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.
Due to the war in the Middle East and the escalation around Iran, fuel prices in Europe have risen. The highest prices are recorded in the Netherlands, where gasoline costs 2.19 euros per liter.
The ongoing crisis in Iran, which has halted energy supplies and LNG production in Qatar, threatens rising electricity prices in Europe. This will weaken the competitiveness of industry, says the CEO of Statkraft.
President Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine has not received long-range weapons with a range of over 200–250 km from its partners. All systems with a greater range were developed by Ukrainian specialists.
European countries are working to strengthen Cyprus's defense after a drone attack on a British airbase. France, Italy, and Greece will coordinate the deployment of military forces in Cyprus and the Eastern Mediterranean.
China will send its special envoy Zhai Jun to the Middle East to help de-escalate tensions. Chinese diplomats have already held talks with a number of countries in the region.
French intelligence services are recording an increased threat of Russian interference in the elections on March 15 and 22. Analysts predict massive online manipulation and the spread of fabricated news in France.
Two Greek F-16 fighter jets based in Cyprus were scrambled after a drone was detected near Lebanese airspace. The airspace over Larnaca airport was temporarily closed.
The conflict in the Middle East is spreading, with strikes and attacks continuing. Israel has launched strikes against Iran, while Lebanon, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait have also been attacked.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the redeployment of the aircraft carrier "Charles de Gaulle" from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean. Additionally, Rafale fighters and air defense systems have been sent to the Middle East.
Britain is sending the destroyer HMS Dragon and helicopters to Cyprus to strengthen air defense. This decision was made after the Iranian drone attack on Akrotiri airbase.
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.
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.
Germany and France have formed a nuclear coordination group to coordinate deterrence issues. By the end of the year, Germany will participate in French nuclear exercises at a conventional level.
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.
Ukraine has agreed to help Great Britain counter Iranian drones, which has not only a military but also a political dimension. Expert Stanislav Zhelikhovsky explained how this will strengthen Ukraine's position and affect global security.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced an increase in the country's nuclear arsenal and a strengthening of its deterrence forces. This decision is linked to the growing risk of conflicts crossing the nuclear threshold.
Zelenskyy stated that the issue of changing European legislation to confiscate oil from detained vessels of Russia's "shadow fleet" is being discussed.
Residents of the Persian Gulf countries awoke to explosions after night attacks, in which Hezbollah intervened in the conflict. Explosions were recorded in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Bahrain, Lebanon, Israel, Kuwait, Iran, and Cyprus.
The US is seeking to destroy Iran's missile and drone forces as interceptor stockpiles to repel attacks are depleted. The shortage of precision weapons could affect US readiness for other conflicts.
Great Britain has asked Ukraine to involve experts to help its Gulf partners shoot down Iranian drones. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has also allowed the US to use British bases for defense in the Middle East.
Great Britain, France, and Germany are ready to cooperate with the US and partners to stop Iran's attacks. They express shock at Iran's strikes and readiness for defensive actions.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the strengthening of military power and defense support for allies in the Middle East. This is due to the conflict and a drone attack on a French naval base.
The Ukrainian leader urged Europe to change legislation so that such vessels are not only stopped but also seized, with Russian oil redirected to security needs.
The Belgian armed forces, supported by the French defense forces, detained a Russian shadow fleet tanker. The operation was named "Blue Intruder."
The Swedish Ministry of Defense has revealed details of an incident involving a Russian drone that was tracking the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. The apparatus was launched from the Russian reconnaissance ship "Zhigulevsk," but Swedish forces neutralized the espionage equipment.
The UN Security Council will convene on Saturday at 11:00 PM Kyiv time to discuss the situation in Iran and the Middle East. The meeting was initiated by French President Emmanuel Macron.
French President Emmanuel Macron called the start of a US and Israeli war against Iran a dangerous escalation. He is initiating a UN Security Council meeting to discuss the situation.
US military officials warn that a conflict in Iran could cause a shortage of air defense system missiles. This would have consequences not only for Ukraine, but also for Washington's combat plans for potential conflicts with China or Russia.
