This past week was marked by intense yet unsuccessful Russian attempts to advance further into Ukraine. Russia’s advances have slowed and Ukraine’s strikes deep into Russia are gaining momentum amid the generally unfavorable war situation.
A drone attack on Taganrog in Russia’s Rostov region on Monday was described as the largest of the war so far. Local authorities reported damage to unspecified industrial sites while unofficial reports mentioned the Beriev Aircraft Plant as a possible target of the strikes. On Thursday, Ukraine’s defense forces destroyed four Russian Orion drones and an arming point in occupied Crimea.
Russian advances have slowed, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) said on Tuesday. According to mid-week reports, Ukrainian troops thwarted this year’s largest Russian motorcycle assault in the Slovyansk direction. Late in the week, ISW disproved Russian reports of the complete seizure of Luhansk region. Ukraine’s air defense efficiency increased to 89.9 per cent in March, the country’s defense ministry said.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi toured the Middle East in the search of new rich allies, the WSJ said. The EU does not yet have an alternative plan to give Ukraine a 90 billion-euro loan, news reports say. The EU’s foreign policy chief and several foreign ministers visited Bucha on the anniversary of the Russian massacre there.
Ukraine to enter more security partnerships, Zelenskyi says.
Ukraine continues to cooperate with the countries that are struggling under Iranian attacks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi said in a nightly address on Thursday.
“Ukraine is participating in all formats of engagement with our partners for more security and shared strength. We continue to work with the countries that are currently under attack by the Iranian regime. New arrangements have been reached, and Ukraine will have an even greater presence in new security formats,” Zelenskyi said.
New partnerships will enhance Ukraine’s exports and defense potential, he added.
Zelenskyi also said that he will hear a report from the Secretary of Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council, Rustem Umerov “on the work carried out this week — country by country: from the Gulf to Türkiye.”
He also said that Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andriy Sybiha took part in a joint meeting with EU allies and partners from elsewhere on Thursday that discussed the situation around the Strait of Hormuz and restraints to free navigation.
“This is important for the global situation and global security. Ukraine has relevant expertise in maritime routes —their protection and restoration of navigation. If partners are ready to act, we will consider how we can strengthen them, how we can contribute with our expertise, knowledge and technological potential. It is now impossible to imagine real security without Ukraine,” Zelenskyi said.
Ukrainian drone interceptors and military expertise are delivering results in the Middle East and the Gulf, Zelenskyi said in a post to X on Wednesday. He said Ukraine was already cooperating with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Jordan, and was also in contact with Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq.
