Reports: Nearly No Russian Territorial Gains in Ukraine for First Time in 2.5 Years | DW News

Why It Matters

The stagnation of Russia’s ground offensive highlights the effectiveness of Ukrainian resistance and the critical role of Western support, while escalating civilian attacks raise urgent humanitarian and geopolitical stakes.

Key Takeaways

• Russia's March offensive yielded virtually no territorial gains
• Ukrainian forces recaptured several square kilometers of lost ground
• Russia escalated daylight drone and missile attacks targeting civilians
• Iran-made Shahed drones strain Ukraine's air defense capabilities
• Western support uncertainty hampers Ukraine amid Russia‑Iran alliance

Summary

DW News reported that Russia’s offensive in Ukraine stalled in March, marking the first time in two and a half years that Moscow failed to secure any meaningful territorial gains. The report comes as Russian forces intensified daylight aerial bombardments, deploying hundreds of drones and missiles across the country.

Ukrainian officials said more than 500 drones and dozens of missiles struck targets on Friday, killing ten and injuring dozens, while Iranian‑made Shahed drones proved especially hard for Kyiv’s air defenses to intercept. Despite the onslaught, Ukrainian troops reclaimed several square kilometres of previously lost front‑line positions, and even launched drones into Russian‑held territory, hitting an oil refinery in Bashkortostan.

President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attacks as an “Easter escalation,” accusing Moscow of deliberately targeting civilians and critical infrastructure. Parliamentarian Kira Rudik warned that U.S. President Trump’s reluctance to back Ukraine could jeopardize essential air‑defence supplies, especially as Russia benefits from lifted sanctions and renewed oil revenues.

The halt in Russian advances signals a potential turning point, underscoring the strategic value of sustained Western military aid and diplomatic pressure. If Kyiv can maintain its defensive gains, Moscow may be forced to reconsider its costly campaign, while the broader Russia‑Iran nexus adds another layer of complexity to European security calculations.

Original Description

To the war in Ukraine now, where Russia has been stepping up its aerial attacks, now increasingly during daylight hours. The latest salvo on Friday left 10 dead, in a barrage of more than 500 drones and dozens of missiles.

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy had offered Russia an Easter truce, not he's accusing Moscow of an "Easter escalation".

00:00 Increased Russian attacks

02:13 Kira Rudik, Member of the Ukrainian Parliament

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