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.
Zelenskyy stated that the issue of changing European legislation to confiscate oil from detained vessels of Russia's "shadow fleet" is being discussed.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine appointed an updated composition of the supervisory board of NJSC "Naftogaz of Ukraine" based on the nomination committee's submission. The board includes four independent international members and two state representatives.
The conflict in the Middle East has led to a sharp jump in oil prices due to the risks of volume loss and transit problems. This could lead to an increase in fuel prices in Ukraine.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed the damage to the Shesharis oil terminal and the Novorossiysk naval base on March 2. The destruction of tanks at the Albashneft refinery on February 28 was also confirmed.
Mutual trade between the European Union and Russia has decreased by 5. 4 times compared to the period before the full-scale invasion. Russia has lost its status as a key partner of Europe, and its share in European imports has fallen to 1.0%.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia is preparing new attacks on Ukraine's infrastructure, particularly on water supply systems. He emphasized that communities must focus on this challenge, and the authorities must provide more missiles for air defense.
Qatar has halted LNG production after two Iranian drones attacked its energy facilities. Israel and Iran exchanged new strikes, and drones were intercepted over Cyprus and the UAE.
The oil tanker MKD VYOM was attacked by an explosive vessel 52 nautical miles off the coast of Muscat. One crew member was killed in the attack, and 21 others were evacuated.
The SBU, together with the Defense Forces, struck warships, air defense systems, and six oil loading berths in the port of Novorossiysk. A large-scale fire broke out in the port.
IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi stated that there was no damage to Iran's key nuclear facilities after the military strikes. The agency is monitoring the situation, and radiation levels in neighboring countries remain normal.
Analysts predict a rise in oil prices due to escalating conflict in the Middle East, particularly supply disruptions through the Strait of Hormuz. Oil futures jumped, reaching multi-month highs.
The owner of an energy distribution company and three officials are suspected of embezzling UAH 68 million. The funds were siphoned off through a fictitious position of an advisor with a million-hryvnia salary.
Saudi Arabia's state oil giant Saudi Aramco has shut down its Ras Tanura refinery after a drone strike. This happened after Tehran launched strikes in the region in response to the US and Israeli attack on Iran.
As a result of Russia's night attacks, some residents of Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Sumy regions were left without electricity. In some regions, power outage schedules are in effect.