Following a tense Oval Office meeting on February 28th, Donald Trump asserted that he pressed Ukraine to take appropriate actions to facilitate a peace agreement, minimizing the impact of a prior arms supply pause. He claimed the pause did not negatively affect Ukrainian forces in Kursk Oblast and justified his actions by emphasizing the high human cost of the war. Trump further stated that his involvement stemmed from a humanitarian concern for the loss of life and that the Ukrainian president had shown disrespect. Zelenskyy, however, countered that Ukraine acted appropriately.
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Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto vehemently opposed the EU’s proposed €20 billion aid package for Ukraine, citing objections to using Hungarian taxpayer money for arms shipments. He instead advocated for peace negotiations, aligning with President Trump’s push for a swift settlement. This opposition follows a pattern of Hungarian obstruction to sanctions against Russia and military aid to Ukraine. The EU, while recently extending sanctions against Russia, is increasingly concerned by Hungary’s actions undermining its unified stance on the conflict.
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In a recent address, President Zelensky announced the successful 3,000-kilometer test flight of a new Ukrainian long-range drone. This follows discussions regarding the domestically developed Long Neptune missile, also used to strike deep into Russian territory. The meeting highlighted the need for increased production of both drones and missiles, with plans to discuss this with international partners. Ukraine’s ongoing development of long-range weaponry includes missile-drone hybrids, reflecting a commitment to bolstering its defense capabilities. A goal of producing at least 30,000 long-range drones by 2025 has been set.
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Initially highly effective, Russian glide bombs have become significantly less accurate due to Ukrainian electronic warfare systems. These new jammers, such as the Night Watch team’s Lima system, employ digital interference techniques including jamming, spoofing, and cyberattacks on the bombs’ navigation receivers. This has drastically reduced the effectiveness of Russian glide bomb attacks, forcing them to cease targeting regional centers and significantly impacting their battlefield advances. The resulting decrease in accuracy has led to friendly fire incidents and rendered the munitions far less cost-effective for the Russian military.
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In response to the ongoing war, President Zelensky signed a law enabling the deployment of Ukrainian Armed Forces abroad during martial law. This legislation, finalized after presidential amendments and parliamentary approval, facilitates enhanced defense cooperation with partner nations, primarily for training and equipment acquisition. Deployment decisions require presidential approval and parliamentary ratification, subject to detailed mission parameters. Crucially, the law explicitly excludes combat operations on Russian soil.
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Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, ordering its diplomats to leave within 48 hours, citing Belgium’s alleged undermining of Rwanda’s position in the ongoing DRC conflict. Belgium responded by declaring Rwandan diplomats persona non grata, characterizing Rwanda’s action as disproportionate and a rejection of dialogue. This escalation follows accusations by Rwandan President Kagame of Belgian support for sanctions against Rwanda. The conflict centers around the M23 rebel group, which a UN report alleges is controlled by Rwanda, and its offensive in the DRC. Despite this heightened tension, the DRC and M23 are slated to begin peace talks in Angola.
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Newly inaugurated Prime Minister Mark Carney, possessing both Irish and British citizenship, prioritized strengthening transatlantic ties by visiting France and the United Kingdom on his first international trip. He emphasized Canada’s “European” identity, built upon its Indigenous, French, and British foundations. Meetings with French President Macron and King Charles, alongside a planned meeting with British Prime Minister Starmer, signify Canada’s commitment to these key relationships amid current geopolitical complexities. This visit underscores Carney’s deep European connections and Canada’s desire for strengthened European partnerships.
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In response to protectionist measures, Ontario is implementing a ban on US firms bidding on public sector contracts. This action will exclude American companies from approximately $139.7 billion in infrastructure projects. The ban specifically targets American contractors, engineers, and consultants within the province. This decision reflects a shift toward prioritizing domestic businesses in Ontario’s public procurement.
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Following a weekend phone call, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney extended an invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to attend the June G7 summit in Alberta. This invitation follows an uncertain G7 approach to the war in Ukraine, marked by initial hesitation from the US administration regarding strong condemnations of Russia. Zelensky accepted the invitation, thanking Canada for its ongoing support and highlighting the need for increased pressure on Moscow. The summit, hosted by Canada, will take place amidst ongoing discussions between the US and Russia regarding a potential ceasefire.
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Ukraine has reportedly disrupted Russian glide bomb control systems, significantly impacting their battlefield effectiveness. This success, likely achieved through satellite jamming, forces Russia to expend more munitions and sorties for each strike. While Russia possesses countermeasures, the use of unencrypted receivers by many Russian soldiers may explain their vulnerability. This development, coupled with Ukraine’s growing air power from Western allies, could shift the battlefield balance, although the extent depends on continued Western support and access to advanced technologies.
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John Q. Hosedrinker