Huge blow for Putin as Russia fails to make any March gains in Ukraine

WorldPolitics
3 Apr 2026 • 3:16 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Russia made no frontline gains in Ukraine during March, marking the first time in two and a half years, with Ukrainian forces recapturing 9 square kilometres.
  • The slowdown in Russian advances is attributed to Ukrainian counteroffensives and communication issues, including Russia's ban on Starlink terminals and attempts to restrict Telegram.
  • Poland's Prime Minister Donald Tusk stated that Donald Trump's threat to withdraw from NATO, citing a lack of support for his war in Iran, appears to be 'Putin's dream plan'.
  • Trump indicated he was 'seriously considering' Washington's withdrawal from the military alliance, claiming members 'were not there for us' during his conflict in Iran.
  • Ukraine's military has refuted Russia's assertion of having taken complete control of the eastern Luhansk region, reporting no significant changes on the battlefield.

IN FULL