The United States continues to play a key role in the war in Ukraine, supplying F-16 fighter jets. However, Washington's diplomatic moves, including negotiations over the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant and cease-fire talks in Saudi Arabia, are provoking mixed reactions. At the same time, cuts in funding for some key initiatives, including the program to trace abducted Ukrainian children, have drawn criticism from Ukraine. At the same time, Russia continues to escalate the war with massive attacks.
Trump and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, that during his conversation with US President Donald Trump, the issue of restoring the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which remains in danger due to the presence of the Russian military, was discussed. The president added that during his conversation with Trump they discussed whether Ukraine would be able to restore the plant's operation. The head of state also said that Trump asked whether the Ukrainian authorities were considering the possibility of involving the United States in the restoration of ZNPP. The issue of American ownership of ZNPP was not discussed with Trump.
According According The Guardian, Trump allegedly expressed interest in ZNPP for the United States. Allegedly, Trump is considering options under which the plant could be placed under international control or even within the U.S. sphere of influence. This has caused serious concern among Ukraine's European allies, as such talks could weaken Kyiv's position in the fight to regain its territories.
U.S.-Ukraine Negotiations in Saudi Arabia
Teams from Ukraine and the United States will meet in Saudi Arabia on March 24 to discuss expanding the ceasefire in Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is preparing a list of priority civilian infrastructure to be discussed at these talks. Zelensky reaffirmed Ukraine's readiness to stop attacks on Russian energy infrastructure.
Consultations between Russian and US groups of experts on the situation in Ukraine are also scheduled for March 24 in Riyadh. Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said they would discuss the safety of navigation in the Black Sea.
Ukraine gets new F-16s
The Kyiv Independent reported, that the first F-16 multirole fighters have arrived in Ukraine. The F-16 fighters are capable of countering Russia's Su-35 and Su-30 fighters, as well as working effectively with Western air defense systems. It is now expected that Ukraine will begin to actively use these aircraft to repel Russian attacks and strengthen its defenses in key areas. The number of F-16s received was not disclosed.
Ukraine builds up capabilities
According According POLITICO, Ukraine's Neptune cruise missile could become a strategic asset for the Ukrainian armed forces. The missile previously demonstrated its effectiveness by destroying the Russian cruiser Moskva. New modifications of the Neptune can hit ground targets at long range, allowing Ukraine to target Russian command posts and ammunition depots far behind the front line. If Kyiv succeeds in mass-producing these missiles, it could have a significant impact on the course of the war and become a powerful argument in possible negotiations.
In addition, the Ukrainian defense industry is being integrated into EU military programs under the SAFE initiative, which provides funding of 150 billion euros. This will allow Ukraine to participate in joint projects with the EU military industry.
Europe attracts American scientists
"Ukrayinska Pravda" reported, that due to the Trump administration's cuts in science funding, European countries have begun actively luring American scientists. European governments are offering attractive conditions for scientists, including research funding and guarantees of a stable career. This could lead to a brain drain from the United States.
Cutting funding for programs
NPR reported, that the Trump administration cut off funding for a program that tracked the abduction of Ukrainian children to Russia. The decision sparked outrage from human rights organizations and the Ukrainian government. It is estimated that thousands of Ukrainian children have been illegally taken to Russia and subjected to forced Russification. The program helped track their whereabouts and facilitate their return home.
Massive Attack on Kropyvnytskyi
On the night of March 20, Russian troops have carried a massive attack on Kropyvnytskyi, using at least 21 drones. Eight people, including a child, were injured in the shelling; three were hospitalized, one in serious condition. Residential buildings in the private sector and high-rise buildings were damaged.
Author: Inna Mikhno