US may ease anti-Russian sanctions, EU considers alternatives for Starlink in Ukraine - Monday brief
RBC-Ukraine collage
The European Commission is studying ways to help Ukraine provide satellite communications in the event of restricted access to the Starlink network. Meanwhile, the United States is considering easing anti-Russian sanctions.
Read more about what happened on Monday, March 3.
US preparing plan to ease sanctions on Russia – Reuters
The United States is considering easing anti-Russian sanctions amid President Donald Trump's efforts to restore relations with Moscow.
According to Reuters sources, the White House has asked the State Department and the Treasury Department to compile a list of sanctions that could be eased. This list will be discussed with Russian officials in the coming days as part of negotiations with Moscow to improve diplomatic and economic relations.
Russia struck Ukraine with 1,050 drones, 1,300 bombs and 20 missiles in last week - Zelenskyy
“Those who seek negotiations do not deliberately strike civilians with ballistic missiles. To force Russia to stop its attacks, we need greater collective strength from the world,” Zelenskyy says.
EU studying how to help Ukraine if Starlink restricted - Politico
The European Commission is studying how it can help Ukraine provide satellite communications in the event of restricted access to the Starlink network.
Thomas Regnier, a representative of the EU Commission for Digital Affairs, said that Kyiv has already expressed interest in how it can use the combined network of existing EU national government satellites Govsatcom and IRIS, which will be put into operation in the 2030s.
Trump administration open to resuming natural resources talks with Zelenskyy – Waltz
"What we need to hear from President Zelenskyy is that he has regret for what happened, he’s ready to sign this minerals deal, and that he’s ready to engage in peace talks. I don’t think that’s too much to ask," US President's National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said.
Trump sharply reacts to Zelenskyy's statement on distant end of war
"This is the worst statement that could have been made by Zelenskyy, and America will not put up with it for much longer! It is what I was saying, this guy doesn’t want there to be Peace as long as he has America’s backing and, Europe, in the meeting they had with Zelenskyy, stated flatly that they cannot do the job without the U.S. – Probably not a great statement to have been made in terms of a show of strength against Russia. What are they thinking?" Trump wrote.
The day before, during a conversation with journalists, Zelenskyy stated that a deal to end the war in Ukraine is still very far away.
Ukraine's situation not hopeless even without US support – UK general
Ukraine's situation in the war with Russia will not be hopeless, even if the US halts its aid. Russia faces equipment shortages, said the former NATO commander General Sir Richard Shirreff.
Shirreff explained that Russia's military capability continues to be depleted. Russia is "really, really strapped" for military equipment and is resorting to using "civilian vans, golf buggies, and even donkeys" to sustain its war efforts.
Macron open to deploying nuclear weapons on allied territories
France is considering deploying its nuclear weapons on allied territories to replace the United States' nuclear arsenal in Europe.
"Those who wish to deepen dialogue with us will be able to participate in deterrence force exercises if necessary. These exchanges will contribute to the development of a true strategic culture among Europeans," the French President said, emphasizing that France’s nuclear doctrine remains unchanged.
