Fighting

• Ukraine’s military successfully destroyed 46 out of 83 Russian drones launched overnight, with another 31 ‘lost’ before reaching their targets.
• A drone attack on Odesa damaged local energy infrastructure, causing disruptions in power and heat supply to the city.
• In response to a Ukrainian drone attack, an industrial enterprise in Russia’s southern city of Syzran was targeted, with no casualty reported.
• A mass drone attack by Ukraine in Rostov region set an oil pipeline ablaze and part of a nearby industrial site.
• A Russian missile strike on a training ground near Cherkaske resulted in several soldier fatalities, with an estimated 30-40 deaths and approximately 90 injuries.
• Russia acknowledged the return of 33 civilians displaced from the Kursk region amid Russia-US mediation supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross.

Economy

• A clash between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy led to a significant downturn in Ukraine’s international bonds.

Politics and Diplomacy

• Russia is unlikely to resume talks with the US over ending the Ukraine invasion until diplomatic operations normalize.
• Zelenskyy stated replacing him as leader would be complicated and reaffirmed his willingness to step down in exchange for Ukraine’s NATO membership.
• The UK clarified that no accord on ceasefire specifics has been reached and disputed the notion of a one-month truce.
• Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov criticized Western support for Ukraine and questioned Zelenskyy’s diplomatic approach.
• Zelenskyy emphasized that a ceasefire lacking security guarantees would not lead to a lasting end to the conflict.
• Ukraine’s Energy Minister German Galushchenko requested that the IAEA abide by Ukrainian laws, particularly concerning staff rotations through occupied territories.
• IAEA Director Rafael Grossi defended the staff rotations, citing employee safety as the primary reason.
• Starmer indicated a minerals deal wouldn’t suffice without accompanying security guarantees.
• A deal to end the war remains distant, Zelenskyy stated, anticipating continued US support despite tensions with Trump.
• Trump reacted to Zelenskyy’s stance, threatening potential actions if diplomacy continues to be elusive.
• Ukraine’s leader affirmed his commitment to a swift war resolution through concrete diplomatic efforts.
• Trump contemplated updating the minerals deal and insisted Zelenskyy should show greater appreciation for US aid.
• In light of the dispute, Trump’s administration has temporarily halted financing for new weapons sales to Ukraine.

Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/4/russia-ukraine-war-list-of-key-events-day-1104?traffic_source=rss