Ukrainian forces counterattack near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast -UK intelligence

Ukraine’s defence forces have launched counterattacks near Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, while Russian troops are intensifying pressure on Ukrainian units in Kursk Oblast, UK Defence Intelligence reported on 10 March.

Despite Russian advances in Kursk from multiple directions, Ukrainian forces maintain control over about 300 sq km of territory.

Meanwhile, near Pokrovsk, Ukrainian troops have counterattacked around Pishchane, Udachne, Shevchenko, and the key T-05-06 supply route. UK intelligence notes that Ukraine's opportunities for counteroffensives have improved as Russia has reduced ground assaults compared to late 2024.

Russian supply lines toward Pokrovsk are reportedly weakened due to Ukrainian FPV drone strikes. Estonian intelligence also confirmed Ukraine’s recent successful counterattacks in the area.

The BILD article reports that, according to unnamed sources in U.S. political circles, Washington may not resume military aid to Ukraine unless President Volodymyr Zelensky resigns. The report suggests that some influential figures within the U.S. administration and Congress are increasingly dissatisfied with Zelensky's leadership, citing alleged corruption, mismanagement of resources, and growing concerns over Ukraine's ability to win the war under his command. These sources claim that behind closed doors, Washington is pressuring Kyiv for political changes, including a potential leadership reshuffle, as a condition for resuming stalled military support.

The USA might not resume military aid to Ukraine unless President Zelensky resigns

The BILD article reports that, according to unnamed sources in U.S. political circles, Washington may not resume military aid to Ukraine unless President Volodymyr Zelensky resigns. The report suggests that some influential figures within the U.S. administration and Congress are increasingly dissatisfied with Zelensky's leadership, citing alleged corruption, mismanagement of resources, and growing concerns over Ukraine's ability to win the war under his command. These sources claim that behind closed doors, Washington is pressuring Kyiv for political changes, including a potential leadership reshuffle, as a condition for resuming stalled military support.

The article also notes that this position is not yet an official U.S. government stance but reflects a shift in sentiment among key policymakers frustrated with the lack of military progress and internal political struggles in Ukraine. BILD emphasizes that such a move would be unprecedented and could significantly destabilize Ukraine's government at a critical moment in the war. The U.S. administration has not publicly confirmed these demands, but the report underscores deepening tensions between Kyiv and Washington as Ukraine faces intensified Russian offensives and dwindling Western aid.

A large area of farmland is now cleared of mines in Kharkiv Oblast

Deputy Economy Minister Ihor Bezkaravainyi announced in February 2025 that a 28.5-hectare plot of agricultural land in Kharkiv Oblast was fully cleared of mines under Ukraine’s state program to compensate for demining farmland. The Humanitarian Security operator carried out the work, and the cleared land was returned to the farming enterprise GRAIS. Bezkaravainyi also noted that the Centre for Humanitarian Demining has launched the first auctions this year on Prozorro to purchase additional demining services for agricultural use.

Additionally, a new leasing option for demining machines has appeared on the market, with the first agreement signed between GCS Ukraine, representing Swiss-German manufacturer GCS, and Danish Church Aid. Bezkaravainyi emphasized that the recently updated Rapid Damage and Recovery Needs Assessment (RDNA4) showed a nearly $5 billion reduction in demining needs compared to earlier estimates, marking a significant step forward in addressing Ukraine’s landmine contamination.

The USA hasn't stopped sharing defense-related intelligence with Ukraine - Trump's envoy

The U.S. has continued sharing intelligence with Ukraine for defensive purposes, despite the broader freeze on military aid and offensive intelligence sharing, U.S. President Donald Trump's special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, told Fox News on March 10. Witkoff’s remarks confirm earlier reports that while Washington paused intelligence that could enable Kyiv to strike Russian targets, defensive information is still flowing. However, the exact scope of current intelligence sharing remains unclear, as Trump recently suggested that restrictions had been "just about" lifted — a claim that has yet to be fully clarified.

The future of U.S. military and intelligence support will be a central issue at the March 11 talks in Jeddah between U.S. and Ukrainian officials. The Ukrainian delegation, led by top Zelensky aides including Andriy Yermak and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov, hopes to restore aid flows and propose a limited air and sea ceasefire. Meanwhile, the U.S. side, led by Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, reportedly seeks to gauge Kyiv's willingness to engage in what they call a "realistic peace" deal. A long-stalled natural resources agreement may also be on the table.

Trump's team considers easing sanctions on Russian oil - Bloomberg

Advisers to U.S. President Donald Trump are reportedly exploring options to ease sanctions on Russia, including those targeting Russian oil, as part of potential efforts to encourage Moscow to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, Bloomberg reported on March 10. According to sources familiar with the discussions, Trump’s team is preparing possible scenarios for lifting some of the sanctions imposed on Russia since the start of the invasion.

One key option under review is easing the price cap on Russian oil, which was introduced to limit Moscow's revenue for financing the war. The reported deliberations come ahead of the March 11 meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia, where broader issues of aid, intelligence sharing, and possible ceasefire terms are expected to be discussed.

Russians attacked Pokrovsk, one person killed and one injured

Russian forces launched two attacks on the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast on March 10, killing one person and injuring another, according to Anastasiia Miedviedieva, spokesperson for the Donetsk Oblast Prosecutor's Office. The first strike, which occurred overnight on March 9-10, hit a residential area and killed a 67-year-old resident.

A second attack followed later at 11:00 a.m., again targeting a residential neighborhood. A 37-year-old man sustained a shrapnel wound to his thigh. Authorities have launched investigations under Articles 438.1 and 438.2 of Ukraine's Criminal Code, related to violations of the laws and customs of war.