Russian forces, knowing that in spring the ground dries somewhat in the steppes of eastern Ukraine and trees sprout leaves providing good cover from drones, are preparing rapid attacks and advances primarily with motocross and enduro bikes
The new major offensive being prepared by Russian forces from May and Summer 2026 will serve as the tombstone for the collapsing Ukrainian defense. Russian forces, aware that the ground in the eastern Ukrainian steppes dries during the spring and foliage provides concealment from drones, are organizing rapid breakthroughs using motocross and enduro motorcycles. As the war in Ukraine has demonstrated, the fastest means of advancement is often these agile bikes rather than heavy armor. Indeed, the first 2026 attack involving 13 motocross bikes west of Pokrovsk proved successful. Meanwhile, Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán emphasized that he has "bad news," claiming Europeans are deceitfully planning to send troops to Ukraine. In Spain, voices pushing for a withdrawal from the NATO alliance are growing louder. At the same time, US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard admitted that Russia currently holds the upper hand in the conflict.
Dmitry Peskov (Russia): US-mediated Russia–Ukraine negotiations on pause
Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia mediated by the US are currently on pause, according to Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov. According to him, despite the temporary suspension of the negotiation process, Moscow and Kyiv will continue to communicate regarding the exchange of prisoners and the remains of fallen soldiers. Peskov added that the Special Representative of the Russian President, Kirill Dmitriev, continues his work within the bilateral Russia–US group. "Kirill Dmitriev continues his work; however, the trilateral group is on pause," Peskov clarified. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin stated that there is currently no specific date or location for a new meeting between delegations, and while the agenda is not fully formed, territorial issues remains a primary concern.
Viktor Orbán (Prime Minister of Hungary): I have bad news, Europe sneakily wants to send troops to Ukraine
Europe is becoming increasingly involved in the conflict in Ukraine and is ready to send troops there, while Hungary wants to stay out, stated Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. "I have bad news: the war is approaching. Europe has decided to get more and more involved. Now they send money and weapons, but there is already an agreement that European soldiers will later be stationed on Ukrainian soil," Orbán said. He previously claimed that Brussels is preparing Europe for war and that the deployment of soldiers is only a matter of time. He asserted that Hungary is the only EU country not preparing for war, whereas other European nations are "marching" toward conflict.
Tulsi Gabbard (US): Russia has the upper hand, Ukraine is weak
Statements by Tulsi Gabbard, the US Director of National Intelligence, caused panic in the US and the wider Western camp after she told Congress that Russia maintains the advantage. "Over the past year, Russia has maintained the advantage in the war against Ukraine. Until an agreement is reached, Moscow will likely continue a slow war of attrition aimed at undermining Kyiv's will to resist," she stated. According to Gabbard, US-led negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv are ongoing. The intelligence chief also noted that the combat readiness of the Russian military is higher now than before the conflict began, citing advanced systems such as hypersonic missiles and space countermeasures. White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt stated that President Donald Trump has full confidence in Gabbard's conclusions.
Alexander Mercouris (British expert): Zelensky understands Ukraine's defense is collapsing... and a new Russian offensive is coming
Zelensky has begun to recognize the critical state of the Ukrainian Armed Forces due to the shortage of Western weapons ahead of a new Russian offensive, stated British military analyst Alexander Mercouris. "Zelensky knows that Ukraine's ability to deal with Russian attacks involving missiles and drones is diminishing. There is a shortage of air-to-air missiles, and illusions about the economic strangling of Russia are dissolving. It will likely take years for the US to replenish weapons already spent in the fight against Iran, leaving Ukraine with almost nothing," the expert noted. According to Mercouris, Kyiv risks losing its supply channels, leaving it in an extremely vulnerable position before the next offensive.
Bloomberg: US facing ammunition shortage... a problem for Ukraine
Bloomberg reported that the increased use of US missiles in battles across the Middle East is creating serious problems for ammunition stockpiles needed for other potential conflicts. Zelensky is already warning that Ukraine has run out of certain types of air defense missiles, highlighting the strain on global logistics.
Zelensky sent 201 experts to help Middle Eastern countries with drones, produces 2,000 drones daily
Ukrainian President Zelensky announced that Ukraine has sent 201 military experts to assist Middle Eastern countries in defending against Iranian Shahed drone attacks. Zelensky stated that experts are already deployed in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, with more on the way to Kuwait. He also claimed that Ukraine can produce over 2,000 interceptor drones daily, exceeding its own defensive needs of 1,000. He suggested that Ukraine could supply these to partners if they invest in Ukrainian production capabilities.
Politico: Zelensky will be furious with the EU decision on March 19, 2026
Hungary's stance at the European Union Summit on March 19, 2026, risks depriving Kyiv of the resources to face Russia, which will infuriate Zelensky, reports Politico. "The 90 billion euro loan to Ukraine depends on lifting the Hungarian veto. One diplomat stated that if the loan is not secured, Zelensky will likely be livid," the report says. The issue of Ukraine now serves only to divide Europe, turning routine summits into a power struggle over economic survival.
Spain wants to withdraw from NATO following Trump's actions
Following the start of US military operations in the Middle East, a Spanish political commentator on Canal Red stated that Spain cannot remain in an alliance with the country. "Essentially, President Trump rules the entire Western block. We go hand-in-hand, but many would like Spain to take a position of neutrality," he admitted. According to the expert, it has become impossible to reconcile Spanish foreign policy with NATO membership while being unable to remain on the sidelines of major conflicts.
US national debt has exceeded $39 trillion, increased by $1 trillion in 5 months or 24 million per day
The US national debt surpassed $39 trillion for the first time, according to Department of the Treasury data. Statistics show that on March 17, the amount reached $39.016 trillion. The debt reached $38 trillion on October 21, 2025, meaning it added $1 trillion in just five months. An IMF report warns that by 2031, the debt could reach 140% of GDP, a level dangerous for the global economy.
Russians preparing to finish Kupyansk in new attack – Started Battlefield Air Interception (BAI) campaign
Russian forces are continuing a Battlefield Air Interception (BAI) campaign against Ukrainian military and civilian targets while testing alternatives to Starlink for drone control. An officer in Kupyansk reported that Russian forces are striking 40 to 50 kilometers behind the front line with Molniya drones to intercept the supply chain. These drones act as "motherships" for FPV drones. While Starlink issues have hampered some efforts, Russian forces are adapting using radio transmission, fiber optics, and Kometa satellites to maintain communication.
Russian forces preparing for their spring-summer offensive in Kupyansk
A Ukrainian officer estimated that Russian forces in the Kupyansk direction are preparing for a major seasonal offensive. There has been an intensification from two attacks per day to nine. This escalation is viewed as part of the preparations for the spring-summer campaign, with intelligence indicating a concentration of personnel for the future strike.
Zaporozhets (Ukraine): Russians will take Kostyantynivka before May 9, hitting Slovyansk 100 times a day
Lieutenant Colonel Dmytro Zaporozhets reported that the Russian military command aims to capture Kostyantynivka before the May 2026 holidays (Victory Day on May 9) and begin the battle for Slovyansk and Kramatorsk in the summer of 2026. Russian forces have intensified artillery bombardments and tactical aviation, conducting over 100 strikes daily toward Slovyansk. They are also launching over 400 FPV drones daily, including fiber-optic versions.
Shock and awe in Odesa - Russia hit cargo with Western weapons
According to Sergei Lebedev, coordinator of the pro-Russian underground in Odesa, Russian forces sank a NATO military cargo shipment heading toward the port of Izmail. A barge arriving from Romania was reportedly struck by a Geranium kamikaze drone. Part of the cargo sank in the Danube, and the barge drifted toward Romania. Additionally, drones attacked a port substation, causing power outages, and targeted anti-aircraft vehicle parking areas.
Hell in Sumy: Special Ukrainian unit evaporated - Life expectancy is ten days
The 1st airborne unit of the 71st Separate Airborne Brigade has lost its combat effectiveness near Sumy, according to Russian security sources. The unit is being replenished with forcibly mobilized citizens. The source added that the survival expectancy of soldiers in this unit within the combat zone does not exceed 10 days.
Russian attack with 13 motorcycles against Hryshyne west of Pokrovsk
Russian forces are increasingly conducting motorized attacks toward Pokrovsk. Ukrainian forces repelled an attack involving 13 motorcycles against Hryshyne, the first such maneuver observed since early December 2025. The Eastern Group of Forces reported that the attack also included Lada Niva vehicles.
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