Ukraine has faced dire military and diplomatic developments in recent days, as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s rejection of a full ceasefire, citing “issues” that need resolution, has heightened tensions.
Vladyslav Voloshyn, representing Ukraine’s southern forces, reported intensified mechanized attacks by Russian forces as the spring weather solidified the previously muddy terrain.
“The mud has disappeared … there is more vegetation, and there is less visibility. Therefore, the enemy is trying to improve its tactical position,” Voloshyn noted.
In a significant development, Russian forces entered the village of Stepove in western Zaporizhia, a partially occupied southern Ukrainian province. A Russian official highlighted the strategic importance of this move, stating that it complicates Ukrainian logistics by forcing longer travel routes, which is seen as a positive development for Russian operations in the area.
Ukrainian forces, however, faced a setback in the Russian province of Kursk, where they had launched a counter-invasion last August. Russia reclaimed the city of Sudzha on March 13, pushing Ukrainian forces back to the border and signaling an intent to press further into Ukrainian territory.
President Putin has previously called for a “sanitary zone” 20 kilometers wide, extending into Ukrainian land, as reported by a battalion deputy commander, Oleg Ivanov. This demand has been a point of contention in the ongoing conflict.
Rejecting a US-Ukrainian proposal for a comprehensive ceasefire, Putin questioned who would enforce and verify compliance along the 2000km border. He stated that the ground situation is rapidly changing, and also claimed that Ukrainian forces in Kursk are surrounded, a claim vehemently denied by Ukraine’s general staff as false and intended for political manipulation.
Despite this, US President Donald Trump seemed to believe the Russian claim, stating that about 2,500 soldiers have been surrounded, without any indication of capture.
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, reported that Putin agreed to a selective ceasefire on long-range aerial and naval attacks but denied a comprehensive cessation of hostilities during meetings and a call with Trump.
Kremlin confirmed Putin’s constructive reaction to the idea of a ceasefire on infrastructure but stated negotiations are required to finalize details. The US and Russian delegations are set to meet in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to discuss these specifics.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed apprehension about a partial ceasefire, as it would provide no relief or retaliation for ongoing Russian attacks, suggesting a strategic imbalance.
Zelenskyy also voiced frustration over direct US-Russia talks on European security guarantees, stating that it undermines Ukraine’s and Europe’s security.
Putin, addressing the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, emphasized the need for countries to maintain full sovereignty for dynamic development, implying a readiness to endure Western sanctions.
Regarding the conflict’s long-term resolution, neither side has moved from their core positions. Russia demands Ukraine to forsake NATO and withdraw from four annexed provinces, which Ukraine refuses to recognize.
The EU share Zelenskyy’s skepticism about Putin’s intentions, seeing the proposed conditions as contrary to genuine peace efforts.
US security adviser Mike Waltz indicated that territorial concessions might be part of a deal but ruled out NATO membership for Ukraine as an “extremely unlikely” scenario, acknowledging the ground reality.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) warned that granting Russia the territories it controls could weaken Ukraine’s defense capabilities, necessitating a more substantial military with advanced capabilities to counter potential aggression.
On a positive note, Germany has deviated from its tradition of low deficits by passing a resolution for a 500bn euros fund for defense and infrastructure, reflecting a shift in policy. Germany announced additional military support for Ukraine, and the European Council approved a 3.5
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/3/20/spring-brings-more-russian-advances-as-putin-rejects-a-ceasefire-in-ukraine?traffic_source=rss
