Ukraine peace talks paused
Peace negotiations between Ukraine, Russia and the U.S. have been paused as the Iran war diverts attention and — Kyiv says — benefits Moscow by boosting energy revenues and draining Western missile stocks. ( ). Fighting remains intense on the ground — Ukraine reported Russia’s largest daily losses of the year (over 1,700), Russia is reportedly preparing to recruit about 409,000 troops, and EU leaders are pressing Hungary’s Viktor Orban to stop blocking a €90bn loan to Kyiv. ( )
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said presidential envoy Kirill Dmitriev will continue working on investment and economic cooperation even as diplomatic activity slows. (usnews.com)) During a March 17 London visit, President Volodymyr Zelensky warned the Iran conflict is “constantly postponing” rounds of talks and said it poses a “very high” risk of draining Western air‑defence stocks Kyiv relies on. (aljazeera.com)) Analysts and outlets report the Iran war has pushed crude prices higher and, together with temporary sanctions waivers, is increasing the value and volume of Russian oil exports. (cnbc.com)) U.S. defense reporting estimates about 4,000 Tomahawk cruise missiles remain in stockpiles, with production running at under 100 a year, and “hundreds” were fired early in the Iran campaign, prompting inventory concerns. (bloomberg.com)) Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense and UNN reported Russian forces suffered their largest single‑day losses of 2026 — over 1,700 personnel — during attacks on March 17. (unn.ua)) Commander‑in‑Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said Russia plans to recruit roughly 409,000 additional troops in 2026 as it increases frontline activity. (ukrinform.net)) EU leaders pressed Hungary’s Viktor Orbán at a Brussels summit to drop his veto of a proposed €90 billion EU loan package for Kyiv, with officials seeking a breakthrough ahead of votes. (france24.com))
