Sanctions
The Greek vessel Shenlong successfully navigated the dangerous strait despite the threat of Iranian attacks. Most operators still refuse to sail in the region.
The oligarch's lawyers claim rights to the funds and threaten legal action. The British government demands the money be transferred to Ukraine by March 17 under threat of confiscation.
The Hungarian Prime Minister appealed to the EU to suspend sanctions against Russian energy. Orban accuses Ukraine of blocking oil supplies.
Péter Szijjártó called on the EU to lift the energy embargo due to the threat of shortages. He believes that the war in the Middle East will cause a sharp increase in prices.
Intelligence identified 19 new companies and dozens of foreign components in enemy UAVs. The data has been handed over to partners to strengthen sanctions pressure.
The Russian dictator sent a congratulatory message to the new leader of Iran and called for strengthening the partnership. Putin emphasized the importance of uniting the people.
The Foreign Minister stated that there is an unbreakable link between the regimes of Moscow and Tehran due to arms exchange. He called on partners for collective defense and increased pressure.
Russia's share of the global arms market has shrunk to 6. 8 percent due to isolation. Germany has surpassed China and Russia in terms of international deliveries.
The Trump administration plans to ease sanctions and expand air travel with Cuba. The agreement provides for business preferences and simplified visa rules.
Wang Yi stated that stable relations with the US take precedence over conflicts in the Middle East. Beijing is preparing talks on tariffs and mineral exports.
Energy Minister Chris Wright announced the continuation of the sanctions policy against Russia. Washington is seeking a balance between deterring the aggressor and market stability.
The Slovak Prime Minister threatens to halt 90 billion euros in aid to Kyiv due to the cessation of oil transit. Fico demands an immediate resumption of supplies.
The President met with Rob Jetten to discuss air defense and joint weapons production. The Netherlands confirmed annual aid to Ukraine of 3 billion euros.
The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the detention of the Caffa vessel, which was on the Russian Federation's register and under Ukrainian sanctions. He added that sanctions work when they are strictly enforced.
The enemy used 1,750 drones and 1,530 aerial bombs against civilian infrastructure. Zelenskyy called for strengthening air defense and sanctions against the aggressor.
The President reported no progress on the 20th package of sanctions against the Russian Federation. The financial aid package of 90 billion euros remains blocked.
The presidents discussed Ukraine's defense needs, the implementation of a 90 billion euro loan, and new sanctions. Zelenskyy spoke about protection against Shaheds.
The US Department of Justice has filed forfeiture complaints seeking to seize $15 million linked to an illicit Iranian oil distribution network led by Hossein Shamkhani. The network circumvented US sanctions by selling energy resources, primarily to China.
Canadian Trade Minister Dominic LeBlanc met with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, resuming negotiations after a freeze since last October. The review of CUSMA and the abolition of tariffs on steel, aluminum, cars, and timber are being discussed.
Australia, France, and 14 other countries have refused to participate in the opening ceremony of the 2026 Paralympics. This decision was made due to the admission of Russia and Belarus under their national flags.
Lithuanian intelligence reports that Russia is expanding military units near NATO borders and using the war against Ukraine to train its military. After the sanctions are lifted, Russia will be able to prepare for a large-scale war with NATO in six years.
The European Commission is exploring the possibility of financial support to restore oil supplies through the 'Druzhba' pipeline. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will discuss this issue with Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico.
Oil prices showed their strongest weekly gain since spring 2020 due to the conflict in the Middle East, which halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Brent futures rose by 24%, and WTI by almost 30%.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó stated that the European Commission supports Ukraine and is cooperating with Croatia to block Russian oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia. According to him, Kyiv refuses to resume oil transit for political reasons.
The Hungarian government has released photos of cash and gold bars seized from seven detained Ukrainian cash collectors. Videos of the Ukrainians' arrest by Hungarian special services were also released.
The European Commission has suspended the visa-free regime for holders of Georgian diplomatic, service, and official passports. This decision was made due to Georgia's violation of its commitments in the areas of democracy and fundamental rights.
Hungary has not taken real steps to release the seven Ukrainians detained with armored vehicles or to allow consular access to them. Ukraine continues to demand their release and consular access.
Ukraine reserves the right to initiate sanctions against those involved in the seizure of Ukrainians in Hungary. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine is convening the foreign diplomatic corps to inform them about Hungary's unacceptable actions.
Ukrainian businesses face undue pressure from law enforcement agencies, which damages their reputation and ability to operate in international markets. Fabricated criminal proceedings, even without official suspicions, lead to reputational losses and foreign partners refusing cooperation.
Kremlin officials are criticizing the US for military operations against Iran, using the escalation in the Middle East. This sets the stage for blaming the US for potential failures in peace talks on Ukraine.