Military Situation Update: March 26, 2025, 18:30 UTC
I. Overall Operational Tempo
Intensity: High intensity combat persists across the front. 156 combat clashes were reported as of 14:00 UTC (Ukrainian General Staff [UGS], Mar 26).
Primary Russian Focus: The Pokrovsk direction remains the principal axis for Russian offensive operations.
II. Frontline Activity
Pokrovsk Direction: Remains the most active sector. 53 Russian attacks reported near Oleksandropil, Tarasivka, Novoukrainka, Vidrodzhennia, Uspenivka, Novooleksandrivka, Novoserhiivka, and others 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).
Russian Claim (RVvoenkor, 18:19 UTC): Video compilation purports to show destruction of NATO equipment, infantry, and artillery by "Center" group forces on March 25th.
Russian Claim (Dnevnik Desantnika, 18:04 UTC): Reports difficult situation north of Ocheretyne due to high concentration of Ukrainian FPV drones hindering logistics and resupply, despite active Russian EW. Claims Russian strikes targeting Ukrainian forces in Yablonivka, Yelyzovetivka, and equipment in Kalynove.
Toretsk Direction: Significant Russian activity continues. 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).
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.
Russian Claim (Rybar, 18:19 UTC): Claims Russian forces advanced towards the center of Vilne Pole, building on previous gains.
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).
Russian MoD Claim (Mar 25): Claimed liberation of Malye Shcherbaki.
Kharkiv Direction: Two Russian assaults towards Vovchansk (UGS, 14:00 UTC).
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).
Russian Claim (Rybar, Mar 25): Claimed regaining control of Dvurechna and advances near Kamenka/Mala Shapkovka.
Lyman Direction: Five Russian attacks repelled near Kopanky, Yampolivka, towards Nove and Novomykhailivka. One clash ongoing as of 14:00 UTC (UGS).
Ukrainian Claim (Butusov Plus, 18:13 UTC): Pilots of the 63rd Mechanized Brigade downed 5 Russian drones (fixed-wing and Mavic types) in recent days, including using nets.
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, 14:00 UTC).
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).
III. Air, Missile, and Drone Activity
Current Threats (As of 18:30 UTC):
Missile Threat: Alert active for Chernihiv Oblast (UA Air Force, 18:30 UTC).
UAV Threat: Air raid alert active for entire Zaporizhzhia Oblast (Zaporizhzhia OVA, 18:23 UTC). Enemy attack UAVs reported moving from Zaporizhzhia towards Dnipropetrovsk Oblast (UA Air Force, 18:24 UTC).
Tactical Aviation: Russian tactical aviation remains active on North-Eastern and South-Eastern axes, posing a threat of air strikes to frontline regions (UA Air Force, 15:46 UTC).
Ukrainian Air/Drone Activity & Claims:
F-16 Operations: Ukrainian Air Force released interview with F-16 pilot claiming high effectiveness (over 80% hit rate) against Shaheds and cruise missiles. Images released showing F-16s armed with AIM-120 AMRAAM and AIM-9L Sidewinder missiles (Multiple UA sources, ~16:30 UTC).
Drone Strikes: Continued claims of successful FPV strikes targeting Russian personnel, equipment, and assault groups across multiple directions (Pokrovsk, Chasiv Yar, Lyman, Kherson). SSO "Faust" claims significant equipment destruction in Kursk Oblast.
Counter-Drone: UA 63rd Brigade claims downing 5 RU drones (fixed-wing & Mavic) in Lyman direction, including using nets (Butusov Plus, 18:13 UTC).
Russian Air/Drone Activity & Claims:
New Shahed Launch Sites: Reports suggest Russia has established three new launch sites for Shahed-type UAVs (RBC-Ukraine, 17:41 UTC).
Nikopol Attacks: Continued use of kamikaze drones and artillery targeting Nikopol city, Marhanets, and Pokrovsk communities (Lysak, Dnipro OVA, 16:30 UTC). Resulted in 4 civilian injuries and property damage.
Border Area: Continued use of KABs (9 reported by UGS as of 14:00 UTC).
Claimed Strikes: MoD claims neutralization of UA personnel near Pokrovsk (16:17 UTC) and strike on UA UAV position in Dolinskoye, Zaporizhzhia (17:20 UTC). Other sources claim strikes in Sumy Oblast and destruction of UA MaxxPro (Vremivka) and pickup (Sumy).
"Chernika-2" Drones: Russian source claims successful use of Moscow-produced "Chernika-2" drones in Sudzha operation, citing ability to evade EW (Arkhangel Spetsnaza, 18:03 UTC).
Targeting Civilian/Medical Assets (Russian Claims): Alleged UA drone attacks on ambulance (Svatove), bus (Horlivka), car (Nova Kakhovka), civilian (Aleshky), and railway station (Donetsk) (Basurin, 17:20 UTC). Requires independent verification; potential disinformation.
NATO ISR Activity:
US Air Force RC-135V Rivet Joint SIGINT aircraft operated over the Black Sea, reportedly resuming pre-invasion patterns (Mar 26, reported 17:31 UTC).
US Navy P-8A Poseidon MPA operated near Kaliningrad Oblast border (Mar 26, 15:30 UTC).
IV. Border Situation (Kursk/Belgorod/Sumy)
Evacuation Order (Sumy): Mandatory evacuation announced for Osoivka, Khmelivka, Vesele, and Lozove in the Krasnopillia community due to security situation (Sumy Regional Military Admin, 17:42 UTC).
Kursk Direction (Ukrainian Operations Area):
UGS Report (14:00 UTC): 19 combat clashes reported today, 2 ongoing. 7 Russian air strikes (9 KABs) and 186 artillery bombardments (6 MLRS) against Ukrainian positions.
Ukrainian SSO "Faust" (Claim): Reports successful FPV drone strikes in Kursk Oblast, claiming destruction/damage to significant Russian equipment.
Sumy Direction: Russian forces claim continued offensive on Vladimirovka - Vodolagi - Veselovka - Zhuravka line, with slow advance despite heavy Ukrainian counterattacks and losses. Fierce fighting reported in Basovka, Gogolevka, near Guevo, Sudzha border crossing, and approaches to Oleshnya. Claims Ukrainian retreat in southern Gogolevka and heavy mining near Guevo requiring sapper work. Strikes reported on Myropillya (Kotenok, 17:21 UTC; Arkhangel Spetsnaza). Claimed FPV drone strike destroyed UA pickup near Maryino (Dnevnik Desantnika, 16:56 UTC).
Sudzha Area: Putin publicly attributed the "liberation of Sudzha" to Russian forces (MoD Russia, 16:52 UTC). Control status remains contested. Russian sources circulate images of makeshift graves, alleging civilian burials during "Ukrainian occupation" (Colonelcassad, 17:03 UTC; Alex Parker, 17:09 UTC).
Guevo Area (Kursk Oblast): "Sever" group claims Russian forces pushed Ukrainian units out of the northern part of Guyevo. Claims ongoing fighting against elements of UA SSO, 132nd Recon Btn, and 95th Air Assault Bde (Dva Mayora, 17:00 UTC). Reports heavy mining requiring Russian sapper work (Kotenok, 17:21 UTC). Claimed destruction of Canadian "Roshel Senator" APC near Honcharivka (Colonelcassad, 16:35 UTC).
Krasnoyaruzhsky District (Belgorod Oblast): Heavy fighting continues near Demydovka and Popovka. Russian sources claim repelling Ukrainian attacks, destroying an engineering vehicle near fortifications, and counterattacking in Demydovka (claiming UA holds approx. half). Claim UA activity near Grafovka/Prilesye. Russian source posts video allegedly showing border guard mortar fire (Operatsiya Z, 17:44 UTC; Dva Mayora, 17:51 UTC).
Propaganda: Russian MoD circulates testimony from alleged captured Ukrainian soldier (Roman Lysenko) claiming UA forces use psychoactive drugs, suffer high losses, and have poor command (17:48 UTC). Similar claims from another alleged POW (Sergey Chumarny) mobilized from prison (Colonelcassad, 18:17 UTC).
Casualties: Reported injury of "Pervyi Kanal" propagandist Anna Prokof'eva on a mine in Belgorod region (RBC-Ukraine, 17:41 UTC).
V. Logistics, Support, and Technology
North Korean Artillery: Confirmed sighting of 7-8 North Korean 170mm M1989 "Koksan" SPGs and possibly 240mm M1991 MLRS Transporter Loader vehicles on a train echelon in northern occupied Crimea (Sternenko, 18:04 UTC). Reinforces previous reports.
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 laser system engaging UAV (Alex Parker, 16:27 UTC; Dnevnik Desantnika, 18:18 UTC). Effectiveness unverified.
Russian source claims success of Moscow-produced "Chernika-2" drones in Sudzha operation due to EW evasion capabilities (Arkhangel Spetsnaza, 18:03 UTC).
Claimed EW Success: Russian sources claim EW intercepted UA drones attempting attack on Donetsk railway station (Basurin, 17:20 UTC).
Ukrainian Drone Development/Use: Active counter-drone operations reported in Lyman direction (63rd Bde). Continued offensive use of FPVs across frontlines. Recruitment appeal for drone operators noted (Presidential Bde).
Reported US Military Airlift: US Air Force C-17 reported landing at Rzeszow Airport, Poland (potential resumption of direct US military airlift).
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.
Ongoing disagreement on start date and alleged violations. UA official Podolyak states UA understanding of start date is Mar 23/24, not Mar 18, reiterates right to symmetrical response if Russian attacks continue (RBC-Ukraine, 17:41 UTC). UGS refutes Russian claims of Ukrainian violations (RBC-Ukraine, 17:41 UTC).
Russian sources (Rybar, 18:19 UTC) claim UA attempted strikes on Crimea gas storage and Bryansk/Kursk power lines on Mar 26.
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP): Conflicting reports on diesel fuel reservoir damage persist (UA MFA reports damage, Russian-installed director denies). Russian MFA previously declared ZNPP a "Russian nuclear object" with transfer deemed "impossible" (Mar 25).
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).
VII. Diplomacy, Policy, Information Warfare
Ceasefire/Negotiations:
Riyadh Talks: UA Head of OP Yermak stated talks showed Kyiv's readiness to work with Trump administration. Deputy Head Palisa reiterated no territorial concessions discussed (Tsaplienko, 16:22 UTC; RBC-Ukraine, 17:34 UTC).
Ceasefire Prospects: UA Advisor Podolyak assessed full ceasefire by April 20 as unrealistic (RBC-Ukraine, 16:23 UTC). Discussion continues regarding energy infrastructure moratorium dates/violations.
European Troop Deployment:
Reports indicate reduced likelihood of European troop deployment ("coalition of the willing" meeting tomorrow). Doubts attributed to battlefield situation and US stance under Trump. Focus shifting to alternative aid models (Reuters via Tsaplienko, 18:21 UTC).
UA Deputy Head of OP Zhovkva reiterated Ukraine hopes for combat brigades from Europe, not peacekeepers (Tsaplienko 17:57 UTC; Dnevnik Desantnika 17:34 UTC).
Finland stated no intention to send troops during initial ceasefire stage (RBC-Ukraine, 17:41 UTC).
Paris Summit: President Zelensky met with President Macron in Paris (Mar 26). Focus on immediate needs and future security guarantees (Multiple sources, ~17:20-17:42 UTC).
US-Ukraine Relations / Information Leaks:
Pentagon head Pete Hegseth downplayed the significance of leaked Signal messages published by The Atlantic, stating they contained no specific names, targets, locations, units, routes, sources, methods, or classified information (RBC-Ukraine, 18:02 UTC). This follows previous reports of US cutting/restoring intelligence sharing.
NATO Stance: NATO Secretary General Rutte stated normalization of relations with Russia will not occur even after the war ends (Tsaplienko, 17:09 UTC; Operativnyi ZSU 18:00 UTC).
Russian Internal Security: Assassination attempt reported against a Russian MoD officer in Zheleznodorozhny, Moscow Oblast. Assailant used pistol with suppressor, was later found dead (Colonelcassad, 18:03 UTC; ASTRA, 18:06 UTC).
Russian Stance/Info Ops:
Continued narrative blaming Ukraine for targeting journalists and civilian infrastructure (Zakharova via Basurin, 16:13 UTC; Rybar, 18:19 UTC).
Circulation of POW testimonies alleging UA drug use, poor command, forced mobilization (MoD Russia, 17:48 UTC; Colonelcassad, 18:17 UTC).
Highlighting development of advanced weapons (laser anti-drone systems) (Dnevnik Desantnika, 18:18 UTC).
Putin emphasizing role of veterans, thanking troops for "liberation of Sudzha" (MoD Russia, 16:52 UTC).
Other Geopolitical: Armenian parliament reportedly passed bill on intention to join EU (Alex Parker Returns, 18:13 UTC). Reports of EU dissatisfaction with Estonian PM Kallas's rhetoric (Operativnyi ZSU, 18:22 UTC). Four US soldiers participating in exercises found dead in Lithuania (ASTRA, 17:49 UTC). Reports of SAF victory claims in Khartoum, Sudan (Colonelcassad, Alex Parker Returns).
