Russia's army recorded almost no territorial gains on the frontline in Ukraine in March for the first time in two-and-a-half years, according to analysis of data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) conducted by Agence France-Presse. The Russian army seized only 23 sq km (8.9 sq miles) in March, losing territory in some areas. This is the smallest advance since September 2023, down from 319 sq km in January and 123 sq km in February.
The ISW attributed the slowdown to Ukrainian counteroffensives, as well as Russia's ban on using Starlink terminals in Ukraine and restrictions on the Telegram messaging app. Telegram has been barely usable in recent months due to blocks imposed by Russian authorities. Russia also lost ground on the southern section of the frontline, between the Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
Russian strikes killed 14 people in Ukraine on Friday, as Moscow launched more than 500 drones and dozens of missiles in a daytime barrage. The Ukrainian air force reported the attack, which is part of an increasing number of daytime assaults in recent weeks.
Russia's Baltic oil export hubs at Ust-Luga and Primorsk remain unable to handle shipments after a series of Ukrainian drone attacks, industry sources said. The attacks have damaged port infrastructure, with at least five strikes on Ust-Luga in 10 days. Traders said refineries had been unable to deliver diesel fuel to Primorsk since 22 March, leaving refineries in European Russia and Siberia without their most viable export route.
A Ukrainian drone and missile attack on southern Russia killed at least one person, injured four others and sparked a blaze aboard a foreign-flagged vessel, Russian officials said on Saturday.
President Zelenskyy has called on lawmakers to pass key legislation next week to avert a funding crisis and enact reforms required for EU accession. Ukraine missed deadlines to unlock billions from key lenders due to lagging reforms. With external financing needs of $52bn this year, the budget situation is desperate. Zelenskyy said, 'I have a list of key draft laws that are critical for securing funding,' ranging from strengthening the court system to reforming energy sector procedures.
