War in Ukraine
Prosecutor General Kravchenko stated that in absentia verdicts are a strategic tool for ensuring accountability in wartime. They allow for the completion of investigations and the obtaining of a conviction in the absence of the accused.
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.
In Lviv, three MSEC doctors are accused of issuing 56 fictitious disability certificates to conscripts. This allowed 36 men to illegally leave the country.
Three "hereditary clairvoyants" swindled UAH 1. 4 million from the families of fallen and missing soldiers. They promised to "bring back" relatives and "remove curses," intimidating the women.
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.
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.
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi reported that the Russian army plans to increase its contingent in Ukraine to 800,000 servicemen by the end of 2026. The Kremlin intends to recruit over 400,000 more contract soldiers.
In Vinnytsia region, the director of a psycho-neurological boarding school was exposed for turning his wards into unpaid labor. He was notified of suspicion of human trafficking, and the court chose a pre-trial restraint - detention with a bail of UAH 332,000.
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.
In Rivne region, an indictment has been sent to court against four individuals who organized the illegal departure of 13 conscripted men abroad in 2022. Their data was entered into the "Shliakh" system as drivers of humanitarian cargo.
Since the beginning of the heating season in Ukraine, over 900 people have died in fires not related to Russian attacks. Almost 4,000 such fires were caused by improper use of electrical appliances.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha condemned Iran's attack on the US embassy in Saudi Arabia. He stated that Ukraine stands in solidarity with the Kingdom and the United States, and Iran must be held accountable.
The special regime of Defence City is a correct initiative, but it needs refinement. This will allow attracting not only large enterprises, but also small and medium-sized businesses.
On March 3, Russian occupiers shelled Chuhuiv, Kharkiv region. As a result of a UAV strike, a private house was damaged, and five people, including a 7-year-old girl, required medical assistance.
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.
Two judges of the Southern District Military Court of the Russian Federation have been notified of suspicion of war crimes. They sentenced Azov prisoners of war to 18 years in prison for participating in hostilities.
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.
A platoon commander of the Ukrainian Air Force in the Kyiv region appropriated equipment intended for combat duty. Among the stolen items were computers, monitors, and tablets.
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.
The Ukrainian healthcare system is experiencing a deep crisis due to the war, staff outflow, and the lack of real control over the quality of treatment. Former Minister of Health Oleh Musiy warns: without finances, a well-thought-out personnel policy, and clear criteria for accountability, the system will continue to decline, and patients' access to assistance will decrease. An example of such a decline is the "Odrex Case," which became a test for the state regulator and its ability to protect patients.
The man who spoke disparagingly about national symbols on Maidan turned out to be a serviceman who was AWOL. He distributed the video on his social media pages.
President Zelenskyy stated that a trilateral meeting with the United States will take place on March 5 or 6, but likely in Europe. He emphasized that Ukraine will not give up Donbas, and proposals for territorial exchange do not serve its interests.
According to him, Ukraine, as Europe's de facto defense line, is ready to share practical experience and technologies for countering drones with allies and called for it. The President also called for investment in Ukrainian unmanned solutions.
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.
The Ukrainian leader, drawing on Ukraine's experience, also warned that prolonging the war without dialogue would lead to an increase in civilian casualties.
President Zelenskyy stated that active hostilities in the Middle East could affect Ukraine's supply of air defense missiles, particularly Patriots. He noted that the US and its allies might reorient their stockpiles for their own defense.
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.
Lviv police held a 45-year-old woman accountable for damaging lamps near a memorial museum. An administrative protocol was drawn up against her for petty hooliganism, and she apologized for her actions.
Terekhov called for the introduction of social manager positions to support IDPs.
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called for continued support for Ukraine, despite US and Israeli attacks on Iran. He emphasized the need to support Americans and ensure Ukraine's strength in the fight.