Ursula von der Leyen and Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed a loan for Ukraine, the 20th sanctions package, and the impact of events in the Middle East on energy prices. Energy security and the availability of defense materials were also discussed.
Iraq's Ministry of Oil will halt production at a key field due to disruption of the waterway. The war in Iran has stopped tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a rise in oil prices.
Hundreds of people, including children and teachers, have died amid escalation in the Middle East - casualties reported in 7 countries.
Ukraine's desire for accelerated accession to the European Union has met with resistance from EU governments unwilling to open a "Pandora's box" of problems. President Zelenskyy seeks accession by 2027 as part of a peace agreement, but member states express skepticism.
France will send a warship to Cyprus to strengthen air defense after a drone attack on a British base. Great Britain is considering sending the destroyer HMS Duncan to protect the Akrotiri airbase.
All natural preconditions for spring floods have formed in Ukraine, with river levels rising by 2. 5 meters. Flooding is possible across the country, particularly in Kharkiv, Cherkasy, Odesa regions, and Kyiv.
President Zelenskyy stated that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban gains political weight only with the support of major political forces. He suggested that Orban might lose the upcoming elections, and Ukraine would restore normal relations.
During January-February, the Defense Forces of Ukraine carried out more than 40 strikes on targets on the territory of Russia, including 13 oil and gas complex enterprises. This weakens the aggressor's economic and military potential.
Ukraine is under pressure from the EU to allow inspection of the damaged Druzhba pipeline, which supplies Russian oil to Hungary and Slovakia. Kyiv claims significant damage from a Russian airstrike, but Hungary and Slovakia accuse Ukraine of deliberately blocking it.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council, where resilience plans were approved for all Ukrainian regions and regional cities, except Kyiv. The government, the Ministry of Defense, and the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine received tasks regarding preparations for next winter.
In Ukraine, fuel prices rose by 5% due to news of oil supply problems from the Persian Gulf. However, according to an analyst, the price increase is unlikely to continue.
A fire broke out in the port of Fujairah in the UAE after a drone attack attempt, with debris falling on the facility. In Oman, the port of Duqm was again targeted by drones, one of which hit a fuel tank.
On the left bank of Kyiv, electric transport is gradually resuming operation. On March 4, provided there are no new damages to the energy infrastructure, electric transport on the left bank will operate as usual.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has confirmed damage to Iran's uranium enrichment plant in Natanz. No radiological consequences are expected, although nuclear materials are likely to remain on site.
Natural gas prices in Europe rose by 34% due to uncertainty regarding exports from the world's largest LNG plant in Qatar. The plant's shutdown followed an Iranian drone attack.
As a result of night attacks by the Russian Federation, there are power outages for consumers in Donetsk, Dnipropetrovsk, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions. Power outage schedules continue to be in effect in some regions.
Prosecutor General Ruslan Kravchenko announced that the case of the former MP regarding the appropriation of an oil pipeline worth UAH 1. 4 billion has been sent to court. He is accused of property seizure and money laundering of 29.9 million euros.
SBU counterintelligence detained a freelance psychologist who, on the orders of Russian special services, tried to get a job at a district TCC in Kharkiv region. The woman also adjusted Russian air attacks on energy facilities in Cherkasy region.
Kent Smetters, director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model, stated that US strikes on Iran could cost the American economy up to $210 billion. The lowest damage figure is $40 billion.
Iran continues to strike US allies in the Middle East, with over 700 people reported dead in Iran and six American servicemen. The US has urged its citizens to leave the region immediately.
Iran's threats to ships in the Strait of Hormuz have caused a rise in global oil prices, which could increase Russia's revenues. Brent crude oil prices reached $82.37 per barrel on March 2.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. They threaten to set fire to any vessel attempting to pass through.
In February, President Zelenskyy held 31 international meetings and 11 phone calls, visited Munich, and hosted leaders of partner countries in Kyiv.
Qatar's Patriot interceptor missile stockpiles will last for four days at current usage rates. Qatar halted LNG production after an Iranian drone attack, causing gas prices to rise.
The Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court upheld the pre-trial detention measure for former Minister of Energy Herman Halushchenko. He can be released on bail of UAH 200 million, but with a number of restrictions.
On March 3, from 08:00, hourly outage schedules and power limitations will be applied in some regions of Ukraine. The reason is the consequences of Russian attacks on the energy system.
President Zelenskyy is preparing a meeting of the National Security and Defense Council to approve the strategy for next winter. Plans for the protection and restoration of energy facilities and critical infrastructure will be updated.
The Cabinet of Ministers has allowed companies to receive weapons from the Armed Forces' warehouses to protect critical infrastructure. This expands the possibilities of site-specific protection for strategic enterprises.
Trump will speak from the White House at 6:00 PM Kyiv time to comment on Operation "Lion's Roar" and Washington's next steps following the elimination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The world awaits clarification of US strategic goals in the region amidst ongoing hostilities.
The Ministry of Finance of the Russian Federation is preparing to revise the budget rule for 2026-2030, lowering the "cut-off price" to $45-50 per barrel.
