and that were captured by the Ukrainian army 2023 (Roman Pilipey / AFP via Getty Images)Key developments on March 17: The Russian Defense Ministry claimed Russian forces captured the Ukrainian village of Stepove in Zaporizhzhia Oblast on March 17 Ukraine's Southern Defense Forces spokesperson Vladyslav Voloshyn denied the statement Stepove, with a pre-war population of 118 people, is located 5 kilometers (3 miles) from the villages of Pyatykhatky and Mali Shcherbaky in Zaporizhzhia Oblast All three settlements were under Russian occupation in 2022 and 2023 The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that its military had taken control of Stepove Voloshyn told the Kyiv Independent that Ukrainian forces did not lose ground in the Zaporizhzhia sector of the front line "This is a method of information warfare — the enemy claims that it is there before it has entered I do not confirm the information that Russia entered the settlements of Stepove or Shcherbaky and took them under control," Voloshyn said "Fierce fighting continues in this area The enemy is trying to change the configuration of the combat line in its favor six combat engagements were registered in the Orikhiv sector over the last day According to Voloshyn, since March, Russian forces have intensified their assaults in Zaporizhzhia Oblast there have been over 130 clashes in the Orikhiv sector alone The area near Stepove was the main axis of Ukraine's southern counteroffensive in 2023, which led to the liberation of the settlement of Robotyne but achieved no major breakthrough Ukrainian drones attacked a fuel and energy facility in Russia's Astrakhan Oblast on March 17 the Ukrainian Armed Forces again attempted a massive drone attack on facilities located in the region including a fuel and energy complex," Babushkin claimed Russia's Defense Ministry said its forces had destroyed 13 drones over the oblast Babushkin reported that fallen debris caused a fire at the facility The Kyiv Independent could not independently verify these claims Astrakhan Oblast is located in southwestern Russia and borders Kazakhstan The city of Astrakhan is almost 800 kilometers (500 miles) from the front line in Ukraine Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russia's energy and military infrastructure to disrupt Moscow's war effort. Overnight on March 14, Ukrainian drones struck the Tuapse oil refinery in Russia's Krasnodar Krai Kyiv has focused on hitting Russian refineries aiming to limit Moscow's ability to sustain its full-scale invasion President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on March 17 in his evening address that a Ukrainian long-range drone has successfully completed testing demonstrating its ability to fly 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles) "There is good news about long-range drones Our drone has passed a 3,000-kilometer test," Zelensky said following a meeting of the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief the top command and control body for Ukraine’s defense and security forces Kyiv uses long-range drones to strike deep into Russian territory, targeting military infrastructure such as airfields, oil refineries participants also discussed a new long-range missile developed by Ukraine "We can say that we are satisfied with the results of the strikes. But we need to produce more missiles, more drones, and we will be talking about this with our partners this week," Zelensky said Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk earlier said that the Ukrainian Navy is the only structure of the Ukrainian Armed Forces that uses the Long Neptun missiles Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha outlined three key conditions for future negotiations to end Russia's war against Ukraine in an interview with RBC-Ukraine published on March 17 "I don't like this definition (red lines). There are fundamental things that are non-negotiable, that cannot be touched upon," Sybiha said when asked what Ukraine's red lines are in potential talks Sybiha stressed that Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty are non-negotiable, reaffirming that Kyiv will never recognize Russian-occupied territories as part of Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyvoiced this stance back on March 12 Despite this, the Trump administration has suggested that Kyiv and Moscow must compromise on a peace deal, calling Ukraine's goal of restoring its pre-2014 borders "unrealistic." Russian forces currently occupy roughly 20% of Ukraine, where reports of systematic repression and forced deportations continue to emerge According to Sybiha, the second key condition is Ukraine's right to choose its alliances. He emphasized that no country should have a veto over Ukraine's NATO and EU aspirations Kyiv officially applied to join NATO in September 2022, and in 2024, the alliance declared Ukraine's path to membership "irreversible," though no formal invitation has been extended Sybiha also underscored that Ukraine's ability to defend itself must remain unrestricted meaning there can be no restrictions on the Ukrainian Armed Forces These are all elements of a lasting peace," he said On March 13, President Vladimir Putin said Russia was willing to accept a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire but demanded guarantees that Kyiv would halt mobilization and foreign aid deliveries — conditions that could leave Ukraine vulnerable to renewed aggression President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a law allowing Ukraine's Armed Forces to be sent abroad during martial law according to an official decree published on March 17 The law aims to enhance defense cooperation with partner nations, particularly by enabling Ukrainian forces to participate in training and receive military equipment, lawmaker Oleksii Honcharenkoexplained "This will allow us to attract international support to strengthen Ukraine's defense faster and more effectively," Honcharenko posted on Telegram The legislation permits Ukrainian military units to be deployed to other countries for national security purposes protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity and exercising the right to self-defense under international law The law does not concern the deployment of Ukrainian troops for combat operations on Russian territory The decision to send military personnel abroad will be made by the president but requires approval from the Verkhovna Rada Deployments will be subject to a formal request detailing the mission's objectives Zelensky vetoed the bill in January and returned it to parliament with amendments clarifying the decision-making process and ensuring compliance with international law Lawmakers approved the revised version in late February Ukraine is negotiating with South Korea to hand over two North Korean soldiers taken prisoner by Kyiv South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported on March 17 South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul and his Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha discussed the potential transfer of the North Korean prisoners of war (POWs) in a phone call Cho noted that under South Korea's Constitution North Koreans are considered South Korean citizens but the prisoners must express a desire to relocate Up to 12,000 North Korean troops were deployed to Russia's Kursk Oblast last fall to counter Ukraine's cross-border incursion launched in August 2024 Ukrainian troops captured two North Korean soldiers as POWs on Jan President Volodymyr Zelensky previously reported that North Korean forces fighting for Russia had suffered 4,000 casualties with two-thirds of the losses being soldiers killed Ukraine's military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov attributed the high losses to North Korea's lack of combat experience and its use of human wave attacks with limited equipment Ukraine War Latest is put together by the Kyiv Independent news desk team, who keep you informed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you value our work and want to ensure we have the resources to continue, join the Kyiv Independent community We are the news team of the Kyiv Independent We are here to make sure our readers get quick essential updates about the events in Ukraine Feel free to contact us via email with feedback and news alerts As of 4 p.m. on February 16, 79 combat engagements took place in the frontline since the beginning of the day. The largest number of engagements was recorded in the Pokrovsk and Novopavlivka directions, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reports Russian artillery and mortar fire affected the communities of the following localities: the Russian forces stormed the positions of Ukrainian units seven times in the areas of Petropavlivka the invading army launched 12 attacks on Ukrainian positions near Novoserhiivka Four attacks on Ukrainian positions in the areas of Chasiv Yar and Vasiukivka are currently underway eight Russian attacks took place in the areas of Toretsk and Krymske Ukrainian troops have already repelled five of them the Russian army has made 19 attempts to push Ukrainian defenders from their positions in the areas of Vodiane Druhe Ukrainian defense forces are holding back the attack and repelled 18 attacks the Russian troops attacked 13 times near Kostiantynopil the Russian forces made six assaults on the positions of Ukrainian troops in the areas of Novoandriivka No combat engagements have been recorded in the Prydniprovsky and Siversk directions since the beginning of the day The operation in the Kursk region continues Ukrainian soldiers repelled two attacks by the Russian troops today and four firefights are currently underway The Russians launched 320 artillery strikes including 10 from multiple launch rocket systems Over the previous day, from February 15 to 16, the Russian army lost 1730 soldiers in the war against Ukraine The Ukrainian Armed Forces also destroyed 84 armored personnel carriers Click here to see ISW’s interactive map of the Russian invasion of Ukraine This map is updated daily alongside the static maps present in this report Click here to see ISW's interactive map of Ukraine's offensive in Kursk Oblast Click here to see ISW’s 3D control of terrain topographic map of Ukraine Use of a computer (not a mobile device) is strongly recommended for using this data-heavy tool Click here to access ISW’s archive of interactive time-lapse maps of the Russian invasion of Ukraine These maps complement the static control-of-terrain map that ISW produces daily by showing a dynamic frontline ISW will update this time-lapse map archive monthly Note: The data cut-off for this product was 11:15am ET on March 24 ISW will cover subsequent reports in the March 25 Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment Saudi Arabia on March 24 following US–Ukrainian talks on March 23 about the details of temporary ceasefires on long-range strikes and in the Black Sea Ukrainian Presidential Office Advisor Serhii Leshchenko stated that the US–Ukrainian talks concerned a ceasefire against strikes on Russian "facilities at seas and rivers" and against Ukrainian ports in Kherson and Odesa oblasts.[4] Leshchenko stated that the Ukrainian delegation will hold additional discussions with the US delegation following the US–Russian talks on March 24.[5] Suspilne reported that the US delegation in the US–Russian talks includes State Department Policy Planning Director Michael Anton Ukrainian forces recently advanced in Demidovka along the international border in northwestern Belgorod Oblast amid ongoing Ukrainian attacks in the area elements of the Russian Northern Grouping of Forces and elements of the 155th Naval Infantry Brigade (Pacific Fleet) to respond to the Ukrainian attacks in northwestern Belgorod Oblast.[14] ISW will not offer an assessment of Ukraine's intent behind these attacks at this time Ukrainian forces appear to be leveraging long-range strikes to complicate Russian logistics and command and control (C2) in the area Ukrainian forces recently conducted two strikes on Russian command posts in western Belgorod Oblast destroying communications equipment.[15] Ukraine's Special Operations Forces (SSO) reported on March 24 that Ukrainian forces downed four Russian helicopters over Belgorod Oblast.[16] Russian milbloggers claimed that Ukrainian forces recently struck a bridge near Grafovka and another bridge near Nadezhevka (east of Grafovka) likely to complicate Russian logistics in the area.[17] Russian milbloggers claimed that Ukrainian drone strikes and HIMARS strikes are also complicating Russian forces' ability to hold some positions in the area.[18] The Kremlin is recirculating existing narratives aimed at undermining support for Ukraine amid the negotiations in Riyadh and likely remains uninterested in conducting meaningful negotiations to end the war Kremlin officials are likely attempting to capitalize on the current lack of available details about the US–Ukrainian and US–Russian discussions in Riyadh on March 23 and 24 Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov accused Ukraine of being "well-bred Nazis" who lack agency as part of Kremlin efforts to justify the Kremlin's demand of "denazification" — or regime change and the installation of a pro-Russian proxy government in Kyiv — as a condition to end the war in Ukraine.[19] Lavrov also reiterated claims accusing European countries of seeking to prolong the war in Ukraine likely to drive a wedge between Europe and the United States Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov accused Ukraine of violating the proposed moratorium on energy strikes despite the fact that the proposed moratorium agreement and its contours are not yet finalized and are currently under discussion in Riyadh.[20] Peskov and Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Spokesperson Maria Zakharova attempted to temper domestic expectations for the ongoing talks stating that there is no need to expect breakthroughs and there is still a lot of work to do on technical issues.[21] These statements continue to signal to the domestic Russian audience that Russians should not expect a meaningful peace in Ukraine in the near term and support Kremlin condition-setting for a protracted war effort.[22] Recent statements by Russian diplomats and academics indicate that the Kremlin likely aims to prioritize bilateral discussions with the United States over talks to end the war in Ukraine and will set this expectation within Russian society Russian State Duma Foreign Affairs Committee Vyacheslav Nikonov recently told the New York Times (NYT) that Russian President Vladimir Putin sees bilateral Russian-US relations as "more important than the question of Ukraine."[23] Other Russian officials and voices indicated to the NYT that it is more important for Russia to accomplish its goals in bilateral US–Russian relations regarding alleviating sanctions pressure and seeking a "broader deal" — which likely includes US–Russian bilateral terms — before agreeing to any ceasefire in Ukraine.[24] Russia continues to persecute religious minorities especially Evangelical Christian communities in occupied Kherson Oblast as part of a wider campaign in occupied Ukraine aimed at destroying independent Ukrainian national and religious identities ISW has previously reported on Russia's religious oppression in occupied Ukraine including arbitrary detention and assassinations of Ukrainian clergy or religious leaders and the looting and deliberate destruction of places of worship.[26] ISW has also reported at length on Russia's systematic repression of Ukrainian Orthodox communities and other religious minorities particularly Ukrainian Protestants and Baptists who have faced Russian brutality and other repressions throughout southern Ukraine.[27] We do not report in detail on Russian war crimes because these activities are well-covered in Western media and do not directly affect the military operations we are assessing and forecasting We will continue to evaluate and report on the effects of these criminal activities on the Ukrainian military and the Ukrainian population and specifically on combat in Ukrainian urban areas We utterly condemn Russian violations of the laws of armed conflict and the Geneva Conventions and crimes against humanity even though we do not describe them in these reports Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation Russian forces continue to attack limited Ukrainian positions in Kursk Oblast on March 24 but did not advance Unconfirmed claims: Russian milbloggers claimed that Russian forces advanced in the fields east and southeast of Oleshnya (southwest of Sudzha) and northeast and south of Guyevo (south of Sudzha).[28] Russian milbloggers claimed that Russian forces are attacking Gogolevka (west of Sudzha) and near the Sudzha checkpoint along the international border southwest of Sudzha.[29] Russian milbloggers claimed that Ukrainian forces maintain positions southwest of Sudzha in Oleshnya and south of Sudzha in Guyevo and Gornal.[30] Some Russian milbloggers denied limited Russian reports that Russian forces seized Guyevo and Gogolevka.[31] Ukraine's State Border Guard Service Spokesperson Andriy Demchenko stated on March 24 that Russia has accumulated a "significant" number of personnel and equipment in Kursk Oblast.[32] Order of Battle: Drone operators of the Russian "Rubikon" Center for Advanced Unmanned Technologies reportedly continue to operate in Kursk Oblast.[33] Elements of the Russian 810th Naval Infantry Brigade (Black Sea Fleet) are reportedly operating near Makhnovka (southeast of Sudzha).[34] Elements of the Russian 51st Airborne (VDV) Regiment (106th VDV Division) are reportedly operating near the Sudzha checkpoint.[35] Russian forces continued attacking into northern Sumy Oblast on March 24 but did not advance Unconfirmed Claims: Russian milbloggers claimed that Russian forces advanced into northern Volodymyrivka and Vodolahy (north of Sumy City) southeast of Zhuravka (northeast of Sumy City) and that elements of the 51st VDV Regiment are advancing northeast of Basivka (southeast of Zhuravka).[36] A Russian milblogger claimed that Russian forces recently advanced in the field northeast and east of Oleksandriya (northeast of Sumy City).[37] Demchenko stated that Russian forces are trying to advance near Zhuravka and Novenke (east of Zhuravka).[38] Russian milbloggers claimed that fighting continued along the Volodymyrivka-Vasylivka-Zhuravka line (north to northeast of Sumy City along the international border) and near Basivka.[39] Order of Battle: Elements of the Russian 56th VDV Regiment (7th VDV Division) are reportedly operating in northern Sumy Oblast.[40] See topline text for reports of Ukrainian activity in Belgorod Oblast Russian Subordinate Main Effort #1 — Kharkiv Oblast (Russian objective: Push Ukrainian forces back from the international border with Belgorod Oblast and approach to within tube artillery range of Kharkiv City) Russian forces continued offensive operations in the Kharkiv direction on March 24 but did not advance Russian forces conducted ground attacks north of Kharkiv City near Hlyboke and northeast of Kharkiv City near Vovchansk on March 23 and 24.[41] Order of Battle: Reconnaissance and artillery units of the Chechen "Akhmat” Spetsnaz “Vakha” Battalion and Russian 245th Motorized Rifle Regiment (47th Tank Division Moscow Military District [MMD]) are reportedly striking Ukrainian targets near Udy (northwest of Kharkiv City near the international border).[42] Russian Subordinate Main Effort #2 — Luhansk Oblast (Russian objective: Capture the remainder of Luhansk Oblast and push westward into eastern Kharkiv Oblast and northern Donetsk Oblast) Russian forces continued offensive operations in the Kupyansk direction on March 24 but did not make confirmed advances Unconfirmed claims: A Russian milblogger claimed that Russian forces advanced north of Stepova Novoselivka (southeast of Kupyansk) but that Ukrainian forces maintain positions in the settlement.[43] Another Russian milblogger claimed on March 24 that Russian forces advanced in eastern and western Topoli (northeast of Kupyansk along the international border).[44] Russian forces continued offensive operations northeast of Kupyansk near Dvorichna and Topoli and southeast of Kupyansk near Stepova Novoselivka on March 23 and 24.[45] The spokesperson of a Ukrainian brigade operating in the Kupyansk direction reported that Russian forces are attacking less frequently as compared to two to three weeks ago (early and mid-March 2024) likely due to manpower and equipment losses.[46] The spokesperson stated that Russian forces are using fewer pieces of heavy equipment The spokesperson for a Ukrainian regiment operating in the Kupyansk direction reported on March 24 that Russian infantry continue attempts to cross the Oskil River but are suffering from heavy losses and cannot conduct evacuations.[47] The spokesperson stated that there are roughly 500 Russian servicemembers dispersed in positions along the west (right) bank of the Oskil River Order of Battle: Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets stated that elements of the Russian 69th Motorized Rifle Division (6th Combined Arms Army [CAA] Leningrad Military District [LMD]) resumed attacks near Dvorichna.[48] Elements of the Russian 153rd Tank Regiment (47th Tank Division Moscow Military District [MMD]) and 352nd Motorized Rifle Regiment (11th Army Corps (AC) LMD) are reportedly operating near Ivanivka (southeast of Kupyansk).[49] Russian forces continued offensive operations in the Borova direction on March 24 but did not advance Unconfirmed claims: Mashovets stated that Ukrainian forces advanced toward Raihorodka (east of Borova and east of Nadiya).[50] Russian forces continued offensive operations northeast of Borova near Zahryzove and Bohuslavka and east of Borova near Nadiya and in the direction of Stepove on March 23 and 24.[51] The commander of a Ukrainian battalion operating in the Lyman direction stated on March 23 that Ukraine’s seizure of Nadiya (east of Borova) enables Ukrainian forces to maintain fire control over the Zherebets River and Dzherelne (north of Nadiya) and to complicate Russian mechanized assaults against Kopanky (west of Nadiya).[52] The spokesperson of a Ukrainian brigade operating in the Lyman direction reported on March 24 that Russian forces are attempting to bypass Nadiya and conduct assaults in small squads of five to six people.[53] A Russian milblogger claimed on March 23 that Ukrainian forces have not seized Nadiya and that the frontline is one to 1.5 kilometers west of the settlement.[54] Order of Battle: Mashovets stated that elements of the Russian 2nd Motorized Rifle Division (1st GTA MMD) are operating near Zahryzove and that elements of the 4th Tank Division with support from the 27th Motorized Rifle Brigade (both of the 1st GTA are operating near Lozova and Andriivka (formerly Pervomaiske) (both northeast of Borova).[55] Russian forces continued offensive operations in the Lyman direction on March 24 but did not advance Russian forces conducted offensive operations northeast of Lyman near Yampolivka and toward Zelena Dolyna and Zarichne and southeast of Lyman near the Serebryanske forest area on March 23 and 24.[56] A Ukrainian brigade operating in the Lyman direction stated on March 24 that Russian forces maintain a 10-to-one manpower advantage over Ukrainian forces in parts of this direction and that Russian forces in the area are mostly well-trained soldiers who have signed contracts with the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD).[57] The brigade stated that Russian forces are mostly attacking in infantry groups Order of Battle: Mashovets stated on March 24 that elements of the Russian 3rd Motorized Rifle Division (20th CAA MMD) are attacking near Makiivka (northeast of Lyman) and that elements of the 144th Motorized Rifle Division (20th CAA MMD) are attacking near Ivanivka and Kolodyazi (both northeast of Lyman).[58] Russian Subordinate Main Effort #3 — Donetsk Oblast (Russian objective: Capture the entirety of Donetsk Oblast the claimed territory of Russia’s proxies in Donbas) Russian forces recently advanced in the Siversk direction Assessed Russian advances: Footage published on March 22 and geolocated on March 24 indicates that Russian forces recently marginally advanced in the fields south of Verkhnokamyanske (east of Siversk).[59] Russian forces attacked northeast of Siversk near Bilohorivka and southeast of Siversk near Ivano-Darivka on March 23 and 24.[60] Russian forces continued offensive operations in the Chasiv Yar direction on March 24 but did not advance Russian forces attacked near Chasiv Yar itself northeast of Chasiv Yar near Orikhovo-Vasylivka and south of Chasiv Yar near Stupochky on March 23 and 24.[61] A Russian milblogger claimed on March 23 that Russian forces are attacking in Shevchenko Microraion in southern Chasiv Yar with armored vehicle support.[62] Order of Battle: Elements of the Russian 98th Airborne (VDV) Division including its 215th Reconnaissance Battalion and 331st VDV Regiment reportedly continue to operate near Chasiv Yar.[63] Ukrainian and Russian forces recently advanced in the Toretsk direction Assessed Ukrainian advances: Geolocated footage published on March 24 indicates that Ukrainian forces recently advanced along Mykhaila Hrushevskoho Street in central Toretsk and in northern Nelipivka (south of Toretsk).[64] Assessed Russian advances: Geolocated footage published on March 24 indicates that Russian forces recently advanced along Darhomyzhskoho and Donetska streets in northern Toretsk along Budivelnykiv Street in southwestern Toretsk and along Radianska Street in northern Oleksandropil (southwest of Toretsk).[65] Unconfirmed claims: Russian milbloggers claimed on March 24 that Russian forces regained lost positions near the Toretska Mine in northern Toretsk and advanced into Krymske (north of Toretsk).[66] Another Russian milblogger claimed that Russian forces advanced in northwestern Zabalka Microraion in southern Toretsk.[67] Russian milbloggers claimed on March 24 that elements of the Russian 68th Tank Regiment (150th Motorized Rifle Division Southern Military District [SMD]) advanced into southern Panteleymonivka (southwest of Toretsk) and Oleksandropil.[68] Russian forces attacked near Toretsk itself; north of Toretsk near Krymske Dachne and Dyliivka; west of Toretsk near Shcherbynivka; and southwest of Toretsk near Panteleymonivka and Oleksandropil on March 23 and 24.[69] Ukrainian Luhansk Group of Forces Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Dmytro Zaporozhets reported on March 24 that Russian forces are increasingly deploying fiber-optic capable drones in the Toretsk direction.[70] The deputy commander of a Ukrainian battalion operating in the Toretsk direction reported that Russian forces are using drones to drop explosives and incendiary devices onto Ukrainian positions in residential buildings and that Russian forces are relying increasingly on drones particularly fiber-optic capable drones.[71] The deputy commander stated that Russian authorities dismissed the Russian commander of an unspecified division operating in the Toretsk direction as Russian forces have been unable to advance in the area and that Russian higher command is now controlling the force grouping in the area Elements of the 150th and 20th motorized rifle divisions (both of the 8th CAA SMD) are operating in the Toretsk direction.[72] Order of Battle: Drone operators of the Russian 39th Motorized Rifle Brigade (68th Army Corps [AC] Eastern Military District [EMD]) are reportedly striking Ukrainian positions near Kleban Byk (northwest of Toretsk).[73] ISW has not previously observed elements of the 39th Motorized Rifle Brigade operating in the Toretsk direction as the brigade has been recently operating in the Kurakhove direction.[74] Elements of the Russian 20th Motorized Rifle Regiment (possibly a reformed Soviet unit) are reportedly operating south of Toretsk.[75] Ukrainian and Russian forces recently advanced in the Pokrovsk direction Assessed Ukrainian advances: Geolocated footage published on March 23 indicates that Ukrainian forces recently advanced in northeastern Vodyane Druhe (east of Pokrovsk) and southwest of Nadiivka (southwest of Pokrovsk).[76] Assessed Russian advances: Geolocated footage published on March 24 indicates that Russian forces recently advanced in southwestern Uspenivka (southwest of Pokrovsk).[77] Unconfirmed claims: A Russian milblogger claimed that Russian forces advanced near Udachne (southwest of Pokrovsk).[78] A Russian source claimed that Ukrainian forces maintain positions on the western outskirts of Solone (southwest of Pokrovsk).[79] Russian forces conducted offensive operations near Pokrovsk itself; east of Pokrovsk near Yelyzavetivka and Vodyane Druhe; southeast of Pokrovsk near Lysivka and Sukhyi Yar; south of Pokrovsk near Vidrodzhennya (formerly Novyi Trud) and Shevchenko; southwest of Pokrovsk near Kotlyne and Novoserhiivka; and northwest of Pokrovsk toward Serhiivka on March 23 and 24.[80] A Russian milblogger claimed that Ukrainian forces are counterattacking near Shevchenko The spokesperson of a Ukrainian brigade operating in the Pokrovsk direction stated that Russian forces are assembling in several settlements and are increasing their numbers of command staff and infantry.[82] The spokesperson stated that Russian forces are attacking in small assault groups and are using motorcycles to approach frontline areas.[83] Order of Battle: Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets stated that elements of the Russian 90th Tank Division (41st CAA Central Military District [CMD]) reactivated in the Novopavlivka direction and are attacking in the Nadivka-Kotlyarivka direction and the Sribne-Troitske direction (all southwest of Pokrovsk).[84] Elements of the Russian 33rd Motorized Rifle Regiment (20th Motorized Rifle Division) are reportedly operating near Tarasivka (northeast of Pokrovsk).[85] Elements of the 5th Motorized Rifle Brigade (51st CAA formerly 1st Donetsk People's Republic Army Corps [DNR AC] SMD) are reportedly operating in the Pokrovsk direction.[86] Russian forces continued offensive operations in the Kurakhove direction on March 24 but did not advance Russian forces conducted offensive operations west of Kurakhove near Kostyantynopil and Ulakly and southwest of Kurakhove near Rozlyv on March 23 and 24.[87] Order of Battle: Mashovets stated that elements of the Russian 110th and 114th motorized rifle brigades (both of the 51st CAA) are attacking near Andriivka and Kostyantynopil.[88] Russian forces recently advanced near Velyka Novosilka Assessed Russian advances: Geolocated footage published on March 24 indicates that Russian forces recently advanced in eastern Vilne Pole (west of Velyka Novosilka).[89] Russian forces conducted offensive operations north of Velyka Novosilka near Skudne and Vesele; west of Velyka Novosilka near Vilne Pole and Novosilka; and southwest of Velyka Novosilka near Novopil on March 23 and 24.[90] Mashovets stated that Russian forces have not seized Burlatske (northwest of Velyka Novosilka) or Pryvilne (southwest of Burlatkse).[91] Order of Battle: Mashovets stated that elements of the Russian 127th Motorized Rifle Division (5th CAA Dniproenerihya (north of Velyka Novosilka) and Vesele.[92] Mashovets stated that elements of the 40th Naval Infantry Brigade (Pacific Fleet) 336th Naval Infantry Brigade (Baltic Fleet) Elements of the 14th Spetsnaz Brigade (Russian General Staff's Main Directorate [GRU]) are reportedly operating in the Shakhtarske direction (east of Velyka Novosilka).[93] Drone operators of 77th Reconnaissance Battalion (127th Motorized Rifle Division EMD) and artillery of the 305th Artillery Brigade (5th CAA EMD) are reportedly operating near Burlatske.[94] Russian Supporting Effort — Southern Axis (Russian objective: Maintain frontline positions and secure rear areas against Ukrainian strikes) Neither Russian nor Ukrainian sources reported ground activity in the Hulyaipole direction on March 23 Order of Battle: Drone operators of the Russian 1198th Motorized Rifle Regiment (reportedly of the 35th Combined Arms Army [CAA] Eastern Military District [EMD] or possibly a reformed Soviet-era unit) are reportedly striking Ukrainian positions in the Polohy direction.[95] Russian forces continued offensive operations in the western Zaporizhia direction on March 24 but did not advance Russian forces attacked northwest of Robotyne near Lobkove Order of Battle: Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets reported on March 24 that elements of the Russian 108th VDV Regiment (7th VDV Division) are operating in the Pyatykhatky-Stepove area (northwest of Robotyne).[97] Neither Ukrainian nor Russian sources reported ground activity in the Kherson direction on March 24 and Drone Campaign (Russian Objective: Target Ukrainian military and civilian infrastructure in the rear and on the frontline) Russian forces conducted a series of missile and drone strikes against Ukraine on the night of March 23 and 24 The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russian forces launched 99 Shahed and decoy drones from the directions of Kursk City; Millerovo Krasnodar Krai.[98] The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Ukrainian forces shot down 57 drones and that 36 drones were ”lost,” likely due to Ukrainian electronic warfare (EW) interference Ukrainian officials reported that Russian forces struck Kyiv and Zaporizhia oblasts and conducted a missile strike against civilian infrastructure in Sumy City.[99] Ukrainian Air Force Spokesperson Colonel Yuriy Ihnat stated that Russian strike campaigns are designed to destroy infrastructure and terrorize the local Ukrainian population.[100] Ihnat noted that Russian forces intentionally launch a large number of drones targeting densely populated cities knowing that drone debris will damage the cities regardless of how successful Ukrainian air defense is Ihnat stated that Russian forces are regularly modifying Shahed drones with different explosives and guidance systems Russian Mobilization and Force Generation Efforts (Russian objective: Expand combat power without conducting general mobilization) Russian forces are reportedly failing to adequately provision first person view (FPV) drone units amid ongoing efforts to centralize Russian drone operations under the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) A Russian milblogger claimed on March 23 that Russian FPV drone crews only receive an allotted 5-6 FPV drones per day from the Russian MoD and that these drones are often poor quality leaving the crews with 2-3 usable drones.[101] The milblogger who reportedly provides assistance to frontline Russian forces claimed that drone crews ask for additional assistance and to exchange poor-quality drones with functional drones as well as parts to repair other drones The milblogger complained that Russia is wasting federal funds on low-quality drones instead of producing high-quality drones The milblogger suggested that the MoD could provide drone crews with 20-30 low quality drones so that drone crews can use their components to assemble roughly 10 functional drones The milblogger also complained that the MoD sends soldiers to hidden FPV drone crew positions with new drones daily which reveals their positions to Ukrainian forces.[102] The Russian MoD began efforts in August 2024 to centralize ad-hoc Russian drone units and ISW previously assessed that these formalization efforts would likely degrade Russian drone effectiveness.[103] Russia continues efforts to invest in long-term drone production and innovation The Russian Government ordered on March 20 to allocate a grant of 1.28 billion rubles (about $15.2 million) to build a research and production center for civilian unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in 2026 and will allocate a total of 21 billion rubles (about $250 million) to create a network of 16 drone research and production centers through 2028.[104] Russia continues to establish regional veterans' programs as part of long-term efforts to militarize the Russian government and establish promotion pipelines to reward veterans for their continued loyalty to the Kremlin Omsk Oblast Governor Vitaly Khotsenko announced on March 19 the creation of the regional "Time of Heroes" program which provides job training for Russian veterans of the war in Ukraine called the "Movement of Heroes."[105] Khotsenko stated that the "Movement of Heroes" program's first class will accept applications until April 7 and announce participants in July 2025 The Kremlin has appointed graduates of the federal "Time of Heroes" programs to high level positions in the Russian federal and local governments -- likely to militarize Russian society and prevent veterans from becoming a disenfranchised political cleavage that could pose a risk to the Kremlin’s regime security.[106] Russian Technological Adaptations (Russian objective: Introduce technological innovations to optimize systems for use in Ukraine) Activities in Russian-occupied areas (Russian objective: Consolidate administrative control of annexed areas; forcibly integrate Ukrainian citizens into Russian sociocultural ISW is not publishing coverage of activities in Russian-occupied areas today Significant activity in Belarus (Russian efforts to increase its military presence in Belarus and further integrate Belarus into Russian-favorable frameworks) Russia continues efforts to increase control over Belarus through Union State integration efforts Belarusian Security Council Secretary Lieutenant General Alexander Volfovich stated on March 23 that the Belarusian and Russian ministries of foreign affairs (MFAs) will create an institution of special representatives to monitor the implementation of the Union State security guarantees.[107] Note: ISW does not receive any classified material from any source and Western reporting and social media as well as commercially available satellite imagery and other geospatial data as the basis for these reports References to all sources used are provided in the endnotes of each update [1] https://suspilne dot media/977673-rozmova-dostatno-korisna-zelenskij-pro-peregovori-zi-ssa-u-saudivskij-aravii/ [2] https://www.facebook.com/rustemumerov.ua/posts/pfbid02eSGnryVWNUGC2WyHbjRYzktowBJsynVeXX3AfxyXVZEBWjNTQtoMa1c9HZKugxTl; https://x.com/rustem_umerov/status/1903908261016870980 [3] https://suspilne dot media/978013-ssa-ta-ukraina-provedut-se-odni-peregovori-pisla-zustrici-ssa-ta-rf/ [4] https://kyivindependent dot com/us-ukraine-talks-in-riyadh-concerned-ceasefire-on-strikes-against-port-infrastructure-official-says/ [5] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/23/world/europe/russia-ukraine-truce-talks.html [6] https://suspilne dot media/977823-u-saudivskij-aravii-rozpocalis-peregovori-ssa-ta-rosii/ [7] https://english dot alarabiya.net/News/saudi-arabia/2025/03/24/russia-us-talks-in-saudi-arabia-to-start-at-0700-gmt-tass-reports [9] https://t.me/romanov_92/46426; https://x.com/Map_Hargoo/status/1904137857612063218; https://t.me/creamy_caprice/8720 ; https://t.me/romanov_92/46424 https://x.com/moklasen/status/1904114252308263349; https://t.me/creamy_caprice/8720 [12] https://t.me/rusich_army/22013 ; https://t.me/voenkorKotenok/63066 ; https://t.me/yurasumy/22031 ; https://t.me/starshii_pogrannaryada/10761; https://t.me/starshii_pogrannaryada/10765 ; https://t.me/romanov_92/46428 ; https://t.me/dva_majors/67540; https://t.me/starshii_pogrannaryada/10765 ; https://t.me/dva_majors/67549 ; https://t.me/motopatriot78/33781 ; https://t.me/dva_majors/67550 [13] https://t.me/rusich_army/21993 ; https://t.me/epoddubny/22907 ; https://t.me/voenkorKotenok/63066 ; https://t.me/dva_majors/67509 [14] https://t.me/dva_majors/67550 ; https://t.me/mod_russia/50513 ; https://t.me/epoddubny/22907 ; https://t.me/dva_majors/67551 [15] https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-23-2025 ; https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-20-2025 [16] https://t.me/ukr_sof/1518 ; https://suspilne dot media/977731-sili-oboroni-znisili-4-gelikopteri-armii-rf-u-belgorodskij-oblasti/ [17] https://t.me/DnevnikDesantnika/25829 ; https://t.me/motopatriot78/33752 ; https://t.me/sashakots/52682 ; https://x.com/GirkinGirkin/status/1903905926916305382 ; https://x.com/GirkinGirkin/status/1904041960530137408 ; https://t.me/milinfolive/144768 [18] https://t.me/rybar/69087; https://t.me/brussinf/9232 ; https://t.me/rusich_army/22013 ; https://t.me/RVvoenkor/88635 ; https://t.me/dva_majors/67489; https://t.me/starshii_pogrannaryada/10758 ; https://t.me/starshii_pogrannaryada/10758; https://t.me/starshii_pogrannaryada/10759 [19] https://t.me/tass_agency/307306; https://tass dot ru/politika/23483163 [21] https://t.me/tass_agency/307331; https://t.me/tass_agency/307301; https://t.me/tass_agency/307302; https://t.me/tass_agency/307303 [23] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/24/world/europe/trump-russia-putin-ukraine.html [24] https://www.nytimes.com/2025/03/24/world/europe/trump-russia-putin-ukraine.html [26] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-9-2023 ; [27] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-23-2024 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-april-9-2023 [28] https://t.me/yurasumy/22019 ; https://t.me/boris_rozhin/159021 ; https://t.me/motopatriot78/33758 [29] https://t.me/rybar/69113 ; https://t.me/dva_majors/67524; https://t.me/control_sigma/40196 ; https://t.me/DnevnikDesantnika/25840; https://t.me/boris_rozhin/159021 ; https://t.me/sashakots/52684 [30] https://t.me/rybar/69113 ; https://t.me/dva_majors/67524; https://t.me/control_sigma/40196 ; https://t.me/motopatriot78/33758 [31] https://t.me/dva_majors/67478; https://t.me/gefestwar/4651 [32] https://suspilne dot media/sumy/977995-rosijska-armia-prodovzue-sturmuvati-prikordonna-sumsini-dpsu/ [33] https://t.me/tass_agency/307270 ; https://t.me/mod_russia/50495; https://t.me/RVvoenkor/88681 [36] https://t.me/motopatriot78/33758 ; https://t.me/motopatriot78/33765 ; https://t.me/DnevnikDesantnika/25829 ; https://t.me/DnevnikDesantnika/25832 ; https://t.me/voenkorKotenok/63062 ; https://t.me/boris_rozhin/159016 ; https://t.me/sashakots/52684; https://t.me/smotri_z/41500 ; https://t.me/dva_majors/67509 [38] https://armyinform.com dot ua/2025/03/24/dyversanty-rozpovzayutsya-po-kordonu-grupy-fiksuyut-na-pivnochi-pivdni-ta-pivdennomu-shodi-sumshhyny/ ; https://suspilne dot media/sumy/977995-rosijska-armia-prodovzue-sturmuvati-prikordonna-sumsini-dpsu/ [39] https://t.me/rybar/69113 ; https://t.me/wargonzo/25481 ; https://t.me/voenkorKotenok/63062 [40] https://t.me/RVvoenkor/88637 ; https://t.me/motopatriot78/33725 ; [41] https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22316; https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22286; https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22282; https://t.me/rusich_army/22006 [43] https://t.me/motopatriot78/33749 ; https://t.me/motopatriot78/33748 ; https://t.me/motopatriot78/33750; https://t.me/motopatriot78/33770 [45] https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22316; https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22316; https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22282; https://t.me/dva_majors/67509; https://t.me/motopatriot78/33748; https://t.me/motopatriot78/33750; https://t.me/motopatriot78/33770; [46] https://armyinform dot com.ua/2025/03/23/u-sylah-oborony-poyasnyly-chomu-rosiyany-menshe-atakuyut-na-kupyanskomu-napryamku/ [47] https://suspilne dot media/kharkiv/977923-vazlivi-ale-neveliki-operacii-bila-dvoricnoi-na-harkivsini-u-berezni-zvilnili-castinu-teritorii/ [49] https://t.me/motopatriot78/33750; https://t.me/motopatriot78/33770 [51] https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22316; https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22286; https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22282; https://t.me/Khortytsky_wind/6766 [52] https://www.pravda.com dot ua/news/2025/03/23/7504151 [53] https://suspilne dot media/donbas/978175-zvilnenna-nadii-v-tretij-sturmovij-rozpovili-pro-uspisnu-operaciu-na-lugansini/ [56] https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22316; https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22286; https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22282; https://t.me/Khortytsky_wind/6766 [59] https://x.com/auditor_ya/status/1904200548976337263; https://x.com/666_mancer/status/1904186660654358870 ; https://t.me/ombr_155/158 [60] https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22286 ; https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22282 [61] https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22316 ; https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22286 ; https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22282 ; https://t.me/Khortytsky_wind/6766 ; https://t.me/wargonzo/25481 ; https://t.me/dva_majors/67509 [66] https://t.me/DnevnikDesantnika/25839 ; https://t.me/boris_rozhin/159006 [68] https://t.me/motopatriot78/33775 ; https://t.me/voenkorKotenok/63063 [69] https://t.me/Khortytsky_wind/6766 ; https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22282 ; https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22286 ; https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22316 ; https://t.me/dva_majors/67509 ; https://t.me/motopatriot78/33780 ; https://t.me/yurasumy/22032 [70] https://suspilne dot media/977167-delegacii-ukraini-ta-ssa-zustrinutsa-v-saudivskij-aravii-udar-zsu-po-zastavi-v-rf-1124-den-vijni/?anchor=live_1742746244&utm_source=copylink&utm_medium=ps [71] https://armyinform.com dot ua/2025/03/24/komandyra-dyviziyi-vidstoronyly-vid-posady-na-toreczkomu-napryamku-zhorstki-boyi-v-urbanizovanyj-misczevosti/ [72] https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-23-2025; https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-18-2025; https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-15-2025; https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-13-2025 [73] https://t.me/voin_dv/14051 ; https://t.me/SouthernRepublic/20956 [74] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-13-2025 ; https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-25-2025 [76] https:// t.me/gimbatov34/4349; https://x.com/Richer214469/status/1903882369393979819 [77] https://t.me/creamy_caprice/8717; https://t.me/kvbarmy/391 [80] https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22316; https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22286 ; https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22282; https://t.me/Khortytsky_wind/6766; https://t.me/wargonzo/25481 [82] https://suspilne dot media/donbas/977819-ce-dovoli-serjozno-vijska-rf-skupcuutsa-na-kilkoh-dilankah-bila-pokrovska/ [83] https://armyinform dot com.ua/2025/03/24/dvijka-mala-uspih-zapuskajte-shhe-poblyzu-pokrovska-rosijski-komandyry-duryat-svoyih-shturmovykiv/ [87] https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22316; https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22286 ; https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22282; https://t.me/Khortytsky_wind/6766 [89] https:// t.me/creamy_caprice/8724 ; https:// t.me/ombr_31/371 [90] https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22316; https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22286 ; https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22282; [96] https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU/22316 ; https://t.me/tass_agency/307249 ; https://t.me/wargonzo/25481 ; https://t.me/dva_majors/67509 [100] https://armyinform.com dot ua/2025/03/24/zlyva-z-vorozhyh-droniv-u-povitryanyh-sylah-poyasnyly-pryhovanu-metu-nalotiv-shahediv/ [101] https://t.me/notes_veterans/22621 ; https://t.me/notes_veterans/22622; https://t.me/notes_veterans/22623 [103] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-efforts-centralize-drone-units-may-degrade-russian-drone-operations [104] https://www.kommersant dot ru/doc/7602556; https://www.idelreal dot org/a/udmurtiya-poluchit-1-3-mlrd-rubley-na-razvitie-tsentra-bpla-v-2026-godu-/33357309.html [105] https://rg dot ru/2025/03/19/reg-sibfo/vremia-novyh-vozmozhnostej.html [107] https://belta dot by/society/view/institut-spetspredstavitelej-kto-budet-kontrolirovat-dogovor-o-garantijah-bezopasnosti-v-sg-704421-2025/ ; https://t.me/belta_telegramm/301560 Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker The Russian army has intensified its activities in the Zaporizhzhia region, but the intensity of the fighting suggests that this is not a primary offensive direction. Meanwhile, in the Kherson region, the situation remains even less dynamic the enemy has advanced in the Pyatykhatky area toward the villages of Stepove and Mali Shcherbaky The likely target of the Russian offensive in this area could be the city of Orikhiv especially since Russian forces have also intensified operations south of the city in the Robotyne area the Russian army may aim to expand its penetration along the entire stretch from Kamianske to Shcherbaky to approach Zaporizhzhia more closely Russian forces have failed to achieve significant breakthroughs in this area and it is unclear whether Moscow intends to escalate its intensity and expand the scale of its actions here "You can check the General Staff reports to see where most of the combat clashes are happening with more than 50 of them in Pokrovsk and Toretsk which is similar to the level of activity in the Kharkiv direction This is definitely not a major offensive or an attempt at a breakthrough," said military expert Pavlo Narozhnyi The Russian army is mostly focused on seizing islands on the Dnipro River the invaders have been unable to establish a bridgehead for a larger offensive in the Kherson region The Russian army is mainly focused on seizing islands in the Dnipro River the occupiers have been unable to establish a foothold for further offensive operations in the Kherson region," said former Deputy Chief of the Ukrainian General Staff Ihor Romanenko in a comment to RBC-Ukraine In January, the head of the Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, Ivan Fedorov, told RBC-Ukraine that Vladimir Putin had been preparing for an offensive on Zaporizhzhia but was forced to abandon those plans. The official also noted that a multi-layered defense system is being built in the Zaporizhzhia region covering not only frontline defense positions but also circular defenses around Orikhiv The Russians are not abandoning their plans to launch an offensive in southern Ukraine Moscow plans to intensify military operations in the Zaporizhzhia region and the right-bank part of Kherson the Russians' readiness for an offensive on the right bank of Kherson is even higher than in Zaporizhzhia Ukrainian military officials suggest that the main attack in the Zaporizhzhia region could be directed at the Pyatykhatky area the Russians have already attempted to break through to the right bank of the Dnipro their reconnaissance and sabotage groups were repelled near the Antonivskyi Bridge from the side of the Oleshky settlement the decision to launch an offensive on Kherson has already been made The operation will be supervised by the Commander of the Russian Airborne Forces Up to 4,000 Russian assault troops are expected to be involved in the mission These Russian units had already retreated from Kherson in the fall of 2022 It is reported that Russian plans depend on weather conditions the Russian army must cross the Dnipro River as all the bridges in this area have been destroyed This necessitates the use of boats or the construction of crossings After the explosion of the Kakhovka Hydroelectric Power Station part of the Dnipro’s territories turned into marshy areas that freeze in winter It was also reported that partisans from the ATESH movement had destroyed Russian soldiers' boats because they feared the islands of the Dnipro and crossing it Another problematic factor for the occupiers is that part of the airborne forces from the Dnipro region had been previously redeployed to assist Russian units in the Kursk region Sources of RBC-Ukraine doubt the success of Moscow's plans due to the complexity of such an operation Ukrainian troops are already prepared to meet the enemy on the right bank of Kherson which will complicate the implementation of the offensive the spokesperson for the southern defense forces of Ukraine reported that the Russians had already tried to cross the Dnipro in the area of the Antonivskyi Bridge but did not even reach the middle of the river The chief of mercenary group Wagner on Wednesday accused Moscow's top brass of deceiving Russians about the course of Ukraine's offensive and pointed to Kyiv's progress on the battlefield Early this month Kyiv's military launched its counteroffensive in the east and south of the Western-backed country in an effort to claw back territory lost since last year Russian President Vladimir Putin has repeatedly said that Ukraine's offensive is failing whose forces had for months led an assault for towns in eastern Ukraine including Bakhmut accused the Defense Ministry of not telling the truth and losing territory to Ukrainian troops "They are misleading the Russian people," he said in an audio message released by his spokespeople A number of villages including Pyatykhatky has been lost "Huge chunks have been handed over to the enemy," he said adding that Ukrainian troops have already sought to cross the Dnipro River "All of this is being totally hidden from everyone," the 62-year-old said "One day Russia will wake up to discover that Crimea too has been handed over to Ukraine," he said retaking eight settlements in the first cautious steps of a fightback against entrenched Russian positions Putin insisted again that Ukrainian troops had sustained "serious losses" and said that there was a "certain lull" on the front Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help please support us monthly starting from just $2 and every contribution makes a significant impact independent journalism in the face of repression the number of combat engagements on the front has increased to 54 The hottest area right now is the Pokrovsk direction according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Russian forces are actively using aviation in the Kursk region there are reports of 17 aerial strikes involving 27 guided bombs targeting Russian settlements Russian troops are shelling Ukrainian border settlements including Porozok and Pozhnya in the Sumy region Kharkiv direction: Since the beginning of the day there have been four combat engagements near Lyptsi and Vovchansk Kupiansk direction: Russian forces have launched nine assaults on our positions near Petropavlivka where four enemy attacks are currently ongoing Lyman direction: The enemy has attacked in the areas of Torske A total of nine combat engagements have been reported in this direction since the beginning of the day Siversk direction: The enemy continues to attempt to breach our defenses but is met with strong resistance from Ukrainian defenders the enemy unsuccessfully tried to push our units Kramatorsk direction: Since the beginning of the day Russian troops have attempted five times to dislodge our forces from their positions Ukrainian troops successfully repelled all assaults near Hryhorivka one combat engagement is ongoing near Toretsk the occupiers have dropped 11 guided aerial bombs on the city Pokrovsk direction: The situation remains tense Ukrainian defenders have repelled 11 attacks in the areas of Panteleimonivka Kurakhove direction: Since the beginning of the day the occupiers have attacked our units five times and Prydniprovskyi directions: Russia has not conducted active operations but is carrying out aerial strikes and Burhunka in the Kherson region have been shelled with unguided aerial rockets the enemy has struck Shlyakhove and Shylova Balka with guided aerial bombs According to the General Staff, on August 20, there were 166 combat engagements on the front lines Over a third of these occurred in the Pokrovsk direction Over the past day, Russian losses include 1,210 soldiers You don't have permission to access the page you requested What is this page?The website you are visiting is protected.For security reasons this page cannot be displayed Ukrainian Defense Forces repelled a large-scale Russian assault in the Zaporizhzhia region on April 16. Russia threw at least 320 attack aircraft and dozens of pieces of equipment into the battle, according to the Defense Forces of Southern Ukraine. Russia changed tactics and began assault operations in units," the report said Russia's assault group consisted of at least 320 soldiers Assault groups from several regiments of the 58th combined-arms army of the Southern Military District were involved The assault operations continued on the line near the settlements of Pyatykhatky and Mali Shcherbaky in the Zaporizhia region Ukrainian soldiers' aerial reconnaissance detected Russia's assault in advance Drones and artillery strikes were launched The first defeat of Russian military equipment (3 infantry fighting vehicles were destroyed) occurred 8 kilometers before the line of contact with Ukrainian forces inflicting fire damage on attack aircraft Ukrainian Defense Forces of Southern Ukraine reported that 29 units of military equipment Ukrainian defenders emphasized that the enemy was not successful and the Defense Forces of Ukraine did not lose a single position As reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 111 combat contacts were recorded on the front line over the past day Active combat operations are also ongoing in the Kursk region Ukrainian forces repelled 17 Russian attacks over the past day the General Staff does not record the active Russian advance Earlier, the Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, reported that the Russians have launched a new offensive on the Kharkiv and Sumy regions The General Staff does not rule out that Russia may involve North Korean troops in the fighting.