Russia made almost no territorial gains across the frontline in March, its worst progress in two and a half years, according to a new analysis from the Institute for the Study of War. The data shows that Ukraine's frontline position is now the strongest it has been in a year, a development attributed to its superiority in drone warfare and air defence.
Ukraine's Strongest Position in a Year
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated, “We have minimised the Russians’ advantage in manpower through the use of drones. For us, the situation on the battlefield is about strengthening our negotiating position. We can shoot down up to 90 per cent of the targets that strike our cities… [Ukraine’s] position on the battlefield is indeed the strongest, or the most solid, it has been over the past year.”
Zelensky Calls for Trilateral Peace Talks
President Volodymyr Zelensky renewed calls for trilateral peace discussions with Russia, despite US negotiators being preoccupied with the war in Iran. The Kremlin rebuffed the call, stating that Vladimir Putin will only meet Zelensky to finalise an agreed peace deal.
Concerns Over US Missile Defences
Zelensky warned that a prolonged conflict in Iran could make it harder for Ukraine to secure US anti-missile defences. Speaking to CNN, he noted that Ukraine receives limited numbers of such weaponry due to limited US production, but so far no disruption in supplies or intelligence has occurred. He emphasised that through the PURL programme, Ukraine can purchase anti-ballistic missiles for Patriot systems, but these packages are at risk due to the Middle East war.
'Donnyland' Proposal to Appease Trump
Ukrainian officials reportedly suggested renaming a section of the disputed Donbas region “Donnyland” to appeal to President Donald Trump’s ego, according to The New York Times. The moniker, partly in jest, aimed to convince the Trump administration to push back more against Russia’s territorial demands. Donnyland, about 50 miles long and 40 miles wide, nods to Trump’s fondness for putting his name on various entities.
Kremlin's Precondition for Meeting
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said Putin can meet Zelensky only to finalise agreements on the conflict. “The main thing is that there should be a reason to meet, and the main thing is that the meeting should be productive. And it can only be for the purpose of finalising agreements,” Peskov told Russian state television.
EU's €90 Billion Loan to Ukraine
A €90 billion EU loan for Ukraine could be revived after Hungary lifted its veto. The loan, to be borrowed collectively by the EU, will fund Ukraine's defence for 2026-2027, using frozen Russian assets as a backstop. Ukraine will receive €45 billion each year, with €28 billion for military needs and €17 billion for general budget needs. Repayment is expected from Russian war reparations.
Recent Attacks and Developments
Russian drones attacked civilian transport infrastructure in Zhytomyr, killing one person. In Dnipro, an air attack injured seven, including two children, and caused fires in an apartment block. Meanwhile, oil flow through the Druzhba pipeline to Slovakia resumed after repairs, prompting Hungary to lift its veto on the EU loan. Turkey is also trying to revive negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, with President Erdogan discussing the matter with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
