Ukraine war briefing: Deadly Russian bombing spree marks end of ceasefire

Civilian deaths in several regions and baby girl has leg blown off; Kallas says Putin’s weakening position could mean ‘opportunity for ending war’. What we know on day 1,540

Russian forces launched attacks in Ukraine's Dnipropetrovsk region on Tuesday, killing at least six people, according to regional officials. The attacks came after the expiry of a ceasefire, with Ukrainian officials reporting over 200 drones launched overnight. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, stated that the Russian military had targeted civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings and a hospital. The attacks resulted in the death of a baby girl who had her leg blown off.

The end of the ceasefire and subsequent attacks will likely drive up gas prices, affecting households that rely on natural gas for heating and transportation. As the conflict disrupts global energy markets, companies like ExxonMobil and Shell may increase prices, passing the cost on to consumers. This could lead to a rise in home heating costs, particularly for low-income households. The price increase may be felt as early as next month.

The Ukraine war is part of a larger geopolitical struggle between Russia and Western nations, with the conflict escalating since Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Insiders know that Russian President Vladimir Putin's weakening position may lead to increased aggression, as he attempts to maintain control and project power. Historically, similar conflicts have led to prolonged periods of instability, with the Soviet-Afghan War serving as a prime example. This context suggests that the current conflict may be far from over.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to meet with Ukrainian officials on March 15 to discuss further economic support and potential EU membership. A key decision to watch for is the European Union's announcement on additional sanctions against Russia, expected by the end of the month. Surprisingly, despite the ongoing conflict, Ukraine's economy has shown resilience, with the country's GDP declining by only 30% in 2022, defying initial predictions of a complete collapse.