Russia “strikes back” today. This might be a response to successful attacks on Russian oil infrastructure
Zelensky: over 60 "shaheds" and nearly 90 different missiles targeted at power plants, power lines, a hydroelectric dam, residential buildings 1/
This is the largest combined attack on the Ukrainian power system since the beginning of the full-scale invasion: Ukrenergo
100s of thousands of homes are in blackout 2/
Kharkiv, Sumy, Poltava, Kirovohrad, Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia, Odesa and Donetsk are in blackout and being stabilized
There are interruptions of internet and water supply in multiple regions 3/
-Russia hit the Dnipro hydroelectric power plant. There is a major fire but no threat of a dam breach.
Ukrhydroenergo reported two direct missile hits on the plant. One part is in a critical condition and unlikely to be repaired, Ukrhydroenergo director Ihor Syrota 4/
Ukrainian Armed Forces shoot down 92 out of 151 missiles and drones - Air Force.
Chinese FM Wang Yi in Moscow: Friends forever, never enemies. Putin hosts Wang Yi today, while Lavrov lays groundwork for a Russia-China summit set for May, Reuters. 1/
China solidifies its alliance with Russia, yet it quietly expands influence elsewhere.
Bloomberg: Japan and South Korea have reopened free-trade talks with China after a decade-long pause. 2/
In my view, the U.S. is risking to let China build coalitions with the countries the U.S. is pushing away. Trump tariffs create an opportunity for Beijing to engage historical U.S. allies. 3/
Ursula von der Leyen defies Trump: Many Europeans feel disheartened by the new U.S. tariffs. Europe didn’t start this. But we have what we need — the biggest single market, the leverage to negotiate, the means to strike back. We’ll defend our interests. 1/
Ursula von der Leyen: The U.S. has announced 25% tariffs on steel, aluminum, cars, and parts. They plan to extend duties to semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and timber. On April 2, 2025, we expect further tariffs on almost all goods, affecting many countries worldwide. 2/
Ursula von der Leyen: In response to U.S. tariffs, we’ll act on three fronts. We’re open to talks — but ready to hit back. We’ll expand trade with other partners. And we’ll strengthen the EU single market — remove barriers, grow our scale, boost competitiveness. 3/
WP: Many in Europe doubt that a lasting ceasefire in Ukraine can be achieved in the near future. [I agree! I think it will take several months to get to the Black Sea ceasefire if at all. And who knows how much more for the overall ceasefire.] 1/
And if Trump loses interest in peace in the meantime because it is too hard, the war will continue. 2/
WP: Officials admit that sanctions relief will be part of the negotiations, but a temporary ceasefire must take a first place. 3/
In 2023, China supplied 76% of Russia’s imports of machine tools, thermal imagers, optics, and communications gear used on the battlefield, reports @KSE_Institute.
Compare it with 2021, when China exported to Russia 41% of its thermal imagers, optical sights, radios, and CNC machines — all used in weapons production. In the meantime, the EU dropped from 41% to 2% in 2023. 2/
KSE Institute finds that China supplied 90% of Russia’s CHP items imports in 2023 — everything from secure radio modules to CNC machines. Out of these Chinese shipments, 18% were Western goods rerouted through Chinese intermediaries, and 16% were Western goods made in China. 3/