**Russian President Congratulates Winner of Abkhazian “Election”**
On March 2, Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulated Badra Gunba on winning the presidential election in the occupied Georgian region of Abkhazia. In a statement released by the Kremlin’s press service, Putin said that he expected friendly and allied relations between Russia and Abkhazia to continue strengthening.
Abkhazia has been under de facto Russian control since the 2008 war between Russia and Georgia. The region is internationally recognized as part of Georgia. Gunba, who won the election, is considered a pro-Kremlin politician.
**Western Leaders Meet in London**
On March 2, top Western officials including French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, and others met in London to discuss support for Ukraine. The meeting aimed to develop a joint action plan for ending the war with a just and lasting peace.
**Ukraine Claims Success Against Russia**
In other news, Ukraine’s air defense shot down 63 of the 79 drones launched by Russian forces overnight. This brings the total number of casualties suffered by Russian forces to over 1,110 in the past day.
**IAEA Monitors Reach Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Plant**
A new team from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) arrived at the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine on March 1. The team reached the site through Russian-occupied territory, marking the first time IAEA monitors had accessed the plant.
**Russia and China Seek to Recruit U.S. Employees**
According to a report by CNN, Russia and China are attempting to recruit U.S. federal national security employees who were impacted by layoffs under the Trump administration.
**Ukraine Air Defense Claims Success Against Russian Drones**
In other news, Ukraine’s air defense shot down 63 of the 79 drones launched by Russian forces overnight.
