These are the key developments on day 1,105 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.
This is the situation as of Wednesday, March 5:
Fighting
- Ukraine’s military claimed it attacked Russian oil infrastructure in Rostov and an oil refinery in Samara, with reported fires and explosions.
- French Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu accused Russia of aggressive behavior after an SU-35 jet made dangerous close passes to a French surveillance drone in the eastern Mediterranean.
- A Russian drone strike on Odesa killed one, disrupted power, water, and heating, and damaged critical infrastructure.
Politics and diplomacy
- Russian spokesperson Dmitry Peskov welcomed the US halt on military aid to Ukraine, seeing it as a step towards peace.
- Finnish intelligence labeled Russia an aggressive, expansionist state and warned its resources could influence other countries.
- Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reassured of Ukraine’s determination to counter Russian aggression, despite the US aid suspension, and vowed to maintain ties with Washington.
- Leaders like Trump and UK PM Keir Starmer discussed potential peace deals for Ukraine, expressing commitment to secure and lasting peace.
- Ukrainian officials indicated openness to peace talks without compromising on territorial integrity.
- President Zelenskyy expressed a desire for reconciliation with Trump and vowed to work with him for a secure peace in Ukraine.
- Trump acknowledged Zelenskyy’s willingness to finalize a mining deal, as communicated beforehand in a letter.
- Zelenskyy directed government officials to clarify information on suspended military aid, to prevent speculation.
- Zelenskyy proposed peace talks, suggesting initial steps such as prisoner releases and a truce in the sky and at sea.
- Reports indicated possible revival of the minerals deal, despite conflicting statements from the US Treasury regarding its current status.
