Pentagon Considers Diverting Ukraine Weapons to Middle East
The Pentagon is reportedly considering reallocating weapons, including air defense interceptor missiles, initially intended for Ukraine to the Middle East. These weapons were purchased through a NATO initiative for Kyiv. The Washington Post reported this, citing three sources, noting that no final decision has been made.
The move comes as US military operations in Iran are intensifying, putting a strain on critical munitions supplies.
US Central Command reported hitting over 10,000 targets inside Iran. A Pentagon spokesperson stated the defense department would ensure US forces and allies have necessary resources. NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed that weapons continue to be delivered to Kyiv through the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) mechanism.
Saudi Arabia and Ukraine Discuss Crisis
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Jeddah to discuss regional escalation and the Ukrainian crisis. Zelenskyy previously offered Kyiv's assistance with Iranian drones.
Russia Seeks Oligarch Donations Amid Budget Strain
Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly requested donations from oligarchs to supplement Russia's defense budget for the ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The Financial Times reported that at least two businessmen agreed to contribute.
Russia's budget deficit for January and February exceeded 90% of its annual projection due to discounted oil sales caused by US sanctions.
The Kremlin increased VAT to 22% in January to raise Rbs600bn ($7.3bn) over three years.
Ukraine Uses Long-Range Strikes as Sanctions Ease
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is using long-range strikes on energy infrastructure to maintain pressure on Russia, particularly after international oil sanctions on Moscow were eased following the Iran war. Washington issued a 30-day waiver for countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil.
Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine's "own sanctions: its long-range capabilities" due to decreasing global pressure on Russia.
UK Targets Russian "Shadow Fleet," Moscow Vows Response
Britain's plan to detain Russian vessels was labeled as hostile by the Russian embassy in the UK. Moscow indicated it would respond with political, legal, and "asymmetric" measures. Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorized the military to board and detain Russian ships in British waters to disrupt a network allegedly enabling Moscow to export oil despite sanctions. Other European nations are also increasing efforts against Russia's "shadow fleet."
Russian Court Bans Anti-War Documentary
A Russian court banned the documentary "Mr Nobody Against Putin" from streaming platforms, alleging it promoted "negative attitudes" towards the Russian government and the conflict in Ukraine. The film, created from footage secretly filmed by Pavel Talankin, documents pro-war propaganda lessons in a Russian school.
Battlefield Updates: Claims from Both Sides
Russia's defense ministry claimed control of Sheviakivka, a village in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region. Ukraine's military did not confirm this. Separately, a Ukrainian paratroop unit reported retaking a village in the Dnipropetrovsk region. Reuters could not independently verify these battlefield reports.