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CWA # 1618, 13 March 2025
Conflict Weekly
Ukraine: Discussions in Russia and Saudi Arabia, A Ceasefire Proposal, and Drone/Missile Attacks

  IPRI Team

Conflict Weekly #272, 13 March 2025, Vol.6, No. 11
An initiative by NIAS-IPRI

Padmashree Anandhan 

Ukraine: Discussions in Russia and Saudi Arabia, A Ceasefire Proposal, and Drone/Missile Attacks 
Padmashree Anandhan
 
In the news
Multiple developments took place in different places during the previous week. They are categorised under the following four.

Meeting in Saudi Arabia and A Ceasefire Proposal
On 10 March, Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy met Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. On the same day, a meeting was held between the US and Ukraine officials. 

On 11 March, Ukraine agreed to an immediate 30-day ceasefire. Also on the same day, the US government reported on the revival of plans for a controversial minerals deal which could provide the US with a 50 per cent stake in the sale from Ukraine’s minerals. US President Donald Trump mentioned that the deal will give security guarantees to Ukraine, fulfilling the US’s economic interests. 

On 12 March, Trump confirmed the visit of the US delegation to Moscow to discuss the 30-day ceasefire plan. On the question of Russia accepting the ceasefire proposal, he warned: “I can do things financially that would be very bad for Russia. I don't want to do that because I want to get peace.”

On 13 March, US envoy Steve Witkoff visited Moscow. During the meeting, President Putin agreed to a long-term peace. He said: “We agree with the proposals to stop hostilities. But our position is that the ceasefire should lead to long-term peace, and eliminate the initial causes of this crisis.”

Russia’s counteroffensive in Kursk and Ukraine’s troubles
On 10 March, Russia’s Defence Ministry released a video showing a drone strike on Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk Oblast. This comes as the Ukrainian troops incur severe losses. 

On 12 March, Ukraine’s military commander, Oleksandr Syrsky said: “Despite the increased pressure of the Russian and North Korean army, we will hold the defense in Kursk region as long as it is appropriate and necessary.” 

On the same day, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin visited Kursk and expressed hope on the units which faced combat tasks to fulfill the task and free the Kursk region from Ukrainian control. 

Massive drone attacks on Moscow by Ukraine 
On 11 March, Ukraine claimed to have launched the largest drone attack on Moscow in response to the ongoing missile attack on Kyiv. 17 were killed and 337 drones were countered by Russia in the attacks. Four airports were shutdown. The same was confirmed by Russia’s Foreign Ministry. In a statement by the Ministry: “The Zelensky regime, which has lost its grip on reality, has clearly shown a glaring lack of political will for achieving peace and a negotiated settlement of the conflict. It remains obsessed with the idea of defeating Russia, widely using cynical methods of terror and seeking to draw its backers into its aggressive actions.”

EU leaders meeting to gather long-term support for Ukraine in response to ceasefire proposal
On 11 March, in response to the ceasefire proposal, UK’s Prime Minister, Keir Starmer called Trump and Zelenskyy’s move as “remarkable breakthrough.” He announced organising a leaders’ meeting later to discuss the steps ahead to help Ukraine end the war permanently to grant Ukraine freedom. 

On 12 March, following the ceasefire, a meeting was held between the defence ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and the UK to strengthen Ukraine’s security. France’s Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu confirmed on the emerging “broad consensus” on supporting Ukraine’s long-term security. He said: “…a very broad consensus emerging... that the first of the security guarantees for Ukraine is obviously the Ukrainian army itself.” Germany’s Defence Minister Boris Pistorius called for unified procurement of military equipment. 

Issues at large
First, Ukraine’s recent military and political reversals. Ukraine’s efforts to launch a massive number of drones targeting Moscow are more symbolic as Kyiv becomes ground for the Russian drones. Ukraine is also facing losses in Kursk. At the political level, the recent Trump-Zelensky meeting in Washington and the failure to sign the rare earth mineral deal has added extra pressure on Kyiv. 

Second, the US pressure and efforts towards a political settlement. The quick meetings and calls held by the US delegation in Saudi Arabia and Russia indicate how the US aims for a swift resolution. Since Trump took over as the President, the US approach towards Ukraine is more on reaching a political settlement, than supporting Ukraine to win the war against Russia. Pause in military aid to Ukraine, stoppage of intelligence sharing and the pressure on Zelensky during the latter’s US visit is a part of Trump’s new approach. 

Third, Europe’s new gathering and support for Ukraine. With every change at the diplomatic talks for Ukraine, Europe has been quick to gather the willing member states to support a lasting peace in Ukraine. The coordinated support in the form of increased defence spending, talks on deploying Europe-led peacekeeping forces, and assuring long-term security agreements signal a unified Europe to not let Ukraine be reliant only on the US support. 
 
In perspective
Will the American efforts to achieve a ceasefire succeed? Trump seems to be pressurizing Ukraine, while appeasing Russia on the same. Europe is not on board with this approach, as it fears Russia’s further expansion into Europe, and does not want to let down Ukraine.

NIAS Conflict Tracker
Where, When and What
D Suba Chandran and Anu Maria Joseph

Myanmar: PDF kill 50 soldiers in Mandalay, military leader visits Russia and Belarus, and Indian nationals evacuated from scam centres along the Thailand border
In Myanmar, on 9 March, according to news reports, in the Mandalay region, the People’s Defense Force (PDF) killed 50 soldiers of Myanmar’s military. The PDF is part of the Resistance led by the National Unity Government (NUG), following the military coup in February 2021. The Mandalay region is situated in central Myanmar and is one of the heavily populated regions. Mandalay is the second largest city in Myanmar and the capital of the region.

On 9 March, Myanmar’s military leader Min Aung Hlaing, on his return from a trip to Russia and Belarus, called for the opposition to work with the regime and create a multi-party democracy. He also said Russia and Belarus will send observers to oversee the election. He was quoted saying: "If you want a multi-party democracy, don’t obstruct us. All we need is cooperation."

On 10 March, India evacuated 280 plus Indian citizens, who were forced to work in Myanmar’s cyber scam centers. During the last few months, a series of actions were taken against the cyber scam centers that were operating along the Myanmar-Thailand border; people belonging to different nationalities were released from the clutches of the scam centers and brought to Thailand. Victims belonging to India, China and many countries from Southeast Asia were lured by the scam operators under the garb of working in multinational call companies. 

Pakistan: BLA hijacks passenger train and jirga leaders discuss reopening Torkham border
In Pakistan, on 11 March, militants belonging to the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), in the Balochistan province, hijacked an express train with more than 400 passengers. On 13 March, Pakistan’s security forces announced the successful completion of the military operation against the militants, that ended in the release of hostages and the killing of 33 militants. The hostage and rescue also resulted in the killing of 21 passengers and eight soldiers.

On 13 March, jirga leaders from Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to resume the dialogue to address issues relating to reopening of Torkham border checkpoint. During the last few weeks, the border point that links Peshawar in Pakistan with Jalalabad in Afghanistan remained closed.

The Caucasus: Armenia and Azerbaijan agrees to end the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh
In the Caucasus, on 13 March, Azerbaijan and Armenia agreed to resolve the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. According to Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister, “the negotiation process on the text of the peace agreement with Armenia has been concluded…Armenia has accepted Azerbaijan's proposals on the two previously unresolved articles of the peace treaty.” According to a statement from Armenia’s foreign ministry: “The peace agreement is ready for signing. The Republic of Armenia is ready to start consultations with the Republic of Azerbaijan on the date and place of signing the agreement.” Since the 1990s, the two countries have been fighting over who controls Nagorno-Karabakh. The region, situated within Azerbaijan in the South Caucasus is predominantly populated by Armenians, who were demanding an autonomous/independent status and were supported by Armenia. Externally, Russia, Turkey, Iran, the EU and the US have been supporting different actors, and the equation between them has been severely impacting the ground situation between the two countries.

Syria: SDF's agreement to integrate into the new al-Shara government and violence gainst the Alawite community
In Syria, on 10 March, the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) signed an agreement with the new transitional government led by Ahmed al-Shara. The SDF controls Syria’s north-east region, which has oil and gas fields. According to the agreement, by the end of 2025, the SDF will get integrated into the Syrian forces, while Damascus will have access to Syria’s assets and infrastructure in Syria’s northeast. 

On 14 March, the UN Security Council “condemned the widespread violence perpetrated in Syria’s Latakia and Tartus provinces since 6 March — including mass killings of civilians among the Alawite community.” During the previous week, armed forces of the transitional government in Damascus led a massacre, killing more than 1000 civilians belonging to the minority Alawite community in two provinces in the coastal Syrian region. The Alawites are considered closer to the Assads, the former rulers of Syria.

South Sudan: Renewed violence and the threat to 2018 peace deal
In 2018, the peace agreement, Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, signed between President Salva Kiir and Vice President Riek Machar, ended a civil war which started in 2013. However, the peace deal did not bring an ultimate solution to the conflict. The continued tensions for years have reached a renewed violence, potentially threatening the fragile peace deal.

On 6 March, President Salva Kiir's government arrested Gen Gabriel Duop Lam and several other senior officials of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO). They were arrested on the charges of conflicting with the law. All of them are allies of Kiir's political rival, Vice-President Riek Machar. SPLM-IO's spokesperson later said that the arrest is a "grave violation" of the 2018 peace deal. 

On 7 March, renewed fighting was reported in Upper Nile state between the South Sudanese forces and the White Army, an ethnic militia which had links with Vice-President Riek Machar during the civil war. A UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) helicopter was shot down, killing 27 South Sudanese soldiers and a crew member. The series of arrests and the renewed fighting in the Upper Nile has raised warnings of the resumption of violence in the country.

Issues in Peace and Conflict This Week:
Regional Roundups
Anu Maria Joseph, Femy Francis, Ayan Datta, Nuha Aamina, Abhiruchi Chowdhury, Fleur Elizebeth Philip and C Shraddha

China, East, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific
China: Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal overturns conviction on pro-democracy groups
On 6 March, Hong Kong’s Court of Final Appeal overturned the conviction of three pro-democracy groups that organized the candlelight protest in 2019, marking the Tiananmen Square crackdown anniversary. The court was led by Chief Justice Andrew Cheung, who noted that the government prosecutor redacted key facts and “deprived the appellants of a fair trial, so that their convictions involved a miscarriage of justice.” The convicted group, Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China, was accused of being a foreign agent. 

China: Imposes retaliatory tariffs on Canadian imports
On 8 March, China announced retaliatory tariffs on Canadian farm and food imports. This came after Canada imposed duties on Chinese electric vehicles, aluminum, and steel products. Additionally, 100 per cent tariffs will be imposed on Canadian rapeseed oil, cakes, and peas. 25 per cent tariffs will be imposed on pork and aquatic imports. China’s Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council said: “Despite China’s repeated opposition and dissuasion, Canada has taken unilateral restrictive measures on electric vehicles, steel, aluminum and other products imported from China without investigation, undermining China-Canada economic and trade relations.” The measure was announced after an anti-discrimination investigation by China, where they found that Canada’s measures have hindered China's trade and harmed their legitimate rights to trade.

Myanmar: Military says elections in late 2025
On 9 March, Myanmar military chief said that the country will hold elections in “late 2025,” between December 2025 and January 2026. This will be the first election since the 2021 coup. The military leader went to Belarus and met President Alexander Lukashenko and mentioned that the elections will be free and fair. 53 political parties have submitted their lists to participate. In Minsk, the junta leader said: “We also invite observation teams from Belarus to come and observe the slated election.” 

Myanmar: Military raid in Yesagyo Township
On 7 March, the Myanmar military killed five civilians, and burned down three villages, during a raid on the resistance’s stronghold in Yesagyo Township, Magway region. 200 regime forces, including the military battalions from Yesagyo and Pakokku townships, attacked and raided Myay Zon Taw Village in the Yay Lel Kyun Island between Chindwin and Irrawaddy rivers. The military unit additionally burned down two villages after leaving Myay Zon Taw. According to the locals, around 12,000 residents from 12 villages on the island were forced to evacuate. 

Myanmar: 50 regime troops killed and 14 detained in the Mandalay region
On 11 March, the Natogyi People’s Defence Force claimed it had killed nearly 50 regime troops and detained 14 others in the Natogyi Township, Mandalay Region. The regime forces were returning to the Weltu village police station after an air strike, and were advancing on the villages when it was attacked. The resistance group said that they defeated the regime troops in Pyin Si village, killing 21 regime troops and detaining eight others. According to the PDF, the rest have escaped after an airstrike.

Thailand: 20 Nepali nationals repatriated
On 7 March, Nepal’s embassy in Bangkok repatriated 20 Nepali nationals. After being lured into lucrative employment opportunities in Palau, they were stranded in Thailand. The embassy warned the citizens to first receive a labour approval according to government regulations for employment abroad. It additionally advised Nepali nationals against travelling to countries like Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar or Thailand for jobs via illegal channels. 

South Asia
Pakistan: Protestors in Parachinar demand unblocking of roads and a “relief package” for 500,000 residents
On 6 March, The News International reported on the ongoing sit-in at Parachinar. On 5 March, this protest entered its fourth consecutive day, demanding the opening of the roads shut for the last five months. Earlier, the protests were called off after the government assured action and imposed Section 144. Another key demand of the protestors is a “relief package” for around 500,000 people affected by the extended closure. The local leaders demanded a “martyr package” for over 500 people who died due to lack of access to medical facilities. Many social activists informed that the protests would continue unless the demands were met. They also threatened expanding the agitation to villages in case of government inaction. Trade union President Haji Imdad Ali emphasized the inadequacy of essential goods being delivered as only 113 vehicles are allowed in 15 days while the requirement is at least 1000 trucks. 

Pakistan: Four militants from Afghanistan detained in Balochistan
On 6 March, four suspected militants hailing from Afghanistan were detained by the security forces in Pishin, Balochistan. The militants were found in possession of weapons and ammunition. They were trying to trespass into Pakistan by crossing the border in Toba-Kakari.  Targeting the Afghan government for ignoring the presence of terrorists on their land, security forces said: “The silence of the Afghan government is evidence that these terrorist organizations are receiving backing from Afghan authorities.” On 12 March, Dawn reported on Pakistan’s cautionary note to the UN Security Council, describing how Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has transformed itself into an “umbrella organization” for all other militant outfits present in the region. Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN Munir Akram, in his briefing to the UN Security Council, alleged that the TTP has the backing of the Taliban government and the terrorist outfit is working towards destabilizing the region. He further claimed that more than 20 terrorist outfits which operate from Afghanistan pose a serious security threat not only to Afghanistan but to the entire world. He also targeted the Taliban government in Afghanistan for not being able to counter its adversary, Islamic State of Khorasan (IS-K), which has carried out assaults in Russia and Iran recently. He further expressed Pakistan’s resolve to eradicate security threats posed by the terrorists operating in the region. He boasted about the Pakistani security forces thwarting the attempt by IS-K terrorists to enter Pakistan from Afghanistan. 

Pakistan: Security forces kill five terrorists in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
On 10 March, security forces launched two operations against terrorists hiding in the North Waziristan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The operation killed five terrorists and wounded three others. Two of the killed terrorists were commanders of the terrorist group who had competence in “making suicide jackets and Improvised Explosive Devices.”

Bhutan: Government plans to eliminate gender-based violence by 2028 
On 10 March, Kuenselonline reported on Bhutan’s measures against gender-based violence. According to the National Strategy and Framework of Action on Eliminating Gender-Based Violence (2024-2028), every two in five women in Bhutan are victims of intimate partner violence and 6.9 per cent have suffered from childhood sexual abuse. The prominent issue is the inconsistent distribution of services against gender violence across the county. Services are concentrated in Thimphu, while rural regions receive poor attention. The report has laid out a comprehensive approach that prioritises services to survivors, fostering gender equality, altering social norms, and enhancing data collection.

India: Tibetans protest outside China's embassy chanting “free Tibet”
On 10 March, dozens of Tibetans protested outside the Chinese Embassy in New Delhi. The protest marked the 66th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against China, which was cracked down by Chinese forces. Separately, hundreds marched in Dharamshala, the seat of the exiled Tibetan government and home to His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama. Additionally, 100 Tibetan women gathered at Jantar Mantar to protest. The protestors shouted anti-China slogans, played the national anthem of Tibet, and held banners reading “Free Tibet” and “Remember, Resist, Return.”

India: Manipur state highway remains blocked by Kuki Zo women
On 9 March, women of the Kuki Zo community continued demonstrations for the second consecutive day by blocking the national highway in the Kangokpi district. They are opposing the Indian central government’s directive of free movement on highways and inter-district movement, and a peace march by the Meitei group demanding free movement across Manipur. On 8 March, the protestors attempted to block a bus from the Meitei majority valley through the Kangpokpi district. It resulted in violent clashes between security personnel and the Kuki-Zo people, killing one person. According to police officials, this incident came after the Manipur State Transport bus traveled over the Imphal-Kangpokpi-Senapati route. It was met by stone pelting by mobs at the Gamgiphai in Kangpokpi district, forcing security forces to use tear gas and minimum force to disperse the crowds. In the backdrop, Indian Minister of Home, Amit Shah, ordered the resumption of free movement on highways and inter-district movement. Most highways and roads have been blockaded since 3 May 2023 when ethnic clashes broke out between the Meitei and Kuki Zo communities.

The Middle East and Africa
Israel: Hamas welcomes Trump’s reversal on Gaza displacement plan 
On 12 March, Hamas welcomed US President Donald Trump’s reversal of his proposal to displace Palestinians from Gaza and turn it into a “Middle East Riviera.” The group’s spokesperson, Hazem Qassem, stated: “If US President Trump’s statements represent a retreat from any idea of displacing the people of the Gaza Strip, they are welcomed.” Subsequently, Qassem called from the US position to be followed by the “Israeli occupation,” which he urged to implement the ceasefire agreements. Hamas’ statements followed Trump, who said on the same day that “nobody is expelling any Palestinians from Gaza” during a White House meeting. Trump’s reverse came after a meeting in Qatar, where the President’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, met Arab foreign ministers to discuss Gaza’s post-war reconstruction. 

Israel: Electricity to Gaza cut off to mount pressure on Hamas 
On 10 March, Israel’s Minister of Energy, Eli Cohen, stated that Israel would “cut off electricity to the Gaza Strip immediately” to force Hamas into extending the first phase of its and release more hostages. Israel announced that it was disconnecting the only remaining power line which connected Gaza to Israel’s electric grid. Earlier this month, Israel had imposed a blockade of humanitarian aid entering the enclave. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Jordan. Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Israeli decision, terming it “use of collective punishment against Palestinians.” Qatar urged “immediate action” from the international community to protect Palestinians against the harmful decision. Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the power cut a “continuation of the policy of starvation and siege imposed by Israel.” 

Israel: Border negotiations with Lebanon re-opened
On 11 March, Israel and Lebanon agreed to re-open negotiations to delineate their border. The decision was reached after a four-party meeting at the UN peacekeeping force headquarters in Lebanon’s Naqoura. Israeli and Lebanese representatives met their US and French counterparts, the latter having been appointed to monitor the now-expired Israel-Hezbollah deal. Following the discussions, Israel and Lebanon announced three joint working groups to focus on the five points. It includes Lebanon’s border still occupied by Israel, the status of the “Blue Line,” which marks the de-facto boundary between the two countries, the sites of disputes along the border and the fate of Lebanese citizens detained by Israel. As a goodwill gesture before the talks, Israel released four Lebanese detainees, with a fifth one scheduled to be released on 12 March. As for the working groups, although no date has been officially announced, they could begin functioning in April. The negotiations marked a step forward for Israel and Lebanon in resolving their disputes since they have not mutually delineated a land boundary, only a maritime one negotiated in 2022.

South Sudan: Fighting in Upper Nile threatens 2018 peace deal
On 6 March, an opposition spokesperson Puok Both Baluang regarded the arrest of Gen Gabriel Duop Lam and other senior officials of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Opposition (SPLM-IO) as a “grave violation” of the peace deal of 2018. The detainees are all allies of Vice-President Riek Machar. Government spokesperson Michael Makuei said that they were arrested for being in “conflict with the law.” The arrest came after renewed clashes in Upper Nile between the South Sudanese forces and White Army, an ethnic militia which was an ally of Vice-President Riek Machar during the 2013-2018 civil war. On 8 March, BBC reported that several people were killed after a UN helicopter was shot in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state. The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) was evacuating wounded South Sudanese soldiers from a conflict-hit region in Upper Nile. On the same day, Chairperson of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, Yasmin Sooka, stated that the country has seen an “alarming regression” amidst the recent clashes. The African Union Commission Chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, has called for an “immediate end to all hostilities.” On 9 March, the US ordered its non-emergency staff to leave South Sudan. The US Department of State stated: "Due to the risks in the country, on March 08, 2025, the Department of State ordered the departure of non-emergency US government employees." Recent tensions have posed a hindrance to the 2018 peace deal between President Salva Kiir and Vice-president Riek Machar. 

Kenya: Protest against President Ruto's donation to church
On 10 March, police in Kenya fired tear gas to disperse protestors who attempted to occupy a church. Recently, President William Ruto's donation to the church came under scrutiny. Ruto defended his donation by describing it as an attempt to address the country's moral decay. Ruto said: “Kenya must know God so that we shame the people who are telling us that we cannot associate with the church.” Young protestors, frustrated about the rising cost of living, tried to barge into the church and light fires. Over 38 protestors were arrested before being released without a charge. 

Democratic Republic of Congo: M23 advances in Nyabiondo
On 9 March, Al Jazeera reported on M23 rebel group’s advances into Nyabiondo village. The village is situated 100 kilometres North of Goma, connected to the road to Walikale in North Kivu. As per Al Jazeera’s reporter, Alain Uaykani: “Walikale is very important for the government as it is the only place where the government has the industrial mine from which they are getting millions of tax payments.” An allied armed group of the government forces, Kabido, announced that they are joining the M23 rebels in the fight, citing that they are tired of the “mismanagement of the Kinshasa government.” The announcement by the Kabido leaders comes amidst the DRC government issuing a USD five million reward for aiding in the arrest of rebel leaders. 

Europe and the Americas
Romania: Protests against the ban on Calin Georgescu’s candidacy for Presidency
On 10 March, Romania’s electoral commission banned the candidacy of the far-right politician Calin Georgescu in the upcoming presidential elections. Criticising the move, Georgescu said: “Europe is now a dictatorship, Romania is under tyranny.” Supporters of Georgescu rallied in Bucharest and tried to enter the electoral commission building. Police responded with tear gas, people broke through the barricades, threw stones and set the furniture of the neighbouring cafes on fire. Seven people were arrested and 13 police officers were injured in the violence.

Germany: Several flights cancelled due to airport strikes over lower wages 
On 9 March, a spokesperson from Hamburg Airport stated that out of 144 arrivals and 1309 departures, only ten were on schedule with the remaining being cancelled. Several were left stranded by the sudden walkout of the union Verdi. It called for many warning strikes across Germany's airports over wage disputes. This includes Munich, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Cologne-Bonn, Dusseldorf, Dortmund, Hanover, Bremen, Hamburg, Berlin-Brandenburg, and Leipzig-Halle airports. According to the Airport association ADV, more than 510,000 travellers were affected by the delays or cancellations of their flights.

Turkey: Largest defence company criticised for shipping arms to the Sudan
On 9 March, Turkey’s largest defense company, Baykar, has been shipping a series of arms to the Horn of Africa against the EU and US-led sanctions. According to the Washington Post, Baykar has been supplying drones and a cache of weapons and ammunition to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) between August and November 2024. It was worth USD 120 million. A contract signed between Baykar and the Sudanese military procurement agency, known as the Defense Industries System, has been continuing. The contract includes six TB2 Drones, three ground control stations, and 600 warheads.

Slovakia: Protests against Prime Minister Fico’s pro-Russia comment
On 8 March, thousands demonstrated in Slovakia against Prime Minister Robert Fico and his pro-Russian policies. Protests began after the Fico visited Moscow and held talks with Russia's President Vladimir Putin in the Kremlin. Protesters accuse him of aligning with Russia, and distancing from Europe. Fico’s idea to remove the country from the EU has angered the people. Protestors gathered at the Freedom Square in Bratislava and chanted “Shame.” Rallies took place in 40 other towns and cities in the country and abroad. Fico is facing calls to resign over his comments on the EU and NATO memberships. Fico’s Chief Advisor Erik Kalinak said: “Slovakia would have a reliable neighbor if Russia fully invades Ukraine.” 

France: Announces formal withdrawal of troops from Senegal
On 8 March, France announced its formal withdrawal and return of two military facilities to Senegal. The handover came after Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye ordered all foreign troops to leave the country in December 2024. France had set up a joint commission with Senegal in February to organise the withdrawal. The French Army announced that it had dismissed 162 Senegalese who worked on their military bases. France has faced opposition from several African leaders over what they have labelled as a demanding and heavy-handed approach towards the continent. Paris has suffered multiple setbacks in recent years against its military presence on the continent, particularly from Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso.

The US: Canada and the EU impose retaliatory tariffs
On 12 March, Canada and the EU imposed retaliatory tariffs on US exports against US President Donald Trump's tariff impositions on Canadian and the EU imports of steel and aluminum. Canada's retaliatory tariffs include a USD 20 billion worth of US goods including steel, aluminum, tools, computers and sports equipment. The EU implemented trade barriers of USD 28 billion to begin on 1 April. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commented that these are defensive measures and wanted to engage in negotiations. 

The US: Plans to impose levies on China-built or flagged ships docking at US ports
On 6 March, Reuters reported that the US plans to collect levies from Chinese-built ships and China-flagged vessels reaching at the US port. The Trump administration is planning to revive the domestic shipbuilding sector. Currently, Chinese shipbuilders account for 50 per cent of all vessels used for cargo shipment, according to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. The draft order says: “The national security and economic prosperity of the United States is further endangered by the People's Republic of China's unfair trade practices in the maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding sectors.” 

About the authors
Anu Maria Joseph and Padmashree Anandhan are Project Associates at NIAS. Femy Francis, Abhiruchi Chowdhury and Nuha Aamina are Research Assistants at NIAS. Fleur Elizebeth Philip is a Research Intern at NIAS. Ayan Datta is a Postgraduate Student at the University of Hyderabad. C Shraddha is a postgraduate student at Jindal Global University, Sonipat. Nova Karun is a postgraduate student at Pondicherry University.

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