges and is reportedly ready to sign a previously derailed mineral resources agreement with the U.S. The deal, which involves Ukrainian resources potentially offsetting American military aid, was a point of contention during the contentious Feb. 28 White House meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, expressed optimism about the upcoming talks, stating, “I think that we’re going over there with an expectation that we’re going to make substantial progress.” When asked specifically about the mineral resource agreement, he added, “All the signs are very, very positive.”
Military Aid Revival? Rubio Hints at Possible Resolution
The U.S. may resume military aid to Ukraine if progress is made during the talks in Saudi Arabia this week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio told journalists on March 10 while traveling to Jeddah. His comments offered a potential path forward after the sudden suspension of American support.
“I think the notion of the pause in aid, broadly, is something I hope we can resolve. Obviously, what happens tomorrow will be key to that,” Rubio said, linking the resumption of assistance to the outcome of the negotiations.
The secretary’s statement follows the Trump administration’s abrupt halt to military aid after the heated Oval Office exchange between Presidents Trump and Zelensky on February 28. CIA Director John Ratcliffe subsequently confirmed on March 5 that the U.S. had also suspended intelligence sharing, severely limiting Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks with the media on his military airplane as he flies to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Saul Loeb / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)
The resumption of U.S. military support would represent a significant shift after weeks of increasing pressure on Ukraine from the Trump administration. European allies have expressed concern about America’s changing stance, with some countries, including Denmark, indicating willingness to contribute peacekeeping forces if needed as part of a European initiative.
“Nobody Really Has the Cards”: Trump’s Evolving Position
Neither Ukraine nor Russia “has the cards” in potential peace negotiations, U.S. President Donald Trump told journalists on March 10, signaling a shift from his previous rhetoric that had favored Russia’s position in the conflict.
“I say they (Ukraine) don’t have the cards. Nobody really has the cards. Russia doesn’t have the cards. What you have to do is you have to make a deal, and you have to stop the killing. It’s a senseless war, and we are going to get it stopped,” Trump stated, positioning himself as a neutral mediator rather than taking sides.
This statement marks a notable departure from Trump’s earlier claims, including his February 20 assertion that Russia held “the cards” in peace talks due to its occupation of Ukrainian territory. Just eight days later, during the tense White House meeting with President Zelensky, Trump bluntly told his Ukrainian counterpart that he “was not in a good position” and did not have “the right cards.”
The president’s evolving stance comes as his administration prepares for the Saudi Arabia talks, where delegations will discuss territorial issues, security protocols, and intelligence sharing. Trump’s shifting rhetoric suggests potential flexibility in the U.S. approach to negotiations, though concerns remain about his administration’s fundamental commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Trump’s insistence that “nobody really has the cards” appears designed to create space for compromise while maintaining pressure on both sides to reach an agreement. Whether this represents a genuine shift in thinking or a tactical repositioning ahead of negotiations remains to be seen.
Romanian Unrest: Pro-Russian Far-Right Protests Turn Violent
Protests erupted in downtown Bucharest following the Central Electoral Bureau’s decision to ban Russian-backed far-right politician Calin Georgescu from participating in upcoming re-run presidential elections. The demonstrations quickly turned violent, with protesters setting streets ablaze and attacking police.
Georgescu, who enjoys open support from both Russian and U.S. administrations, condemned the decision as “a direct hit against democracy.” His supporters responded by throwing bottles, stones, and firecrackers at police, who deployed tear gas to control the situation.
The political crisis stems from November 2024, when the relatively unknown Georgescu surprisingly won the first round of voting. Romanian authorities subsequently annulled the results, citing foreign interference in the electoral process. In connection with the case, Romania expelled the Russian military attaché and his deputy for breaching diplomatic protocol.
The Central Electoral Bureau cited technical irregularities in Georgescu’s application, as well as the Constitutional Court’s decisions to cancel the previous round of voting and ban another Russian-backed candidate, Diana Sosoaca. Georgescu has vowed to appeal the decision.
George Simion, leader of the far-right Alliance for the Union of Romanians (AUR) party, inflamed tensions by stating that “those who organized the ‘coup’ should be skinned alive in the public square.” He later claimed his words were merely a “metaphor” and called for peaceful protests.
The ongoing crisis reveals Russia’s continued attempts to influence European politics through far-right movements and disinformation. Independent journalist Victor Ilie uncovered evidence showing how Kremlin-linked creative agencies based in London have funneled millions of euros to create and promote conspiracy theories and far-right content in Romanian digital spaces.
Sanctions Relief for Peace? Trump Team Explores Options
Advisers to U.S. President Donald Trump are discussing easing sanctions against Russia, including those imposed on Russian oil, as potential incentives for Moscow to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on March 10, citing unnamed sources familiar with the discussions.
The Trump administration is reportedly seeking options to encourage the Kremlin to participate meaningfully in peace negotiations. Easing the price ceiling on Russian oil—currently set at $60 per barrel by G7 countries—is allegedly among the options under consideration.
Despite Russia’s ability to sustain its wartime economy through increased military spending and industrial production, experts note that Moscow remains economically vulnerable and would benefit significantly from sanctions relief. The Kremlin has expressed interest in economic cooperation with the U.S., particularly regarding rare earth metals and other minerals.
Trump has consistently sought a mineral deal with Ukraine, which possesses significant lithium and rare earth metal deposits, as a way to offset American military aid. However, his contentious meeting with President Zelensky on February 28 ended without such an agreement, further straining relations between Washington and Kyiv.
The potential easing of sanctions represents a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Russia, which could significantly alter the dynamics of the conflict. Critics argue that offering sanctions relief without securing meaningful concessions from Moscow would reward Russian aggression and undermine Ukraine’s position in negotiations.
“Strengthening Ukraine’s Air Defense”: Deal with German Manufacturer to Triple IRIS-T Supply
Ukraine has signed a memorandum with German defense manufacturer Diehl Defense to triple the supply of IRIS-T air defense systems and missiles, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov announced on March 9. The agreement represents a significant boost to Ukraine’s air defense capabilities as it faces intensified Russian aerial assaults.
“The signed agreement paves the way for large industrial projects that will strengthen the capabilities of Ukraine’s air defense,” Umerov wrote on Facebook, highlighting the strategic importance of the deal.
The IRIS-T is a sophisticated surface-to-air missile system capable of countering various aerial threats, including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles. Germany has been a key supplier of this system, with outgoing German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announcing an order for 17 additional IRIS-T systems for Ukraine last September.
The expanded partnership comes at a critical time, as Ukraine recently faced Russia’s largest drone attack since the beginning of the full-scale invasion on February 23. President Zelensky confirmed in late December that Ukraine had received Germany’s sixth IRIS-T battery, with more now expected under the new arrangement.
This development demonstrates continuing European commitment to Ukraine’s defense capabilities even as uncertainty surrounds U.S. support. The air defense reinforcement will be crucial for protecting Ukrainian civilians and infrastructure from Russia’s persistent aerial bombardment campaign.
Drone Warfare Escalation: Ukraine Commits to Purchase 4.5 Million FPV Drones
Ukraine plans to purchase approximately 4.5 million first-person view (FPV) drones from domestic producers in 2025, representing a massive expansion of its drone warfare capabilities, according to Hlib Kanevsky, director of the Procurement Policy Department at Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense.
The ministry will allocate an estimated 102 billion Ukrainian hryvnia (approximately $2.4 billion) to this initiative, reflecting the increasing importance of drone technology in the conflict. This procurement represents the projected limit of Ukrainian domestic drone production capacity for 2025.
FPV drones have proven highly effective in targeting expensive Russian military equipment at a fraction of the cost. Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi recently reported that the number of Russian targets destroyed by Ukrainian drones increased by 22% in February compared to January, highlighting their growing battlefield impact.
In parallel development, Ukrainian Armor LLC CEO Vladyslav Belbas announced that the company is on track to produce at least 50% more Novator armored vehicles in 2025 compared to 2024, with the aim of providing Ukrainian forces with several hundred armored vehicles. The company had delivered over 100 armored vehicles to Ukrainian forces as of August 2024.
These initiatives reflect Ukraine’s determined efforts to expand domestic military production to reduce dependence on foreign suppliers amid uncertainties about continued Western military support.
Musk and Sikorski Exchange: Starlink Services “Will Never Turn Off”
Elon Musk has struck a rare conciliatory note, declaring he would never cut off Ukraine from crucial Starlink support, de-escalating a row with Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski that also involved U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
“To be extremely clear, no matter how much I disagree with the Ukraine policy, Starlink will never turn off its terminals,” Musk wrote on his X platform, providing reassurance after earlier comments had raised concerns about the continuity of this vital service.
The billionaire founder of SpaceX triggered the controversy with an X post in which he speculated about turning off Ukraine’s access to Starlink, writing: “My Starlink System is the backbone of the Ukrainian army. Their entire front line would collapse if I turned it off.”
Poland’s Sikorski fired back, warning that “if SpaceX proves to be an unreliable provider, we [Poland] will be forced to look for other suppliers.” The foreign minister added that Poland pays $50 million annually for Ukraine’s Starlink access.
Rubio joined the exchange, accusing Sikorski of “making things up” and telling him to “say thank you because without Starlink, Ukraine would have lost this war long ago, and Russians would be on the border with Poland right now.”
The exchange highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and European allies over support for Ukraine and raises questions about the security implications of critical military infrastructure being controlled by private companies.
“Traitor”: Musk Labels Democratic Senator After Ukraine Visit
Elon Musk, the billionaire entrepreneur and head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), called Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly a “traitor” in a post on X after the senator shared details of his visit to Ukraine.
Kelly, a former Navy pilot and astronaut, had posted photos from his trip on March 9, emphasizing that while everyone wants the war to end, any agreement must protect Ukraine’s security and not serve as a concession to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Musk responded directly to the post with his accusation.
The senator swiftly replied, writing: “Traitor? Elon, if you don’t understand that defending freedom is a basic tenet of what makes America great and keeps us safe, maybe you should leave it to those of us who do.”
Speaking to reporters later, Kelly dismissed Musk as “not a serious guy” and suggested he should “go back to building rockets” rather than engaging in political matters. The senator also accused Musk of prioritizing the interests of billionaires over the American people, pointing to his influence in government policies.
During his visit to Ukraine, Kelly met with government officials, embassy staff, and military leaders. He described the trip as emotional, stressing the urgency of delivering munitions and intelligence support to Ukrainian forces.
“This is existential for them, and again, over the past week or so, we’ve made it harder for them,” he said, referring to recent U.S. policy shifts. Kelly warned that delays in providing military aid would lead to more Ukrainian casualties, adding, “They will stick with us. We stick with them. They will be there for us in the future, no matter what we need.”
Ukrainian Child Abducted: Russian Woman Takes Girl from Occupied Territory
A Russian woman, Olga Dorokhina, took a 4-year-old girl from the occupied part of Kherson Oblast and plans to adopt her, according to an investigation by Ukrainian media outlet Suspilne published on March 10. The report claims Dorokhina’s son was previously killed while fighting against Ukraine.
The case adds to the growing evidence of systematic child abductions from occupied Ukrainian territories. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, at least 19,500 Ukrainian children have been abducted and transferred to other Russian-controlled areas, Belarus, or Russia itself, according to Ukraine’s national database, Children of War.
Dorokhina reportedly spoke about the abduction during a conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin at an event, claiming she had “found her daughter” in Kherson Oblast. The child is now under her guardianship in Russia.
Suspilne’s investigative team identified Dorokhina as a native of Yelets, Lipetsk Oblast, Russia, who moved to occupied Simferopol in Crimea in 2016. Her eldest son, Vladislav Dorokhin, served in Russia’s Black Sea Fleet before joining the 810th Marine Brigade to fight in Ukraine, where he was reportedly killed.
Ukraine has managed to return 1,240 abducted children so far, according to official records. In March 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Putin and Children’s Commissioner Maria Lvova-Belova over their involvement in the unlawful transfer of Ukrainian children, which human rights groups have said may constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Monument to Washington: Ukrainian Lawmakers Propose Symbolic Gesture
A group of Ukrainian lawmakers has proposed erecting a monument in Kyiv to George Washington, the first president of the United States, in what appears to be a symbolic gesture aimed at reinforcing Ukraine’s commitment to the transatlantic partnership despite recent tensions.
A draft resolution for the monument was published on the website of Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, on March 10, under the number 3066. The initiative was put forward by lawmakers from the ruling Servant of the People party—Oleksandr Kovalchuk, Mariia Mezentseva-Fedorenko, Yevheniia Kravchuk, and Halyna Yanchenko—as well as independent MP Mykola Tyshchenko.
In an interview with the YouTube channel Superposition, Yanchenko emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between Ukraine and the United States rather than damaging them. She suggested that the monument could serve as a symbolic gesture of goodwill amid strained relations following the contentious White House meeting between Presidents Zelensky and Trump.
Potential locations for the Washington statue include sites where monuments to Soviet military figures were previously dismantled, including those dedicated to Mykola Vatutin, a Soviet commander during World War II, and Mykola Shchors, a Bolshevik commander during the Russian Civil War. This placement would symbolically replace Soviet historical narratives with a celebration of democratic values and Ukraine’s Western orientation.
The proposal comes at a critical time when Ukraine is working to navigate complex negotiations with the Trump administration while maintaining its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The gesture reflects Ukraine’s continuing efforts to appeal to American historical pride and democratic traditions even as U.S. policy toward Ukraine appears increasingly uncertain.
Denmark Stands Ready: Potential Peacekeeping Troops for Ukraine
Denmark is prepared to contribute troops if European peacekeeping forces are needed in Ukraine, Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen and Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced on March 10, signaling growing European willingness to take a more active role in the conflict.
Following a meeting of Denmark’s parliament, the ministers revealed that the government had clarified its stance and received broad support from multiple parties for this potential commitment.
“It is important that we in Europe send the right signals both to Putin and to Washington. That is what we are doing today by saying: If it comes to the point where a European presence is needed for a ceasefire or peace agreement to be reached, then Denmark is in principle prepared for that,” Rasmussen stated, according to Danish Broadcasting Corporation.
A poll published by the Ritzau news agency on February 21 indicated that approximately 53% of Danes support sending peacekeepers to Ukraine after Russia’s full-scale war ends, reflecting considerable public backing for such involvement.
Despite Denmark’s readiness, Poulsen emphasized that no concrete plans have been made at this stage, and any potential deployment would depend on future developments. He does not foresee all NATO-member countries spearheading a peacekeeping mission but expects several individual states to provide security assurances to Ukraine.
“Now the initiative has been taken by the French and British sides to form an overview of what could potentially be needed,” Poulsen noted, referring to ongoing discussions about the nature and scope of a possible European mission.
UK Prime Minister to Host Virtual Summit on Ukraine Support
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer will host a virtual summit on March 15 to discuss support for Ukraine, following up on a similar meeting held in London earlier this month. The gathering will bring together world leaders to assess ongoing military assistance and prospects for Ukraine.
“You can expect the prime minister to host a second leaders’ meeting of the coalition of the willing, building on his Lancaster House summit,” Starmer’s spokesperson told reporters, referencing the March 2 meeting in London that focused on coordinating international support.
As the U.K. and France continue discussions on forming a peacekeeping force for Ukraine, they remain the only countries to have publicly committed to sending troops. Other nations are expected to contribute either military personnel or other forms of support, though Russia has shown no willingness to accept such a deployment.
In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent assertion that Ukraine “may not survive” the war against Russia, Starmer’s spokesperson pushed back, emphasizing the U.K.’s commitment to Ukrainian sovereignty: “We’ve always said that Ukraine, at the other end of this process, must emerge as a sovereign territory.”
The ongoing diplomatic and military talks between the U.K. and France aim to outline the structure and responsibilities of the proposed peacekeeping force. This week, U.K. Defense Minister John Healey and Chief of the Defense Staff Tony Radakin are scheduled to visit France for separate discussions on Ukraine. Additionally, Foreign Secretary David Lammy will meet with G7 counterparts in Canada to further coordinate international support for Kyiv.
Russian Arms Exports Plummet Amid War and Sanctions
Russia’s arms exports fell by 47% in 2024 compared to 2022, when Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, according to a March report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The significant decline reflects Russia’s prioritization of weapons for its own military needs, the impact of Western sanctions, and international pressure on countries purchasing Russian arms.
Over the past five years, Russian arms exports have plummeted by 64%, shrinking the country’s global market share to just 7.8%. While Russia supplied weapons to 47 countries between 2018 and 2022, that number dropped to only 33 in 2024, illustrating the shrinking footprint of Russia’s once-dominant arms industry.
Despite these challenges, Russia remains one of the world’s top three arms exporters, according to SIPRI. The geographic distribution of remaining sales shows 74% of Russian exports going to Asia and Oceania, 12% to Africa, and 7.4% to Europe. India continues to be Russia’s largest buyer, accounting for 38% of sales, followed by China (17%) and Kazakhstan (11%).
Prospects remain uncertain, with pending arms deals with India, Iran, and Saudi Arabia still in the pipeline. However, Western sanctions targeting Russian banks, energy exports, and dual-use goods continue to strain Moscow’s military-industrial complex and its ability to fulfill export commitments while simultaneously supplying its own forces fighting in Ukraine.
The United States, meanwhile, continues to dominate the global arms market, controlling 43% of exports, a stark contrast to Russia’s diminishing influence in the sector.