Photo : REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
Photo : REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque
By Padmashree Anandhan
WAR ON GROUND
On 31 March, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remembered the third anniversary of the Bucha massacre. He emphasized the need for European "unity" to avert further killings similar to the Bucha massacre. On 31 March 2022, AFP journalists recorded the bodies of at least 20 civilians in Bucha. Since the invasion, Ukraine has documented more than 180,000 cases of Russian war crimes. Zelenskyy restated that sanctions against Russia are vital to guaranteeing that the war and its associated killings do not spread further.
On 31 March, Ukraine’s Defense Forces reported, intercepting 57 Russian drones in the past 24 hours. Meanwhile, another 45 UAVs, acting as decoys, vanished from radar without causing damage. The attack, which started on 30 March, involved two Iskander-M ballistic missiles and 131 Shahed drones launched from across Russia including Kursk and Bryansk. According to Ukraine’s air defense forces, anti-aircraft missile troops and electronic warfare units were repelled in the assault in Sumy, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kyiv, and Zhytomyr directions. 49 drones were detected, with 11 shot down and 30 exiting the airspace in Kyiv.
On 31 March, Zelensky and UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer conversed in coordinated efforts to achieve peace and security. Zelenskyy stressed that the pressure must be robust enough to avoid Moscow from intensifying the war. Zelensky also confirmed the upcoming plan for military representatives from countries willing to send contingents— including France and the UK to strategize.
On 30 March, Ukrainian forces Commander Yurii Fedorenko from the 429th Achilles Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment reported attacking a Russian tank, two self-propelled artillery pieces, and multiple vehicles in the Kharkiv region. The attack resulted in the devastation of three additional Russian vehicles. Since 2025, Ukraine has defused 9,838 Russian military and specialized vehicles on the front lines.
On 30 March, Kharkiv Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov acknowledged the protection of critical infrastructure as the main challenge to protection. In a meeting with the Latvian National Armed Forces and the Latvian Embassy in Ukraine, Syniehubov emphasised that while food source and evacuation arrangements have been steadied, safeguarding infrastructure remains a key concern. Since 2022, Kharkiv Oblast has been subject to 22,000 attacks, with over 77,600 critical infrastructure sites damaged or destroyed.
On 29 March, Ukraine’s Defence Forces engaged in 198 combat clashes, with intense fighting in the Pokrovsk sector. According to the report, Russian forces attempted 73 assaults but suffered 193 casualties, including 174 killed. Ukrainian troops also prevented attacks near Vovchansk, Kupiansk, Lyman, Siversk, Kramatorsk, Toretsk, and Novopavlivka, while destroying numerous Russian assets, including UAV control stations, artillery, a tank, and vehicles. Despite these fatalities, Russia launched persistent strikes, including 79 airstrikes, nearly 1,000 kamikaze drones, and over 4,500 artillery attacks. Russian assaults targeted multiple settlements, including Oleksievo-Druzhkivka, Myrnohrad, Pokrovsk, and Chasiv Yar, with battles still ongoing in several sectors.
On 29 March, Zaporizhzhia, Head of the regional military administration, Ivan Fedorov reported on Russian forces 325 strikes on 10 settlements in the region. The attacks included four airstrikes on Huliaipole and Zaliznychne, 165 UAV strikes on multiple locations, including Piatykhatky, Kamianske, and Mala Tokmachka, as well as four MLRS attacks on Shcherbaky and Mala Tokmachka. Additionally, 152 artillery strikes targeted several settlements, causing additional ruin.
On 29 March, Ukraine's Defence Ministry announced the establishment of a Space Policy Directorate to advance the military space sector by integrating domestic and international capabilities. Deputy Minister Kateryna Chernohorenko at the Space for Ukraine Forum, the directorate said that the policy will regulate military space activities, adopt advanced technologies, and harmonize with international partners. A 10-year roadmap outlines an initial audit of space infrastructure, followed by satellite development and space situational awareness systems. The final stage predicts a defence space segment with a satellite constellation for real-time analytics and global security integration. Meanwhile, the EU confirmed Ukraine’s future entry into its space programs.
On 29 March, Ukraine’s Defence Forces claimed destroying a heavy mechanized bridge the Russian military had built over the Oskil River near Dvorichna, Kharkiv region, to improve supply routes. In the Kupiansk sector, Ukrainian troops countered attacks near Kamianka, Pishchane, Petropavlivka, and Zahryzove, while Russian forces used outdated T-55 tanks for troop transport. Clashes continued across multiple sectors, including Lyman, Siversk, Kramatorsk, and Toretsk, with Ukrainian defenders preventing territorial losses. In the Pokrovsk region, Russian forces launched attacks resulting in injury and equipment losses. In Novopavlivka, five Russian armored vehicles attempted to break Ukrainian lines near Rozlyv village. As per the report, Russia's total probable losses since 2022, reportedly reached 914,000.
THE MOSCOW VIEW
Claims by Russia
On 01 April, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov rejected the US ceasefire proposal which was intended to resolve the war in Ukraine. In an interview, Ryabkov called it unacceptable and stated that Russia took the proposal seriously, but “could not accept them in their current form.” He explained that the US approach failed to account Russia’s core concerns, particularly related to Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the ongoing conflict. This follows remarks by US President Donald Trump, who expressed frustration with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin stating the possibility of imposing stricter sanctions on Russian oil imports. This highlights the impasse for a potential ceasefire.
On 01 April 2025, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow and the US were progressing in easing diplomatic limitations and are formulating for a new round of talks. Following meetings in Istanbul and Riyadh, both remain in contact. Lavrov acknowledged the shift in the US approach from the recent negotiations which focused on restoring embassy operations, lifting restrictions, and reviving the Black Sea Grain Initiative.
On the same day, Lavrov accused Ukraine of frequently violating the US-brokered energy ceasefire by attacking Russian energy infrastructure. He cited Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov’s report to Putin, detailing drone strikes on several facilities despite the truce. The agreement reached on 18 March was intended to last 30 days, halting attacks on energy sites. Russia continues to warn over violations and collapse of the deal.
On 01 April, Russia’s President Press Secretary, Dmitry Peskov stated that Russia was never the first to damage relations with its neighbours and seeks to restore ties. This comes in response to Finland’s President Alexander Stubb’s comments on the potential reopening of political relations with Russia. Peskov noted that Finland’s 2023 NATO accession, along with Sweden’s, had disengaged relations, though Russia had previously had no issues with either country. Stubb acknowledged Finland’s 1,350 km border with Russia and emphasized the eventual need for dialogue, which he tied to the Ukraine conflict resolution.
On 01 April, Putin signed a decree to gather 160,000 soldiers to increase from previous conscription numbers. The draft mandates to be executed by 15 July. The size exceeds the 150,000 conscripts from 2024 and the 134,500 from 2022. Russian men between the ages of 18 and 30 are eligible for compulsory military service. The Kremlin and the Russian Ministry of Defense assured that conscripts would not be sent into combat. In 2024, Putin also announced plans to enlarge Russia's military to 1.5 million active personnel over the next three years, adding roughly 180,000 troops.
On 31 March, Russia launched a second set of attacks on Kharkiv in the northeastern Ukraine, injuring three. The drone strike targeted industrial buildings, including research and production enterprises, two kindergartens and 11 buildings. In addition to drones, the attack also involved two Iskander-M ballistic missiles. Russian Defense Ministry accused Ukraine of violating the ceasefire agreement by targeting energy infrastructure in Bryansk.
On 31 March, Russia's sovereign wealth fund Head Kirill Dmitriev, confirmed the discussion between Russia and the US for potential cooperation on Russian rare earth minerals. In an interview, Dmitriev noted companies existing interest in these ventures. Rare earth metals, which are critical for modern technologies such as smartphones, laptops, and electric cars, are a key area for collaboration. Dmitriev also highlighted that Russia's reserves of these minerals far exceed those of Ukraine.
On 31 March, Russia accused Ukraine of violating the ceasefire agreement by launching two attacks on power grids in Russia's Bryansk Region. Russia's Defence Ministry claimed that Ukrainian forces continued targeting Russian energy infrastructure, with one attack on a Rosseti Centre facility causing power outages in the Suzemsky district. Another drone strike hit a nearby electricity substation, further disrupting energy supplies. Moscow expressed annoyance over Ukraine's actions and warned of potential retaliatory actions.
On 29 March 2025, the Russian Ministry of Defense reported a significant increase in Ukrainian attacks on civilian energy infrastructure. According to the report, Ukrainian forces targeted power lines and transformer substations in Belgorod Region, causing widespread power outages affecting over 9,000 people. Additionally, a HIMARS missile attack on the Sudzha pipeline in Kursk Region severely damaged the facility. It also accused the UK and France of involvement, providing coordinates for the missile strikes using French satellites.
THE WEST VIEW
Responses from the US and Europe
On 01 April, in a report by Reuters, senior officials from the Trump administration acknowledged that the US may not succeed in a peace deal for Ukraine with discussions focusing on plans to exert more pressure on both. Initially, Trump had hoped to negotiate a ceasefire by April or May, but the prospects of a lasting peace deal appear far and the war seem to continue. US officials have stated growing frustration with Ukraine’s handling of negotiations, while there is also anger toward Russia. Despite expressing confidence earlier in Putin’s desire for peace and is now becoming more skeptical of Putin’s intentions as Russia resists efforts for a peace agreement. At this juncture, US officials consider imposing additional sanctions and tariffs on Russian oil buyers, to press Moscow into negotiations. However, Putin’s demands on the rollback of NATO military activities in Europe and no peacekeepers in Ukraine—remain a substantial hindrance to any potential deal. This further complicates engaging fully in ceasefire agreements.
On 31 March, Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced three Russian diplomats personae non grata, mentioning clear evidence of activities denying their diplomatic status. A formal note was directed to Russian Ambassador Oleg Ozerov. This follows Moldova’s disapproval of Russia’s interference in the case of MP Alexander Nesterovsky, who fled to Transnistria with Moscow’s alleged support to avoid a 12-year prison sentence for illegal financing and bribery. Intelligence reports show that Nesterovsky pursued refuge at the Russian embassy earlier being transported to Transnistria.
On 31 March, Sweden announced a new military aid package for Ukraine valued at SEK 16 billion (USD 1.59 billion), marking the largest such package since 2022. Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson emphasised that the war was at a "critical stage" and that Sweden aimed to increase both the strength and scope of its support. The majority of the aid, SEK nine billion will be used to purchase new materials, mostly from Swedish and European defence industries. An additional SEK five billion will back the Ukrainian defense industry, while about half a billion will come from contributions of existing Swedish Armed Forces stockpiles. Furthermore, Sweden plans to increase its overall aid to SEK 40 billion from SEK 25 billion.
On 31 March, Poland and Latvia signed separate deals to enhance their air defence systems. Poland secured a contract with the US to receive equipment and logistical support for its Patriot missile systems. According to Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk it was to strengthen NATO and the EU cooperation. He also urged Trump to prioritise collaboration with Europe citing the strong alliance. Latvia government announced a EUR 200 million for 70 Swedish RBS 70 NG portable air defence missile systems. The deal was set for delivery between 2026 and 2030, will bolster Latvia’s defence capabilities in countering drones, helicopters, and low-flying fighter jets.
On 30 March, Trump expressed his frustration over Putin's remarks on Ukrainian leadership. In an NBC News interview, Trump warned that if Russia were found responsible for prolonging the war in Ukraine, he would impose secondary tariffs of 25–50 per cent on all Russian oil exports, effectively barring nations that buy Russian oil from doing business in the US. This comes after recent secondary tariffs on Venezuela. On such move, key Russian oil importers such as China, Turkey, Brazil, and India could be affected.
References
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