Amidst ongoing martial law preventing elections, President Zelensky affirmed his focus on Ukraine’s security, downplaying aspirations for a long presidency. A high-level meeting with EU leaders in Kyiv on Monday will address Ukraine’s NATO aspirations and security guarantees, with Zelensky hoping for a pivotal outcome. He also expressed a desire for stronger US partnership beyond mere mediation in the conflict, emphasizing the need for an end to the war before any rare earth mineral deals are finalized with the US. Progress is being made on this deal, contingent on Russia’s cessation of hostilities.
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In a press conference, Ukrainian President Zelensky stated his willingness to relinquish his presidency to secure either peace or NATO membership for Ukraine. This offer followed recent comments from Donald Trump, which Zelensky addressed without offense. Simultaneously, Zelensky highlighted ongoing negotiations regarding Ukrainian rare earth minerals with the US, contingent on Russia’s cessation of hostilities. He also emphasized the importance of upcoming meetings with European leaders to discuss security guarantees and Ukraine’s NATO aspirations. These discussions occurred against the backdrop of Russia’s largest drone attack on Ukraine to date.
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Zelenskiy’s willingness to relinquish the presidency for the sake of peace in Ukraine is a bold statement, one that deserves careful consideration. It’s not simply a surrender; his offer is explicitly linked to Ukraine’s entry into NATO, a crucial security guarantee against further Russian aggression. This isn’t about a power vacuum inviting a puppet regime; it’s a strategic maneuver contingent on tangible results.
This proposal immediately highlights the stark contrast between Zelenskiy’s leadership and other world figures. His willingness to sacrifice personal power for his nation’s well-being stands in stark opposition to leaders primarily driven by self-interest. The suggestion that he would readily step down underscores his commitment to Ukraine’s future, a commitment far exceeding personal ambition.… Continue reading
In a press conference, President Zelenskiy stated his willingness to resign if it secured peace in Ukraine, even suggesting a potential exchange for NATO membership. This offer follows criticism from U.S. President Trump, who called Zelenskiy a “dictator” and advocated for immediate elections. Zelenskiy firmly opposes elections during wartime, a stance shared by his political opponents. He also expressed a desire for a stronger partnership with the U.S., beyond mere mediation in the conflict with Russia.
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Prime Minister Trudeau and President Trump discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine, with the latter expressing a desire for peace and suggesting a potential summit with Putin. The White House readout emphasized alignment on ending the conflict, while omitting the crucial condition that Ukraine participate in any negotiations. This conversation comes amidst concerns among European allies regarding potential reduced U.S. support for Ukraine and ongoing negotiations between Russia and the U.S. without Ukrainian involvement. The two leaders also addressed bilateral issues, including border security and fentanyl trafficking.
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Expanding its humanitarian aid to Ukraine, Japan’s Ministry of Defense will add the National Defense Medical College hospital to its program providing medical treatment for wounded Ukrainian service members, starting mid-March 2025. This expansion complements existing treatment at the Self-Defense Forces Central Hospital, initiated in June 2023, marking Japan’s unprecedented medical support for foreign military personnel. This medical assistance coincides with a separate $58 million Japanese grant for Ukrainian reconstruction projects, further demonstrating Japan’s commitment to supporting Ukraine.
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Swiss Army Chief Thomas Süssli stated that Switzerland could contribute approximately 200 soldiers to a UN peacekeeping mission on the Ukrainian-Russian border within a year, contingent upon a ceasefire and the consent of both nations. This peacekeeping role, distinct from peace enforcement, would prioritize logistics and medical support, with weapon use restricted to self-defense. The deployment would require government and parliamentary approval, mirroring past Swiss involvement in Kosovo. However, Süssli also cautioned about potential Russian escalation in 2027, a concern heightened by delayed deliveries of advanced military equipment.
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A pattern of U.S. administrations abandoning allies, evident in past conflicts involving the Kurds, Syrians, and Afghans, is now repeating with Ukraine. This abandonment, while subtle to some Americans, is profoundly felt by those who served alongside Ukrainian forces and witnessed firsthand their bravery and commitment. The current shift toward neutrality, or worse, complicity in Ukraine’s potential demise, is causing deep distress among former U.S. intelligence officers and national security personnel. This betrayal, perceived as an epic failure with far-reaching consequences, severely damages U.S. credibility and trust among allies, emboldening adversaries like Russia and jeopardizing future alliances. The long-term impact could prove even more devastating than previous instances of U.S. withdrawal.
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Driven by concerns over waning U.S. support and escalating tensions, the EU is exploring using frozen Russian central bank assets—approximately $280 billion—to aid Ukraine. Proposals include using these assets as collateral for an International Claims Commission to assess damages, potentially leading to confiscation if Russia refuses payment, or directly allocating them to Ukrainian energy infrastructure reconstruction. While some EU members express legal and economic reservations, the European Commission is initiating negotiations for the Claims Commission on March 24th. This initiative supplements the G7’s pledge to use profits from frozen assets for a Ukrainian loan.
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Ukraine’s effective use of domestically produced drones has become pivotal in its defense against Russia, accounting for a majority of Russian battlefield losses, particularly when integrated with artillery. This success has led to a massive increase in drone production, from thousands in 2022 to a projected four million annually. The conflict is increasingly characterized as a “drone war,” with continuous innovation driven by private companies adapting to evolving battlefield needs. Ukraine’s drone advancements are influencing global warfare perceptions and providing valuable lessons for allies, even as Russia develops its own drone capabilities.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood