Trump:

We should spend less time worrying about Putin.

Zelensky:

We need peace, not endless war. And that is why we say that security guarantees are the key to this.

Hungarian PM Orban:

European leaders decided in London today that they want to go on with the war instead of opting for peace. They decided that Ukraine must continue the war.

This is bad, dangerous and mistaken. Hungary remains on the side of peace. Ceterum censeo.

Political turmoil in Iran has sent the stock market tumbling.

Iran's economy minister, Abdunnasir Hemmati, was sacked by parliament in a no-confidence vote. Mohammad Javad Zarif has resigned as assistant to the president, but it's unclear if he'll be replaced.

During the parliamentary session, President Masoud Pezeshkian defended Hemmati and disagreed with the Supreme Leader over negotiations with the US. He stated that the Supreme Leader was the final authority.

A clash erupted at the Torkham crossing around midnight on March 3 when Taliban fighters attempted to set up a security post on border, prompting a Pakistani border guard response. Both sides reportedly used light and heavy weapons, but no casualties have been confirmed.

Reporter: Senator Graham said that perhaps you should consider resigning.

Zelensky: I can give him the citizenship of Ukraine. He will become a citizen of our country, and then his voice will gain weight.

Ukrainian President Zelensky says Türkiye can take part in Ukraine’s future security framework.

Türkiye and the United Kingdom to Hold Consultations on Syria

Türkiye - UK meeting will focus on Syria’s security, stability, and economic situation.

Key discussion points:
• Strengthening national reconciliation and central governance with international support,
• Unconditional lifting of sanctions to support Syria’s economic recovery,
• Emphasizing that terrorism has no place in Syria’s future

Turkish Air Force’s SoloTürk F-16 performs an ultra-low pass over Fethiye, Türkiye.

Another angle of Turkish Air Force’s SoloTürk F-16 jet performing an ultra-low pass.

Shares in European defense companies experienced a significant surge today.

• Rheinmetall saw its stock jump 18% in Frankfurt.
• BAE Systems gained 14% in London.
• Leonardo climbed 15% in Milan.

Privately, there is talk that a Trump-Putin meeting, which has always been on the agenda, is now being accelerated.

Preparations are also underway for the second round of talks between Russia and the United States, which is due to take place soon.

Source: CNN

Kremlin:

Putin and Trump have had no public contact since their telephone conversation on February 12.

Hungarian PM Orban:

Ukraine is effectively on life support. If the US and EU do not support it, it will not survive.

Since February 24, 2022, Zelensky has thanked the U.S. 94 times.

British PM Starmer:

Increasing defense spending will bolster our national security and help to put more money in people's pockets.

Zelensky:

Over the past week, more than 1,050 strike drones, almost 1,300 aerial bombs and more than 20 missiles have been launched at Ukraine to destroy cities and kill people.

Those who want negotiations do not deliberately hit people with ballistic missiles.

Bio weapons: After running out of grenades, Ukrainian soldiers reportedly threw beehives into a basement where Russian troops were hiding.

The UK distanced itself from French President Emmanuel Macron’s proposal for a one-month ceasefire in Ukraine, citing concerns that it could allow Russia to regroup and strengthen its position.

Source: FT

How Did Assad Stay Afloat Under Sanctions?

A new investigation uncovers how gold smuggling kept Bashar al-Assad’s regime alive.

Smuggled gold was converted into foreign currency, funding his operations despite international sanctions.

British Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard:

It is for the Ukrainians to choose who their leaders are. President Zelensky is a democratically elected leader.