Massive combined attack on Ukraine and Trump’s plans for sanctions against Russia - Friday brief

Russia launches massive attack on Ukraine

On Friday, March 7, Russia carried out another large-scale missile and drone strike on Ukraine, targeting energy and gas infrastructure in various regions. Strikes have been reported in Kharkiv and the Ternopil, Odesa, and Chernihiv regions, hitting critical facilities. Civilians have been affected.

More details on the consequences of the enemy attack can be found in the RBC-Ukraine report.

Trump seriously considering major sanctions and tariffs against Russia

US President Donald Trump is considering imposing large-scale sanctions against Russia. Discussions are also underway regarding tariffs on Russian goods.

"Based on the fact that Russia is absolutely 'pounding' Ukraine on the battlefield right now, I am strongly considering large-scale banking sanctions, sanctions, and tariffs on Russia until a ceasefire and final settlement agreement on peace is reached," Trump stated.

He urged Ukraine and Russia to hold negotiations "right now" before it becomes "too late."

Trump made statement on security guarantees for Ukraine

American President Donald Trump does not want to provide Ukraine with security guarantees until the war is over. He noted that his priorities differ from those of Europe.

While Ukraine is calling for security guarantees to reach a peace agreement, Trump says he wants the fighting to stop first.

"Before I even think about that, I want to settle the war, get it finished... As far as the question about security later, that's the easy part. The hard part is getting it settled," the US leader said.

At the same time, when asked whether Russia is taking advantage of the U.S. pause in providing aid and intelligence to Ukraine during its latest attacks, Trump stated that, in his opinion, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is doing “what anybody in that position probably would be doing."

Maxar cut off Ukraine’s access to its satellite images

Ukraine no longer has access to satellite images from the American aerospace company Maxar Technologies. The reason is related to a decision by US authorities to suspend intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

In a statement, Maxar said that the company has contracts with the US government and dozens of allied and partner countries, and that "each customer makes their own decisions on how they use and share that data."

The company noted that one such contract is with GEGD (Global Enhanced GEOINT Delivery Program), a US government program that provides access to commercial satellite imagery collected by the United States.

Meanwhile, the US National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency emphasized that the US has temporarily suspended Ukraine’s access to the GEGD system, which "is the primary portal for access to US government-purchased commercial imagery."

Putin may agree to ceasefire with Ukraine

Russian President Vladimir Putin may agree to a ceasefire with Ukraine, but with condition.

According to Bloomberg sources, last month, during a meeting in Saudi Arabia, the Russian delegation conveyed a proposal to the United States regarding a ceasefire with Ukraine.

One of the media's interlocutors stated that for a ceasefire to take place, Russia wants a clear understanding of the framework for a final peace agreement. Specifically, Moscow insists on defining the parameters of a peacekeeping mission that could be deployed in Ukraine, including agreements on which countries would send troops.

It is worth noting that Russia opposes the participation of NATO countries in the peacekeeping mission.

At the same time, the media’s sources clarify that Moscow does not object to so-called "neutral" countries in the conflict, such as China, deploying their troops in Ukraine.

Netherlands to allocate €700 mln for drones for Ukraine

Defense Minister of Ukraine Rustem Umerov said that the Netherlands would provide financial assistance for drones for Ukraine, amounting to €700 million.

"I continue my work on a business trip, today – the Netherlands. I’m happy to meet with my friend, Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans," Umerov noted.

He added that the Netherlands is among the leaders in supporting Ukraine and emphasized that this support remains unwavering.

US continues sharing some intelligence with Ukraine

The United States continues sharing intelligence with Ukraine that can help its military defend itself. However, it has reduced the sharing of intelligence that Ukraine's Armed Forces could use for attacks on Russian troops.

According to American defense officials, the US does not want to be perceived as actively assisting Ukraine in striking Russian territory. As a result, the supply of military aid was temporarily halted earlier this week.

However, the US is not withholding information that could help Ukraine protect itself.

Notably, Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service, which Ukrainian forces rely on, continues to operate in Ukraine.