Key developments on day 1,118 of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Summary of main events on Tuesday, March 18.
Combat
- In Russia’s Astrakhan region, one person was injured and a fire erupted at an oil refinery after a Ukrainian drone attack, according to Governor Igor Babushkin.
- According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, its troops knocked down 72 Ukrainian drones across various regions overnight, including 36 near Kursk, and captured the village of Stepove in Ukraine’s Zaporizhia region.
- The Ukrainian Air Force reported that its defence systems downed 90 of 174 Russian drones overnight, with electronic warfare operations disrupting another 70 drones. Civilian casualties were reported, and infrastructure including a kindergarten, a home, a shop, and a vehicle were damaged in Odesa, as Governor Oleh Kiper informed.
Politics and Diplomacy
- US President Donald Trump announced his intention to speak to his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, stating, “We aim to see if we can conclude this war. We may [be able to], we may not, but I believe we have a good chance.”
- The White House indicated that Trump’s call with Putin will include discussion on a power plant situated on the border of Ukraine and Russia.
- EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas commented that Russia’s demands for a ceasefire with Ukraine reflect its unwillingness to declare peace since those conditions represent its ultimate war objectives.
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy approved legislation allowing Ukrainian military deployment abroad during martial law, citing its purpose as enhancing “national security and defence in response to and determination of armed aggression against Ukraine.”
- A spokesman for the British Prime Minister, Dave Pares, declared that more than 30 European nations might contribute troops to the effort. He added, “The capability of contributions will vary, but it will constitute a significant force from a significant number of countries.”
- French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Trump is committed to the conditions Russia has stipulated for a 30-day ceasefire. However, Macron emphasized on X that it is Russia’s responsibility to demonstrate a genuine desire for peace.
- Zelenskyy pointed out that Putin has yet to unequivocally accept the ceasefire proposal, a week after it was presented.
