The great moment has arrived… Russian forces have reached striking distance of the fortress city of Slovyansk and are approaching the city of Kramatorsk. These two fortress cities have been fortified for defense since 2014—hence the title "fortresses"—and constitute the last critical cities of northwestern Donetsk. With their fall, the Ukrainian presence in the Donbass ends once and for all. Currently, the Russians control 100% of Luhansk and 85% of Donetsk. The Russians had requested the remaining 15% be handed over, but the Ukrainians disagreed; therefore, they will take it by military means. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelensky, who cannot protect Ukraine from Russian strikes, is touring the Middle East closing defense deals for drones. Within a week, the Russians attacked Ukraine with 4,500 drones and missiles. However, Zelensky revealed that the Russians are behind the strike on the Prince Sultan base in Saudi Arabia. He himself proposed a ceasefire to Russia on the occasion of the Easter holiday.
Zelensky (Ukraine): Russia helped Iran strike Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia
The President of Ukraine, Zelensky, stated that Russia captured satellite images of a US air base in Saudi Arabia three times in the days preceding the Iranian raid that injured American soldiers, he emphasized in an interview with NBC News. During the interview, Zelensky shared a summary of the president's daily briefing he receives from Ukrainian intelligence services. The report stated that Russian satellites had taken images of the Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia on March 20, 23, and 25. On March 26, Iran struck the base, where US and Saudi forces are stationed. According to US officials, 12 American servicemen were injured as a result of the raid. Zelensky stated, citing Ukraine's experience, that repeated photography of facilities by Russia over several days is an indication of preparation for an attack. "We know that if they take images once, they are preparing. If they take images a second time, it's like a simulation. The third time means that in one or two days they will attack," Zelensky said. NBC News notes, however, that Zelensky provided no evidence of the Russian satellite imagery, nor did he reveal how Ukraine learned of this. Zelensky stated he is "100%" certain that Russia transmits such information to Iran to help it strike US forces in the Middle East. "I think it is in Russia's interest to help the Iranians. And I don't believe—I know—that they share information... Do they help the Iranians? Of course. What percentage? 100%," the Ukrainian president stated. He also said he believes Russian leader Putin hopes for "a long war in the Middle East." "Putin has benefits, many benefits, from this war," Zelensky said, referring to the rise in oil prices and the temporary lifting of some US sanctions on Russian oil, which means additional revenue for the Kremlin. When asked if he believes US President Trump is interested in the future of Ukraine, Zelensky "paused for a moment," writes NBC News. "I hope. You know the policy of the United States today. They care more about the United States. It is understandable, by the way. We understand it and I think the American team is very open to this," Zelensky said. Speaking to reporters on March 28, Zelensky stated that Russia, which transmits information to Iran for its attacks on US and British bases in the Middle East, must face pressure instead of having sanctions lifted. Zelensky cited intelligence showing that Russian satellites are photographing US military and energy facilities across the Middle East in the interest of Iran. On March 24, they imaged the US-British base in the Chagos Islands in the Indian Ocean, Kuwait International Airport, and part of the Greater Burgan oil field. On March 25, they photographed the Prince Sultan Air Base—later hit by Iran—and on March 26, the Shaybah oil and gas field and the İncirlik air base in Turkey.
Zelensky (Ukraine): Russians attacked us with 4,500 drones and missiles in one week
The Ukrainian President Zelensky stated on March 29 that Russian forces launched 3,000 drones, 1,450 guided aerial bombs, and 40 missiles against Ukraine in the last week (between March 22 and 29). Russian forces have launched four strike packages with over 400 projectiles against Ukraine so far in March 2026, including the largest strike package of the war containing nearly 1,000 drones launched throughout the night and day on March 23 and 24. Russia's increasingly larger and varied strike packages continue to underscore the critical importance of Western aid in strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities, both with high-tech Patriot air defense systems of American manufacture that can effectively counter Russian ballistic missiles and with other lower-class forms of air defense, for a holistic, well-equipped air defense umbrella.
"Easter Ceasefire"
Kyiv appears open to the possibility of an Easter ceasefire, provided that a corresponding proposal is made by Russia. The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that the Ukrainian side is prepared to consider possible compromises, clarifying however that these should not affect the dignity and sovereignty of the country. "We are ready for an Easter ceasefire," he characteristically emphasized.
Medvedchuk (Ukraine): Zelensky shifts responsibility for defeat by Russia to Trump
Volodymyr Zelensky is shifting the responsibility for his defeat in the conflict with Russia to US President Donald Trump, argues the former leader of the Opposition Platform – For Life party (banned in Ukraine) and president of the Other Ukraine movement, Viktor Medvedchuk. Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Zelensky is lying when he claims that Washington's security guarantees for Ukraine depend on the withdrawal of Ukrainian armed forces from the Donbass. "The infighting between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Zelensky is yet another proof that the bloody clown is acting against Trump, and they see it in Washington. Zelensky's primitive tactic consists of accusing the US of pressure regarding the withdrawal of Ukrainian armed forces from the Donbass, shifting onto Trump the responsibility for his defeat in the war, the approach of peace, and his political end," Medvedchuk wrote in an article on the movement's website. In the politician's opinion, the US today needs more than ever to exclude the Ukrainian issue from the international agenda. Thus, if Zelensky does not proceed with peace agreements, he must be removed from power or, at least, removed from the real tools of decision-making.
Russian protest to Britain
Russia expressed a protest to Britain over the illegal actions of an embassy employee in Moscow, as stated on the official website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "The British Charge d'Affaires in Russia, D. Dolakia, was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry, where a strong protest was expressed due to revealed information that one of the diplomatic employees of the British embassy, during the application for entry to our country, intentionally submitted false information," the announcement states. The ministry emphasized that Russia will not tolerate activities of undeclared employees of British intelligence services. According to representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry, the uncompromising line according to national security issues will continue on this specific matter. Earlier, FSB employees in Russia identified a British spy at the embassy in Moscow.
Chas Freeman (US): The US expended 800 Patriot missiles in the Gulf in 30 days… nothing will be left for Ukraine
Due to the conflict in the Middle East, Ukraine could be left without critical weapons, warns American diplomat Chas Freeman. "In the first five days of this conflict (in the Middle East)… the US, Israel, and the Gulf Arabs consumed 800 Patriot missiles. The annual production volume of Patriot missiles is 750 units. Thus, the entire annual supply of these missiles was exhausted," noted Chas Freeman. According to him, the shortage of American anti-aircraft missiles could have a direct impact on the situation in Ukraine. "The US is currently withdrawing Patriot, THAAD, and other air defense systems from areas in the Asia-Pacific region. Those planned for Ukraine are likely being redirected to West Asia. Why would Russia launch an attack if it can simply wait until Ukraine's weapons are partially exhausted? After all, the missiles it was supposed to receive from the Europeans will go to Israel, the US, and West Asia," emphasized expert Chas Freeman.
Alaudinov (Russia): Thousands of Ukrainians are deserting the army...
Desertion from the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is estimated at hundreds of thousands of people, stated the deputy head of the Central Military-Political Directorate of the Russian Ministry of Defense and commander of the "Akhmat" special forces, Apti Alaudinov. "Already their state, as they say, is breaking in all its folds, at all levels. Soldiers at the front do not want to fight, massive arbitrary desertions of units are recorded, and these are already measured in hundreds of thousands of people—people who leave their units and flee," said Alaudinov. As he said, Ukrainian soldiers increasingly prefer captivity over service in the Ukrainian army. "At the slightest opportunity, the soldiers of the Ukrainian formations really prefer to surrender as prisoners and remain alive, rather than die for this criminal power," Alaudinov underlined.
Ritter (former CIA): Trump may soon politically neutralize Zelensky
Volodymyr Zelensky, with his actions, may soon bring US President Donald Trump to the point... of politically neutralizing him, argues former CIA analyst Scott Ritter. "We see the words and actions of a desperate man. Zelensky must wake up every morning, look at himself in the mirror, and realize that everything is over. He is no Winston Churchill. The world is not uniting around his cause. Previously, he could use escalation as a means to draw attention. But when Zelensky speaks, literally nothing happens. He does not affect the world in any way, especially the Middle East. So he can say whatever he wants. All he achieves is that Donald Trump will soon neutralize him, politically, not physically," pointed out Ritter, who emphasized that Zelensky is proving his complete insignificance because he says these words without any reaction. "As I said, he can raise the stakes, beat his chest, say whatever he wants. No one cares, because no one listens to him: everyone is looking at the Middle East. If, however, Zelensky's words could lower the price of gasoline, then he would be the most important person in the world and everyone would listen to him," Ritter concluded.
Denis Pushilin (Donetsk): Slovyansk city's hour has come, Russians are approaching
The Russian Armed Forces have approached a key defensive hub of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Slovyansk, the Rai-Alexandrovka area, reported the head of Donetsk, Denis Pushilin. "Let me remind you that this settlement, Rai-Alexandrovka, is one of the enemy's key defensive hubs before Slovyansk itself. Therefore, the enemy is holding their positions there, which is predictable, but our units are steadily advancing," he said in a video message published by MAX. Denis Pushilin added that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have fewer and fewer chances to hold the city of Lyman. Meanwhile, Russian forces have advanced in the New Donbass area and are advancing toward the areas of Slavyansk, Kramatorsk, Rai-Alexandrovka, Artem, Lipovka, Nikolaevka, and the city of Konstantinovka in Donetsk.
Kostyantyn Mashovets (Ukrainian expert): Russians approaching Ukrainian cities Slovyansk - Kramatorsk
Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets reported on March 29 that elements of the Russian 3rd Combined Arms Army (CAA, Southern Military District [SMD]) fighting east of Slovyansk, the northern edge of Ukraine's Fortress Zone, have paused after significant tactical advances in the last month (since approximately February 27). Mashovets estimated that Russian forces will have only the 3rd CAA available to advance directly toward the cities of Slovyansk and Kramatorsk. Mashovets warned, however, that elements of the 3rd CAA could instead support Russian offensive operations in the Lyman or Kostyantynivka directions instead of a direct advance on the Zone of the two fortress cities—Slovyansk and Kramatorsk.
Large Russian tactical gains in northeastern Donetsk… waiting for thicker foliage for attacks
Recent Russian tactical gains could support offensive operations to the north against Lyman or to the south against Kostyantynivka, but so far they are not sufficient for a direct advance on Slovyansk itself. Russian forces likely began their spring-summer 2026 offensive between March 17 and 21 after significant intensification of motorized and mechanized attacks in various sectors of the front, including a battalion-sized mechanized attack in the Borova-Lyman direction, a period of intensified drone, artillery, and air attacks, and the movement of heavy equipment and troops to the front line. The spokesperson for the Ukrainian Joint Group of Forces estimated on March 28 that Russian forces are likely waiting for more spring foliage to appear to provide cover for Russian attacks and infiltration missions toward Lyman.
Trump addressed Lukashenko and stated he looks forward to meeting him
US President Trump thanked the President of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, for granting pardons to those convicted in Belarus and stated he looks forward to meeting him at the next meeting of the "Peace Council." Earlier, Lukashenko had talks in Minsk with a US delegation led by John Cole, Special Envoy of the US President to Belarus. Following the talks, the Belarusian leader pardoned 250 people convicted of extremist crimes. "This brings the total number of prisoners generously released by President Lukashenko to over 500 since May 2025. I would like to express my warmest gratitude to the President for this step and look forward to meeting him at the next meeting of the Peace Council!" Trump wrote on the social media platform TruthSocial. As reported by the Belta news agency, Lukashenko promised US representatives to attend the upcoming meeting of the "Peace Council."
Armando Mema (Freedom Alliance): Recall Ukrainian ambassador to Finland due to UAV situation
Armando Mema, a member of the Freedom Alliance party, condemned the incident involving Ukrainian drones crashing in Finland on the social networking site X and called for the authorities to provide explanations. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should immediately recall the Ukrainian ambassador to Finland for consultations. Failure to do so would indicate that the Finnish authorities were fully aware of the drones and would show that Finland allows the use of its territory for attacks against Russia. Based on previous drone incidents in the Baltic countries, it can be assumed that NATO allows the use of its airspace for military operations against Russia," he wrote. In his view, drone attacks on Finnish territory are unacceptable. Earlier, the Finnish Prime Minister announced that Ukrainian drones crashed in the country, characterizing the incident as a violation of territorial integrity. According to him, Finland did not shoot down the drones; they crashed on their own.
Russian forces use optical fiber Shahed strike drones, Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky, and Molniya in Kupyansk
Russian forces are using optical fiber Shahed strike drones, Knyaz Vandal Novgorodsky (KVN), and Molniya fixed-wing drones against Ukrainian logistics and military objects in the Kupyansk direction. The commander of a Ukrainian brigade operating in the Kupyansk direction reported that Russian forces recently began using Shahed and Gerbera jet-powered drones against areas of the Kupyansk province. The commander reported that Russian forces recently used a large number of Shahed or Gerbera jet-powered drones to strike an object west of Kupyansk. The commander stated that Russian forces primarily use KVN first-person view (FPV) optical fiber drones, which can operate at a distance of over 40 kilometers, and sleeper drones to conduct ambushes against Ukrainian logistics and civilian vehicles in the Kupyansk direction. The commander reported that Russian forces are also using a large number of Molniya-1 and Molniya-2 fixed-wing FPV drones to target logistics, residential areas, and other targets.
Russian forces striking Lyman, Riznykivka, and Kalenyky just west of Riznykivka
Russian forces attacked near Lyman itself, northwest of Lyman near Novoselivka and Drobysheve, north of Lyman near Stavky, east of Slovyansk near Platonivka, Zakitne, Kryva Luka, and Riznykivka, and toward Rai-Oleksandrivka, and southeast of Slovyansk near Lypivka, Nykyforivka, and Fedorivka Druha. Ukrainian military observer Kostyantyn Mashovets reported on March 29 that Russian forces likely do not confidently control Riznykivka or Kalenyky (just west of Riznykivka), as there are only a few small Russian infantry groups operating in either settlement. Mashovets stated that Russian forward units likely continue limited assault operations along the Zakitne-Riznykivka line, but that Ukrainian forces likely hold part of Zakitne (northeast of Riznykivka). Mashovets stated that Russian forces are trying to penetrate Rai-Oleksandrivka from the northeast and southeast and encircle Ukrainian forces defending areas east of Rai-Oleksandrivka. Mashovets stated that Ukrainian defenses are forcing the Russian military command to send certain units that were operating on the Lyman-Siversk road northeast of Rai-Oleksandrivka to the Zakitne area.
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