Moscow agrees to limited energy strikes pause but demands Ukraine’s surrender as Russian forces advance in multiple directions
As Putin rebuffed comprehensive ceasefire proposals during his call with Trump, Russian drones struck hospitals in Sumy while forces advanced in Zaporizhia, Lyman, and Chasiv Yar, revealing Moscow’s true intentions despite diplomatic gestures
Summary of the Day – March 18, 2025
Tuesday exposed the glaring disconnect between diplomatic rhetoric and battlefield reality as the Trump-Putin call produced only limited agreements while Russian attacks intensified. Putin rejected the U.S.-Ukrainian temporary ceasefire proposal, instead demanding Ukraine halt mobilization and cease receiving foreign military aid—conditions tantamount to surrender. Meanwhile, Russian forces advanced in western Zaporizhia and crossed into Sumy Oblast, while drone strikes targeted hospitals despite Putin’s promise to temporarily halt energy infrastructure attacks. The diplomatic track continues with planned talks in Jeddah on Sunday, but with Putin insisting on excluding Ukraine from negotiations about its own future, prospects for meaningful progress remain dim. As Zelensky strengthened ties with Finland during his visit to Helsinki, the fundamental question remains whether the international community will recognize Ukraine’s right to determine its own future or acquiesce to Russian demands for capitulation.
The diplomatic battleground took center stage as U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin held a 90-minute call to discuss potential pathways to peace, but Putin refused to accept the U.S.-Ukrainian proposal for a temporary frontline ceasefire. Meanwhile, Russian forces advanced in western Zaporizhia Oblast as battlefield dynamics shift, and a massive overnight drone barrage targeted civilian infrastructure across twelve Ukrainian regions despite Moscow’s pledge to pause energy strikes.
From prisoner exchanges to energy strikes moratoriums, the day’s developments revealed the sharp contrast between diplomatic rhetoric and battlefield reality, as Putin’s demands for Ukraine to halt mobilization and foreign military aid underscored his continued insistence on terms amounting to Ukrainian capitulation. All this played out as Russian drones struck medical facilities in Sumy and Russia prepared to receive reinforcements from North Korea on the Kursk front.
Putin Rejects Ceasefire, Continues Seeking Ukrainian Capitulation
Russian President Vladimir Putin did not accept the U.S.-Ukrainian proposal for a temporary ceasefire along the frontline during his call with U.S. President Donald Trump on March 18. Putin insisted on addressing what he called the “root causes” of the conflict, which Russian officials have repeatedly defined as NATO’s eastward expansion and Ukraine’s alleged violations of Russian-speaking minorities’ rights—demands that effectively amount to installing a pro-Russian government in Kyiv.
Putin demanded that Ukraine halt mobilization efforts during any potential temporary ceasefire and called for suspending all foreign military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine. Notably, he did not address Russia’s own military support from North Korea, China, and Iran. Putin also suggested that Russia and the United States should continue peace efforts in “bilateral mode,” excluding Ukraine and Europe from future negotiations about the war.
Russian President Vladimir Putin gestures during the plenary session of Russia Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, in Moscow, Russia (Contributor/Getty Images)
While rejecting a comprehensive ceasefire, Putin did agree to a 30-day moratorium on strikes against energy infrastructure, though the exact targets covered by this moratorium remain unclear due to differences in the U.S. and Russian readouts of the call. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky endorsed the energy strikes moratorium but emphasized that Ukraine would need more details and would not accept a situation where Russia could strike Ukrainian energy infrastructure without Ukraine being able to respond.
Prisoner Exchange Set for March 19
During the call with Trump, Putin announced that Russia and Ukraine would exchange 175 prisoners of war each on March 19. The Russian president also pledged to transfer 23 seriously wounded Ukrainian soldiers, whom he claimed are receiving medical treatment in Russian hospitals, as a “gesture of goodwill.” Zelensky later confirmed this exchange would take place.
Russian Forces Advance in Western Zaporizhia
Russian forces recently advanced in western Zaporizhia Oblast amid intensified offensive operations in the area. Geolocated footage published on March 18 indicated that Russian forces advanced in eastern Stepove, east of Kamyanske. Russian military bloggers claimed additional advances southeast of Shcherbaky, north of Pyatykhatky, and toward Lobkove.
Ukrainian Southern Defense Forces Spokesperson Colonel Vladyslav Voloshyn stated on March 17 that Russian forces have become more active in the Zaporizhia direction, taking advantage of improving weather conditions. He noted that mud is drying out and trees are regaining foliage, allowing Russian forces to improve their tactical positions by attacking in small assault groups of five to seven soldiers. The number of FPV drones used by Russian forces has also increased by about 50 per day in March 2025, reaching approximately 400-420 drones daily.
Russian forces are likely intensifying operations in this area to push toward Zaporizhzhia City amid continued Kremlin demands that Ukraine cede all of Zaporizhia Oblast to Russia. This offensive pressure may also be intended to draw and fix Ukrainian forces to additional areas of the frontline, allowing Russian forces to prioritize certain efforts and make incremental gains across the theater as weather improves.
Russian Drones Target Medical Facilities Despite Energy Strike Moratorium
Hours after the Trump-Putin call established a 30-day moratorium on energy infrastructure strikes, Russia launched a barrage of attacks targeting energy facilities and civilian infrastructure in multiple Ukrainian regions.
Russia struck the energy infrastructure of Slovyansk, a city of 100,000 people in the Donetsk region, leaving part of the city without electricity. Explosions were also reported in Kramatorsk, where guided aerial bombs reportedly hit residential areas.
In the Sumy region, a Russian drone struck the roof of a medical facility on the evening of March 18, shattering windows and damaging the building. Early on March 19, Russian forces launched another drone attack on the region, hitting the roof of Krasnopil Hospital—marking the second healthcare facility targeted in the Sumy region within hours. While no casualties were reported, evacuations were carried out for both patients and hospital staff.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported that since the evening of March 18, Russia launched attacks using two Iskander-M ballistic missiles, four S-300 anti-aircraft guided missiles, and 145 Shahed strike UAVs, along with various types of simulator drones. Ukrainian forces confirmed downing 72 Shahed strike UAVs and other drones over twelve regions, while 56 Russian drone simulators lost their intended targets.
Recent Advances Across the Front
Russian Forces Cross into Sumy Oblast
Russian forces recently advanced across the international border in Sumy Oblast as part of continued ground operations to push Ukrainian forces from their remaining positions in Kursk Oblast. Geolocated footage published on March 16 indicated that Russian forces advanced in southwestern Basivka, near the international border in Sumy Oblast and west of Sudzha.
Ukraine’s State Border Service Spokesperson Andriy Demchenko stated on March 18 that Russian forces are conducting small infantry assaults toward Zuravka, Novenke, and Basivka, all near the international border in Sumy Oblast and west of Sudzha. Demchenko added that Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups are operating north of Sumy Oblast and may attempt to attack other areas along the international border into Sumy Oblast.
Advances in Lyman, Chasiv Yar, and Toretsk Directions
Russian forces made confirmed advances in several key areas:
- Lyman Direction: Geolocated footage published on March 18 shows Russian forces advancing in a forested area west of Balka Zhuravka (formerly Nevske), northeast of Lyman.
- Chasiv Yar Direction: Geolocated footage published on March 17 indicates Russian forces recently marginally advanced along Chekhova Street in western Chasiv Yar.
- Toretsk Direction: Footage published on March 17 and 18 shows Russian forces advancing in northern Toretsk, to a building in Tsentralna Mine in western Toretsk, and marginally advancing north of Novobakhmutivka and north and northeast of Druzhba. Ukrainian Luhansk Group of Forces Spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Dmytro Zaporozhets stated that Russian forces conducted 450 assaults in the Toretsk direction in the first half of March 2025—a significant increase from the 340 assaults in the first half of February.
Ukrainian Strategic Withdrawal in Donetsk Oblast
Lieutenant General Serhii Naiev, the commander of a tactical group in Donetsk Oblast, reported on March 18 that Ukrainian forces have withdrawn from one front-line sector in the region to preserve troops and improve defensive operations. “This allowed us not only to save our soldiers but also to improve our defense. Russia is suffering losses, and we can act more effectively,” Naiev wrote on Facebook. It remains unclear which specific section of the front line the commander was referring to.
According to undisclosed sources, the withdrawal was carried out in February and concerned Ukrainian units in the area of the villages Dachne, Zelenivka, and Andriivka north of Velyka Novosilka. Kyiv’s forces stationed there reportedly pulled back to avoid encirclement in the so-called Kurakhove pocket.
Russia Expanding Psychological Operations Units
Ukraine’s Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) reported on March 18 that Russia is expanding the number of its information and psychological operations units, particularly within the 3rd Combined Arms Army and 51st Combined Arms Army. The Russian military is reportedly training these new units at the Military Academy of the Russian General Staff in Moscow City and the Mozhaisky Military-Space Academy in St. Petersburg.
According to GUR, specialized information warfare units have been established within these Russian armies, and the Russian government introduced a separate military occupational group called “Information Confrontation” as early as April 2024. The expansion of these units indicates Russia’s intent to escalate information and psychological attacks against Ukraine, its security and defense forces, and Ukrainian society.
Finland Welcomes Zelensky for Official Visit
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska arrived in Finland for an official visit on March 18. The visit was organized by Finnish President Alexander Stubb and his wife, Suzanne Innes-Stubb, beginning with a welcome ceremony in the courtyard of the Presidential Palace in Helsinki.
President Volodymyr Zelensky and First Lady Olena Zelenska arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in Helsinki, Finland. (Volodymyr Zelensky/Telegram)
During the visit, Zelensky will discuss Finland’s support for Ukraine and steps to end the Russian war. In addition to meetings with Stubb, Zelensky will hold talks with Finnish Finance Minister Riikka Purra, Defense Minister Antti Hakkanen, and Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen. The presidents are expected to hold a joint press conference.
Zelensky emphasized that “Europe should be at the table, and everything that concerns Europe’s security should be decided together with Europe.” The talks will continue afterward with local defense company representatives to discuss potential investments in Ukraine’s defense industry and further military support.
Since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Finland has provided Ukraine with 2.5 billion euros ($2.6 billion) in defense aid. Finland announced its 28th military aid package for Ukraine, valued at approximately 200 million euros ($217.4 million), on March 13.
Ceasefire Talks Planned for Sunday in Jeddah
U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff announced that talks on a ceasefire in Russia’s war with Ukraine will continue on Sunday in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah. The U.S. delegation will be led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, though Witkoff did not specify who they would be meeting with.
Following the Trump-Putin call, the White House issued a statement saying negotiations on implementing the energy infrastructure ceasefire and a maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea will “begin immediately” in the Middle East. Zelensky insisted that Ukraine must be included in all future negotiations, stating, “We are not a salad… We are an independent state. Without us, I think it’s wrong to negotiate.”
Financial Impact of War on Russian Energy Giant
The loss of European markets has dealt a severe financial blow to Russian energy giant Gazprom, resulting in net losses of 1.076 trillion rubles ($13.1 billion) in 2024. Gazprom’s losses averaged $251 million per week, $35 million per day, or $1.4 million per hour. While the company’s total revenue increased by 11% and its gas revenue by 14%, it still ended the year with a sales loss of 192 billion rubles ($2.3 billion).
In 2023, Gazprom posted a net loss under international accounting standards for the first time in 25 years, recording a historic deficit of 629 billion rubles ($7.6 billion). Despite attempts to maintain its presence in Europe, Gazprom’s gas exports to the EU remained low, delivering just 32 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe in 2023—nearly six times less than its peak of over 180 billion cubic meters in 2018-2019.
The financial downturn has forced Gazprom to implement cost-cutting measures, including mass layoffs. In January, Russian media reported that the company was preparing to lay off 1,600 employees from its central office.
Civilian Casualties From Russian Attacks
Russian attacks against Ukraine killed at least two civilians and injured at least 13 over the past day, according to regional authorities. In Donetsk Oblast, Russian attacks injured three people in Pokrovsk and two in Kostiantynivka. A woman was injured during a drone attack against the village of Riasne in Kharkiv Oblast, where a school, gymnasium, houses, and enterprises were also damaged.
The aftermath of Russian attacks against Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine. (Governor Vadym Filashkin/Telegram)
Two people were killed and seven injured during Russian strikes in Kherson Oblast. Twelve houses, a humanitarian aid distribution point, and a car were damaged. In the Bucha district of the Kyiv region, a drone attack injured a 60-year-old man who suffered injuries to both legs. The attack also damaged or partially destroyed nine private houses across three settlements in the district.