The Kremlin remains in contact with the United States on a possible resolution of the conflict in Ukraine as Russia continued heavy bombing, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday.
“Moscow continues to maintain contact with the Americans through existing channels. We are receiving updates on the situation. We welcome the continued efforts by the American side to create the necessary conditions for reaching a settlement in the Ukrainian issue,” Peskov said.
It follows reports by Nato members Latvia and Estonia that Russian drones entered their airspace this morning amid an unprecedented wave of aerial assaults on Ukraine.
Latvia's armed forces said the drone had entered its territory from Russia and crashed in the early hours of the morning. No casualties have been reported.
Estonia said the aircraft slammed into a chimney at a local power station on Wednesday morning.
It comes after Russia launched its largest aerial attack on Ukraine over a 24-hour period since the war began on Tuesday, pounding Ukrainian cities with 948 drones.
Volodymyr Zelensky said the scale of the strikes showed Russia's Vladimir Putin "has no real intention of ending this war" and called for the international community to exert stronger pressure on Moscow.
Key Points
- Russia attacks Ukraine with more than 900 drones in its largest air attacks
- Latvia says drone entered from Russia and crashed
- Frontline situation is 'tense but not critical', says Ukrainian soldier
- Fire reported at Russia's Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga after drone attack
- Myanmar benefitting from Russia’s war strategy and weapons – report
- Moldova backs energy state of emergency after Russian attack cuts power
Kyiv says Hungary has not cut gas to Ukraine after Orban threat
17:00 , Bryony GoochUkraine has not detected a cut in natural gas from Hungary, Kyiv's foreign ministry said on Wednesday, after prime minister Viktor Orban said his country would gradually stop the supply until oil flows via the Druzhba pipeline resume.
"As of now, this import has not been stopped... if Prime Minister Orban still decides to stop it, we believe that the only consequence will be to deprive the Hungarian economy and the Hungarians of more than $1 billion, which Hungary received, for example, last year," spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi told reporters in Kyiv.
15 Zimbabwe citizens trafficked and killed fighting for Russia
16:00 , Bryony GoochZimbabwe said on Wednesday that 15 of its citizens had been killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine, the latest African country to report recruits dying on the front lines.
Information minister Zhemu Soda told a press conference that the 15 had been deceived into enlisting, referring to it as human trafficking. He said one recruitment method used by traffickers targeting Zimbabweans was social media.
An official at Russia's embassy in Harare declined to comment.
As Orban is up for re-election, Ukraine is set to see gas and electric cuts from Hungary
15:28 , Bryony GoochFor March, Ukraine contracted 180 mcm of gas from Hungary, or 28 per cent of its total, an industry source told Reuters earlier this month, slightly less than in February.
Ukraine's state energy company Naftogaz and Ukraine's energy ministry were not immediately available for comment.
Last week, European Union leaders failed to convince Viktor Orban, who is running for re-election next month, to lift his blockade on a 90 billion euro ($104.36 billion) EU loan to help Ukraine.
Orban also flagged earlier that Hungary could cut electricity exports to Ukraine if oil flows on Druzhba do not resume.
Last week EU experts arrived in Ukraine to assess the condition of the pipeline after Kyiv said it had accepted an EU offer of technical support and funding to restore oil flows.
However, Ukraine also signalled at the time that any resumption of crude deliveries to Hungary and Slovakia was still weeks away.
Hungary will cut natural gas supplies to Ukraine until Russian oil deliveries resume
15:04 , Maira ButtHungary will gradually cut off gas supplies to Ukraine until Russian oil deliveries resume through the Druzhba pipeline, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said on Wednesday.
Hungarian natural gas exports play a key role in fulfilling the energy needs of Ukraine, now in its fourth year of war with Russia.
Russian oil supplies to Hungary and Slovakia have been halted for nearly two months after what Ukrainian officials say were Russian drone attacks that damaged the pipeline, which crosses Ukrainian territory, and that continuous strikes risk the lives of technicians trying to repair it.
Hungary will cut natural gas supplies to Ukraine until Russian oil deliveries resume
Watch: Drone attack at major Russian Baltic oil port sparks massive blaze
14:30 , Maira ButtIn pictures: Aftermath of Russian attacks on Kharkiv, Ukraine
14:00 , Maira Butt
Ukraine using 'remote mines' to intercept Russia's advancing convoy
13:30 , Maira ButtUkraine’s military is using remote mines and unscrewed aerial systems (UAS) to successfully halt Russia’s advance on the ground, according to the UK’s ministry of defence.
In an intelligence update on Wednesday, it said, outlining an increase in mechanised assaults by Russia: “On 17 March 2026, Russia's 6th Tank Regiment conducted a mechanised assault on the Pokrovsk axis in eastern Donetsk oblast.
“On 19 March 2026 in western Donetsk oblast, Russian forces launched a near battalion size assault of 500 personnel and up to 100 armoured and all-terrain vehicles, and motorcycles towards Lyman.”
It added: “In this case, open source indicates Ukraine's 3rd Army Corps used remote mines and uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) to successfully intercept and halt Russia's advancing convoy. Three days later there was a further failed follow-up mechanised assault on the Lyman axis.”
'Opportunistic' Russian escalation 'likely due to improved weather window', says UK ministry of defence
13:00 , Maira ButtThe UK’s ministry of defence has provided an update on “an increase in mechanised assaults” by Russian forces along the frontline in Ukraine.
“The observed uptick in Russian mechanised assaults is likely due to an improved weather window,” it said in a statement on X on Wednesday.
“Russian assaults were enabled by foggy conditions which hinder visibility and reduce the effectiveness of Ukrainian reconnaissance and UAS operations. This is combined with improving ground conditions for cross country manoeuvrability.
“These recent mechanised attacks are likely to be opportunistic and are not consistent with a wider sustained offensive by Russian forces.”
Trump backs Putin ally Viktor Orbán for reelection in Hungary: ‘I am with him all the way’
12:30 , Maira ButtUS president Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Hungarian prime minister Viktor Orban in the country’s forthcoming elections.
Orban, a staunch ally of Russian president Vladimir Putin, has drawn widespread criticism across Europe for his support for the invasion of Ukraine.
He has previously shrugged off Russian drone incursions into Nato airspace, saying: “So what?” and declared: “Ukraine is not an independent country.”
On Tuesday, Trump, who has enjoyed a close relationship with Orban, announced: “I was proud to endorse Viktor for reelection in 2022 and am honoured to do so again.”
Trump backs Putin ally Orbán for reelection in Hungary: ‘I am with him all the way’
Watch: Moment Russian drone hits 17th century medieval UNESCO site in Lviv
12:00 , Maira ButtWar in Iran emboldening Russia, says Zelensky
11:30 , Arpan RaiThe conflict in the Middle East has led to strengthening Russia which is working to prolong the war in the region, Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
“The geopolitical situation has become more complicated due to the war against Iran, and unfortunately, this is emboldening Russia. But the fundamental circumstances have not changed,” he said, speaking in his address.
Zelensky said Russia “continues this war and its destabilisation of Europe, supports the Iranian regime with intelligence, and thereby prolongs the war in that region, while also preparing for new conflicts in the coming years”.
“This threat of constant war across the map must be stopped,” he said.
There is growing evidence that the Russians continue to provide the Iranian regime with intelligence support. This is clearly destructive activity, and it must be stopped, as it only leads to further destabilization. All decent states are interested in guaranteeing security and… pic.twitter.com/tg1WwPnb6n
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 23, 2026
Russian drone hits Estonia power station
10:55 , Maira ButtA drone flew into Estonian airspace from Russia early on Wednesday morning and slammed into a chimney at a local power station, the Baltic country's Internal Security Service told public broadcaster ERR.
There were no reports of injuries or damage to the power station, Estonian authorities said.
It follows two drones entering Latvian airspace in the same approximate time period.
Myanmar benefitting from Russia’s war strategy and weapons – report
10:35 , Arpan RaiMyanmar’s military is using Russian intelligence and imported weapons to gain an edge on the battlefield against rebel forces, according to experts monitoring the growing ties between Yangon and Moscow.
Russian weapons in the hands of Myanmar’s military have been used to “devastating effect” against not just rebel targets but also civilian sites like schools and hospitals, said Ian Storey, senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.
Moscow is also offering airpower and battlefield tactics it has gained from its war against Ukrainian forces.
“The death toll has been appalling,” he told Al Jazeera.
The Myanmar generals have also adopted Russia’s “meat assaults” tactics and are reportedly throwing waves of infantry at their enemy’s defensive lines without consideration for the casualties, he said.
“The junta has copied Russian tactics, using conscripted soldiers in human wave attacks against rebel forces,” Storey said.
Russia downs 389 Ukrainian drones overnight
10:20 , Arpan RaiRussian air defence units have downed 389 Ukrainian drones overnight, including over the Moscow region, officials at the Russian defence ministry said.
Fire reported at Russia's Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga after drone attack
10:05 , Arpan RaiA fire has broken out at Russia's Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga following a drone attack, the governor of Leningrad region said on Telegram this morning.
Alexander Drozdenko said the fire was being tackled and that 33 drones have been shot down over the north-western region of Russia.
He said no one has been reported injured due to the attacks.
Frontline situation is 'tense but not critical', says Ukrainian soldier
09:35 , Arpan RaiA Ukrainian soldier fighting near the city of Lyman in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region has said Russian forces have intensified assaults in recent days but failed to achieve a breakthrough, despite increasing bombardments and repeated ground attacks.
Lyman’s complete capture is one of Russian president Vladimir Putin's main strategic goals.
Russian troops had earlier sought to isolate Lyman by targeting logistics routes before escalating their offensive, according to the soldier, who gave only his call sign King, in keeping with the rules of the Ukrainian military.
Ukrainian units repelled initial assaults, destroying advancing Russian columns and inflicting significant losses in terms of both armoured vehicles and personnel, he said.
In response, Russian forces have increased airstrikes on the town, including the use of powerful glide bombs.“The situation is tense, but not critical," King said.
Russia attacks Ukraine with more than 900 drones in one of its largest air attacks
09:05 , Arpan RaiRussia carried out a rare day-long aerial attack on Ukraine yesterday, officials said, firing 948 drones over a 24-hour period and killing at least seven people.
The assault began in the early hours of Tuesday morning, with Ukraine's air force confirming at least 392 drones were fired from Russia overnight.
Russia also launched 23 cruise missiles and seven ballistic missiles at Ukraine during the night, hitting at least 10 locations across the country, according to Ukraine’s air force.
The major onslaught was followed by another 556 drones in the daytime, a pattern rarely seen during the four-year war, and making it possibly the largest aerial attack in a single day so far.
Russia launched swarms of Iranian-designed Shahed drones, hitting at least seven cities, Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said on X.
Russia intensifies frontline attacks in spring offensive
08:35 , Arpan RaiKyiv says a long-awaited spring offensive by Russia is now under way along parts of the roughly 1,250-kilometre (750-mile) frontline snaking along eastern and southern Ukraine.
The commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, said Russian troops have in recent days made simultaneous attempts to break through defensive lines in several strategic areas.
“Fierce fighting unfolded along the entire line of contact," Syrskyi reported on Monday, saying Russia had launched 619 attacks in four days.
“The occupiers are attempting to bring up new units and are preparing to continue attacks," Syrskyi said, adding that Ukraine had deployed reinforcements to counter the assaults.
It was not possible to independently verify the battlefield claims.
The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said Syrskyi's report backed up its assessment that Russia's spring-summer offensive is now underway.
Russia escalated its strikes from 17 March and has moved heavy equipment and more troops to the front line, the ISW said late Monday.
Attack on Lviv church 'utterly perverse', says Zelensky
08:05 , Arpan RaiVolodymyr Zelensky has called the Russian attack on a Unesco world heritage site in Lviv “utterly perverse”.
“Iranian ‘shaheds’ enhanced by Russia hit a church in Lviv – this is utterly perverse, and only the likes of Putin could take pleasure in it. In Ivano-Frankivsk, a maternity hospital was damaged. The scale of today’s attack strongly indicates that Russia has no intention of really ending this war,” he said in a post on X.
Lviv regional governor Maksym Kozytskyi said part of the Bernardine monastery complex in the historic centre of Lviv, a Unesco World Heritage Site, had been damaged.
The attack stunned residents of Lviv, which lies closer to Vienna than to the nearest active frontline on the other side of Ukraine. Although it has seen some lethal bombardments during the war, they are far less frequent than in other major cities.
Iranian “shaheds” enhanced by Russia hit a church in Lviv – this is utterly perverse, and only the likes of Putin could take pleasure in it. In Ivano-Frankivsk, a maternity hospital was damaged. The scale of today’s attack strongly indicates that Russia has no intention of really… pic.twitter.com/f7uD0zEIPz
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 24, 2026
Half a million Russians without electricity after Ukrainian attack overnight, officials say
07:41 , Arpan RaiAlmost half a million people were left without electricity in Russia's Belgorod region after Ukrainian strikes hit energy infrastructure, the region's head said this morning.
Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said power outages affected around 450,000 people across several districts, including the regional capital of Belgorod, with many residents also facing disruption to heating and water supply.
Night-time temperatures in Belgorod over the coming days are expected to hover around zero degrees Celsius.
Gladkov said that repair works have already started, but said that it will take several days to complete and restore the power supply completely.
Belgorod, which lies about 40km (25 miles) from the border with Ukraine, has been a frequent target of Ukrainian drone and missile strikes throughout the course of the war, which has now entered its fifth year.
Germany arrests two on suspicion of spying for Russia
07:35 , Arpan RaiGerman prosecutors said they have arrested two people on suspicion of spying for Russia.
Sergey N, a Ukrainian national, was arrested in Spain, while Alla S, a Romanian national, was arrested in Germany, a statement by prosecutors said, redacting their full names in accordance with German privacy laws.
“From December 2025, Sergey N spied on a person in Germany on behalf of a Russian intelligence service. This person was supplying drones and related components to Ukraine," the statement said, citing the accusations in the arrest warrant.
“To this end, the accused gathered information online and filmed the target's workplace. When Sergey N moved to Spain, Alla S took over his assignment no later than March 2026," it added.
Latvia says drone entered from Russia and crashed
07:10 , Arpan RaiLatvia's armed forces said a drone had entered the country from Russia and crashed in the early hours today.
The Baltic nation has faced occasional airspace incursions from Russia throughout the war, including a 2024 incident when a Russian military drone carrying explosives strayed into its territory.
War in Iran emboldening Russia, says Zelensky
06:58 , Arpan RaiThe conflict in the Middle East has led to strengthening Russia which is working to prolong the war in the region, Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
“The geopolitical situation has become more complicated due to the war against Iran, and unfortunately, this is emboldening Russia. But the fundamental circumstances have not changed,” he said, speaking in his address.
Zelensky said Russia “continues this war and its destabilisation of Europe, supports the Iranian regime with intelligence, and thereby prolongs the war in that region, while also preparing for new conflicts in the coming years”.
“This threat of constant war across the map must be stopped,” he said.
We had a detailed discussion on the outcomes of the meetings in the United States. It is telling that while our negotiators were reporting, Russia launched a new wave of “shahed” drones against Ukraine.
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 24, 2026
The team reported on what was actually discussed in Florida – the key… pic.twitter.com/A52XH1dgME
Watch: Zelensky says Russia's 'extensive' attacks hit 17th century world heritage site
06:34 , Arpan RaiZelensky says only more pressure can persuade Russia to end war
06:15 , Arpan RaiRussia’s aggression against Ukraine can be ended only with additional pressure and significant losses, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky said.
His remarks came after Russia carried out its largest single-day aerial assault of the war so far, firing 948 drones and dozens of missiles in 24 hours.
The attacks killed at least six people and injured 46, according to Ukrainian officials.
“The scale of this attack clearly shows that Russia has no real intention of ending this war," Zelensky said in his nightly address.
“Without additional and strong pressure on Russia, without tangible losses for them there in Moscow, no desire will develop to move away from the war or return to peace,” he said.
Russia downs 389 Ukrainian drones overnight
05:57 , Arpan RaiRussian air defence units have downed 389 Ukrainian drones overnight, including over the Moscow region, officials at the Russian defence ministry said.
Watch: Ukrainian firefighters tackle blazes after deadly Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia
05:34 , Arpan RaiFrontline situation is 'tense but not critical', says Ukrainian soldier
05:04 , Arpan RaiA Ukrainian soldier fighting near the city of Lyman in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region has said Russian forces have intensified assaults in recent days but failed to achieve a breakthrough, despite increasing bombardments and repeated ground attacks.
Lyman’s complete capture is one of Russian president Vladimir Putin's main strategic goals.
Russian troops had earlier sought to isolate Lyman by targeting logistics routes before escalating their offensive, according to the soldier, who gave only his call sign King, in keeping with the rules of the Ukrainian military.
Ukrainian units repelled initial assaults, destroying advancing Russian columns and inflicting significant losses in terms of both armoured vehicles and personnel, he said.
In response, Russian forces have increased airstrikes on the town, including the use of powerful glide bombs.“The situation is tense, but not critical," King said.
Fire reported at Russia's Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga after drone attack
04:32 , Arpan RaiA fire has broken out at Russia's Baltic Sea port of Ust-Luga following a drone attack, the governor of Leningrad region said on Telegram this morning.
Alexander Drozdenko said the fire was being tackled and that 33 drones have been shot down over the north-western region of Russia.
He said no one has been reported injured due to the attacks.
Myanmar benefitting from Russia’s war strategy and weapons – report
04:15 , Arpan RaiMyanmar’s military is using Russian intelligence and imported weapons to gain an edge on the battlefield against rebel forces, according to experts monitoring the growing ties between Yangon and Moscow.
Russian weapons in the hands of Myanmar’s military have been used to “devastating effect” against not just rebel targets but also civilian sites like schools and hospitals, said Ian Storey, senior fellow at the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute in Singapore.
Moscow is also offering airpower and battlefield tactics it has gained from its war against Ukrainian forces.
“The death toll has been appalling,” he told Al Jazeera.
The Myanmar generals have also adopted Russia’s “meat assaults” tactics and are reportedly throwing waves of infantry at their enemy’s defensive lines without consideration for the casualties, he said.
“The junta has copied Russian tactics, using conscripted soldiers in human wave attacks against rebel forces,” Storey said.
Moldova backs energy state of emergency after Russian attack cuts power
03:50 , Arpan RaiMoldova's parliament approved the introduction of a 60-day energy state of emergency after Russian attacks in neighbouring Ukraine put out of action a power line providing the bulk of the country's energy needs.
Deputies approved the measure, introduced by Moldova's pro-European government, with 72 votes in favour in the 101-member chamber yesterday. The opposition Socialists and Communists refused to support the measure.
The Issacea-Vulcanesti line carries power from Romania to Moldova, passing through 40km (25 miles) of Ukrainian territory.
Russia attacks Ukraine with more than 900 drones in one of its largest air attacks
03:16 , Arpan RaiRussia carried out a rare day-long aerial attack on Ukraine yesterday, officials said, firing 948 drones over a 24-hour period and killing at least seven people.
The assault began in the early hours of Tuesday morning, with Ukraine's air force confirming at least 392 drones were fired from Russia overnight.
Russia also launched 23 cruise missiles and seven ballistic missiles at Ukraine during the night, hitting at least 10 locations across the country, according to Ukraine’s air force.
The major onslaught was followed by another 556 drones in the daytime, a pattern rarely seen during the four-year war, and making it possibly the largest aerial attack in a single day so far.
Russia launched swarms of Iranian-designed Shahed drones, hitting at least seven cities, Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha said on X.
Russia intensifies frontline attacks in spring offensive
03:04 , Arpan RaiKyiv says a long-awaited spring offensive by Russia is now under way along parts of the roughly 1,250-kilometre (750-mile) frontline snaking along eastern and southern Ukraine.
The commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, said Russian troops have in recent days made simultaneous attempts to break through defensive lines in several strategic areas.
“Fierce fighting unfolded along the entire line of contact," Syrskyi reported on Monday, saying Russia had launched 619 attacks in four days.
“The occupiers are attempting to bring up new units and are preparing to continue attacks," Syrskyi said, adding that Ukraine had deployed reinforcements to counter the assaults.
It was not possible to independently verify the battlefield claims.
The Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said Syrskyi's report backed up its assessment that Russia's spring-summer offensive is now underway.
Russia escalated its strikes from 17 March and has moved heavy equipment and more troops to the front line, the ISW said late Monday.
Libya tows drifting Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker to avert a Mediterranean spill
02:00 , Holly EvansLibyan authorities were towing a Russian tanker drifting in the Mediterranean for the past three weeks, after the vessel was damaged in a suspected sea drone attack, officials said Tuesday.
The Arctic Metagaz is part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet transporting fossil fuels in violation of international sanctions over Moscow’s war on Ukraine.
Libya's coast guard said that the tanker, which carries liquefied natural gas, was being towed to a safe zone off the town of Zuwara on Libya’s western coast.
Read the full article here:
Libya tows drifting Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker to avert a Mediterranean spill
Russia launches first internet satellites to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink
01:00 , Holly EvansRussia has announced the launch of 16 low-orbit satellites, signalling its ambition to create a competitor to Elon Musk's Starlink network.
The aerospace firm Bureau 1440, which is developing a low-Earth-orbit system for global broadband data, confirmed it deployed its initial batch of operational satellites on Monday.
Despite this step, Russia remains significantly behind Starlink, which has amassed over 10,000 satellites in orbit since its first operational launch in 2019.
Read the full article here:
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Russia launches first satellites to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink
Moldovan parliament backs energy state of emergency after power line put out of action
00:01 , Daniel KeaneMoldova's parliament approved the introduction of a 60-day energy state of emergency after Russian attacks in neighbouring Ukraine put out of action a power line providing the bulk of the country's energy needs.
Deputies approved the measure, introduced by Moldova's pro-European government, with 72 votes in favour in the 101-member chamber.
The Issacea-Vulcanesti line carries power from Romania to Moldova, passing through 40 km (25 miles) of Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky says only more pressure can persuade Russia to end war
Tuesday 24 March 2026 23:00 , Daniel KeanePresident Volodymyr Zelensky has called on countries to step up pressure on Russia after a mass attack on Ukrainian cities.
In a statement, he said that only additional pressure and significant losses would persuade Moscow to end the four-year-old war against Ukraine.
"The scale of this attack clearly shows that Russia has no real intention of ending this war," Zelensky said in his nightly video address.
"Without additional and strong pressure on Russia, without tangible losses for them there n Moscow, no desire will develop to move away from the war or return to peace."
Russia launched largest aerial attack on Ukraine over a 24-hour period
Tuesday 24 March 2026 22:47 , Daniel KeaneRussia launched the largest aerial attack on Ukraine over a 24-hour period since the war began on Tuesday, pounding Ukrainian cities with 948 drones.
Ukraine's Air Force said that 556 drones had been fired since 7am GMT on Tuesday, hitting targets including a Unesco World Heritage site in Lviv.
The 17th century St Andrew's Church, part of a UNESCO World Heritage site, is over 400 years old.
At least five people were killed in the attacks, while dozens more were injured.
Russia's spring-summer offensive is underway, think tank says
Tuesday 24 March 2026 22:00 , Holly EvansThe Institute for the Study of War, a Washington-based think tank, said that recent battlefield reports support their assessment that Russia's spring-summer offensive is now underway.
Russia escalated its strikes from March 17 and has moved heavy equipment and more troops to the front line, the ISW said late Monday.
Each year, as the weather improves, Russia has moved its grinding war of attrition up a gear.
However, it has been unable to capture cities and has made only incremental gains across rural areas. Russia occupies about 20 per cent of Ukraine. That includes the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia seized in 2014.
Ukraine's foreign minister calls on UNESCO to respond to Russia attack
Tuesday 24 March 2026 21:00 , Holly EvansUkraine's foreign minister Andrii Sybiha has urged the director-general of UNESCO to condemn Russia’s attack on Lviv’s historic city centre.
The 17th century St Andrew's Church, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in the city, caught fire in the bombardment.
"I urge UNESCO Director-General [Khaled El-Enany] to immediately respond to this crime in the strongest terms," Sybiha said in a post to X.
He said Kyiv would use "all available mechanisms" to protect its cultural heritage and "ensure accountability".
"Russia's brutal violations of international law must be met with accountability," he said.
He added: “Russia is doing exactly what the Iranian regime is doing in the Middle East, but in the middle of Europe. Russia proves its status of a terrorist state. And this is how it must be dealt with — through strength, not weakness, and increased pressure on all fronts.”
Russia brutally struck the central part of Lviv, a city of exceptional cultural value and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
— Andrii Sybiha 🇺🇦 (@andrii_sybiha) March 24, 2026
Damage was caused to the UNESCO World Heritage.
I urge UNESCO Director-General @UNESCO_DG to immediately respond to this crime in the strongest terms.
Ukraine… pic.twitter.com/jGAKmYdYUN
Ukraine discusses $1.4 billion DFC loan to restore gas production sites
Tuesday 24 March 2026 20:00 , Holly EvansUkrainian energy minister Denys Shmyhal has discussed with US counterpart Chris Wright a possible $1.4 billion loan from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to restore energy facilities at Ukraine's gas production sites, he said on Tuesday in a post on Telegram.
Ukraine is seeking international assistance to restore its energy system after a winter of Russian missile and drone strikes.
Ukrainian soldier says front line situation is 'tense but not critical'
Tuesday 24 March 2026 19:00 , Holly EvansA Ukrainian soldier fighting near the city of Lyman in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region, whose complete capture is one of Russian president Vladimir Putin's main invasion goals, said Russian forces have intensified assaults in recent days but failed to achieve a breakthrough, despite increasing bombardments and repeated ground attacks.
Russian troops had earlier sought to isolate Lyman by targeting logistics routes before escalating their offensive, according to the soldier, who gave only his call sign King, in keeping with the rules of the Ukrainian military.
Ukrainian units repelled initial assaults, destroying advancing Russian columns and inflicting significant losses in armored vehicles and personnel, he said.
In response, Russian forces have increased airstrikes on the town, including the use of powerful glide bombs.
"The situation is tense, but not critical," King said.
Russia launches 619 attacks in four days
Tuesday 24 March 2026 18:00 , Holly EvansThe commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, said Russian troops have in recent days made simultaneous attempts to break through defensive lines in several strategic areas.
"Fierce fighting unfolded along the entire line of contact," Syrskyi said Monday on the Telegram messaging app, with Russia launching 619 attacks in four days.
"The occupiers are attempting to bring up new units and are preparing to continue attacks," Syrskyi said, adding that Ukraine had deployed reinforcements to counter the assaults.
It was not possible to independently verify the battlefield claims.
Man killed and 13 injured in Ukrainian drone attack in Kursk region
Tuesday 24 March 2026 17:30 , Holly EvansOne man was killed and 13 people were injured in a Ukrainian drone attack on an agricultural enterprise in Russia's Kursk region, a local governor said on Tuesday.
The Kursk region borders Ukraine.
Meanwhile a Russian daytime drone attack on the Ukrainian city of Vinnytsia on Tuesday killed at least one person and injured 11 others, the regional governor said.
Poland scrambles fighter jets after Russian launches drone and missile attack on Ukraine
Tuesday 24 March 2026 17:00 , Maira ButtPoland scrambled jets on Tuesday after Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Ukraine overnight.
The Nato country’s Armed Forces’ Operational Command said that a pair of fighter jets and an early warning aircraft had been deployed after detecting long-range Russian missiles striking Ukraine nearby.
Ground-based air defence systems and radar reconnaissance also reached a “maximum state of readiness”, it said.
“These actions are of a preventive nature and are aimed at securing the airspace and its protection, particularly in areas adjacent to the threatened regions,” Poland’s army said in a statement on X.
“The Operational Command of the Armed Forces is monitoring the current situation, and the subordinate forces and resources remain ready for immediate response.”
Read the full story below
Poland scrambles fighter jets after Russia launches drone attack on Ukraine
In pictures: Unesco World Heritage site bombed in Russian attack
Tuesday 24 March 2026 16:16 , Maira Butt
Russia 'launches over 400 drones' at Ukraine in rare daytime attack
Tuesday 24 March 2026 16:00 , James ReynoldsRussia launched over 400 drones at Ukraine on Tuesday in a rare daytime attack, air force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat told Reuters.
Local authorities had previously said air defence was engaging targets near the capital, Kyiv, and the western city of Lviv, which is several dozen kilometres (miles) from the Polish border.
Recap: Ukraine and US still need to work out security guarantees, says Zelensky
Tuesday 24 March 2026 15:10 , James ReynoldsUkraine and the United States still need to "work through" the security guarantees agreement that Kyiv has long sought from Washington, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday.
Security guarantees were one of the topics discussed over the weekend between Kyiv and Washington's representatives at a meeting in Florida.
“Meetings at the leadership level are needed to truly resolve these issues,” he wrote on social media.
“I have instructed the team to continue working as actively as possible with partners so that diplomacy is substantive and that, in particular, humanitarian issues such as prisoner exchanges are resolved.”
EU backs off permanent ban on Russian oil imports as Trump's Iran war bites
Tuesday 24 March 2026 14:25 , James ReynoldsThe European Commission will no longer submit a legal proposal to permanently ban Russian oil imports over Moscow's war in Ukraine on April 15 as previously planned, an updated EU legislative agenda showed on Tuesday.
An EU official, however, said the proposal had not been cancelled and would still be published though no longer by the mid-April date due to "current geopolitical developments".
The US-Israeli war on Iran is creating the biggest oil supply disruption in history, according to the International Energy Agency, sending global crude prices soaring.
The proposal would fix into law a full phase-out of Russian oil imports by no later than end-2027. The European Union has already legislated a phase-out by late 2027 of gas imports from Russia.
Recap: Russia sustains major losses as Ukraine beats back offensive
Tuesday 24 March 2026 13:39 , James ReynoldsThe Russian army has sustained more than 6,000 casualties in the last four days as Ukraine beat back an attempt at a fresh offensive.
Ukrainian Army Commander Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Monday that Russian forces tried to overwhelm Ukrainian defensive formations in several directions, amounting to 619 attacks in four days.
“Over four days of intensive assault operations, the enemy lost more than 6,090 soldiers killed and wounded,” he said, adding that Ukraine managed to largely repel the offensive.
UK says it 'will not cease' support for Ukraine and its people
Tuesday 24 March 2026 11:00 , Arpan RaiBritain will continue to support Ukraine and its people, the UK chargé d’affaires to the UN told a Security Council meeting yesterday.
“Russia is now firing over 5,000 drones per month in Ukraine, five times higher than in 2024. The burden on Ukrainian civilians is immense,” James Kariuki said.
He said there have been more 50,000 Ukrainian civilian casualties and over 15,000 killed since Russia started its war.
“Mr President, the UK fully supports the diplomatic efforts of our US colleagues to secure a peace that guarantees Ukraine’s long-term security, sovereignty, and prosperity.
“We call on Russia to end its war of choice, immediately and without pre-conditions.
“The UK will not cease in our support for Ukraine and its people,” he said.
Ukraine seeing violence 'worse than ever', says UN official
Tuesday 24 March 2026 10:40 , Arpan RaiThe violence being meted out in the Ukraine war is "worse than ever" more than four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion, according to a UN official.
Rosemary DiCarlo, the head of UN political and peacebuilding affairs, said the conflict had caused “nearly 1,500 days of death, destruction and despair”, as she repeated the UN’s long-standing demand for a ceasefire.
She said at least 15,364 civilians were confirmed killed, including 775 children, and more than 42,000 others injured, though actual numbers are likely to be higher, since Russian president Vladimir Putin launched his offensive in February 2022.
“The suffering and destruction caused by the war in Ukraine can never be justified. The longer the war exists, the deadlier it becomes, with growing risks to regional and international security,” she said.
The official added that at least 188 civilians were killed in February alone, and 757 injured – a 45 per cent increase over the same period last year.
Russia loses more than 6,000 troops in four days, says Ukrainian military
Tuesday 24 March 2026 10:10 , Arpan RaiRussian forces have suffered more than 6,000 casualties in the last four days after Vladimir Putin’s army attempted a renewed offensive to capture more land in Ukraine, officials said.
Ukrainian army commander Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi said the Russian operations were a “colossal pressure” and their forces were beaten back.
“The enemy tried to break through the defensive formations of our troops in several strategic directions at once… In total, the enemy conducted 619 assault actions during these four days,” he said.
The Russian command, he said, threw tens of thousands of soldiers into the “meat assaults”.
“Over four days of intensive assault operations, the enemy lost more than 6,090 soldiers killed and wounded,” Syrskyi said, adding that Kyiv largely managed to repel the offensive.
Moscow security agencies put on higher alert over threat of attack from Ukraine
Tuesday 24 March 2026 09:55 , Arpan RaiRussia's Federal Security Service (FSB), police and national guard in Moscow have been put on higher alert due to intelligence that there is a threat of a sabotage attack from Ukraine, Russia's state RIA news agency reported today.
The FSB, the main successor to the KGB, had received intelligence that Ukraine planned acts of sabotage and attacks on "government officials, military personnel of the Russian Defence Ministry and law enforcement officers”, according to the Russian state agency report.
Lieutenant General Vladimir Alexeyev, deputy head of Russia's GRU military intelligence service, was shot three times in February with a Makarov pistol equipped with a silencer in an apartment block on the Volokolamsk highway in northern Moscow. He survived the attack.
Ukraine has 'irrefutable' evidence of Russia providing intelligence to Iran, says Zelensky
Tuesday 24 March 2026 09:40 , Arpan RaiUkraine's military intelligence has "irrefutable" evidence that Russia continues to provide intelligence to Iran and such activity can only prolong the war in the Middle East, Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
"Russia is using its own signals intelligence and electronic intelligence capabilities, as well as part of the data obtained through cooperation with partners in the Middle East," he said on X after meeting the head of military intelligence.
Zelensky, later in his nightly address, said there was "growing evidence" of continued Russian efforts to funnel intelligence to Iran.
“This is clearly destructive activity and must be stopped as it only leads to further destabilisation. All decent states are interested in guaranteeing security and preventing a larger crisis," he said.
“Markets are already reacting negatively and this is significantly complicating the fuel situation in many countries. By helping the Iranian regime survive and strike more accurately, Russia is effectively prolonging the war,” he said.
The Kremlin last week dismissed a Wall Street Journal report that Russia was sharing satellite imagery and improved drone technology with Iran as "fake news".
Russia's drone-hit Primorsk resumes oil loadings, data and sources show
Tuesday 24 March 2026 09:23 , Arpan RaiRussia's Baltic Sea port of Primorsk has resumed crude oil loadings following a suspension of operations due to drone attacks, according to two industry sources and LSEG ship-tracking data.
Two of Russia's main Baltic Sea outlets, Primorsk and Ust-Luga, halted operations on Sunday after drone attacks. Ust-Luga resumed exports on Monday.
The local governor said the fuel reservoirs at Primorsk had caught fire following the drone attacks.
LSEG data showed that the oil tanker Anlan has been set up for loading at Primorsk's port facilities this morning.
A Ukrainian drone attack damaged fuel reservoirs at the oil export hub of Primorsk in northwestern Russia, regional authorities said yesterday.
Russian strikes in Ukraine cut Moldova's key power link to Europe
Tuesday 24 March 2026 09:15 , Arpan RaiRussian strikes overnight on energy infrastructure in Ukraine disconnected Moldova's key power link with Europe, president Maia Sandu said this morning.
"Alternative routes are in place, but the situation remains fragile. Russia alone bears responsibility," she said in a statement on social media website X.
Five killed in Russia's overnight attacks on Ukraine
Tuesday 24 March 2026 09:13 , Arpan RaiAt least five people have been killed and 16 others have been injured after Russia launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on multiple Ukrainian cities overnight, local officials said.
The explosions were reported from the cities of Poltava and Zaporizhzhia shortly before 3am.
Ukraine’s air force warned the country of incoming Russian ballistic missiles around 2.45am local time.
The large-scale attacks killed two in the Poltava region, with Zaporizhzhia, Kherson and Kharkiv each reporting one death, reported AFP.
The Russian strikes disconnected Moldova's key power link with Europe, president Maia Sandu said this morning.
“Alternative routes are in place, but the situation remains fragile. Russia alone bears responsibility," she said.
Poland scrambled fighter planes and allied aircraft to respond to the Russian strikes, though it later confirmed that “no violations of the country’s airspace were observed”.
Ukraine diplomat urges strikes on Russian drone production over Iran shipments
Tuesday 24 March 2026 09:10 , Arpan RaiMoscow's shipment of modernised drones to Iran made Russian drone production sites legitimate military targets, a top Ukrainian diplomat said, urging Western powers to equip Ukraine with weapons capable of hitting those sites.
Ukraine's permanent representative to the United Nations, Andriy Melnyk, said Russia's support of Tehran with modernised versions of its Iranian-designed Shahed drones and other military support, meant it was now Tehran's main accomplice in the Middle East war.
Moscow has been using the Shahed drones against Ukraine since early in its full-scale invasion in February 2022.
“The recent conflict in Iran has revealed how intertwined this crisis is with Russia's military invasion and the Kremlin's malign, imperialistic goals," he told a special Security Council session on the Ukraine war.
Russia's shipments of modernised versions of Iran's Shahed drones, using licences provided by Tehran, marked an unprecedented escalation that would allow Iran to attack Gulf countries and US forces in the region for a long period, destabilising the region and threatening the global economy, Melnyk said.
As a result, Russian drone production sites should be considered "legitimate targets for military strikes in the campaign against the mullah regime," he said.
Poland scrambles warplanes to protect airspace from major Russian attack on Ukraine
Tuesday 24 March 2026 09:03 , Arpan RaiPolish Air Force said it scrambled fighter planes and allied aircraft to protect Poland’s eastern airspace in the early hours today after Russia launched a major missile and drone attack on Ukraine.
Poland’s Armed Forces Operational Command (DORSZ) announced on X that Polish and allied air forces had been deployed, including the on-duty fighter pair and early warning aircraft.
Ground-based air defence and radar reconnaissance systems were also activated, they said.
Around 7am local time, DORSZ said the pre-emptive operations had ceased and “no violations of the country’s airspace were observed”.
Russia launched 426 drones and missiles at Ukraine, air force says
Tuesday 24 March 2026 08:52 , Arpan RaiRussia has launched 392 drones and 34 missiles in an overnight attack targeting Ukrainian cities, Ukraine's air force said this morning.
Air defence units shot down or neutralised 25 missiles and 365 drones, the air force said in a post on Telegram.
