Photo : UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a video conference with international leaders. Source: Leon Neal/P
Photo : UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in a video conference with international leaders. Source: Leon Neal/P
WAR ON THE GROUND
On 17 March, The Kyiv Independent reported on Ukraine forces shooting down of 47 Russian Shahed drones launched by Russia across Ukraine. According to the report, Russian troops had launched 90 drones targetting Kyiv, Kharkiv, Poltava, Sumy, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, and Odesa oblasts. In response, Ukraine’s air force had lost track of 33 decoy drones.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 17 March, RT reported on Russia’s President Vladimir Putin signing a presidential decree giving a “New York-based hedge fund 683 Capital Partners” permission to buy securities in Russian companies. This will apply to only selective foreign stakeholders and thereby the decree relaxes the restrictions that were imposed in response to sanctions. As of December 2024, the portfolio of 683 Capital Partners LP was worth USD 1.61 billion.
On 17 March, Russian President Press Secretary, Dmitry Peskov confirmed on the call between Putin and US President Donald Trump with and said: “…the content of conversations between two presidents are not subject to any prior discussion.” The talks will also involve “dividing up certain assets” and power plants in land.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 17 March, the Associated Press reported on Trump statement ahead of his call with Putin. According to the report, the talks will focus on efforts to end the war soon and a way for Trump to “reorient” the US foreign policy. Trump said: “We will see if we have something to announce maybe by Tuesday.”
On 17 March, UK Parliament spokesperson reported that close to 30 countries had agreed to be part of the “Coalition of the willing” and would provide peacekeeping troops in case of a peace deal. The UK and France have been on the front to deploy the peacekeeping forces in Ukraine after Trump’s negotiations began with Russia. In a statement: “The contribution capabilities will vary, but this will be a significant force, with a significant number of countries providing troops.” While Russia has rejected the idea of soldiers from NATO countries being present in Ukraine. In response, the spokesperson said: “It is worth remembering that Russia didn't ask Ukraine when it deployed North Korean troops to the frontline last year.”
On 17 March, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney invited Zelenskyy to the G7 summit scheduled in June as a symbol of solidarity against Russia. This comes after Ukraine agreed on a 30-day ceasefire in exchange of lifting of the US military pause.
References
“Air Force says 47 Russian drones shot down overnight,” The Kyiv Independent, 16 March 2025
“Putin unlocks trading in Russian assets,” RT, 17 March 2025
Chris Megerian, “Putin and Trump will speak on Tuesday about the war in Ukraine,” Associated Press, 18 March 2025
“UK says a 'significant number' of nations ready to provide troops for Ukraine peace,” Reuters, 17 March 2025
Hiren Mansukhani, “Prime Minister Carney invites Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to G7 summit in Kananaskis,” Calgary Herald, 17 March 2025
“Ukraine: Trump says he will discuss ceasefire with Putin,” Deutsche Welle, 17 March 2025