As the US President Threatens Russia with Oil Sanctions, Putin Pushes for UN Control of Ukraine While Drones Target a Military Hospital in Kharkiv
Summary of the Day — March 30, 2025
The diplomatic chess match between Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv reached a critical inflection point today as President Donald Trump declared himself “angry and pissed off” at Vladimir Putin’s questioning of President Volodymyr Zelensky’s legitimacy, threatening to impose crippling secondary sanctions on Russian oil exports if Moscow fails to make progress toward a general ceasefire. Meanwhile, Russia continues its systematic attacks on Ukraine, with drones striking a military hospital in Kharkiv overnight, killing two civilians and injuring 25 others. The Kremlin’s push for regime change in Ukraine became more explicit as a senior Russian diplomat detailed plans for a “temporary international administration” in Ukraine under UN auspices—a proposal swiftly rejected by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres. Amid these tensions, Ukraine announced the formation of a Space Policy Department aimed at developing satellite capabilities to strengthen its defense systems, while Russian forces made marginal advances near Toretsk and Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast.
Doctors at a Kharkiv military hospital operate on a patient in an operating room damaged by a Russian drone attack. (Military Medical Clinical Center of the Northern Region / Facebook)
Trump’s Oil Ultimatum: Secondary Sanctions Loom if Russia Blocks Peace Deal
In an unexpected escalation of diplomatic pressure, President Donald Trump threatened to impose secondary sanctions targeting Russian oil if Vladimir Putin fails to make progress toward a general ceasefire, including an end to land warfare. During a March 30 phone call with NBC News, Trump expressed that he is “angry and pissed off” at Putin for disparaging Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s legitimacy.
“If Russia and I are unable to make a deal on stopping the bloodshed in Ukraine, and if I think it was Russia’s fault — which it might not be — but if I think it was Russia’s fault, I am going to put secondary sanctions on oil, on all oil coming out of Russia,” Trump stated. He further specified that these sanctions would include “a 25 percent tariff on all oil, a 25- to 50-point tariff on all [Russian] oil.”
Trump warned that the United States would prevent companies or countries that purchase Russian oil from conducting business in America, and indicated that secondary sanctions could begin within the next month if the three parties cannot reach a ceasefire agreement. The president also mentioned plans to speak with Putin later this week.
Despite this tough stance, Trump noted that he maintains “a very good relationship” with Putin and added, “anger dissipates quickly… if he does the right thing.”
Russia’s Regime Change Agenda: Demanding UN Control of Ukraine
A senior Russian diplomat has elaborated on Putin’s recent demand for regime change in Ukraine through the establishment of a “temporary international administration” under United Nations auspices. Russian Permanent Representative to the European Union Kirill Logvinov presented a detailed blueprint to Kremlin newswire TASS on March 30.
Logvinov outlined a process where, following a ceasefire, the UN would facilitate an agreement between the parties on transferring power to a UN-led interim government. He specified that one of the parties, mediators, or the UN Secretary General would need to submit an official appeal for the establishment of this temporary administration.
The plan further stipulates that the UN Security Council—particularly its permanent members, which include Russia—must support the mandate, and any Security Council member could submit a draft proposal on the composition and funding of the temporary government. This would allow Russia to both propose its own vision for an interim Ukrainian government and veto any proposal it deems unfavorable, while excluding Ukraine from the final approval process.
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has already rejected Putin’s proposal, stating on March 28 that Ukraine has a legitimate government that must be respected.
Hospital Under Attack: Russian Drones Strike Medical Facilities in Kharkiv
Russian forces launched a devastating nighttime attack on Kharkiv City between March 29 and 30, striking a military hospital and civilian infrastructure. The Ukrainian Air Force reported that Russian forces fired one ballistic missile from Rostov Oblast and deployed 111 Shahed drones and decoys from multiple launch sites, including Kursk and Bryansk cities, Millerovo in Rostov Oblast, Primorsko-Akhtarsk in Krasnodar Krai, and occupied Cape Chauda in Crimea.
The aftermath of the latest overnight Russian attack on Kharkiv Oblast. (Photo: Governor Oleh Syniehubov / Telegram)
Ukrainian forces managed to down 65 drones over various regions of Ukraine, while 34 drones were “lost,” likely due to Ukrainian electronic warfare interference. The attack on the military hospital in Kharkiv killed two civilians—a 67-year-old man and a 70-year-old woman—and injured 25 people, including five children. A 15-year-old girl was hospitalized in serious condition.
“As a result of the night attack by Shaheds, patients and staff at the hospital were injured, and several buildings were damaged,” the hospital reported on social media. Despite the destruction, Edouard Khorosun, head of the military medical center, announced that operations have resumed in damaged operating rooms, stating: “The hospital cannot stop providing assistance and treating patients for even a minute.”
A Kremlin-affiliated Russian military blogger recently acknowledged that Russian forces have modified their long-range drone strike tactics, now having drones loiter several kilometers from targets at high altitudes before conducting synchronized multi-drone strikes—a strategy that may have facilitated recent successful attacks on Kharkiv, Odesa, and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts.
Ukraine’s Eyes in Space: New Space Policy Department Established
Looking to the stars for strategic advantage, the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense announced on March 30 the establishment of a Space Policy Department. The new department will serve as a centralized point of contact for domestic and foreign developers, scientists, entrepreneurs, and international partners in the space sector.
The ministry also revealed an ambitious ten-year roadmap for developing Ukraine’s space capabilities. This plan includes conducting a comprehensive audit of existing space infrastructure to identify critical needs and developing domestic satellite and space technology to integrate with and enhance Ukraine’s defense systems.
This initiative represents Ukraine’s recognition of the growing importance of space-based capabilities in modern warfare, particularly for intelligence gathering, communications, and precision targeting.
Battlefield Developments: Russian Forces Advance Near Toretsk and Pokrovsk
Russian forces continued their grinding offensive operations across multiple fronts, with confirmed advances near Toretsk and Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast. Geolocated footage published on March 28 and 30 indicates Russian advances north of Toretsk and in central Toretsk itself, while footage from March 30 shows Russian forces progressing in northeastern Shevchenko, southwest of Pokrovsk.
The deputy commander of a Ukrainian battalion operating in the Toretsk direction stated on March 30 that fighting is intensifying in the area, with Russian forces attacking along Toretsk’s flanks. Elements of Russia’s 238th Artillery Brigade, 102nd Motorized Rifle Regiment, and 132nd Motorized Rifle Brigade are reportedly operating in and around Toretsk.
Near Pokrovsk, geolocated footage from March 29 showed Russian forces advancing in western Uspenivka. Multiple Russian units are operating in the area, including elements of the “Vega” Spetsnaz Detachment, the 39th Motorized Rifle Brigade, and other formations.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed on March 30 that its forces seized Zaporizhzhia (southwest of Pokrovsk), though independent analysis indicates this settlement had already been under Russian control since February 28.
Russian Attacks in Kursk and Sumy: Cross-Border Operations Continue
Russian forces continued assault operations in both Kursk Oblast and northern Sumy Oblast on March 30, though no confirmed territorial advances were reported. Russian military bloggers claim that Russian forces have reached the Sudzha checkpoint along the international border and made progress near Guyevo and Gogolevka, south and southwest of Sudzha.
Major General Apti Alaudinov, the Russian Ministry of Defense Main Military-Political Directorate Deputy Head and Akhmat Spetsnaz Commander, stated on March 29 that Russian forces are advancing in several areas of Sumy Oblast and expanding their salient into northern Sumy Oblast to support further offensives. Ukrainian military intelligence sources reported that Russian forces are attempting to advance near Veselivka and Basivka, north and northeast of Sumy City.
Elements of Russia’s 106th Airborne Division, including its 137th Regiment, are reportedly operating southwest of Sudzha, while elements of the 22nd Motorized Rifle Regiment are advancing south of Sudzha.
Battle for Belgorod: Fighting Continues Along Russian Border
Russian forces continued assaults in northwestern Belgorod Oblast on March 29 but made no confirmed advances. A Russian military blogger claimed that Russian forces gained a foothold in eastern Demidovka, northwest of Belgorod City, though this remains unconfirmed.
Fighting continued near Demidovka and Popovka on March 30, with elements of the Russian “Anvar” Spetsnaz detachment reportedly operating near Popovka and elements of the 34th Motorized Rifle Brigade deployed near Demidovka.
Ukrainian Partisans Strike: Electronic Warfare System Destroyed in Occupied Kherson
Ukrainian partisans destroyed a Russian electronic warfare system in occupied Kherson Oblast, according to Ukraine’s military intelligence report on March 30. Video published online shows an anonymous partisan pouring gasoline over a vehicle carrying the system, setting it on fire, and quickly fleeing the scene.
“Russian occupants use such electronic warfare systems to suppress radio communications and conduct electronic intelligence. The loss of such a system significantly weakens the capabilities of the aggressor’s army,” Ukraine’s military intelligence stated.
This covert operation highlights the continued resistance activities in territories under Russian occupation, where Ukrainian partisans target high-value equipment and undermine Russian control through sabotage operations.
War Crime Allegations: Russian Commander Describes Perfidy Tactics
Major General Apti Alaudinov, the Russian Ministry of Defense’s Main Military-Political Directorate Deputy Head and Akhmat Spetsnaz Commander, described deception tactics that may constitute perfidy—a war crime under the Geneva Convention. In a statement to TASS, Alaudinov claimed that Russian forces recently used blue electrical tape identification marks during an operation in Kursk Oblast, knowing that Ukrainian forces also use blue tape for identification.
“We were supposed to have blue tape for the first 24 hours of the operation and then change it to red [tape],” Alaudinov explained. He admitted that the tactic was designed to “prevent the Ukrainian military from understanding what was happening” and to make them “think that their own units were advancing.”
The Geneva Convention defines perfidy as “acts inviting the confidence of an adversary to lead him to believe that he is entitled to, or is obliged to accord, protection under the rules of international law applicable in armed conflict, with intent to betray that confidence.”
Finland’s Peace Push: April 20 Ceasefire Deadline Proposed
Finnish President Alexander Stubb has proposed setting April 20 as a deadline for a complete ceasefire in Ukraine. Following a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on March 29, Stubb explained his rationale: “Finland’s proposal is April 20. That would be a good time for a complete ceasefire without any conditions. Why April 20? Because we need a deadline. Because it’s Easter. And because President Trump will have been in office for three months.”
Stubb also emphasized the need for a strong sanctions mechanism to ensure Russian compliance with any ceasefire agreement, noting that U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham is preparing a sanctions package supported by 50 senators.
According to Stubb, Trump’s patience with Russia is “running out” due to Moscow’s delays in ceasefire implementation. “He is very impatient with Russia’s actions, with this collusion and delay in the ceasefire,” Stubb said. “I have the impression that patience is running out on the part of the United States as well — and that, in my opinion, is a good thing.”
Baltic Security Concerns: Ceasefire Could Redirect Russian Forces Northward
Defense ministers from Estonia and Lithuania have warned that a ceasefire in Ukraine would allow Moscow to rearm and redeploy forces to the north, significantly increasing the security threat to Baltic states. Estonia’s defense minister, Hanno Pevkur, told the Financial Times that Russia would redistribute its forces very quickly in the event of a truce in Ukraine, meaning “the threat level will increase significantly very quickly.”
Lithuania’s defense minister, Dovilė Šakalienė, warned that Russia’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine, noting that “they already have a huge, battlefield-trained army, which is going to get even bigger.”
Pevkur estimated that of the approximately 600,000 Russian soldiers believed to be in Ukraine, around half would likely be redeployed following any peace agreement. He expressed concern that NATO troops could be relocated from their current positions on the alliance’s eastern flank to police a peace agreement: “We cannot fall into the trap that our forces are somehow fixed in Ukraine. Then we will have risks at our border.”
Minerals Deal Tensions: Trump Warns of “Big Problems” for Zelensky
President Donald Trump has warned that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will face “big, big problems” if he backs out of a critical minerals agreement with the United States. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on March 30, Trump expressed his belief that Zelensky no longer wants to sign the agreement.
“He’s trying to back out of the rare earth deal and if he does that, he’s got some problems, big, big problems,” Trump said. “He wants to be a member of NATO, but he’s never going to be a member of NATO. He understands that.”
The minerals deal, which reportedly grants the United States unprecedented control over Ukraine’s natural resources through a joint investment fund, has been a point of contention between the two countries. Zelensky stated on March 28 that he would not sign a minerals deal that interferes with Ukraine’s plans to join the European Union: “Nothing that could threaten Ukraine’s accession to the EU can be accepted.”
Bloomberg reported on March 29 that Kyiv was requesting changes to the current proposal, including greater investment from the U.S. and more clarity on how the joint fund would operate.
Ukrainian Frustration Mounts: Zelensky Calls for Pressure on Russia
President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed growing frustration with Russia’s response to U.S. ceasefire efforts, stating on March 30 that Moscow’s reactions have been inadequate “for too long.” Both Kyiv and Moscow agreed to the concept of a Black Sea truce following talks with U.S. officials earlier this week, but Russia has insisted it would not enter into force until certain Western sanctions are lifted.
“For too long now, America’s proposal for an unconditional ceasefire has been on the table without an adequate response from Russia,” Zelensky said in his evening address. “There could already be a ceasefire if there was real pressure on Russia,” he added, thanking countries “who understand this” and have increased sanctions against the Kremlin.
In a direct response to the recent Russian drone attack on a military hospital in Kharkiv, Zelensky stated: “The geography and brutality of Russian strikes, not just occasionally, but literally every day and night, show that Putin couldn’t care less about diplomacy.”
Looking Ahead: Diplomatic Impasse Continues as War Grinds On
As March ends with no breakthrough in sight, the war in Ukraine continues its bloody course into its fourth year. The latest exchanges between Washington, Moscow, and Kyiv highlight the fundamental disconnect in their visions for ending the conflict. Trump’s threat of oil sanctions represents a potential escalation in economic pressure on Russia, but Putin’s insistence on regime change in Ukraine and continued military operations demonstrate Moscow’s unwillingness to compromise on its core objectives.
For Ukraine, the situation remains precarious, with Russian forces making incremental advances in key areas while continuing to strike civilian and military targets across the country. The establishment of a Space Policy Department represents Ukraine’s long-term commitment to building technological capabilities for its defense, even as the immediate battlefield situation remains challenging.
The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Trump’s threats of sanctions can influence Russian calculations, or whether Putin will continue to press his advantage on the battlefield while making demands that Ukraine and the international community view as unacceptable. As casualties mount and infrastructure continues to be destroyed, the human cost of this diplomatic impasse grows ever higher.