The recap of the meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Zelensky and Starmer met less than 24 hours after Zelensky’s explosive clash with Trump and Vice President JD Vance in the White House on February 28, where Trump accused Zelensky of being disrespectful and gambling with World War III, abruptly ending talks on a U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal.

Starmer gave Zelenky a warm reception and demonstrated a counterpoint to the U.S. fallout, reinforcing European support for Ukraine amid uncertainty over American backing.

Zelensky expressed gratitude, saying, “I want to thank you, the people of the United Kingdom, for such big support from the very beginning of this war.” He highlighted the UK as a “strategic partner,” noting a 100-year partnership agreement signed in January 2025, and looked forward to meeting King Charles III on March 2, stating, “I’m very happy that His Majesty the King accepted my meeting tomorrow.”

During the meeting, Starmer and Zelensky, joined remotely by UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Ukraine’s Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko, signed a £2.26 billion loan deal. Part of the G7’s Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration (ERA) scheme, the loan will be repaid using profits from frozen Russian assets. Zelensky stated it would fund weapons production in Ukraine, calling it “the fair way: the one who started the war should pay.” Reeves emphasized the UK’s “unwavering and ongoing support” for Ukraine.

Zelensky described the talks as “significant and warm,” focusing on “reliable security guarantees,” challenges facing Ukraine and Europe, coordination with partners, and steps to strengthen Ukraine’s position for a “just peace.” Starmer reiterated his commitment to ending Russia’s war with a peace deal ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.

This meeting was a deliberate show of European solidarity after Zelensky’s White House humiliation. Starmer, who had spoken to both Trump and Zelensky by phone on February 28 night, positioned himself as a bridge between the U.S. and Europe, though he avoided directly criticizing Trump. Reports suggest he unsuccessfully urged Zelensky to return to the White House to mend ties.

The meeting galvanized European support, with leaders like Ursula von der Leyen, Donald Tusk, and Emmanuel Macron praising Zelensky and pledging continued backing after the Trump clash.

For Zelensky’s team, the UK visit was a significant morale boost, contrasting sharply with the U.S. experience, with Ukrainian officials noting Starmer’s principled words of support.

Russian missile attack on Odesa damaged civilian foreign ship and caused casualties

The Russian missile strike on Odesa’s port on March 1 marks yet another attack on Ukraine’s vital maritime infrastructure. The strike, which damaged port facilities and a foreign ship flying the Panamanian flag, highlights the persistent threat to international trade in the Black Sea.

This latest incident follows a pattern of Russian aggression targeting Ukraine’s port operations. Since July 2023, over 321 port infrastructure facilities and 20 foreign merchant ships have been damaged, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. The ongoing assaults have disrupted global grain exports, as Ukraine remains a crucial supplier, exporting approximately 6 million tons of grain per month.

Russia’s withdrawal from the Black Sea Grain Deal in 2023 forced Kyiv to establish alternative shipping routes, which, despite growing into a full-scale trade corridor, remain under constant threat. Floating mines, missile attacks, and drone strikes pose a continuous danger to both Ukrainian and foreign commercial ships.

The attack on the Swiss-owned MSC LEVANTE F underscores the broader risks for global trade, as foreign ships navigating the Black Sea remain vulnerable to Russian strikes. While details on the extent of the damage to the ship remain unclear, the incident raises concerns over the safety of maritime transport and the future of Ukraine’s export capacity.

Russian forces attack a bus in Kherson, killing one and injuring six civilians

The Russian drone attack on a passenger bus in Kherson on March 2 is another example of the deliberate targeting of civilians. The strike, which killed one person and injured at least six others, including elderly individuals, highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis in frontline cities.

The attack occurred in the afternoon, striking a civilian transport vehicle, leaving multiple victims with mine-blast injuries. The wounded—two men aged 56 and 72, and a 66-year-old woman—have been hospitalized and are receiving medical care.

Kherson remains under constant bombardment as Russian forces continue their relentless assaults on civilian infrastructure. This attack underscores the indiscriminate nature of Russia’s warfare, violating international humanitarian law by targeting non-military objects.

Cutting off US aid will be favorable for Russia's victory in the war against Ukraine

The ISW's assessment underscores the critical role of US military aid in Ukraine's ability to resist Russian aggression. Without continued support, Ukraine risks losing key defensive capabilities, which could allow Russia to gain more territory and further destabilize Europe.

The report also highlights that Putin, not Zelenskyy, remains the primary obstacle to peace. While Ukraine has signaled its willingness to negotiate, Russia continues to demand full capitulation, which would leave Ukraine vulnerable to future attacks.

If US aid stops, Russia will likely escalate its offensive, believing it can outlast both Ukraine and European support. This would not only increase suffering in Ukraine but also threaten NATO’s eastern flank, emboldening Russia to challenge Western security more broadly.

Russian troops keep Ukrainian logistics under fire control in Kursk Oblast

Russian troops in Kursk Oblast have tightened fire control over Ukraine’s logistics routes, worsening the situation for Ukraine’s defence forces, analysts from DeepState warn. Despite the growing threat since January, Ukraine has not taken sufficient countermeasures.

After losing Sverdlikovo, Russian forces broke through near Novenke in Sumy Oblast, strengthening their positions. Further advances between Zhuravka and Novenke have severely disrupted Ukrainian supply routes, already resulting in dozens of destroyed vehicles.

“The worst-case scenario would be Russian troops reaching the outskirts of Sudzha – though, in terms of fire control, they are practically there already,” DeepState reports.

With Russian forces amassing near Sverdlikovo, urgent action is needed to prevent further territorial losses and logistical disruptions.