Following a contentious White House meeting and a U.S. decision to halt intelligence sharing, Russia launched devastating aerial attacks on Ukraine for a second consecutive night, resulting in at least 20 civilian deaths. These attacks, involving missiles and drones, targeted both civilian areas and rescue workers, severely impacting Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, while welcoming proposed sanctions on Russia, emphasized Ukraine’s ongoing pursuit of peace and upcoming discussions in Saudi Arabia. The cessation of U.S. intelligence support significantly hampered Ukraine’s defenses against the relentless Russian assault.
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Two agreements were signed in Kiev on March 6th, 2025, granting Ukrainian peas and wild aquatic products access to the Chinese market. Chinese Ambassador Ma Shengkun and Ukrainian official Serhii Tkachuk finalized the deals, furthering agricultural cooperation between the two nations. Ambassador Ma highlighted the significant complementary potential of China-Ukraine agricultural collaboration. The agreements are expected to substantially boost bilateral trade and strengthen the strategic partnership between China and Ukraine.
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Following President Trump’s suspension of US intelligence sharing with Ukraine and his public rebuke of President Zelenskyy, Russia launched major attacks, resulting in civilian casualties. Former UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace criticized Trump’s actions, arguing they undermine Ukrainian morale and hope for resisting Russian aggression. Wallace emphasized the importance of continued support for Ukraine, suggesting that prolonged resistance could cripple the Russian economy. European leaders are now working to fill the intelligence gap left by the US.
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President Trump asserted that negotiating peace between Ukraine and Russia proves more challenging with Ukraine than Russia, despite considering substantial sanctions against Russia for its ongoing attacks. This statement followed a suspension of US military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, as well as the temporary halting of Ukrainian access to certain US satellite imagery. Trump’s actions, including a public rebuke of President Zelensky, have sparked controversy among NATO allies and raised questions about the US’s commitment to Ukraine. Simultaneously, Trump’s administration appears to be pursuing a deal with Ukraine involving mineral concessions and a swift truce with Russia.
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Two Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) representatives, with ties to Silicon Valley and SpaceX, are seeking unprecedented access to sensitive IRS taxpayer data, potentially violating federal law. One staffer, Sam Corcos, CEO of a healthcare tech company, demanded detailed taxpayer information, while his colleague discussed a broad agreement allowing agencies wide access. This comes amidst a broader effort to grant sweeping data access to DOGE, raising concerns, especially given Corcos’ wife’s past involvement with a venture capital firm linked to a sanctioned Russian oligarch, Suleyman Kerimov. The IRS commissioner has reportedly shown openness to these requests, despite significant legal and privacy risks. The situation underscores concerns about data security and potential conflicts of interest.
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A massive Russian missile and drone attack on Ukrainian energy facilities resulted in widespread damage and injuries, significantly impacting the country’s ability to provide essential services and support its military operations. The attack followed the U.S. suspension of military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, weakening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities. Ukraine successfully deployed new fighter jets in the defense, but President Trump’s administration’s actions have increased pressure on Ukraine to accept a peace deal. Despite this, both Ukraine and Turkey have called for a ceasefire.
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Following a US halt to intelligence sharing and military aid, Russia launched a major missile and drone strike on Ukraine. Donald Trump asserted that Putin’s actions were a predictable response and that negotiating with Russia for a settlement might be easier than with Ukraine. Trump simultaneously threatened new sanctions against Russia while also suggesting that Putin desires an end to the conflict. Despite this, the Trump administration’s actions have reportedly weakened Ukraine’s military capabilities, leading to Ukrainian pleas for peace and a meeting in Saudi Arabia to revive US-Ukraine relations.
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A six-person Bulgarian spy ring, operating from a Great Yarmouth guesthouse, was convicted of espionage for Russia. The group, led by Orlin Roussev and Bizer Dzhambazov (who pleaded guilty), used sophisticated technology and false identities to gather intelligence on targets including a journalist Vladimir Putin “seriously hated.” The operation, spanning 2020-2023, involved surveillance in London and across Europe, with the aim of gathering information for the GRU. The network’s Moscow contact was allegedly Jan Marsalek, a wanted fugitive. The case, one of the largest spying investigations in recent decades, highlights Russia’s attempts to maintain a British presence following the Skripal poisoning.
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In response to perceived waning US support and internal pressure, the Norwegian Parliament unanimously approved more than doubling its aid to Ukraine, allocating a total of NOK 85 billion (€7.24 billion). This substantial commitment, exceeding previous pledges, reflects Norway’s recognition of the severe security situation stemming from the ongoing conflict. The decision highlights Norway’s considerable financial resources and its strategic interest in supporting Ukraine against Russia, particularly given the perceived shift in US foreign policy under President Trump. Europe’s growing reliance on its own resources to support Ukraine is underscored by Norway’s actions.
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The U.S. suspension of military intelligence to Ukraine, following a contentious Oval Office meeting between Presidents Zelensky and Trump, has severely hampered Ukraine’s military operations, particularly in the Kursk region. This intelligence cutoff has resulted in significant Ukrainian casualties and a Russian advance, weakening Ukraine’s negotiating position and jeopardizing supply lines. The loss affects both precision strikes and the ability to detect incoming Russian air attacks. While some European partners are attempting to fill the void, their capabilities fall short of those previously provided by the U.S.
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John Q. Hosedrinker