Russia launches spring offensive in eastern Ukraine
Mar 23rd 2026 · Ukraine
Russian forces have stepped up armored assaults and drone, artillery and aviation strikes in Donetsk, focusing on Lyman and the fortress belt near Sloviansk, as Kyiv warns the Iran conflict risks strengthening Moscow diplomatically and economically.
- Russian forces have massed dozens of tanks, armored vehicles and infantry in renewed assaults around Lyman and the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk line.
- Ukrainian commanders report more than 200 combat engagements in recent days and say Russian losses may exceed 1,000 soldiers a day.
- The Institute for the Study of War says Russia is shifting to larger battalion-sized mechanized assaults but remains exhausted, poorly trained, and overstretched, making a full capture of the fortress belt unlikely.
- Moscow has increased use of artillery, tactical aviation and strike and reconnaissance drones while reportedly cutting basic training for assault troops from about one month to one week.
- President Zelensky warned the Middle East conflict is delaying diplomacy and could benefit Russia economically through higher oil prices and eased pressure on its crude exports.