No U.S. company can keep up with Ukraine on drones

The U.S. is turning to Ukraine for help in developing better drones after American drones underperformed on the battlefield.

Startups are now working with Ukrainian manufacturers to build battle-tested drones for the U.S. military.

While the Pentagon aims to produce 100,000 drones annually, Ukraine built over 2 million UAVs last year.

Source: WSJ

NEW: China will hold talks with Russia and Iran on the Iran nuclear issue in Beijing on March 14, says China Foreign Ministry.

NEW: We call for dialogue and negotiations to find a political solution to the Ukrainian crisis, says China Foreign Ministry.

Polish Deputy Defense Minister Zalewski confirms that U.S. security assistance to Ukraine is once again being delivered through the Jasionka logistics hub.

French President Emmanuel Macron met with NATO and EU military commanders in Paris to discuss future defense strategies for the continent.

U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announces the resumption of intelligence sharing with Ukraine.

Israel has sent fighter jets towards Syria multiple times in recent days to "safeguard" the Druze community.

The jets flew at low altitudes as a clear message to Syria’s new leadership that Israel is committed to "defending" the Druze population.

Source: Channel 12

Türkiye continues military operations against PKK/YPG/SDF terror group in Syria

Turkish MoD official confirmed that operations against the group continue, including yesterday.

The announcement follows a deal between the U.S.-backed SDF and Syria’s new government.

Source: Reuters

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa expected to attend donors’ summit in Brussels in his first visit to Europe.

Germany Backs European Army

✅ 84% say it’s a good idea.
❌ 12% oppose it.

Source: ZDF

Germany’s Volkswagen is considering manufacturing equipment for the German Army as Europe accelerates its rearmament.

With Germany’s car exports down 50% from pre-pandemic levels, automakers have spare capacity.

The United Nations voted in favor of the creation of an International Day of Hope.

The only country to vote against: United States.

Even North Korea voted for it.

Putin is unlikely to accept a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, Russian sources say.

A senior Russian source told Reuters:

“Putin has a strong position because Russia is advancing.”

Kremlin:

No need to rush Russia's response to 30-day ceasefire proposal in Ukraine.

Made in the USA, Operated by the USA… For Australia?

Australia is increasingly concerned that the nuclear-powered submarines promised under the AUKUS security pact with the U.S. and the UK may never arrive.

In 2021, Australia scrapped a €56 billion submarine deal with France to join the AUKUS pact with the U.S. and UK, opting for nuclear-powered vessels.

The move strained ties with France but was seen as a strategic shift in Indo-Pacific security.

Years later, Australia still has no firm delivery guarantees. Even if delivered, the submarines may be U.S.-operated, limiting Australia’s autonomy.

As The Guardian’s Ben Doherty warns:

“These submarines could fly the American flag, carry American weapons, and be controlled by American officers. Australia risks becoming nothing more than an operational base for U.S. power projection.”

Source: The Guardian Australia, Marianne

German-supplied Ukrainian IRIS-T air defense system intercepts and destroys a Russian Kh-101 cruise missile.

🇨🇳 China’s Expanding Footprint in Africa’s Ports

Dozens of Chinese-financed port projects across the continent.

Multiple ports hosting PLA Navy port calls and naval exercises.

Djibouti remains China’s first official overseas naval base.

Nigeria, Angola, Kenya, and Tanzania among the nations with dual-use port potential.

Source: Africa Center for Strategic Studies

Canada will announce the imposition of tariffs worth $29.8 billion in retaliation for US tariffs on steel and aluminum.

Source: Reuters

US Secretary of State Rubio:

Washington discussed territorial concessions with Ukraine.

Polish PM Tusk: Türkiye’s role in Ukraine may be key

Polish PM Donald Tusk will visit Türkiye today to discuss Ukraine, regional stability, and potential Polish-Turkish efforts for lasting peace.

Tusk:

From our point of view, it is very important that NATO and European countries simultaneously effectively guarantee stability after achieving a ceasefire and peace on the Russian-Ukrainian border.

And Türkiye’s role here may be key.

The EU did not invite Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to the March 17 donor summit in Brussels, as it is held at a “ministerial level,” an EU Commission spokesperson said.

Syria’s Foreign Minister, Asaad al-Shibani, is set to attend, marking the country’s first formal representation at the annual event.

Source: Reuters