{"id":968,"date":"2025-03-01T19:43:02","date_gmt":"2025-03-02T00:43:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/warinukraineobservatory\/warinukraineobservatory\/?post_type=cu_description&p=968"},"modified":"2025-11-11T10:50:33","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T15:50:33","slug":"march-2025","status":"publish","type":"cu_description","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/warinukraineobservatory\/description\/march-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"MARCH 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n
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\n \n <\/h1>\n\n <\/header>\n\n

March 1 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Aftermath of Disastrous White House Meeting <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on Zelensky to apologise for clashing with Trump, and \u201cfor wasting our time for a meeting that was going to end the way it did.\u201d Zelensky said his relations with the US can still be repaired after Trump shouted at him at the White House and accused him of refusing to make peace with Russia.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russia Sending New Ambassador to Washington <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russia has announced it is sending a new ambassador, Alexander Darchiyev, to Washington, the latest sign of a thaw between the two countries as they try to mend their damaged relations and seek an end to the war in Ukraine. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The International Monetary Fund and Ukraine Reach a Deal <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The International Monetary Fund and Ukraine reached a deal on a loan programme review that will unlock about $400 million in much-needed funds. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

United Kingdom Hosting Meeting About Ukraine’s Future Actions <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Preparations are underway for United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer\u2019s meeting with a dozen European leaders on Sunday to \u201cdrive forward\u201d action on Ukraine and security. Zelensky is among those expected to attend the meeting. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Norway Providing More Funding for Ukraine <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Norway\u2019s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere announced that he will soon ask parliament to increase financial backing for Ukraine.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 2 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

EU Chief Says Europe Needs to Rearm <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Chief of the EU, Ursula von der Leyen has called for Europe to rearm and expressed the need to turn Ukraine into a \u201csteel porcupine.\u201d The comments of the EU chief are echoed by calls of the Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk for Europe to increase its defence spending amount.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UK Defence Summit Concludes <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A summit on European defence held in the UK which included European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky saw the creation of a plan called \u201cthe coalition of the willing\u201d which will be taken to the US for approval of European forces being deployed in Ukraine. Additionally, the UK announced a new $2 billion deal that would allow Ukraine to purchase 5,000 air-defence missiles using export finance. Concluding the conference, the UK Prime Minister Starmer announced that Europe must do \u201cthe heavy lifting\u201d to build peace in Ukraine. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 3 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

France Says Truce Between Russia and Ukraine Possible <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jean-Noel Barrot, the French Foreign Minister said that a truce between Russia and Ukraine on air, sea and energy infrastructure, if accepted, would allow Ukraine and its allies to determine if Russian President Vladimir Putin was acting in good faith and would be willing to start negotiations on a longer-term peace deal. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

United Kingdom and France Set to Draft Peace Deal <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The United Kingdom and France are set to draw up a peace deal with Ukraine and present it to United States President Donald Trump, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ukraine and USA Relations Still Possible <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zelensky said he believed Kyiv\u2019s relationship with Washington could still be salvaged despite the public hostilities with Trump on Friday. He said talks would need to continue in a different format and did not believe the US would stop aid to Ukraine. Ukraine was ready to sign a minerals deal with the US, he said, adding that he believed Washington was too.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) Warns of Loss of US Backing <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ISW said a withdrawal of military aid by the US could give Russia a greater advantage in winning its war against Ukraine.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 4 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

US Pauses All Military Aid to Ukraine <\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

According to a White House official, the USA will pause all military aid to Ukraine until it determines that President Zelensky is making a good-faith effort towards peace negotiations with Russia. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finland Outlines its Conditions for Ukraine NATO Membership<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finnish President Alexander Stubb said that Ukraine should automatically become a NATO member if Russia breaches any ceasefire deal. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zelensky Pushes for Security Guarantees<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zelensky told UK media that a ceasefire without security guarantees would not bring a sustainable end to Russia\u2019s invasion of his country. \u201cIt will be a failure for everyone if Ukraine is forced into a ceasefire without serious security guarantees.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zelensky Addresses Calls for Stepping Down  <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zelensky has been quoted saying that it would \u201cnot be simple\u201d to replace him as Kyiv\u2019s leader. However, he reiterated his willingness to step down in exchange for Ukraine\u2019s entry into NATO as a member country. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ukraine Still Willing to Sign Minerals Deal <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced that his country was ready to sign a planned deal on extracting strategically important minerals from the US \u201cat any time\u201d after Washington said it was suspending military support. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 5 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

US May Restore Aid to Ukraine Pending Confidence Measures <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz says US President Donald Trump \u201cwill take a hard look\u201d at restoring aid to Ukraine \u201cif we can nail down these negotiations and \u2026 put some confidence-building measures on the table.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

EU Postpones Plan to Phase Out Russian Energy <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The European Commission has, for a second time, delayed an announcement of its plan to phase out reliance on Russian energy imports, from March 26 to an unspecified date.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 6<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Russia Sentences a Citizen of the United Kingdom to 19 Years in Prison <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russia\u2019s Investigative Committee said Scott Rhys Anderson, a citizen of the United Kingdom, was sentenced to 19 years in prison after being convicted of a \u201cterrorist act\u201d and acting as a mercenary when he was captured while fighting for Ukraine.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russian Passports Issued to Occupied Regions of Ukraine <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Putin announced that Russia has completed issuing Russian passports to Ukrainian citizens in Moscow-controlled territories of Luhansk and Donetsk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

US Aid to Ukraine May Resume Under Conditions<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz told Fox News that Trump may reconsider the US\u2019 aid pause to Ukraine if peace talks are arranged and \u201cconfidence-building measures\u201d are implemented. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Netherlands Pledges Aid to Ukraine <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Netherlands pledged $3.8 billion in support of Ukraine for the year 2026, Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said, adding that the funds could be used in 2025 if necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 7 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trump Considering Cancelling Legal Status of Ukrainian Refugees <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Trump administration is reportedly planning to revoke the temporary legal status of almost a quarter million Ukrainian refugees. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zelensky Calls to Halt Aerial Strikes Against Infrastructure<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed calls for a mutual halt to aerial attacks on critical infrastructure after Russia launched a \u201cmassive\u201d drone and missile attack on Ukrainian energy facilities which are left vulnerable without American air defence systems.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

France Sharing Intelligence with Ukraine <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said Paris has been providing military intelligence to Kyiv after Washington put a pause on sharing information. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russian Foreign Minister Criticises French and European Proposals <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sergey Lavrov said that Macron\u2019s suggestion to discuss placing European allies under France\u2019s nuclear protection posed a threat to Russia and added deploying European peacekeeping troops to Ukraine would be regarded as NATO\u2019s official involvement in the war between Ukraine and Russia.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

United Kingdom Finalises Deal with Tech Company to Help Ukraine<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The United Kingdom\u2019s defence ministry finalised a $38.68 million deal with a defence tech company to allow Ukraine\u2019s armed forces to use more advanced attack drones in the Black Sea. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Norway Promises More Aid to Ukraine <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr said his country would increase aid to Ukraine for this year by an extra $4.5 billion. This would bring this year\u2019s total Norwegian aid for Ukraine to $7.78 billion.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 8 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Poland Warns Against Russian Appeasement <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister of Poland said that appeasement towards Russia was only resulting in more tragedy for Ukraine. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 9 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

France Preparing Aid Package to Ukraine <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The French Ministry of Defense is preparing a military aid package worth $200 million backed by the interest of frozen Russian assets. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 10 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

United States Secretary of State to Travel to Saudi Arabia <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio will travel to Saudi Arabia this week for talks with Ukrainian counterparts, the US Department of State said. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poland Says it Could Be Forced to Look Away From Starlink <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said Poland, which pays for Ukraine\u2019s access to Starlink internet services, could be \u201cforced to look for other suppliers\u201d after the service\u2019s owner Elon Musk said Ukraine\u2019s \u201centire front line would collapse if I turned it off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 11 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

A Ukrainian Source Says Russia Has Made Advances <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A senior source from the Ukrainian government said that Russia had gained a significant advantage against the Ukrainian military during the US\u2019s pause in intelligence sharing.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

US Expects Progress in Peace Talks<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The US\u2019s Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff said Washington expects substantial progress in talks with Ukraine this week, including the signing of the rare earths deal. Witkoff also said intelligence sharing with Ukraine would also be discussed during this week\u2019s meetings.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 12 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ukraine and USA Agree to Ceasefire <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Officials from the United States and Ukraine met in Saudi Arabia, Kyiv said it had agreed to accept an immediate 30-day truce and take steps towards restoring long-lasting peace with Moscow. Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State said that \u201cthe ball is now in Russia\u2019s court\u201d and Zelenksy welcomed the agreement as positive. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

US to Resume Military Assistance to Ukraine <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Following the meeting in Saudi Arabia, Washington announced that it would immediately lift all military aid suspensions imposed on Ukraine and resume intelligence sharing with Kyiv.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

American Delegation to Meet with Russians<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Responding to the outcome of the US-Ukraine talks in Jeddah, Trump said he hopes Russia agrees to the ceasefire deal, adding that US officials will meet their Russian counterparts later this week. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russia Making Advances in Kursk <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russia said its forces have reclaimed 12 settlements and more than 100 square km of territory in the Kursk region from Ukrainian troops.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 13<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Putin Visits Kursk Oblast <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the first time since Ukraine\u2019s incursion of August 2024 into Kursk President Putin has visited the region. During his visit, Putin announced that \u201cthe region would soon be completely liberated from the enemy\u201d and that any Ukrainian soldiers captured would be considered terrorists and not protected under the Geneva Convention\u2019s treatment for prisoners of war. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ukraine Wants Strong US Efforts if Russia Refuses Ceasefire <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

President Zelensky said he expects \u201cstrong steps\u201d from the United States against Russia if Moscow does not accept the 30-day ceasefire proposal. Trump has also commented that reaching a truce is now up to Russia. Marco Rubio also added that Russian refusal to a ceasefire would reveal a lot about the Kremlin\u2019s true intentions. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russia Reportedly Has List of Peace Demands <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russia has presented Washington with a list of demands for a deal to end the Ukraine war and reset relations with the US. The demands are similar to previous Kremlin terms for ending its war, including no NATO membership for Kyiv, recognition of Russia\u2019s claim to annexed Crimea and four Ukrainian provinces, and an agreement that no foreign troops would be deployed in Ukraine.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

USA-Ukraine Minerals Deal Not a Security Guarantee <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

US State Secretary Marco Rubio said that an expected minerals deal with Ukraine would give the US a \u201cvested interest\u201d in Ukraine\u2019s security, although, he said, \u201cI wouldn\u2019t count it as a security guarantee.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Europe Increasing Security <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu said that a \u201cvery broad consensus\u201d is emerging among European nations on boosting Ukraine\u2019s long-term security after a meeting with the defence ministers of Britain, Germany, Italy and Poland. Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz also welcomed a \u201creal unity of the continent\u201d, referring to the threat from Russia and United Kingdom Defence Secretary John Healey said Britain and its allies knew that \u201cwe must step up\u201d and re-arm. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poland Calling for Nuclear Protection <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Poland\u2019s president Andrzej Duda has called on the US to transfer nuclear weapons to its territory as a deterrent against future Russian aggression. Duda said \u201cThe borders of NATO moved east in 1999, so 26 years later there should also be a shift of the NATO infrastructure east. For me this is obvious.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

US Weapons Resume Flowing Through Poland to Ukraine <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Polish foreign ministry confirmed that US weapons are flowing back to Ukraine through Poland after the US lifted its pause on military aid to Kyiv.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 14 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Putin Comments on Ceasefire Proposal <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

President Putin said he agrees in principle with a United States proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, but cautioned that terms are yet to be worked out. Putin said Russian forces were moving forward along the entire front line and that the ceasefire would have to ensure that Ukraine did not seek to use it simply to regroup. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zelensky and Trump Divided Over Russian Response <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

US President Donald Trump said there were \u201cgood signals\u201d coming out of Russia and offered guarded optimism about Putin\u2019s statement while Ukrainian President Zelensky described Putin\u2019s response to the ceasefire plan as \u201cmanipulative\u201d, saying \u201cat this moment he is, in fact, preparing to reject it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

US Sending New Long-Range Bombs to Ukraine <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The US is poised to resume shipments to Ukraine of long-range bombs known as Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB) after they were upgraded in order to better counter Russian electronic jamming techniques. The munitions will arrive amid reports that Ukraine\u2019s supply of similarly-ranged Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) has been depleted.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sweden Announces New Aid Package to Ukraine <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sweden announced a new military aid package worth $294 million to strengthen Ukraine\u2019s artillery capabilities. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

American Air National Guard Court Martial Hearing Commences<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jack Teixeira, the Air National Guard member who leaked highly classified US documents about the war in Ukraine, used his court-martial hearing to describe himself as a \u201cproud patriot\u201d who was only \u201cexposing and correcting the lies perpetuated by the Biden administration.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 15 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Putin and American Delegate Meet in Moscow <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Putin met with US envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss details of the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Moscow\u2019s war on Ukraine, asking him to convey Moscow\u2019s thoughts to Washington.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trump Blames Ukraine Again <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a speech at the US Department of Justice, Trump said that ceasefire negotiations with Russia were ongoing and praised his relationship with Putin. He again suggested that Ukraine was to blame for Russia\u2019s 2022 invasion, saying, \u201cYou don\u2019t want to pick on somebody that\u2019s a lot larger than you.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

G7 Warns Russia of Further Sanctions <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

G7 foreign ministers warned Russia of new sanctions unless it accepted a ceasefire \u201con equal terms\u201d saying sanctions could include \u201ccaps on oil prices, as well as additional support for Ukraine.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

World Leader Video Conference to Increase Support for Ukraine <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Support for Ukraine will be discussed in a video conference with 25 European Union and other world leaders, as well as Zelensky. Sources have said Kaja Kallas will propose for the EU to supply up to $43.5 billion in military aid to Ukraine.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UK to Call on Support for the Coalition of the Willing <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

UK Prime Minister Starmer will urge leaders from the so-called \u201ccoalition of the willing\u201d to make concrete commitments to support Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia to accept a ceasefire. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 16<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

cu_people_phone Call Between Trump and Putin Expected <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Russian and the US presidents are expected to have a cu_people_phone call this week to discuss the proposed ceasefire as the US looks to end the war rapidly. European allies have warned that a ceasefire without adequate security guarantees for Ukraine would not result in a lasting peace. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UK Proposes a Western Peacekeeping Mission of 10,000 Soldiers <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The UK\u2019s proposed peacekeeping contingent would include around 10,000 troops, mostly provided by the UK and France. The proposed force of 10,000 is significantly smaller than the 30,000 troops Starmer pitched to Trump during their White House meeting on Feb. 20 and is a distance away from Zelensky\u2019s request for 100,000-150,000 Western troops. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 17 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Ukraine will Not Recognise Occupied Areas as Russian <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the topic of territorial control would be a key focus of any ceasefire. However, he said Ukraine would not recognise its occupied regions as parts of Russia.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zelensky Shuffles Political and Military Leadership<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

President Zelensky appointed a delegation to represent Kyiv in future peace talks. Presidential Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, was named head of the delegation, which includes Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov and Yermak\u2019s deputy Pavlo Palisa. <\/span>Zelensky also appointed Major-General Andrii Hnatov as Ukrainian forces\u2019 new chief of general staff.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keith Kellogg No Longer Russian and Ukrainian Special Envoy <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trump changed Keith Kellogg\u2019s role from special envoy to Ukraine and Russia to envoy for only Ukraine. Dmitry Peskov denied allegations that Russia wanted Kellogg to be excluded from peace negotiations with Ukraine due to Kellogg\u2019s pro-Kyiv stance.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 18 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trump and Putin cu_people_phone Call Scheduled <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

United States President Donald Trump told reporters that he is scheduled to speak with Vladimir Putin today. \u201cWe want to see if we can bring that war to an end. Maybe [we] can, maybe we can\u2019t, but I think we have a very good chance,\u201d he said.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

EU Condemns Russia for Not Wanting Peace <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kaja Kallas, the European Union chief of foreign policy has called Russian demands to end the war with Ukraine inconducive of peace and reflective of the ultimate goals that they want to achieve in the war. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ukraine Passes Bill Allowing Soldiers to be Deployed Abroad<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

President Zelensky ratified a bill allowing Ukrainian troops to be deployed in other countries during martial law. Kyiv said it would ensure \u201cnational security and defence as well as repelling and determining armed aggression against Ukraine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over 30 European Nations are Willing to Contribute to the Coalition of the Willing <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The United Kingdom expects that more than 30 European countries would be willing to send their troops. The contribution capabilities will vary by nation but it will be a significant force involving many countries. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Macron Says Trump is Committed to the Russian Conditions for a Ceasefire <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emmanuel Macron said Trump is committed to the conditions set forth by Russia for a 30-day ceasefire, adding that it is now up to Russia to prove that it wants peace.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 19<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Russia Agrees to a Limited 30-day Ceasefire <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cu_people_phone call between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin resulted in a limited 30-day ceasefire with terms outlining that Ukraine and Russia would stop attacking each other\u2019s energy sector. Putin installed a condition that the US and its allies must end all military assistance including foreign intelligence to Ukraine for the hostilities to end and that for the ceasefire to work, Ukraine must not be allowed to rearm. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Italy Does Not Have Confidence in a European Peacekeeping Force <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that the United Kingdom and France\u2019s plan to send peacekeepers to Ukraine is likely ineffective. Instead, Meloni believes a better solution would be to extend NATO\u2019s mutual defence umbrella. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

European Commission Announces New Taskforce for Ukraine <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen announced a new joint task force with Ukraine that would streamline the procurement of military supplies and consolidate support.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Democrats Appeal for Government Funding Resumption of Lab Investigating Taken Ukrainian Children <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Democrats called on Trump to restore funding for a previously government-sponsored initiative led by Yale University\u2019s Humanitarian Research Lab (Yale HRL) that tracked the mass deportation of Ukrainian children. They claimed that data from the repository may have been permanently deleted, which would result in \u201cdevastating consequences.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 20 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Russia Immediately Breaks Ceasefire it Proposed <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russia launched a barrage of drones at Ukraine overnight just hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin committed to a 30-day pause on attacks on Ukraine\u2019s energy infrastructure.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trump and Zelensky cu_people_phone Call <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

President Trump and President Zelensky spoke on a call about his earlier discussions with President Putin. The White House said Zelensky agreed to the partial ceasefire and asked for additional air defence support, which Trump promised to help locate from Europe.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Washington Scraps Rare Earth\u2019s Deal <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Washington has moved beyond the previously negotiated rare minerals deal with Kyiv and is now entirely focused on securing a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Trump also suggested the US take over Ukraine\u2019s power plants to ensure security.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zelensky Condemns Putin <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zelensky accused President Putin of rejecting the US proposal for a full ceasefire, despite public pronouncements to the contrary, and urged the global community to stop Moscow\u2019s attempt to extend its war on Kyiv.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Germany Plans to Release Previously Blocked Aid <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The new German government plans to release $3.3 billion in military aid for Ukraine after outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz had previously blocked the package.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 21 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Dmitry Peskov Speaks on Ceasefire and European Rearmament <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dmitry Peskov said Russia and the United States are set to meet in Saudi Arabia to discuss the resumption of the Black Sea initiative and other aspects of the possible ceasefire. Peskov also accused European countries of planning to \u201cmilitarise\u201d themselves instead of seeking peace. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zelensky addresses EU Leaders <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In Oslo, Norway, Zelensky addressed EU leaders that Russia is continuing to attack energy infrastructure, terms of the ceasefire the Kremlin proposed. Zelensky also requested the approval of $5.4 billion for the purchase of artillery shells. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ukraine Rejects US Ownership of its Energy Facilities <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ukraine has rejected the floated proposal from the US to own Ukraine’s energy facilities. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 23 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Officials of Ukraine, America, and Russia set to Meet in Saudi Arabia <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Andrew Peek of the US National Security Council and Michael Anton of the US Department of State are heading to Saudi Arabia for talks with Ukrainian and Russian officials. Moscow is hoping to achieve \u201csome progress,\u201d while the US is looking to ensure security for shipping in the Black Sea. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 24 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Steve Witkoff Denies Claims Putin will invade Europe <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Steve Witkoff, United States special envoy for the Middle East, said that he does not believe Putin intends to invade Europe. \u201cI just don\u2019t see that he wants to take all of Europe. I take him at his word in this sense,\u201d Witkoff said. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ukrainian and US Officials Discuss Ceasefire <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ukrainian and US officials met in Saudi Arabia to discuss a partial ceasefire amid warnings by Moscow that negotiations would be \u201cdifficult\u201d despite Washington\u2019s hopes for \u201creal progress.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 25<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

US and Russian Officials Wrap up Talks in Riyadh <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

United States and Russian officials concluded talks in Saudi Arabia focusing on a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea. A White House source said progress was made in the Riyadh talks and that a \u201cpositive announcement\u201d was expected \u201cin the near future\u201d with a Russian official saying the talks had progressed \u201ccreatively\u201d and that the two sides had discussed issues regarded as \u201cirritants\u201d in bilateral ties.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meeting in London Between French and UK Officials <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For the third time this month, officials of European nations have met to discuss security guarantees for Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine under the UK format of the coalition of the willing. After the meeting, France and the UK declared that Europe\u2019s two nuclear powers were \u201cstepping up to forge a stronger and deeper partnership.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mineral Deal Expected to be Signed Soon <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trump said that a strategic raw materials deal with Ukraine is likely to be agreed upon shortly.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

US Senators Push Trump to Toughen Stance on Moscow <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A group of Republican and Democratic US senators wrote a letter urging the Trump administration and Western allies to transfer more than $300 billion of seized Russian assets to help Ukraine. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Czech Republic to Stop Receiving Russian Oil <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lukas Vlcek, the industry minister of the Czech Republic said his country will stop receiving Russian oil through the Druzhba pipeline. No Russian oil has been flowing through the Druzhba pipeline to the Czech Republic since March 4 because of payment problems due to the US sanctions imposed on Russian banks.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 26 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Separate American Agreements Between Ukraine and Russia <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The US has said it made separate agreements with Russia and Ukraine over stopping the striking of energy facilities and the safe navigation of transport ships in the Black Sea. Washington also agreed to push to lift some sanctions against Moscow as the first steps towards a wider ceasefire, with Donald Trump saying the situation is going well. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overnight Russian Drone Attacks Against Ukraine <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hours after the American deal was proposed, Russia launched a large-scale drone attack against a Ukrainian Black Sea port with President Zelensky saying the strike was a \u201cclear signal to the whole world that Moscow is not going to pursue real peace.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kremlin Outlines Its Conditions for the Black Sea Deal <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kremlin stated that the Black Sea deal could only be implemented after sanctions against the Russian Agricultural Bank and other financial organisations involved in food and fertiliser trade are lifted and access to the SWIFT international banking system is restored. The agreement is also conditional on lifting sanctions against Russian food and fertiliser exports and removing restrictions on exports of agricultural equipment to Russia. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zelensky Critiscises Lifting Russian Sanctions <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an address, President Zelensky welcomed the US-backed agreements but criticised Washington for considering raising sanctions against Russia, which would weaken Ukraine\u2019s position in the war.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Annual Threat Assessment Report Released <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The US intelligence community\u2019s Annual Threat Assessment report said Russia, along with Iran, North Korea and China are seeking to challenge the US through deliberate campaigns to gain an advantage and that Beijing also seeks to displace the US as the top AI power by 2030. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

European Union Pushing for Three-Day Crisis Kits <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The European Union is pushing for every household in the 27-country bloc to have a three-day survival kit ready in case crisis strikes which is consistent with a key report last year on strengthening Europe\u2019s civilian and military preparedness. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Baltic Nations Raise Concerns Over US Negotiations <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The foreign ministers of Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia met in Washington with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio as the Baltic nations voiced concerns over the new US push for a ceasefire in Russia\u2019s war on Ukraine. The Estonian Foreign Minister, Margus Tsahkna said Russia has gained the upper hand since Trump has initiated talks to end the war. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 27 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

France Will Provide Ukraine with More Aid <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

France has proposed to present Ukraine with an additional $2 billion in military aid after President Macron accused Russia of reinterpreting and rewriting previously proposed ceasefire deals.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

NATO Secretary General Speaks on the Future of Atlanticism <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mark Rutte, the Secretary General of NATO warned both the US and Europe against any attempts to \u201cdo it alone\u201d regarding European security and a Ukrainian ceasefire. Rutte also suggested that Europe could still trust and rely on the USA, however, relations with Russia would take decades to restore after the total loss of trust and confidence caused by the war. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 28 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Putin Wants Ukraine Placed Under Administration <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Putin suggested that as part of the peace process, Ukraine be placed under the temporary \u201cadministration\u201d of the United Nations and other countries until elections are held. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paris Wants to Work with Beijing to Secure Peace <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, during a visit to China, said Beijing and Paris should coordinate in promoting peace in Ukraine and that China could play a role in convincing Russia to come to the table in good faith. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Long and Difficult Process to Normalise US-Russia Relations <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Russia\u2019s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Moscow and Washington are starting the long and difficult process of restoring ties and that it would be premature to draw \u201cfar-reaching conclusions\u201d about Russia-US relations so soon. Ryabkov also said it is too early for Russia to reopen strategic nuclear stability talks with the US.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zelensky Frustrated at America Changing Mineral Deal Terms <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Zelensky accused the US of \u201cconstantly\u201d changing the terms of the proposed minerals deal signed with his country. However, he said he did not want the US to think Kyiv was against the deal.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

France and UK Will Send Assurance to Ukraine Following a Peace Deal <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

French President Macron said that London and Paris were working on sending \u201cassurance troops\u201d to Ukraine after a potential future peace deal, even if the idea was not approved by all European countries.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 29 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

UN Commissioner Calls for End to Civilian Strikes <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called for an end to the \u201chorrific suffering\u201d caused by attacks on civilians in Ukraine and said that a ceasefire in Ukraine \u201cwould be very welcome\u201dand that \u201climited ceasefires that protect shipping lanes and infrastructure are a welcome step forward\u201d but a proper end to the war is needed.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

US Rare Earth Proposal Changes Again <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In an evening address, Zelensky confirmed Ukraine had received the draft of a new minerals deal from the US, saying it was an \u201centirely different\u201d document than what had been proposed previously. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 30 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Russia Accused of War Crimes after Attacking Military Hospital<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ukraine accused Russia of committing \u201cwar crimes\u201d after targeting a military hospital, which it said violated \u201cthe norms of international humanitarian law.\u201d Zelensky said Kyiv expected a strong response from the West on the near-daily Russian attacks on the country. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

March 31 <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Trump Slams Putin and Threatens Russian Oil <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

President Trump told reporters that he was \u201cpissed off\u201d at Putin over comments he made calling into question the credibility of Zelensky\u2019s leadership. In the address, Trump added he would impose secondary tariffs of between 25% and 50% on buyers of Russian oil if he determined that Moscow was trying to undermine his efforts to end the war in Ukraine.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trump Accuses Zelensky of Backing out of Rare Earth Deal <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trump said he believes the Ukrainian president is attempting to \u201cback out\u201d of a deal which would grant the US access to Ukraine\u2019s reserves of rare earth minerals, adding \u201cIf he\u2019s looking to renegotiate the deal, he\u2019s got big problems.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Moscow and Washington Begin Talks on Joint Economic Operations <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Kremlin and the White House have begun talks on joint projects involving rare earth metal extraction inside of Russia according to Russian media. <\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"cu_description_type":[25],"class_list":["post-968","cu_description","type-cu_description","status-publish","hentry","cu_description_type-timeline"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/warinukraineobservatory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_description\/968","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/warinukraineobservatory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_description"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/warinukraineobservatory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/cu_description"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/warinukraineobservatory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/warinukraineobservatory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_description\/968\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":977,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/warinukraineobservatory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_description\/968\/revisions\/977"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/warinukraineobservatory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=968"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"cu_description_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/warinukraineobservatory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/cu_description_type?post=968"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}