Wednesday, March 5
Russia’s war against Ukraine
Coal mining at the “Heroes of Space” mine on March 4, 2025 in Pavlohrad, Ukraine. The country’s mineral resources have become entangled in negotiations over the United States’ support of Ukraine in its war against Russia. (Kostiantyn Liberov / Libkos / Getty Images)
‘I received an important letter from President Zelensky’ — Trump says Ukraine, Russia ready to end war. U.S. President Donald Trump said in his address to Congress that he “appreciate(s)” Zelensky’s recent statements expressing Ukraine’s readiness for peace, but did not say whether or not the U.S. would resume weapons deliveries.
Zelensky calls for ‘clear position’ with US after Trump’s military aid freeze. “People should not be guessing. Ukraine and America deserve a respectful dialogue and a clear position of each other,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said in his evening address.
US military aid freeze to Ukraine temporary, linked to Zelensky-Trump clash, Mike Johnson says. The pause in U.S. military aid to Ukraine is temporary and tied to the fallout from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s heated Oval Office exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump, House Speaker Mike Johnson said on March 4.
US continues intelligence sharing with Ukraine despite military aid freeze, CNN reports. Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the U.S. has provided Kyiv with real-time intelligence, including satellite imagery and sensitive information on Russian troop movements.
Zelensky says White House clash ‘regrettable,’ proposes steps for peace. President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 4 that his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House “did not go the way it was supposed to be,” calling the fallout “regrettable.”
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Ukraine to boost gas imports due to Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, Bloomberg reports. Ukraine plans to import about 3.5 billion cubic meters of gas for the upcoming heating season due to ongoing Russian attacks on its energy infrastructure, Bloomberg reported on March 4.
Ukrainian drones reportedly strike oil refinery in Russia’s Samara Oblast.
The first explosions occurred around 3 a.m. local time, according to residents. A fire broke out at the facility as a result.
Fox News correspondent claims no Trump mineral deal planned for today. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reportedly told Fox News on March 4 that there are no plans to sign a mineral resources deal with Ukraine following Donald Trump’s speech to Congress.
Russia’s airlines face growing crisis as sanctions strangle aircraft maintenance. Between Dec. 1 and Jan. 20, Russian aircraft experienced 11 engine failures—more than double the number from the previous two months, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Read our exclusives
Trump cuts to US weapons aid likely to hit Ukrainian civilians before front line
For much of the weaponry that Ukraine needs to continue fighting, Europe could stand in for U.S. weapons. But for air defense that protects Ukrainian cities from deadly Russian aerial attacks, nobody can replace the United States.
Photo: Roberto Schmidt/AFP via Getty Images
‘US sided with Russia, North Korea & Iran’ – Ukraine reacts to Trump’s aid freeze
“It hurts to watch it unfolding,” Volodymyr Dubovyk, the head of Odesa National University’s Center for International Studies, told the Kyiv Independent. “We can scrap everything that we previously knew about U.S. foreign policy.”
Photo: Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images
Trump’s pivot toward Moscow met with joy in Russia
“The details remain to be seen, but if this is true, it is a decision that could indeed push the ‘Kyiv regime’ towards a peace process,” said Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
Photo: Pavel Bednyakov/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
Kyiv, not Kiev — How Ukrainians reclaimed their capital’s name
For decades, if not more, English speakers the world over referred to Ukraine’s capital as Kiev, pronouncing it kee-yev. Few people knew they were using the Russian name for the city.
Illustration: Masha Ektova / The Kyiv Independent
Human cost of Russia’s war
Ukraine strikes Russian military facility in Kursk Oblast, kills up to 30 troops, General Staff reports. The facility was reportedly used for planning attacks, including launching first-person-view (FPV) drones at Ukrainian positions. The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these claims.
Russian forces in Kharkiv sector suffer more fatalities than wounded, Ukraine says. “If you look at the enemy’s losses in February, you can see an interesting trend — more dead than wounded. Perhaps this is due to the fact that they have less movement and more (personnel) concentrations,” Volodymyr Degtyaryov, spokesperson for Ukraine’s “Khartia” brigade said.
International response
Ursula von der Leyen announces ReArm Europe plan to boost European defense capabilities. “This is a moment for Europe and we are ready to step up,” Ursula von der Leyen said.
Russian fighter jet provokes French Reaper drone over Mediterranean, French Defense Minister says. “The Russian Su-35 fighter jet behaved dangerously toward the French Reaper drone… Three consecutive approaches could have led to the loss of control of the drone,” French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said.
Top Democrats accuse Trump, Musk of endangering US security by siding with Russia. “Trump has shown more alignment with Vladimir Putin, who threatens the international rules-based order, than with our long-standing partners and allies,” Democrats said in a statement issued March 4.
Eutelsat in talks to expand satellite services for Ukraine amid Starlink uncertainty, FT reports. Shares in Eutelsat surged as much as 123% to 4.50 euro before settling at a 70% gain, driven by investor confidence that European leaders will increase military support for Ukraine.
Russian oil deliveries to Czechia via Druzhba pipeline suspended, Czech official says. “We control the situation and are prepared for such circumstances. Refineries in Czechia are well prepared, and the state material reserve system is reliable, so I can assure everyone that there are enough oil reserves for both households and businesses,” Czech Industry and Trade Minister Lukas Vlcek said.
Opinions and insights
Trump sided with Putin. Europe, what’s your move?
“As rogue states seek to capitalize on the chaos, Europe must step up and assume the role once played by the U.S. That starts by fully supporting Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression,” writes Sławomir Sierakowski, senior fellow at Mercator.
Photo: LightRocket via Getty Images
Why Trump’s Ukraine aid freeze upends world order
In other news
Russia agrees to help US in negotiations with Iran over nuclear program, Bloomberg reports. Donald Trump voiced his interest in negotiations with Iran to Vladimir Putin during their phone call in February.
Ukraine’s DroneUA begins supplying robots to NASA. The company sees this partnership as an opportunity to strengthen Ukraine’s economy and expand its presence in global markets.
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