Military Situation Update: March 26, 2025, 18:00 UTC
I. Overall Operational Tempo
Intensity: High intensity maintained across the front. As of 14:00 UTC, 156 combat clashes were reported since the beginning of the day (Ukrainian General Staff [UGS], Mar 26).
Primary Russian Focus: Pokrovsk direction continues to be the main axis of Russian offensive operations.
II. Frontline Activity
Pokrovsk Direction: Remains the most active sector with 53 Russian attacks reported near Oleksandropil, Tarasivka, Novoukrainka, Vidrodzhennia, Uspenivka, Novooleksandrivka, Novoserhiivka, and other settlements as of 14:00 UTC (UGS). Seven clashes were ongoing.
Ukrainian Claim: FPV drones operated by "Flying Skull" unit destroyed 4 Russian personnel attempting to flee. Situation noted as extremely difficult with Russian forces advancing in small infantry groups despite losses (Sternenko, 16:45 UTC).
Russian MoD Claim: Strike drone team neutralized Ukrainian personnel dismounting from an armored vehicle (16:17 UTC).
Toretsk Direction: Significant Russian activity continues with 15 attacks reported near Toretsk, Dachne, Krymske, Dyliivka. Two clashes were ongoing as of 14:00 UTC (UGS).
Novopavlivsk Direction: Ukrainian forces repelled 17 Russian attacks near Kostiantynopil, Rozlyv, Skudne, Vesele. Five clashes were ongoing as of 14:00 UTC (UGS).
Huliaipole Direction: 15 Russian assaults repelled near Rivnopil, Novosilka, Pryvilne, Vilne Pole, Novopil. Five clashes were ongoing as of 14:00 UTC (UGS).
Siversk Direction: Ukrainian forces repelled 7 Russian attacks near Bilohorivka, Verkhnokamianske, Ivano-Darivka. Four clashes were ongoing as of 14:00 UTC (UGS).
Orikhiv Direction (Zaporizhzhia): Ukrainian forces stopped 7 Russian attacks near Mali Shcherbaky, Stepove, Lobkove, Shcherbaky. One clash was ongoing as of 14:00 UTC (UGS).
Russian Claims: Intense meeting engagements reported near Lobkove, Stepove, Male Shcherbaky, with Ukrainian counterattacks noted. Elements of the 108th and 247th Airborne Assault Regiments claim near-complete control of Lobkove and occupation of southern Shcherbaky. Local Russian advances claimed near Robotyne and Mala Tokmachka.
Russian MoD Claim: Geran-2 UAVs struck an alleged Ukrainian UAV position in Dolinskoye, Zaporizhzhia region (17:20 UTC).
Vremivka Direction (Russian Claim): Forces of the "Vostok" group (30th Special Forces Company) claim mining a road section, disabling a Ukrainian MaxxPro MRAP, and subsequently destroying it with an FPV drone.
Kharkiv Direction: Two Russian assaults towards Vovchansk (UGS).
The Ukrainian 113th Territorial Defense Brigade claims repelling an attack, destroying 5 MT-LBs and eliminating 11 Russian personnel.
Russian Claim: FPV drones of the 44th Army Corps ("Sever" group) destroyed detected Ukrainian infantry movements (RVvoenkor, 16:41 UTC).
Kupiansk Direction: Three Russian attempts near Holubivka and Zahryzove. One clash ongoing as of 14:00 UTC (UGS).
Lyman Direction: Five Russian attacks repelled near Kopanky, Yampolivka, towards Nove and Novomykhailivka. One clash ongoing as of 14:00 UTC (UGS).
Kramatorsk Direction: Three Russian attempts repelled near Chasiv Yar, Predtechyne, Bila Hora. One attack ongoing as of 14:00 UTC (UGS).
Ukrainian Claim: FPV drones with thermal imagers from the "Rarog" battalion (24th Mech Bde) are destroying Russian assault groups near Chasiv Yar (Butusov Plus, 16:45 UTC).
Russian Claim (Poddybnyi, 17:51 UTC): Drone strike targeted a Ukrainian ATV near Kostiantynivka. Area described as heavily cratered ("lunar landscape").
Prydniprovsky Direction (Left Bank Kherson): One Russian attack stopped (UGS).
The Ukrainian 40th Coastal Defence Brigade claims drone strikes prevented 4 Russian personnel from crossing the river.
Russian Claim: Ukrainian drone strike injured a civilian in Aleshky (Basurin, 17:20 UTC).
Nikopol District (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast): Subjected to nearly 20 Russian artillery and kamikaze drone attacks throughout the day. Nikopol city, Marhanets, and Pokrovsk communities targeted.
Casualties: Four men injured (aged 33, 52, 63, 79).
Damage: Three private houses, greenhouses, a garage, a gym, an outbuilding, and a passenger car damaged (Lysak, Dnipro OVA, 16:30 UTC).
Kursk/Belgorod/Sumy Border Area:
Evacuation Order (Sumy): Mandatory evacuation announced for Osoivka, Khmelivka, Vesele, and Lozove in the Krasnopillia community (Sumy Regional Military Admin, 17:42 UTC).
Ukrainian General Staff: Reports 19 combat clashes in the Kursk direction today, with 2 ongoing as of 14:00 UTC. Seven Russian air strikes (9 KABs) and 186 artillery bombardments (including 6 MLRS) reported in the area.
Ukrainian SSO "Faust" (Claim): Reports successful FPV drone strikes in Kursk Oblast, claiming destruction/damage to significant Russian equipment (11 light vehicles, 7 trucks, 1 BM-21 Grad, 1 tank, 1 BBM, 1 quad bike, etc.).
Russian Claims (Kotenok, 17:21 UTC):
Russian forces continue offensive on Vladimirovka - Vodolagi - Veselovka - Zhuravka line (Sumy direction), claiming slow advance despite Ukrainian counterattacks causing heavy Ukrainian losses.
Fierce fighting reported in Basovka, Gogolevka, near Guevo, Sudzha border crossing (MAAP "Sudzha"), and approaches to Oleshnya.
Claims Ukrainian forces retreating in southern Gogolevka. Claims Ukraine committing reserves to counterattacks in Basovka.
Notes heavy mining near Guevo, requiring Russian sapper work. Reports ongoing Russian artillery, air, and drone strikes on Guevo.
Claims Ukrainian SSO, 132nd Recon Bn, 95th Air Assault Bde, and 129th TDF Bde elements were involved near Guevo earlier in March, suffering losses in counterattacks.
Russian Claims (General):
Strikes reported on Myropillya (Sumy Oblast), alleging Ukrainian force concentration.
Claimed drone strikes targeting Ukrainian personnel in Sumy Oblast (Arkhangel Spetsnaza). Requires verification.
Claimed FPV drone strike by "Sever" group destroyed a Ukrainian pickup truck with personnel near Maryino (Sumy Oblast) attempting a night crossing (Dnevnik Desantnika, 16:56 UTC).
Russian forces ("Sever" group) claim destruction of a Canadian-supplied "Roshel Senator" APC with crew near Honcharivka, Kursk Oblast (Colonelcassad, 16:35 UTC).
Putin publicly attributed the "liberation of Sudzha" to Russian forces, thanking soldiers (MoD Russia, 16:52 UTC). Control status remains contested.
"Sever" group claims Russian forces pushed Ukrainian forces out of the northern part of Guyevo (Kursk Oblast). Claims ongoing fighting against elements of UA SSO, 132nd Recon Btn, and 95th Air Assault Bde (Dva Mayora, 17:00 UTC). Note: This partially aligns with Kotenok's report.
Heavy fighting continues in Krasnoyaruzhsky district, Belgorod Oblast, specifically near Demydovka and Popovka (Operatsiya Z, 17:44 UTC). RU sources claim repelling Ukrainian attacks, destroying engineering vehicle near fortifications, and counterattacking in Demydovka (claiming UA holds approx. half). Claim UA activity near Grafovka/Prilesye. RU source posts video alleging border guard mortar fire in Krasnoyaruzhsky district (Dva Mayora, 17:51 UTC).
Russian sources circulate images of makeshift graves in yards in Sudzha, claiming residents buried dead locally during alleged Ukrainian "occupation" due to shelling and mining (Colonelcassad, 17:03 UTC; Alex Parker, 17:09 UTC).
Russian MoD circulates testimony from alleged captured Ukrainian soldier (Roman Lysenko) claiming UA forces are given psychoactive drugs, forced deployment, suffered high losses (25/30 KIA/MIA), and had poor command during Belgorod border raid attempt (17:48 UTC). Potential propaganda.
Reported injury of "Pervyi Kanal" propagandist Anna Prokof'eva on a mine in Belgorod region (RBC-Ukraine, 17:41 UTC).
Claimed Ukrainian Attacks in Occupied Territories/Russia (Russian Sources):
Svatove (LNR): Alleged Ukrainian drone attack on an ambulance wounded driver and paramedic (Basurin, 17:20 UTC).
Horlivka (DNR): Alleged Ukrainian drone attack on Bus #2 wounded the driver. Claimed to be the 80th bus attacked in the city (Basurin, 17:20 UTC).
Donetsk City (DNR): Alleged attempted Ukrainian drone attack (one with 10kg payload) on railway station; claimed intercepted by Russian EW (Basurin, 17:20 UTC).
Nova Kakhovka (Kherson): Alleged Ukrainian drone attack on a car near a fire station; no casualties reported (Basurin, 17:20 UTC).
III. Air, Missile, and Drone Activity
Current Threats (As of 17:30 UTC):
Tactical Aviation: Russian tactical aviation active on North-Eastern and South-Eastern axes. Threat of air strikes for frontline regions remains (UA Air Force, 15:46 UTC).
Ukrainian Air/Drone Activity & Claims:
F-16 Operations:
Ukrainian Air Force released interview with F-16 pilot detailing combat missions, tactics, and effectiveness. Claims over 80% missile hit rate against Shaheds and cruise missiles (air, sea, ground-launched). Pilot acknowledges risks, including need to close with enemy aircraft and SAMs (RBC-Ukraine, Operativnyi ZSU, Tsaplienko, 16:14-16:30 UTC).
Ukrainian Air Force/media released images showing Ukrainian F-16s armed with AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9L Sidewinder air-to-air missiles (Tsaplienko, RBC-Ukraine, 16:31-16:34 UTC).
Drone Strikes:
Claims of significant equipment destruction/damage via FPV drones in Kursk Oblast (SSO "Faust").
UA 3rd Assault Brigade claims destruction of multiple Russian vehicles via drones (Revenge group).
Border Area: Continued use of KABs (9 reported by UGS as of 14:00 UTC). Use reported near Guevo (Kotenok, 17:21 UTC). RU helicopters reported operating in Krasnoyaruzhsky district (Dva Mayora, 17:51 UTC).
Russian MoD Claim: Claimed drone strike neutralized Ukrainian personnel dismounting an armored vehicle in Krasnoarmeysk (Pokrovsk) direction (16:17 UTC).
Russian MoD Claim: Geran-2 UAVs struck an alleged Ukrainian UAV position in Dolinskoye, Zaporizhzhia region (17:20 UTC).
Russian Claim (Arkhangel Spetsnaza): Claims drone strikes on Ukrainian personnel in Sumy Oblast. Requires verification.
Russian "Sever" Group (Claim): Claims destruction of Ukrainian pickup truck near Maryino (Sumy Oblast) via FPV drone (16:56 UTC).
Russian "Vostok" Group (Claim): Claims destruction of Ukrainian MaxxPro MRAP in Vremivka direction after mine damage.
Targeting of Civilian/Medical Assets (Russian Claims): Alleged UA drone attacks on ambulance (Svatove), bus (Horlivka), car (Nova Kakhovka), civilian (Aleshky), and attempted attack on railway station (Donetsk) (Basurin, 17:20 UTC). Verification needed, potential disinformation.
NATO ISR Activity:
US Air Force RC-135V Rivet Joint SIGINT aircraft operated over the Black Sea (Mar 26, reported 17:31 UTC). Activity noted as returning to pre-SVO patterns.
US Navy P-8A Poseidon MPA operating near Kaliningrad Oblast border (Mar 26, 15:30 UTC).
IV. Logistics, Support, and Technology
Reported US Military Airlift: US Air Force C-17 reported landing at Rzeszow Airport, Poland (potential resumption of direct US military airlift).
North Korean Artillery: Reported sighting of 170mm M1989 "Koksan" SPGs in occupied Crimea.
Makeshift Russian Equipment: Continued sightings suggest potential equipment shortages or field modifications.
Russian Anti-Drone Measures:
Medvedev reportedly ordered deployment of new air defense systems, including those based on "new physical principles," for UAV defense.
Video demonstration purportedly shows Russian laser system tracking/engaging a UAV, observed by Medvedev (Alex Parker, 16:27 UTC). Effectiveness unverified.
Claimed EW Success: Russian sources claim EW intercepted UA drones attempting to attack Donetsk railway station (Basurin, 17:20 UTC).
Ukrainian Drone Development/Support: Active testing and adaptation ongoing (e.g., 95th Air Assault Bde). Calls for increased drone supplies persist (Sternenko, 16:45 UTC). Recruitment appeal for drone operators noted (Presidential Bde, 17:14 UTC). Social media post highlights drone support from Sternenko's organization to a specific brigade (Sternenko, 17:34 UTC).
Czech Ammunition Depot Explosion (Russian Claim): Explosion reported at Policske Strojirny depot (Borziny, Czech Rep.), allegedly supplying Ukraine. Claim attributes it to technical malfunction but hints at sabotage. One person reportedly injured (Dnevnik Desantnika, 16:13 UTC). Requires independent verification. Potential impact on supply lines if true.
Russian Troop Welfare:
Video shows Russian 5th Tank Brigade (36th CAA, "Vostok" group) establishing elaborate rest area/PVD, reportedly comparable to home base infrastructure, emphasizing morale and adaptation (Voin DV, 16:30 UTC).
Video testimony of wounded Russian soldier alleging difficulty obtaining prosthesis, claiming systemic issues (Mobilizatsiya, 17:09 UTC). Indicates potential healthcare system failures.
Russian Mine Clearance: Video shows Russian sappers (12th Sapper Bde) destroying TM-62 anti-tank mine, noting enemy often booby-traps mines with grenades/AP mines (WarGonzo, 16:41 UTC). Mine clearance reported as ongoing near Guevo (Kotenok, 17:21 UTC).
V. Critical Infrastructure
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP): Conflicting reports on diesel fuel reservoir damage (UA MFA reports damage, Russian-installed director denies).
Energy Infrastructure Strikes:
Ongoing debate regarding alleged strike moratorium violations. Ukrainian official (Podolyak) reiterates right to symmetrical response if Russian attacks continue, clarifies UA understanding of ceasefire start as Mar 23/24, not Mar 18 (RBC-Ukraine, 17:41 UTC). UGS refutes Russian claims of Ukrainian violations (RBC-Ukraine, 17:41 UTC).
Russian officials accuse Ukraine of continued attacks (Crimea gas storage, Bryansk/Kursk power lines, RU MoD statement).
Ukrainian Railway Disruption: Ukrzaliznytsia website/app remain non-functional for 4th consecutive day due to cyberattack. Ticket purchases only at physical counters, causing long queues (RBC-Ukraine, 16:07 UTC). Significant impact on civilian mobility and potentially military logistics.
Russian Claimed Attack on UA Infrastructure: Alleged attempted UA drone attack on Donetsk railway station (Basurin, 17:20 UTC).
VI. Negotiations, Diplomacy, Policy, Information Warfare
Ceasefire/Negotiations:
Riyadh Talks: UA Deputy Head of OP Palisa confirmed technical consultations with US side; reiterated no territorial concessions discussed (Tsaplienko, 16:22 UTC). UN Sec-Gen reportedly welcomes agreements (TASS, 16:26 UTC). Head of OP Yermak stated talks showed Kyiv's readiness to work with Trump (RBC-Ukraine, 17:34 UTC).
Ceasefire Prospects: UA Presidential Advisor Podolyak assessed full ceasefire by April 20 as unrealistic, emphasizing need for US pressure on Russia (RBC-Ukraine, 16:23 UTC). UN Sec-Gen hopes talks lead to long-term peace (TASS, 16:33 UTC). Podolyak clarifies UA understanding of energy ceasefire start date as Mar 23/24 (RBC-Ukraine, 17:41 UTC).
Mobilization Unaffected: Ukrainian mobilization tempo unaffected by talks.
European Troop Deployment:
Reports indicate European nations reconsidering sending peacekeepers/troops due to constraints and potential opposition. Focus shifting to alternative security guarantee models (Reuters/UA Sources, 16:51 UTC).
UA Deputy Head of OP Zhovkva stated Ukraine hopes for combat brigades from Europe, not peacekeepers, emphasizing soldiers must be ready for real combat (Tsaplienko 17:57 UTC, Dnevnik Desantnika 17:34 UTC).
Finland stated it has no intention of sending troops to Ukraine during the initial stage of a ceasefire (RBC-Ukraine, 17:41 UTC).
Paris Summit: President Zelensky met with President Macron in Paris (Mar 26) (Sternenko, Operativnyi ZSU, 17:21-17:26 UTC; RBC-Ukraine 17:42 UTC). Focus on immediate needs and future security guarantees (UA Minister Sybiha).
NATO Stance: NATO Secretary General Rutte states normalization of relations with Russia will not occur even after the war ends (Tsaplienko, 17:09 UTC; Operativnyi ZSU 18:00 UTC).
Russian Stance/Info Ops:
MFA (Zakharova) demands international condemnation for alleged killing of Russian journalists, accusing Ukraine of "terror" using Western weapons (Basurin, 16:13 UTC). Belarus MFA echoes condolences/criticism of international bodies (TASS, 16:56, 16:58 UTC). UN expresses condolences, states importance of journalist safety, notes lack of mandate to investigate deaths without one (TASS, 16:52-16:54 UTC).
Putin emphasizes role of SVO veterans, thanks troops for "liberation of Sudzha" (MoD Russia, 16:52 UTC).
Claims UA POWs given psychotropic drugs circulated (Colonelcassad, 16:45 UTC; MoD Russia 17:48 UTC). Propaganda.
Circulation of images showing makeshift graves in Sudzha, attributed to period of alleged Ukrainian "occupation" (Colonelcassad, 17:03 UTC; Alex Parker, 17:09 UTC). Contested narrative.
Allegations of Ukrainian drone attacks targeting civilian/medical vehicles (ambulance, bus) in occupied areas (Basurin, 17:20 UTC). Propaganda/Disinformation potential.
Speculation/claims citing Baltic News Service that RU/BY special services may be behind US soldier incident in Lithuania (RVvoenkor, 17:12 UTC). Information warfare.
Sentencing of 23 Azov members in Rostov-on-Don (Dnevnik Desantnika, 17:25 UTC). Legal action/propaganda.
Alleged quote from former C-in-C Zaluzhny doubting ability to reach Moscow circulated (Operatsiya Z, 16:20 UTC). Likely propaganda.
