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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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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The EU Foreign Affairs Council will prioritize Ukraine, including a significant military aid package. Positive assessments of recent Ukrainian-American talks were noted, although Russia’s proposed ceasefire terms were deemed insincere, reflecting continued war aims. Discussions will also cover Middle Eastern developments, encompassing the Gaza reconstruction plans and the worrying escalation of violence in Syria. The EU intends to increase support for both regions.
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President Trump announced plans to speak with Vladimir Putin on Tuesday, following discussions regarding a potential ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war. Negotiators have already begun addressing the division of assets, including land and power plants, with both Ukraine and Russia participating. While Putin has expressed theoretical agreement with a ceasefire, he has also demanded concessions from Ukraine. The ongoing negotiations involve US representatives meeting with officials from both Ukraine and Russia this week.
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Russia’s economy is sharply declining, evidenced by plummeting industrial production and widespread layoffs across various sectors. Record-high interest rates (21%) and the ongoing war in Ukraine are exacerbating the situation, pushing the nation towards a severe economic slowdown. Major corporations, including VK and Gazprom, are implementing significant job cuts, particularly impacting IT and white-collar workers in both large and medium-sized companies. The human cost of the war, with substantial military casualties and a resulting labor shortage, further intensifies this economic crisis, potentially leading to a broader economic collapse.
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Dmitry Medvedev, deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, issued a stark warning against NATO involvement in Ukraine. He denounced proposals by French and British leaders for NATO peacekeeping forces, asserting that such deployment would constitute a declaration of war against Russia. Medvedev’s threat follows a pattern of escalating rhetoric since the start of the Ukraine conflict, including previous pronouncements regarding nuclear weapons. He specifically targeted UK Prime Minister Starmer’s suggestion of a coalition to secure a ceasefire, framing the proposal as support for “neo-Nazis” in Kyiv. This latest threat underscores the heightened tensions surrounding the conflict.
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In a statement marking the anniversary of Russia’s annexation of Crimea, Türkiye reiterated its unwavering support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, explicitly rejecting the illegal 2014 annexation as a violation of international law. Ankara highlighted its ongoing monitoring of the situation in Crimea, particularly concerning the plight of the Crimean Tatars, and its commitment to keeping this issue before the international community. This stance underscores Türkiye’s consistent opposition to Russia’s actions in Crimea, which began with the seizure of key administrative buildings and culminated in a widely condemned referendum and annexation.
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A virtual summit hosted by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer proposed a 10,000-strong multinational peacekeeping force for Ukraine, contingent upon a peace deal with Russia. This coalition, involving at least 35 countries providing various support, aims to secure Ukraine post-conflict. While the U.K. and France are expected to be the largest contributors, some European nations have expressed reservations. Further military talks are scheduled for March 20th to solidify the coalition’s plans.
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IOC President Thomas Bach attributed the controversy surrounding two female boxers at the Paris 2024 Olympics to a Russian disinformation campaign, dismissing it as a “fake news” crisis. The dispute, fueled by the IBA’s criticism of the IOC’s decision to allow the athletes’ participation, stemmed from the IBA’s prior ban based on a chromosome test—a decision Bach deemed irrelevant given the boxers’ long history of competing as women. Bach further emphasized the IOC’s lack of a universal transgender athlete policy, leaving it to individual federations. Finally, Bach expressed confidence in the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics’ preparations, citing President Trump’s support and the potential reinstatement of boxing.
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John Q. Hosedrinker