Newsletter 12/03/2025
A daily news digest covering important war, political, economic, and cultural topics in Ukraine
TOP
Trump: U.S. representatives heading to Russia for Ukraine ceasefire talks
US President Donald Trump has said that representatives of the United States are heading to Russia “right now” to discuss the possibility of a ceasefire in Ukraine.
He added that after Ukraine agreed to a truce following talks in Saudi Arabia, everything would now depend on the Russian side.
Russia skeptical of 30-day ceasefire idea – Reuters
Russian authorities have reacted cautiously to the U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, which has been backed by Kyiv, stating that any agreement would have to take Russian battlefield advances into account and address Moscow's concerns.
If Russia rejects ceasefire, we count on strong U.S. actions – Zelensky
If Russia refuses the proposals developed during the meeting between Ukrainian and American delegations in Jeddah, the United States is expected to take strong measures against it.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated this during a press conference.
Ukraine's Presidential Office confirms resumption of U.S. security assistance
Pavlo Palisa, Deputy Head of Ukraine's Presidential Office, has stated that the United States has resumed security assistance to Ukraine following talks in Saudi Arabia.
Kremlin responds to Ukraine-U.S. talks in Saudi Arabia
"You are getting ahead of yourselves. We do not want to do that. Yesterday, while speaking with the press, both [Secretary of State Marco] Rubio and [U.S. National Security Advisor Mike] Waltz said that through various channels, they would provide us with detailed information about the discussions that took place in Jeddah," said spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
According to him, the Kremlin has scheduled contacts with the U.S. in the coming days, during which the Russian leadership expects to receive full details of the talks.
Peskov also stated that there are currently no agreements between Russia and the U.S. regarding a potential phone call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump. He also stated that no requests for such a call had been received from Washington. However, the Kremlin does not rule out the possibility of such discussions.
Why Jeddah truce set for 30 days – Ukraine’s explanation
"The 30-day period is very easy to explain. Within 30 days, it will be possible to verify — if Russia even agrees to the ceasefire and if it begins to work — how committed Russia is and whether it will refrain from violating it. This is the so-called 'test period,' during which all parties must be dedicated to the truce agreement," stated by Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine
Zhovkva noted that the Ukrainian side had initially taken the 30-day period as a basis for negotiations. According to him, this period will reveal whether Russia truly intends to adhere to the truce, as "the bitter experience of previous ceasefires under previous formats, including the Normandy and Minsk agreements, as well as dozens of other ceasefires, has shown that none of them lasted, it seems, more than two weeks."
War
Situation on southern front escalating over past two weeks – military spokesperson
"The situation in the operational zone of the Tavria Operational Group of Forces has been escalating over the past two weeks. This is evidenced by an increase in enemy assault operations that we have recorded, as well as artillery shelling, MLRS strikes, and air and missile attacks. Their number has grown somewhat over the past two weeks," Voloshyn said.
According to him, today alone, 35 assault operations have been recorded in the Tavria operational zone.
"For example, in the Huliaipole sector, we used to record up to ten enemy assaults per day, but today we have documented 22, particularly in the areas of Zelene Pole and Novopil. This is not an offensive or part of a strategic operation by the enemy, but rather tactical attempts to improve their position relative to the front line," the spokesperson said, adding that the enemy has intensified actions with small assault groups.
Enemy attempting to breach border in Sumy region near Novenke – Demchenko
"It would be incorrect to say that the Russians have broken through the border near Novenke. Of course, attempting to push Ukraine's Defense Forces out of the Kursk region, they are conducting dozens of assault operations. To build on their momentum, they are also trying to cross our border to encircle our forces operating in the Kursk region," said Ukraine's State Border Guard Service spokesperson Andrii Demchenko.
According to him, the priority is to prevent the enemy from crossing the border. "That is their objective, and that is what we are currently observing in the direction of Novenke," he said.
Information about capture of Sudzhy by Russians false, fighting ongoing – CCD
Fighting in Russia’s Kursk region is ongoing, the information about Russian forces capturing Sudzhy is false.
KIIS: 87% of Ukrainians believe Russia will not stop at already occupied territories
Russian attack hits infrastructure in Kryvyi Rih, one person injured
War update: 259 clashes on frontline in Ukraine over past day, 68 assaults repelled in Pokrovsk sector
Drone attack on Dnipro: man injured, fires break out at infrastructure sites
One killed, 14 injured in Russian missile attack on Kryvyi Rih
Defense
In Poland, $300K raised in 1.5 days for ambulance for Ukrainian army
In Poland, the crowdfunding platform Zrzutka.pl has raised 1.2 million zlotys (USD 300,000) for an ambulance for the Ukrainian army in a day and a half.
Politics
Sybiha: 30-day ceasefire is not a frozen conflict
Commenting on the joint U.S.-Ukraine statement regarding an interim ceasefire -- limited to 30 days and contingent on mutual agreement from Russia -- Sybiha stressed that this must pave the way toward ending the war.
"Why is this interim ceasefire important? Because this is by no means about freezing the conflict. It is merely an attempt to begin the path toward ending the war in a just manner. It is also a step that demonstrates who is truly interested in peace," Sybiha wrote.
He added that the ceasefire "will only take effect if Russia accepts and implements it simultaneously."
Rubio expects U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal will be finalized
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal was not the subject of negotiations in Jeddah on Tuesday, but said he anticipated it being finalized.
Yermak says all issues related to ending war were discussed at Jeddah meeting
During their meeting in Saudi Arabia, the Ukrainian and U.S. delegations discussed all issues related to the process of ending the war, according to Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine's Presidential Office.
Starmer welcomes agreement in Jeddah: Next steps will be discussed in London on Saturday
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has welcomed the outcome of negotiations in Saudi Arabia, calling on Russia to agree to a ceasefire and announcing that the next steps will be discussed at a leaders' summit on Saturday, March 15.
If Russia rejects ceasefire, we count on strong U.S. actions – Zelensky
If Russia refuses the proposals developed during the meeting between Ukrainian and American delegations in Jeddah, the United States is expected to take strong measures against it.
Ukraine presses charges against two Russian governors for financing war
European Parliament marks third anniversary of war with resolution supporting Ukraine
Economy
Denmark allocates EUR 98M for energy equipment for Ukraine
As part of the Ukraine-Denmark Energy Partnership Program, Denmark has allocated EUR 98 million for the purchase of equipment to strengthen Ukraine's energy security.
USAID terminates agreement with Ukraine Energy Support Fund
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has notified the Energy Community Secretariat about the termination of its grant agreement with the Ukraine Energy Support Fund, amounting to USD 75 million.