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Historical Intelligence

Situation Report

Archived operational intelligence briefing

Report Time
2025-03-28 03:01:51Z
11 months ago
Previous (2025-03-28 02:31:57Z)

Military Situation Update: March 28, 2025, 03:01 UTC

(Incorporating information received up to 03:01 UTC)

I. Strategic Overview

  • Combat Intensity & Main Efforts:
    • High intensity combat persists. Ukrainian General Staff (UGS) reported 195 combat clashes (as of 20:00 UTC, Mar 27).
    • Significant Russian strikes (Mar 27): 74 aviation strikes (109 KABs), 1123 kamikaze drone attacks, nearly 4800 artillery shelling instances (UGS).
    • Main Russian Ground Efforts (UGS): Pokrovsk (Highest intensity), Lyman, Kupyansk, Toretsk directions. Incremental Russian advances confirmed near Katerynivka (Pokrovsk), Panteleimonivka (Toretsk), and Orlyanske (Kupyansk) (DeepState, 22:41 UTC, Mar 27). Intense operations continue along Kursk/Belgorod border.
  • Russian Stance & Intentions:
    • Putin reiterated desires for resolution addressing "root causes," claimed strategic initiative, predicted victory, questioned Ukrainian leadership legitimacy, and proposed a temporary UN-led administration.
    • Putin stated readiness to work with Europe, but also BRICS and North Korea, on ending the war (RBC-Ukraine, 00:06 UTC). Indicates continued efforts to frame negotiations on Russian terms and pivot towards non-Western partners.
    • Putin claimed control over occupied oblasts (99% Luhansk, >70% Donetsk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia) and daily advances.
    • Indications persist of Russian preparations for potential offensives towards Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts. CinC Syrskyi confirmed Russian efforts to extend combat into Sumy Oblast.
    • Russian Deputy PM Overchuk stated Europe's unwillingness to trade with Russia is Europe's problem, highlighting Russia's redirection of trade and claimed economic growth (TASS, 02:34 UTC). Low direct military relevance, reflects economic narrative.
  • Diplomacy & International Support:
    • UA-US Security Agreement Concerns: Significant concern in Ukraine over potential Trump-linked draft agreement (Bloomberg via TASS).
    • Black Sea Understanding: Reiterated by UA MFA Spokesperson to apply only to civil shipping/ports.
    • US-Russia Contacts: Reports suggest continued contacts, potential second round in Riyadh mid-April.
    • International Aid & Cooperation:
      • Czech Initiative: Aiming for 1.5 million shells in 2025.
      • Netherlands: Accelerated delivery confirmed; €2bn planned for 2025.
      • France: €2bn package confirmed; 300 troops deploying to Romania.
      • Ramstein Format: Next meeting April 11.
      • US: Extended funding for data collection on alleged Russian deportation of Ukrainian children (WP via TASS, 00:21 UTC). Court order regarding Trump admin Signal messages (TASS, 01:43 UTC).
      • EU (Post-Paris Meeting): European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen outlined outcomes: increased aid for Ukraine (immediate military/financial needs, potentially front-loading EU part of G7 loans), continued pressure on Russia (sanctions), and strengthening European defense capabilities (incl. potential joint procurement with Ukraine). (Tsaplienko, 00:57 UTC).
    • NATO Posture: UK troop reduction in Estonia reported, raising concerns.
  • Demographics/Refugees: Reports (Economist via RU sources, 00:22 UTC) suggest declining intent among Ukrainian refugees in Europe to return (43% vs 74% two years prior). Potential long-term implications noted.
  • Russian Force Developments:
    • Naval: Yasen-M sub "Perm" launched; new naval strategy; Deputy Commander appointed.
    • Marines: Reorganization into divisions announced by Putin.

II. Air, Missile, and Drone Activity

  • Ukrainian Deep Strikes (Reported, Unconfirmed):
    • Engels Airfield / Saratov Oblast, Russia: Multiple (over 20) explosions reported by residents in Saratov and Engels (ASTRA, 02:55 UTC). Sirens heard in Saratov Oblast. Russian MoD previously acknowledged UAV threat alerts and emergency service readiness (ASTRA, 02:10 UTC). Earlier reports mentioned explosions near Engels airfield (Tsaplienko, 01:40 UTC) and claims of attempted drone attacks on a local oil refinery (NFP via RBC-Ukraine, 01:34 UTC). Requires confirmation and damage assessment. Engels hosts strategic bombers.
  • Ongoing/Recent Russian Activity (as of 03:01 UTC):
    • Shahed Threat (Mykolaiv): One Shahed drone reported north in Mykolaiv Oblast (UA Air Force, 00:59 UTC). Status unconfirmed.
    • KAB Threat (Sumy): Active threat towards Sumy Oblast (UA Air Force, 00:11 UTC).
    • Previous Shahed Activity (Residual): Black Sea waters reported clear; earlier activity over Voznesensk (Mykolaiv), Starokostiantyniv (Khmelnytskyi) with unconfirmed status.
    • Previous Odesa Oblast Impacts: Explosions confirmed in Odesa city (Mayor Trukhanov, 23:51 UTC); damage assessment ongoing.
    • Poltava Impact Confirmed: UGS (01:28 UTC) labeled the Shahed attack (Mar 27) a war crime, targeting civilian infrastructure, residential areas, and oil/gas enterprise buildings. Damage to warehouse confirmed.
    • Energy Infrastructure Impacts (Confirmed): At least 2 Russian strikes damaged energy infrastructure in the last 24 hours (UA Presidential Advisor Lytvyn, 00:44 UTC).
  • Russian Air/Missile/Drone Activity & Claims (Previous 24h - UGS, 20:00 UTC, Mar 27 & New Claims):
    • Daily Totals (UGS): 74 aviation strikes (109 KABs), 1123 kamikaze drone attacks.
    • Kursk Direction Claim: Alleged missile strike on UA 80th Air Assault Brigade near Oleshnia (Colonelcassad, 21:59 UTC).
    • Targeting Claims (RU MoD, Mar 27): Claimed strikes on airfield infrastructure, arms plants, UAV workshops, depots, 157 concentration areas.
    • Claimed UA Ammo Dump Strike (RU Source): Video shared (Colonelcassad, 01:48 UTC) allegedly showing destruction of a Ukrainian field ammunition depot via unguided air rockets (NAR). Requires verification.
    • Claimed Airstrikes (Orikhiv Direction): Russian sources (Colonelcassad, 02:21 UTC) claim multiple powerful airstrikes by assault aviation on Ukrainian positions near Mala Tokmachka. Video provided, requires verification.
    • Claimed Lancet Strike (Kupyansk Direction): Russian sources (Colonelcassad, 02:26 UTC) claim destruction of a Ukrainian D-30 artillery piece near Senkove (approx. 49°32′22″N 37°38′14″E) using a Lancet loitering munition. Reportedly occurred despite strong Ukrainian EW presence. Images/video provided, requires verification.
  • Ukrainian Air/Drone Activity & Claims (Previous):
    • Crimea Strikes (UA GUR, Mar 27): Successful drone strikes claimed against RU air defense, CPs, tugboat, truck.
    • Belgorod Bridge Strikes (UA): Confirmed UA aviation destroying bridges in Grafovka and Nadezhivka (RU).
  • Russian Internal Air Threat Status:
    • Rostov Oblast: UAV suppressed by EW, no casualties reported (Acting Governor Slyusar via TASS, 02:52 UTC).
    • Lipetsk Oblast: "Red" level threat (UAV attack) canceled; "Yellow" level (Air Danger) remains active across the region (Governor Artamonov, 01:55 UTC). Indicates perceived ongoing drone threat within Russia.
    • Saratov Oblast: Ongoing UAV threat reported, local alert systems activated, emergency services on standby (ASTRA, 02:10 UTC, citing Regional Head). Multiple explosions (>20) and sirens reported (ASTRA, 02:55 UTC).

III. Ground Combat Operations

(Status largely as of UGS report 20:00 UTC, Mar 27 & DeepState 22:41 UTC, Mar 27, with new RU claims integrated)

  • Overall Clashes: 195 combat clashes reported by UGS (Mar 27, 20:00 UTC).
  • Kursk/Belgorod - Sumy/Kharkiv Border Situation:
    • Kursk Direction (UGS, 20:00 UTC): 18 clashes reported. Heavy RU artillery/air strikes. RU forces secured MAPP Sudzha checkpoint. Claims of clearing Hoholiivka, advancing towards Oleshnia, consolidating in N. Huyevo. Fighting near Basovka, Gogolevka, Huyevo, Sudzha crossing, Oleshnia. RU claim of missile strike near Oleshnia. RU Info Ops continue alleging UA atrocities in Kazachya Loknya (Colonelcassad, 01:29 UTC).
    • RU Claim/IO (Kursk): Russian sources (TASS, 02:02 UTC) claim a Ukrainian strike hit a church in Pogrebki, destroying religious items. Video released featuring a priest discussing the damage. Propaganda focus on alleged UA targeting of civilian/religious sites.
    • Belgorod Oblast: Higher UA activity claimed vs Kursk. UA presence claimed in Popovka, Demidovka. Intense RU fire. Confirmed UA airstrikes on bridges.
    • Sumy Oblast: CinC Syrskyi confirmed RU efforts to expand combat. Evacuations ordered. Active KAB threat (00:11 UTC).
  • Kharkiv Direction (Vovchansk): 5 RU assaults repelled near Vovchansk (UGS).
  • Kupyansk Direction: HIGH INTENSITY. 26 RU assaults reported (UGS). 2 clashes ongoing. RU advance reported near Pishchane. RU advance confirmed near Orlyanske (DeepState). RU Claim: Lancet strike destroyed UA D-30 near Senkove (Colonelcassad, 02:26 UTC).
  • Lyman Direction: HIGH INTENSITY / CRITICAL. 32 RU attacks reported (UGS). 3 clashes ongoing. Terny assessed almost fully RU-occupied (DeepState). RU claims of advances west of Novoliubivka, near Nevske/Novoliubivka, north of Ivanivka, towards Myrne.
  • Siversk Direction: 3 RU assaults repelled (UGS).
  • Kramatorsk Direction (Chasiv Yar/Bakhmut): 4 RU attempts repelled (UGS).
  • Toretsk Direction: HIGH INTENSITY. 23 RU attacks reported (UGS). 2 clashes ongoing. RU claims clearing Oleksandropil (Rozivka). RU advance confirmed near Panteleimonivka (DeepState). 20 RU soldiers surrendered (Mar 27).
  • Pokrovsk Direction: HIGHEST INTENSITY. 57 RU assaults reported (UGS). 12 clashes ongoing. Significant RU air strikes. High RU losses claimed by UGS. UA forces reportedly pushed back RU forces in lower Kotlyne. RU advance confirmed near Katerynivka (DeepState). Continued RU pressure on Pishchane, attempts on Udachne.
  • Novopavlivsk Direction (South Donetsk): 10 RU attacks repelled (UGS). 4 clashes ongoing. RU claims (Kotenok) of advances in/near Vilne Pole, Burlatske, Vesele, Komar, Otradne, Bohatyr, Razlyv.
    • RU Claim (General DNR): Russian MoD (via TASS, 02:29 UTC) claims assault units of the "West" group captured and cleared unspecified Ukrainian positions in the occupied Donetsk region (DNR). Lacks specific location, likely related to ongoing offensive pressure in Donetsk Oblast.
  • Huliaipole Direction: 9 RU assaults repelled (UGS). RU sources claim forces broke through into Vilne Pole.
  • Orikhiv Direction (Zaporizhzhia): 4 RU attacks repelled (UGS). RU claim (Kotenok) of breaking into center of Shcherbaky (contradicts UGS). RU advance reported near Enerhodar/ZNPP area.
    • RU Claim: Russian sources claim heavy airstrikes on UA positions near Mala Tokmachka (Colonelcassad, 02:21 UTC).
  • Prydniprovsky Direction (Left Bank Kherson): No active RU offensive actions reported (UGS). Positional fighting.

IV. Other Developments

  • Cybersecurity: Ukrzaliznytsia website/app remain non-functional. Russian court fined Telegram.
  • Information Space:
    • Putin Statements: Widely disseminated (negotiations, pivots, UA legitimacy). Dismissed by UA Presidential Advisor Lytvyn.
    • RU Narratives: Continued focus on alleged UA atrocities (Kursk - Kazachya Loknya), amplifying refugee return decline reports, showcasing RU military presence/activity (airstrikes, Lancet use, position capture claims). New: Highlighting alleged UA strike on Pogrebki church (Kursk). Reinforcing reports of attempted UA deep strikes (Saratov/Engels). Highlighting claimed UA EW ineffectiveness vs Lancet (Senkove).
    • Ukrainian Narratives: Countering RU claims, highlighting RU casualties, UGS labeling Poltava attack a war crime. Concerns regarding potential fund mismanagement noted (O. Honcharenko). Highlighting successful air defense interceptions (ASTRA video analysis).
  • Logistics: Continued fundraising appeals. Russian claims of UA supply issues require verification. Claims of successful Lancet strikes despite EW suggest ongoing technological/tactical adaptations by both sides.
  • Evacuation: Mandatory evacuation expanded in Donetsk Oblast Hromadas.
  • Turkey: Large-scale protests continue. Stability relevant to Black Sea.
  • Russian Internal/Misc: Helicopter rescue successful (Kolyma - Low Relevance). Former DPR head appointed acting governor (Orenburg). Sailors injured in fire (Busan). US extended funding for data collection on alleged RU child deportations (WP via TASS). Court arrests arson suspect (Vladivostok, TASS 01:24 UTC). Business dispute involving Rusagro founder (TASS, 01:15 UTC). Investment scam report (Khabarovsk, Police 01:04 UTC). Arson attempt reported at Narodny Front office in Abakan, Khakassia (TASS, 01:55 UTC). Phone scam targeting pensioners reported (TASS, 02:15 UTC - Low Relevance). Illegal logging suspect detained (Khabarovsk Krai, Police 02:50 UTC - Low Relevance). Reports suggest major South Korean businesses (Hyundai, LG, Samsung) exploring return to Russia (Korea Times via TASS, 02:57 UTC - Low direct military relevance).
  • Natural Events: Magnitude 5.5 earthquake reported near Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan border (TASS, 01:31 UTC). Low direct relevance to Ukraine conflict.

V. Extracts from Older Reports (6h - 3d ago)

(Refer to previous full reports for detailed historical context)

  • (Mar 27, 06:31 UTC): Focused on aftermath of mass drone attack (Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kyiv region), claimed UA strike impact on Engels-2 (Mar 20), high combat clashes (224), intense fighting on borders/Pokrovsk/Toretsk/S.Donetsk, alleged NK troop deployment to Russia, Ukrzaliznytsia cyberattack recovery, ceasefire discussion framing.
  • (Mar 26, 05:28 UTC): Highlighted non-energy focus of RU strikes (Okhtyrka damage), UA UAV activity claims, RU naval posture, border fighting hampered by fog, RU claims near Dvorichna/Sahunivka/Malye Shcherbaky, claimed publication of US-RU energy infrastructure moratorium list, Budapest Memorandum IO.
  • (Mar 25, 21:28 UTC): Contradictory US-RU talk reports, ZNPP declared "Russian," RU claims on Mirnoye/M.Shcherbaky, massive Shahed attacks (Kryvyi Rih focus), high KAB use, border fighting (Demydovka/Popovka), Pokrovsk highest intensity (68 attempts).
  • (Mar 25, 02:16 UTC): Immediate KAB threats (Kharkiv/Kherson), RU claims (Starlink/UAV CPs destroyed), Syria internet outage, RU "Rusophobes" platform launch, high confidence in RU Kursk advances/energy grid attacks/Odesa drone attack, moderate confidence in RU advances (Chasiv Yar etc.)/UA supply issues/US sat image restrictions.
Previous (2025-03-28 02:31:57Z)

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