A Russian missile struck a hotel in Kryviy Rih, central Ukraine, in the early hours of March 6, marking the first long-range attack on civilian infrastructure since the U.S. halted military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The strike left two people dead and 28 injured, happening just as European leaders convened in Brussels for a crucial summit. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is also attending as EU nations discuss bold measures to boost defense spending and reaffirm their support for Ukraine.

French President Emmanuel Macron, addressing his nation on the eve of the summit, expressed hope that the U.S. would continue standing by Ukraine but acknowledged the need for Europe to be prepared in case that support wavers. A draft of the summit’s agenda, seen by RFE/RL, outlines plans to release up to 800 billion euros ($844 billion) under the REARM Europe initiative, spearheaded by European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. The goal is to bridge the gap left by reduced U.S. backing and strengthen European defense efforts.

Camille Grand, a former senior NATO official and French defense expert, emphasized the importance of Europe providing a security framework for Ukraine as discussions on a possible settlement continue. The March 6 summit comes amid shifting diplomatic efforts to end the war, as well as ongoing, grueling battles on the frontlines, both in Ukraine and parts of Russia.

The U.S. decision to pause military aid affects billions of dollars' worth of weapons and ammunition. This includes halting shipments from Pentagon stockpiles and funds from the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative, which allows Kyiv to purchase arms directly from American defense firms. While the full impact of U.S. intelligence on Ukraine’s war effort has never been publicly detailed, officials in Kyiv warn that losing access to it could weaken their defenses against Russian missile attacks and limit the effectiveness of long-range drone strikes and advanced Western weaponry, including Patriot air-defense systems, NASAMS, HIMARS rocket launchers, and Storm Shadow missiles from Britain and France.

In response, French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced that France would step up and provide intelligence support to Ukraine. Meanwhile, officials in the Trump administration hinted that the halt in U.S. aid could be temporary—potentially resuming if Zelenskyy agrees to return to negotiations with Russia, something he has expressed willingness to do.

White House national-security adviser Mike Waltz told Fox News on March 5 that the administration would consider reinstating aid if Ukraine engaged in peace talks and took confidence-building measures. Discussions about setting a date and location for such talks are reportedly underway.

Tensions between Kyiv and Washington have been strained in recent days, particularly after a heated exchange in the Oval Office on February 28 between Zelenskyy, Trump, and U.S. Vice President JD Vance. Zelenskyy was publicly scolded and left without signing a strategic minerals deal. Since then, he has shown willingness to move forward with the deal and mend ties with the U.S.

On the battlefield, fighting continues with high casualties, though neither Ukraine nor Russia has made significant territorial gains. The exact impact of the U.S. aid suspension remains unclear, but concerns are growing. On March 5, several senior Democrats criticized the White House’s decision, including Senator Mark Warner, vice chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, who called it "ill-advised" and warned that cutting intelligence support would "cost Ukrainian lives." As European leaders gather in Brussels, their focus will be on ensuring Ukraine can continue defending itself. Current estimates suggest Ukraine could sustain its fight through the summer even without additional American aid, but the urgency to act is mounting.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from RFE RL.