Summary of the Day – March 2, 2025
March 2, 2025 marked a pivotal day in the Ukraine conflict as European leaders gathered in London to form a “coalition of the willing” with promises of peacekeepers and billions in new aid, while US officials openly questioned President Zelensky’s leadership. The Kremlin praised America’s perceived policy shift as aligning with Russia’s vision, even as Ukrainian forces secured tactical gains in Toretsk. With Trump reposting that “Zelensky will have no choice but to concede,” and European powers stepping up to fill a potential US vacuum, today’s developments represent a significant realignment of Western support for Ukraine.
DIPLOMATIC TENSIONS & PEACE NEGOTIATIONS
Trump-Zelensky Relationship Fallout Continues
The diplomatic fallout from the February 28 White House confrontation between Presidents Trump and Zelensky intensified on March 2, with multiple high-ranking US officials calling for changes in Ukrainian leadership. House Speaker Mike Johnson declared during an NBC News interview that Zelensky “needs to come to his senses and come back to the table in gratitude or someone else needs to lead the country.” White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz added that “We need a leader that can deal with us, eventually deal with the Russians and end this war.”
Zelensky, speaking to UK media on March 2, maintained his willingness to sign the previously proposed minerals deal, stating: “The agreement that’s on the table will be signed if the parties are ready. If we agreed to sign the minerals deal, we’re ready to sign it.” He pushed back against calls for his resignation, stating plainly that “only Ukrainians vote for their president.”
Trump reinforced his position on March 2 by reposting a commentary on his Truth Social network claiming “Zelensky will have no choice but to concede” to Washington’s terms because Ukraine cannot survive without US backing. The commentary portrayed Trump as having “played both sides like a master chess player.”
Kremlin Praises Perceived US Foreign Policy Shift
The Kremlin publicly celebrated what it described as a favorable shift in US foreign policy under Trump. Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated on March 2 that America’s new approach “largely coincides with our vision,” adding that “if the political will of the two leaders, President Putin and President Trump, is maintained, this path can be quite quick and successful.”
Russian state media timed the release of these statements to coincide with the fallout from the Trump-Zelensky meeting, deliberately creating the appearance that Peskov was responding directly to the February 28 White House incident. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also praised Trump as a “pragmatist” while claiming the administration’s “common sense approach” dictates “stepping aside” from aiding Ukraine.
Lavrov used his March 2 statements to attempt to drive a wedge between the US and Europe, claiming that European plans to potentially deploy peacekeepers represented efforts to “incite” Ukraine to “war against Russia” while portraying the US as seeking peace.
European Leaders Rally Behind Ukraine at London Summit
European leaders demonstrated unified support for Ukraine at a major defense summit in London on March 2. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer hosted leaders from 15 countries including Ukraine, France, Germany, Italy, Poland, along with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and EU leadership.
Starmer announced that the UK and France, along with other willing nations, will form a “coalition of the willing” prepared to deploy peacekeepers to defend any future peace agreement in Ukraine. “The U.K is prepared to back this with boots on the ground and planes in the air. Together with others, Europe must do the heavy lifting,” Starmer declared, adding “This is not a moment for more talk… If you want to preserve the peace, you have to defend the peace.”
In what appeared to be a direct response to the Trump administration’s stance, Starmer unveiled a three-part plan for Ukraine: maintaining military aid while increasing economic pressure on Russia; ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and place at peace negotiations; and developing deterrence against any future Russian aggression.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer (R) speaks to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni inside 10 Downing Street ahead of their bilateral meeting to discuss a wide range of issues, including migration, Ukraine, and European security, on March 2, 2025, in London, England. (Ben Whitley – WPA Pool/Getty Images)
President Zelensky emphasized that “European unity is at an extremely high level” and met separately with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to discuss a joint action plan for ending the war. Following the summit, Zelensky met with King Charles III in a show of diplomatic support.
Behind the scenes, both Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are actively working to repair the Trump-Zelensky relationship. Starmer revealed during a BBC interview that the UK, France, Ukraine, and possibly other countries are developing a ceasefire proposal to present to the US. Macron told La Tribune Dimanche that he initiated mediation efforts because “what is at stake is too important,” adding: “I want to make the Americans understand that disengagement from Ukraine is not in their interest.”
MILITARY AID & FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Major European Aid Packages Announced
European nations announced substantial new military assistance for Ukraine on March 2. The UK revealed a 1.6-billion-pound ($2 billion) deal for Ukraine to purchase 5,000 lightweight-multirole missiles produced in Belfast, Northern Ireland. This follows the March 1 announcement of a 2.6-billion-pound ($3.2 billion) loan backed by profits from frozen Russian assets.
“This will be vital for protecting critical infrastructure now and strengthening Ukraine in securing the peace when it comes,” Starmer said regarding the missile deal. The combined British support package totals approximately $5.2 billion.
Lithuania confirmed on March 2 that it has invested 20 million euros ($21 million) in purchasing Ukrainian-made weapons and signed a preliminary agreement for joint weapons production. Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Sakaliene praised “the Ukrainian defense industry’s incredible potential to become a world-class player” based on battlefield experience.
Canada introduced new sanctions targeting 10 Russian individuals and 21 entities, including paramilitary groups operating in Ukraine and Africa. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s office reaffirmed that “Canada’s commitment to Ukraine is unwavering.”
FBI Director Calls for Investigation of Ukraine Aid
Newly appointed FBI Director Kash Patel called for a congressional investigation into US aid to Ukraine during public comments on March 2. “I’ve asked Congress to investigate where this money has gone. The American people are owed that answer because it’s our money,” Patel stated. He questioned the scale of assistance and Zelensky’s credibility, stating: “We just can’t have full faith and trust in giving a leader $100 billion and then having him say, ‘I’m not telling you where the money went.'”
A CBS News poll released on March 2 showed Americans evenly divided on Ukraine support, with 52% backing Ukraine’s fight against Russia, 44% neutral, and 4% supporting Russia. The poll found that 51% of Americans support military aid to Ukraine while 49% oppose it, with stark partisan differences – 72% of Democrats support military aid compared to just 32% of Republicans.
BATTLEFIELD DEVELOPMENTS
Ukrainian Advances in Toretsk
Ukrainian forces achieved notable success in Toretsk on March 2, with geolocated footage confirming advances in both northern and central parts of the city. Russian forces continued ground attacks near Toretsk itself and in surrounding areas, but a Russian military blogger acknowledged that sustained Ukrainian counterattacks may force Russia to commit additional manpower to this direction.
Russian commanders may need to divert elements of the 20th and 150th motorized rifle divisions (originally intended for spring offensive operations) to defend against the Ukrainian advances in Toretsk. Another Russian military observer noted that while Ukrainian advances in central Toretsk are intermittent, Russian positions in the area are fragmented.
Russian Progress in Velyka Novosilka Direction
Russian forces made confirmed advances northwest of Velyka Novosilka on March 2, with Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets reporting that elements of the Russian 127th Motorized Rifle Division successfully seized Burlatske. Russian forces continued assaults in multiple settlements in this direction.
Mashovets assessed that the Russian force grouping in the Velyka Novosilka area comprises approximately 50,000 troops, 280 tanks, 630 armored vehicles, 360 artillery systems, and 85 rocket launchers. He noted that Russian commanders are holding at least two major units in reserve for this direction.
Continued Russian Attacks Along Multiple Fronts
Russian forces maintained offensive operations in Kursk Oblast, the Kupyansk direction, Borova, Lyman, Chasiv Yar, Pokrovsk, and Kurakhove on March 2 without making significant advances in these areas. Russian sources claimed operations in northern Sumy Oblast along the international border, but these claims remain unconfirmed.
Ukrainian forces reported improved coordination between drone and artillery systems in the Pokrovsk direction, contributing to more effective defensive operations. Ukrainian Khortytsia Group of Forces Spokesperson Major Viktor Trehubov stated that Ukrainian electronic warfare systems are successfully interfering with Russian glide bomb navigation systems in this area.
Russian Air and Missile Strikes on Ukrainian Cities
Russian forces conducted widespread drone attacks against Ukraine overnight on March 1-2, launching 79 Shahed and decoy drones. The Ukrainian Air Force reported shooting down 63 drones over 13 oblasts, with strikes confirmed in Kharkiv, Sumy, Khmelnytskyi, and Zaporizhia.
In Kherson, a Russian drone dropped an explosive on a shuttle bus on March 2, killing a 53-year-old woman and injuring at least 10 people, with four in serious condition. This continues what journalists have termed a “human safari” campaign systematically targeting civilians in Kherson.
Russian attacks across Ukraine on March 2 killed at least two civilians and injured at least 20, including a child. In Kharkiv, eight people were injured including a seven-year-old child when a drone strike damaged three houses and shattered approximately 150 windows.
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
NATO and UN Membership Questioned
Tech billionaire Elon Musk, head of the US Department of Government Efficiency, publicly endorsed a call for the US to exit both NATO and the UN on March 2. “I agree,” Musk wrote on his X platform, supporting a post claiming “it’s time” for the US to withdraw from these organizations. This statement comes as several Republican lawmakers have introduced legislation for US withdrawal from the UN, claiming misalignment with the administration’s “America First” agenda.
The US was among countries voting against a recent UN resolution condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. President Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO members for inadequate defense spending and stated in February that Ukraine “can forget” about joining the alliance.
Hungary and Slovakia Threaten EU Unity
Leaders of Slovakia and Hungary threatened on March 2 to block EU statements during the upcoming March 6 summit unless the bloc calls for an immediate ceasefire and direct talks with Russia. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban urged abandoning plans for a joint declaration supporting Ukraine, writing: “I am convinced that the European Union – following the example of the United States – should enter into direct discussions with Russia.”
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico similarly demanded that any EU statement include a call for immediate ceasefire and the resumption of Russian gas transit to Slovakia. “If the summit does not respect that there are other options besides simply continuing the war, the European Council may not be able to agree on conclusions regarding Ukraine on Thursday,” Fico warned.
IAEA Rotation Controversy at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry protested on March 2 against IAEA staff traveling through occupied territories to rotate personnel at the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant. The ministry blamed Russia for “systematic attempts to impose illegal operational mechanisms on international organizations” and for blocking staff rotations through Ukrainian-controlled territory.
“We consider the actions of the IAEA not as a rotation of experts at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant but as a humanitarian evacuation under conditions that threaten the lives and health of the agency’s staff,” the Foreign Ministry stated. The nuclear facility, Europe’s largest, has been under Russian control since 2022 but is not currently generating electricity.
Russian “Shadow Fleet” Tanker Released
Finnish authorities released the Eagle S oil tanker on March 2, previously detained on suspicion of sabotaging undersea Baltic cables. The vessel, believed to be part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” used to circumvent Western sanctions, was allowed to leave Finnish waters after authorities determined there were “no longer grounds” to detain it. Three crew members remain barred from leaving Finland as the investigation continues.
BUSINESS REACTIONS AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENTS
Norwegian Company Boycotts US Navy
Norwegian fuel supplier Haltbakk Bunkers announced on March 2 it will not deliver fuel to the US Navy until “Trump is gone,” in direct response to the confrontation with Zelensky. Company owner Gunnar Gran, who supplied US warships with 3 million liters of fuel in 2024, stated the company has “many Ukrainian employees” and wants to demonstrate continued support for Ukraine.
Following the announcement, Norway’s Defense Ministry issued a statement reaffirming ties with the US: “American forces will continue to receive the supply and support they require from Norway.”
Film Awards with Ukrainian and Russian Connections
The 97th Academy Awards on March 2 saw “Anora” win five Oscars, including Best Picture. The film’s cast includes Russian actor Yura Borisov, who has appeared in Russian propaganda productions and visited occupied Crimea. “Porcelain War,” a documentary featuring Ukrainian artists who joined the military while continuing to create art during the invasion, was nominated but did not win.
DISINFORMATION CAMPAIGNS
Russian Fabrications Target Caucasus Relations
Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) reported on March 2 that Russia is spreading disinformation accusing Ukraine of attempting to provoke conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. HUR identified a fake document circulating in Armenian Telegram channels that purports to be an intelligence report to Ukraine’s Deputy Defense Minister.
According to Ukraine’s intelligence services, the fabrication aims to “discredit Ukraine and undermine Ukrainian-Armenian and Ukrainian-Azerbaijani relations, which ultimately benefits Russia.” Both Caucasus nations have maintained working relationships with Ukraine during the war.
Russian Intelligence Recruiting Laid-Off US Officials
CNN reported on March 2 that Russian and Chinese intelligence agencies are actively targeting US federal employees affected by the Trump administration’s government workforce reductions. Foreign operatives have been instructed to identify potential recruits on platforms including LinkedIn, TikTok, and Reddit, particularly focusing on those with security clearances or infrastructure knowledge.
The CIA has already dismissed approximately 20 officers from diversity and recruitment roles, while the Pentagon plans to lay off 5,400 probationary employees. These actions come as the administration has taken steps criticized as favorable to Moscow, including suspending offensive cyber operations against Russia amid diplomatic outreach.
Russia Recognizes Separatist Georgian Leader
Russian President Vladimir Putin formally congratulated Badra Gunba on March 2 for winning the presidential “election” in Russian-occupied Abkhazia, a region internationally recognized as part of Georgia. “I expect that the friendly, allied Russian-Abkhazian relations will continue to strengthen for the benefit of our brotherly nations,” Putin stated.
The region has been under de facto Russian control since the 2008 Russia-Georgia war. Gunba, widely considered a pro-Kremlin figure, takes leadership following public unrest over a previous proposal that would have allowed Russian citizens to purchase property in Abkhazia.
FROZEN RUSSIAN ASSETS DEBATE
During the London summit on March 2, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk revealed that significant divisions remain within the EU regarding the transfer of frozen Russian assets to Ukraine. While the use of interest from these assets has been approved for loans to Ukraine, the principal amount of approximately $300 billion remains untouched.
“Everyone understands it would be best to transfer these funds for the purpose of defense and reconstruction of Ukraine,” Tusk stated, but noted that “There are fears of negative consequences for the euro and the banking system.”
With EU sanctions on Russian assets set to expire in June, Tusk called for their extension despite expected opposition from Hungary: “We need to focus on extending the sanctions, because they are working.” He emphasized that sanctions are contributing to Russia’s economic and financial weakness but acknowledged that Poland lacks decisive influence in this matter as a non-eurozone member.
CZECH CROWDFUNDING PURCHASES HELICOPTER FOR UKRAINE
A Czech volunteer initiative announced on March 2 that it had successfully raised $2.9 million to purchase a Black Hawk military helicopter for Ukraine. The crowdfunding campaign, called “A Gift for Putin,” gathered contributions from more than 20,500 donors since November 2023.
Ukraine’s military intelligence will operate the helicopter for evacuating wounded soldiers and conducting special operations. “Ukraine cannot win the war with drones or ammunition alone. It also needs tanks, aircraft, howitzers—and helicopters for special operations,” the initiative’s website stated.