US proposed new version of minerals deal to Ukraine, Zelensky says
"After the framework deal, a full agreement is being developed. Now the U.S. has offered us a 'major' deal, their vision (of the deal)," Zelensky said.
Ukraine
Russia’s sham ‘referendums’ at gunpoint are null and void, despite Steve Witkoff’s comments
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff recently claimed that the majority of people in Ukraine's Russian-occupied territories had participated in referendums and "indicated that they want to be under Russian rule." Witkoff's claim is false in many ways. Witkoff referred to the Russian sham voting on the annexation of Ukraine's
Russia ramps up attacks near Pokrovsk, Ukrainian military says
"Recently, they (Russian soldiers) have become more active. We have successfully repelled the assaults, we are holding the line, but the enemy is trying to break through our defense line and reach our positions and gain a foothold in some positions daily," said Mykola Koval, the spokesperson of Ukraine's National Guard's Chervona Kalyna brigade.
Ukraine war latest: Black Sea ceasefire will take effect after some sanctions are lifted, Kremlin claims
Key developments on March 25: * Black Sea ceasefire will take effect after some sanctions are lifted, Kremlin claims * Kremlin names energy facilities exempt from strikes during partial ceasefire * Ukrainian airstrike kills up to 30 Russian soldiers in Kursk Oblast, military claims * Russia seeks full control of partially occupied Ukrainian regions
Ukraine Reforms Tracker Weekly — Issue 19
Editor’s note: This is issue 19 of Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak’s weekly "Ukraine Reforms Tracker" covering events from March 17–23, 2025. The digest highlights steps taken in the Ukrainian parliament related to business, economics, and international financial programs. The Kyiv Independent is republishing with permission. Benchmarks and
Kremlin names energy facilities exempt from strikes during partial ceasefire
According to the Kremlin, the list includes oil refineries, as well as oil and gas pipelines and storage facilities, including pumping stations.
When ho(us)e becomes ho(me) (PHOTOS)
The average person now spends more than 60% of their time at home — a space that has, especially in recent times, evolved into a place where people build relationships, advance their careers, pursue education, and celebrate milestones. For Ukrainians, the meaning of home has been profoundly reshaped by Russia’s
Partial ceasefire in Ukraine should start on March 25, Zelensky says
"We believe that, after Washington makes two official statements... the ceasefire in the sea and the energy ceasefire must come into effect, in (the Americans') opinion," Zelensky said. "Undoubtedly this depends on orders given by the presidents to their military forces."
Black Sea ceasefire will take effect after some sanctions are lifted, Kremlin says
The Kremlin said that the Black Sea ceasefire would come into effect after the West lifts the sanctions against Russia's Rosselkhozbank and other financial organizations involved in supporting international food trade operations and restores their connection to the SWIFT messaging system.
Russia, Ukraine agree to implement ban on energy infrastructure strikes, minister says
"All parties agreed to implement the presidential agreement on a complete ban on strikes on the energy infrastructure of Ukraine and Russia," Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said.
Inside the new drone schools teaching the next generation of Ukrainian UAV pilots
Ukraine’s drone wizardry has drawn the attention of militaries around the world. In addition to an ever-growing drone industry, the rise of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has necessitated new education. Since 2022, a crop of drone schools has popped up around Ukraine to train drone pilots to fight back
Russia, Ukraine agree to partial ceasefire in Black Sea, US to help restore Russia's access to markets
Washington vowed to help restore Russia’s access to the world market for agricultural and fertilizer exports, lower maritime insurance costs, and enhance access to ports and payment systems for such transactions.
Moscow blames Ukraine for lack of joint statement after US-Russia talks in Riyadh
"They sat for 12 hours and seemed to agree on a joint statement, which, however, was not adopted because of Ukraine's position. This is also very typical and symptomatic," Vladimir Chizhov, deputy chairman of the Federation Council Security Committee claimed.
Denmark pledges $140 million to companies investing in Ukraine's defense sector
Under the new initiative, the Danish government will introduce a state-backed guarantee through the Export and Investment Fund of Denmark (EIFO).
Russia backs resuming Black Sea Initiative in more 'acceptable' form, Lavrov says
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov confirmed that the issue was the focus of the 12-hour Russian-U.S. talks in Riyadh on March 24.
Macron to host Zelensky in Paris on March 26 ahead of security summit
The Paris summit on March 27 will bring together Germany, Poland, the U.K., and other coalition members who have pledged to support Ukraine's post-war security.
'A lot of problems for Russia' — How Ukraine's new 3,000km drone could boost Kyiv's war effort
Ukraine last week announced the latest advance in the ongoing drone race with Russia, saying its new variant had the longest range of any in its arsenal and had successfully completed testing. "Our drone with a 3,000-kilometer range has passed testing," President Volodymyr Zelensky said during his evening address
77% of Ukrainians positive about 30-day ceasefire, poll shows
Some 77% of Ukrainians view the proposed 30-day truce positively, according to an Omnibus opinion poll conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology and published on March 25.
Kyiv, Lviv airports not cooperating on reopening plans, Ryanair CEO says
The restart of flights is vital for rebuilding Ukraine's economy, a process that cannot start unless "somebody gives the airports a kick up the backside," Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary said.
Ukraine, US conclude another round of talks in Riyadh, media reports
Ukrainian and U.S. delegations are scheduled to meet in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on March 25, AFP reported, citing a source within the Ukrainian delegation.
UN, 'individual countries' to be involved in Ukraine peace talks, Moscow says
The international community, including the U.N. and "individual countries," will be involved in the U.S.-Russian talks on ending the war against Ukraine, Russian negotiator Grigory Karasin told state-owned news agency TASS on March 25.
Ukraine's precision airstrike kills up to 30 Russian soldiers in Kursk Oblast, military claims
Ukraine's Air Force struck a concentration of Russian military personnel in Kondratovka, Kursk Oblast, killing up to 30 Russian soldiers.
Updated: 1 killed, 117 injured in Russian attacks against Ukraine over past day
Russia launched a devastating missile attack against the northeastern city of Sumy on March 24, just as the U.S. and Russia were leading ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia.
General Staff: Russia has lost 905,940 troops in Ukraine since Feb. 24, 2022
The number includes 1,180 casualties Russian forces suffered just over the past day.
EU affirms Ukrainian territorial integrity, decries Russian sham referendums amid Witkoff controversy
The "referendums ... were completely fraudulent and at gunpoint," European Commission spokesperson Anita Hipper said on March 24.
White House expects 'positive announcement' after latest US-Russia talks, Reuters reports
A "positive announcement" is expected "in the near future," a White House source told Reuters following the most recent negotiations between the U.S. and Russia on March 24.
Ukrainian delegation to stay extra day in Saudi Arabia for continued talks with US, official says
The teams are expected to meet again following initial talks on March 23, an unnamed Ukrainian delegation official said on March 24.
US won't comment on Russia's claim to occupied Ukrainian regions until ceasefire, State Department spox says
U.S. State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce refused to say whether the Trump administration believes Russia has a legitimate claim to occupied Ukrainian lands. "There's a lot of conversations happening," she said.
3 Russian state media employees killed in occupied Luhansk Oblast
Leonid Pasechnik, the Russia-installed head of the occupied Luhansk Oblast, claimed the attack occurred in the Kreminna district, also killing three civilians.
US senators push Trump administration to seize Russian assets for Ukraine, Reuters reports
In a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio seen by Reuters on March 24, senators questioned the administration’s willingness to use all available financial tools to pressure Russia into ending its war against Ukraine.
Russia seeks full control of partially occupied Ukrainian regions in talks with US, media reports
A Kremlin-linked official told the Moscow Times that Vladimir Putin cannot afford to lose these territories politically, and Russia intends to solidify its grip on them at any cost.
Editorial: What Steve Witkoff doesn’t get about Ukraine (and Russia)
In any negotiation, one of the most powerful weapons is knowledge. In that regard, Steve Witkoff is willfully disarmed. And it’s playing just right for Russia. The interview that Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, gave to Tucker Carlson a few days ago revealed a truth that was perceived especially
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