Original Source

Russia intensified its daytime air strikes in Ukraine, resulting in at least 14 deaths, but its territorial gains in March were the lowest in two and a half years, attributed to Ukrainian defenses and internal Russian policies.

Russia's Intensive Daytime Strikes and Casualties

Russia carried out a massive daytime barrage across Ukraine, with Kyiv reporting at least 14 people killed. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia used over 500 drones and dozens of missiles, targeting residential areas and infrastructure. In Kharkiv, at least two people were killed and over two dozen injured. A drone strike hit an apartment complex in Obukhiv near Kyiv, and a separate strike in Zhuraveny killed around 20 animals at a veterinary clinic. Additional missiles landed near a kindergarten and a school, causing damage to nearby homes.

Russia's Slowed Territorial Advance and Contributing Factors

Analysis of new data from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reveals that Russia made very little territorial gains in Ukraine during March, marking the lowest level in two and a half years. Across the entire front, the Russian army seized only 23 square kilometers in March, even losing territory in some areas. This is a fraction of the 319 square kilometers they took in January alone. The ISW attributed this slowdown not only to Ukraine's localized breakthroughs and counter-offensives but also to Russia's ban on using Starlink terminals and restrictions on the Telegram messaging app, which is a vital communication tool for Russian soldiers on the ground. Four years into the full-scale invasion, Russia currently occupies just over 19% of Ukraine, with momentum rapidly fading compared to previous years.

*Source: YouTube: WION (2026-04-04)*

Related Articles