The United States has temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil and petroleum products that are currently stranded at sea. This measure, effective for 30 days until April 11, aims to stabilize global energy markets, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
In a related context, former President Donald Trump previously announced plans to ease certain oil-related sanctions to help reduce rising energy prices amid US-Israeli operations against Iran, although specific details were not disclosed.
Iran’s Attack on French Military Base
On March 12, Iran launched a drone strike against a French military installation in Mahmur, located in Iraq’s Erbil province. The attack resulted in injuries to six French soldiers, with one soldier, identified as Senior Adjutant Arnaud Frion, confirmed dead by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The governor of Erbil, Omed Koshnaw, remarked that the presence of French troops in Iraq is justified by their role in combating terrorism, asserting that the ongoing conflict in Iran does not warrant such attacks. The injured soldiers were promptly transported to a nearby medical facility.
UK Defense Chief Claims Russian Support for Iran
John Healy, the head of the UK Ministry of Defence, stated that Russia is advising Iran on the use of Shahed drones in its conflicts with the US and Israel. Healy noted that President Putin is currently the only world leader benefiting from soaring oil prices, which are funding Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
In response, the Kremlin has denied any requests from Tehran for assistance, including military support. On March 8, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that a Ukrainian team would be heading to the Middle East to provide military expertise to Gulf nations in countering Iranian drone attacks.
Scholarships for University Students
Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced that scholarships will now be available for students at higher education institutions, regardless of ownership type, including both state and private universities. This adjustment comes in response to student requests for equitable financial support.
Svyrydenko also highlighted that the minimum scholarship amount will double by 2025, starting from September 1 of this year, with students set to receive at least 4,000 UAH. The 2026 state budget allocates 6.6 billion UAH for academic and named scholarships, an increase of 1.2 billion UAH from 2025.
Shakhtar Donetsk Triumphs Over Lech in Conference League
Shakhtar Donetsk began its playoff campaign in the Conference League with a 3-1 victory against Poland’s Lech. Goals were scored by Marlon Gomes, Nevertone, and Izaki, the latter netting a spectacular overhead kick. The return match is scheduled for March 19 in Krakow, Poland.
The winner of this matchup will face either the Dutch team AZ or the Czech club Sparta in the quarterfinals, as determined by the draw held at the end of February, which paired 16 teams from the playoff round with eight clubs that qualified directly for this stage.
The US has temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil, while Iran's drone attack on a French base in Iraq resulted in casualties. Additionally, the UK claims Russia is advising Iran on drone usage, and Ukraine announces scholarship reforms for university students.