Ukrainian intelligence indicates continued preparations for renewed offensive operations targeting Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts. President Zelenskyy reiterated that Russia is deliberately delaying negotiations to gain time for further territorial seizures. (Corroborated by multiple sources)
UA Assessment (Tymochko via RBC-Ukraina): Russian forces for potential Kharkiv/Sumy offensives are unlikely to be drawn from Kursk Oblast due to ongoing Ukrainian pressure there and escalating combat in Belgorod Oblast. Potential reinforcement sources remain unspecified, but possibility of North Korean troop involvement mentioned.
Kursk Oblast (RU Perspective): Russian forces demonstrably secured the MAPP Sudzha border checkpoint building, confirming a claimed advance of over 4km to the border line. Russian sources claim the vicinity of the checkpoint has been cleared. Fighting reported ongoing near the checkpoint and towards Oleshnia. UPDATED (RU MoD Claim via TASS): Russian forces struck a concentration of Ukrainian manpower near Oleshnia, Sudzhansky district. Russian sources claim capture of British mercenary James Scott Anderson in Kursk Oblast by 810th Naval Infantry Brigade (historical event, video released). Reports of Russian conscripts (unit 12721) participating in border battles and facing administrative issues regarding combat pay/awards persist. UPDATED (RU Claim - Dva Mayora): Rosgvardia SOBR units reported involved in repelling Ukrainian attacks on the border alongside other units.
Belgorod Oblast (RU Governor Claim via ASTRA - UPDATED): Ukrainian forces conducted drone and artillery strikes impacting 10 settlements (Belyanka, Nekhoteevka, Nechaevka, Tishanka, Shahovka, Svyatoslavka, Smorodino, Masichevo-Grayvoron road area, Kukuevka). Reported damage includes administrative building roof, private homes, warehouse roof, vehicles (car, tractor), social facility. Governor claims no casualties.
Sumy Oblast (RU Allegations): Russian sources allege failed Ukrainian SBU provocations involving staging attacks on civilian infrastructure (kindergarten in Putyvl, Mar 21; aftermath of strike near NPO Frunze plant in Sumy, Mar 24) using children, claiming these were disrupted or rendered pointless by leaks confirming a secondary detonation hit an ammunition depot located in residential area. (RU ALLEGATION - Requires Verification)
Sumy Border (UA Perspective): Increased Russian operational intensity continues. Ukrainian forces conduct defensive operations and counter-attacks within the "Kursk" operational zone. Ukrainian 110th Territorial Defense Brigade claims drone strikes in Kursk Oblast, eliminating 3 Russian personnel and hitting a motorcycle and car.
Kursk Direction Combat: UGS reported 8 combat clashes (1 ongoing as of 16:00 Local Time). Significant Russian air and artillery strikes continue.
Kharkiv Direction Pressure (RU Perspective): Russian sources report ongoing pressure from Ukrainian DRG attacks on the border, alongside appeals for equipment (thermal imagers, radios) by Russian border units, suggesting potential logistical strains or equipment shortages.
Potential Ukrainian Operational Markings Change (RU Intel Claim): Russian sources (citing alleged UA sources) claim Ukrainian forces may soon adopt new identification markings: Yellow tape on both shoulders and helmet (personnel); Upward-pointing vertical arrow inside a square (vehicles). This is linked by Russian sources to potential new Ukrainian offensive intentions. (RU INTEL CLAIM - Requires Verification)
Overall Combat Intensity: Remains high, with 159 combat clashes reported by UGS as of 16:00 local time. Russian assault activity markedly higher in March 2025 compared to February 2025 (DeepState).
Main Russian Ground Efforts: Concentrated on Pokrovsk, Lyman, Kupyansk, and Toretsk directions (UGS).
International Military Support & Planning:
Operational Planning (Confirmed): Over 200 military planners from >30 countries reportedly assisting Ukraine (air, sea, land landings planning). Military leaders from France, UK, and Germany will travel to Kyiv to aid planning support for the Ukrainian army (Confirmed UK PM Starmer via DeepState/Tsaplienko).
Potential Foreign Contingents: President Zelenskyy confirmed increasing offers of security guarantees/support (air, air defense, potential "boots on the ground," naval guarantees). More countries may join the FR/UK initiative for potential multinational "deterrence forces". European leaders acknowledge no current consensus on deploying forces but planning continues (Macron via DeepState). Ukraine to propose algorithm for dialogue on contingents in 7-10 days (Zelenskyy via RBC-Ukraina).
Macron's Security Pillars (Expanded - DeepState): Future security based on: 1) Enhanced support for UA army (FR/UK/DE needs assessment in Kyiv), 2) Potential support forces in strategic regions (not frontline), 3) Coordinated rearmament of participating nations, 4) European readiness for scenarios without US participation.
Ramstein Format (Confirmed): Next meeting scheduled for April 11, chaired by UK Defence Secretary. (DeepState/Previous reports/RBC-Ukraina)
French Aid: New €2bn aid package confirmed (missiles, ammo, VAB, AMX-10RC, industry investments).
Diplomacy & Negotiations:
Zelenskyy: Russia delaying talks for territorial gain; sanctions will remain while war continues (common European position per Paris Summit); ready for any negotiation format but doubts Putin seeks peace; calls for US reaction to continued Russian energy infrastructure attacks (e.g., Kherson), stating US assessment of existing truces not working. UPDATED: Zelenskyy has tasked Minister of Defense Umerov to prepare evidence of the Russian strike on energy infrastructure in Kherson for transmission to the US, expecting a reaction based on prior US commitments regarding truce violations. (RBC-Ukraina)
Zelenskyy on UA-US Security Agreement: Discussions ongoing; US proposed full agreement, but conditions changing, making signing premature. Zelenskyy stated potential agreement on subsoil resources ('nadra') is not finalized. (RBC-Ukraina)
Negotiation Representation: Zelenskyy stated France and the UK will represent Europe at future negotiation tables. (RBC-Ukraina)
Russian Force Generation & Manning:
Another contingent of "Akhmat" volunteers deployed.
DOSAAF (Volunteer Society for Cooperation with the Army, Aviation and Navy) coordinating with RU MoD, plans to double military-taught specialties, focusing on UAVs, cyber, robotics based on modern combat needs.
Rosgvardia Role: Highlighted on "Rosgvardia Day" (Mar 27), noted as performing combat tasks in occupied regions and receiving heavy weaponry, evolving into a significant combat force beyond internal security. (Kotsnews). SOBR units confirmed involved in border fighting (Dva Mayora). NEW: Adam Kadyrov awarded Rosgvardia "For Combat Distinction" medal (TASS).
Ukrainian Mobilization & Training:
Courts reportedly siding with citizens in 78% of cases challenging mobilization fines due to procedural violations in summons delivery. Approx. 26,000 accounts blocked for mobilization rule violations. (RBC-Ukraina/Previous)
NEW: First recruits (18-24) under "Contract 18-24" program started practical training, including anti-tank warfare drills (RPG, facing tank). (Operatyvnyi ZSU)
Ukrainian Military Reorganization: Ongoing reorganization of military command system under Gen. Syrskyi. Recent briefing led by Chief of General Staff Maj. Gen. Hnatov focused on the formation of new Army Corps, including staffing, equipment provision (weapons, C2 systems), and training organization. (UA General Staff)
US Hypersonic Development (RU Assessment): Planned US test of Talon-A hypersonic vehicle (Mar 22/24/25) has not been publicly reported, leading Russian sources to speculate it was postponed or failed. (ARKHANGEL SPETSNAZA)
Potential US Policy Shift (Speculation): Reports (citing Bloomberg) suggest a draft agreement associated with Donald Trump could potentially grant the US significant control over Ukrainian infrastructure, mineral resources, and reconstruction funds, including "right of first choice" on investments and resource sales. (Tsaplienko_Ukraine Fights)
II. Air, Missile, and Drone Activity
Ongoing Air Threats (Updates as of 17:31 UTC):
UAV Threat (ACTIVE - UA Air Force, Nikolaevsky Vanek):
Kharkiv City: Shaheds approaching from Belgorod Oblast (RU). (IMMINENT THREAT) (UA AF 17:00 UTC)
Poltavshchyna: Shaheds moving from northern Kharkiv Oblast. (UA AF 17:28 UTC)
Dnipropetrovsk Oblast: Shaheds moving from northern Zaporizhzhia Oblast (UA AF 16:33 UTC), north of Zaporizhzhia city (UA AF 16:58 UTC), and southern Dnipropetrovsk heading NW (UA AF 17:28 UTC). 6 drones reported moving towards/via Dnipro city; 10 drones past Pokrov towards Kryvyi Rih district; 1 drone near Zaporizhzhia city heading NW (Vanek 17:23 UTC). UPDATE: 2 drones approaching Kryvyi Rih (Vanek 17:28 UTC).
Sumy Oblast: Threat of UAV application. (UA AF 17:12 UTC). 4 drones reported in Sumy district heading South (Vanek 17:23 UTC).
Kherson Oblast: Threat of UAV application. (UA AF 17:02 UTC)
Potential UA Drone Activity in Russia (UA Source Claim - Sternenko): Drone threat/activity reported or warned for Kursk, Lipetsk, Oryol, Tula, Ryazan, Moscow, and Belgorod Oblasts. (UA CLAIM/WARNING - Sternenko 16:34 UTC)
Ballistic Missile Threat: Previously active; currently lifted for most regions.
Guided Aerial Bombs (KABs): Threat remains active for frontline areas.
Tactical Aviation Activity: Active in SE direction.
Recent Strikes & Claims:
Crimea (UA Claim - GUR/Operativnyi ZSU/Mykolaivskyi Vanek): Ukrainian GUR unit "Prymary" claims successful drone strikes targeting Russian air defense and logistics assets in occupied Crimea, including: Radar systems (48Я6-К1 “Podlyot”, 9С32 “Imbir“, ST-68, 39Н6 “Kasta-2Е2“), Command Posts (КП БРЛС РМ-10М1Е, КП РЛС СТ-68), a Tugboat ("Fedor Uryupin"), and a Kamaz truck.
Belgorod Oblast, RU (RU Claim via ASTRA): Ukrainian forces struck 10 settlements with drones/artillery causing damage to infrastructure and property.
Bakhmut Direction (UA Claim - BUTUSOV PLYUS): UA 93rd Mech Brigade (ZRA Div) claims destruction of Russian reconnaissance drones (likely Orlan/Zala type) used for guiding ballistic missiles.
Unnamed Location (UA Claim - STERNENKO): UA SSO 3rd Regt ("Popryvse" group) claims killing 4 Russian soldiers via drone strikes.
Chernihiv Oblast (RU Claim): Claimed destruction of two Ukrainian P-18 "Malakhit" radar stations using Lancet drones near Pokrovske (65km from border). (Dva Mayora)
Donetsk Oblast (RU Claim): Claimed FPV strike on UA armored vehicle near Kostiantynivka (48.535928, 37.726514), >8km from LBS. (Slivkoviy Kapriz)
Sumy City (RU Claim): Secondary detonation following Russian strike near NPO Frunze plant on Mar 24 indicates successful hit on ammunition depot located within residential area. (Dva Mayora)
Other Russian Claims (Previous/Ongoing): Struck military airfield infrastructure, arms/UAV production, depots, manpower/hardware; shot down MiG-29, 2 JDAMs, 1 HIMARS, 137 UAVs (RU MoD).
Ukrainian Claims: Airstrikes on bridges near Grafovka/Annovka (Belgorod). Strike on RU command post (Donetsk). Drone strikes by various units (79th DShV, 110th TD Bde).
Aftermath of Russian Combined Attack (Night Mar 26-27):
Shelling Impact (Dnipropetrovsk Oblast - Lysak/Vilkul): Russian forces conducted ~30 strikes (artillery, kamikaze drones) across Nikopol and Synelnykove districts during the day. 1 civilian injured in Nikopol. Damage reported to infrastructure, admin building, private homes, vehicles, gas/power lines, stadium in Nikopol, Marhanets, Myrivska, Pokrovska, Chervonohryhorivka communities. House roof fire and damage to 4 other homes in Synelnykove district (Mezhivska, Velykomykhailivska communities).
Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP): IAEA inspectors continue to hear sounds of shelling at various distances from the plant. (Grossi via TASS)
Naval Activity: 1 Russian Kalibr carrier (up to 4 missiles) reported in Black Sea. Zelenskyy noted Russia benefits from "silence" in the Black Sea where they previously suffered losses, while Ukraine's grain corridor operates.
III. Ground Combat Operations (Eastern & Southern Frontlines)
Kharkiv Direction: 4 Russian assaults towards Vovchansk reported (UGS 16:00). Russian sources claim advances, repelling counterattacks, note UA reinforcements. RU border units report pressure from UA DRGs.
Kramatorsk Direction (Chasiv Yar/Bakhmut): 2 Russian attempts repelled near Chasiv Yar, Predtechyne; 2 clashes ongoing (UGS 16:00). RU flanking attacks towards Toretsk may aim to threaten Konstantynivka/Chasiv Yar rear. NEW UA Claim: UA 93rd Bde conducting successful counter-drone ops (BUTUSOV PLYUS).
Toretsk Direction:HIGH INTENSITY. 21 Russian attacks reported, 3 ongoing (UGS 16:00). Axes: Krymske, Ozaryanivka, Kurdyumivka, Toretsk, Dyliivka. Russian sources claim advances NW of Druzhba, in Krymske, outskirts of Panteleimonivka/Alexandropol, center of Tarasovka. Ukrainian Claim: 20 Russian soldiers, including a platoon commander, surrendered to Azov Brigade forces near Toretsk. (Tsaplienko)
Pokrovsk Direction:HIGHEST INTENSITY. 41 Russian attacks reported, 8 ongoing (UGS 16:00). Axes: Panteleimonivka, Oleksandropil, Vodiane Druhe, Malynivka, Novooleksandrivka. Ukrainian forces reportedly expanded control zone by ~1km north of Kotlyne. NEW UA Claim: UA SSO 3rd Regt conducted drone strikes killing 4 RU soldiers (STERNENKO).
South Donetsk Direction (RU Claims):
RU "Vostok" group claims advances near Razliv (1.5-2km) and Vesele (0.5km). Claimed hits on UA reinforcement/engineer groups. (Voin DV)
RU 14th Spetsnaz Brigade drone strikes reported targeting UA equipment (AT, BMP, SAU, Kozak, M113, motorcycle) and personnel. (Colonelcassad / Voin DV). NEW: Video released allegedly showing dead UA soldiers in the area (Colonelcassad).
Huliaipole Direction: 8 Russian assaults reported near Pryvilne, Novosilka, Vilne Pole. Russian sources claim forces broke through into Vilne Pole after liberating Pryvilne.
Russian Claim (Slivkoviy Kapriz/Rogozin/Dva Mayora - VIDEO): Forces advanced >2.5km East of Kam'yanske, reaching new positions in Shcherbaky after an assault involving troop dismount in the settlement. Video purportedly shows RU BTRs advancing, a UA BTR yielding, and subsequent drone strike destroying a UA tank supporting infantry. (VIDEO/DETAILS - RU CLAIM)
Prydniprovsky Direction (Left Bank Kherson): No active Russian assaults reported (UGS 16:00).
Kherson (Right Bank):
Casualties:2 civilians killed, 6 injured (incl. 2 medical personnel) due to artillery/drone shelling today. Medics injured during secondary strike. (Tsaplienko, RBC-Ukraina)
Russian strike hit Kherson railway station and infrastructure (car, garage, tracks, train wagon damaged/on fire). Rescuers reportedly targeted by drone while firefighting. Ukrposhta services suspended. (RBC-Ukraina) Zelenskyy tasked MoD to provide evidence of this strike to the US as potential violation of 'energy truce'.
IV. Other Updates
Ukrainian Military Support & Logistics:
NEW: Kryvyi Rih Defense Council delivered substantial aid to 27 UA units: 15 pickups, 9 "Interceptor" night UAVs, 187 quadcopters (incl. night vision), 44 EW systems, 20 thermal sights, 24 generators, 1700+ training items, construction tools, masking nets etc. (Vilkul).
NEW: UA 80th Air Assault Brigade personnel received state and CinC awards from Gen. Syrskyi (UA DShV).
NEW (RU Claim): Development of "Sifa" kamikaze drone, claimed to be an anti-helicopter/anti-UAV system with self-guiding capabilities potentially resistant to EW. Claimed specs: Speed >255 km/h, payload 0.7kg, flight time 5 min. (Dnevnik Desantnika)
