War maps detailing the conflict in Ukraine during March 2025
In the ongoing war in Ukraine, both Russia and Ukraine continue to make strategic moves, with localized territorial gains reported on the Ukrainian front [1]. Russia has seen success in the northern Sumy Oblast and near Lyman, Chasiv Yar, Toretsk, and Pokrovsk [1]. However, Ukraine maintains pressure on Russian forces through long-range drone strikes against Russian defense industrial infrastructure [1].
Ukraine has renewed attacks on key Russian infrastructure, such as refineries, on the Donetsk front, and made advances near Toretsk and Pokrovsk [unspecified date]. The Ukrainian Air Force has used Western-supplied aircraft and advanced munitions, including French Mirage 2000-5 jets equipped with SCALP-EG cruise missiles and Hammer glide bombs, to clear their airspace and conduct precision strikes [2]. Achieving air superiority with such modernized munitions and aircraft is key for Ukraine to liberate occupied territories [4].
France has played a significant role in strengthening Ukraine’s air capabilities by supplying Dassault Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets and supporting modern air defense systems [2]. The Ukrainian Air Force has used these Western aircraft effectively to conduct precision strikes, such as strikes deep inside Russian territory to destroy Russian troop concentrations [4].
In the Russian region of Krasnodar, at least two people were injured in an explosion during firefighting efforts at a petroleum base attacked by Ukrainian drones two days earlier [unspecified date]. In the last 24 hours, the Ukrainian Air Force reported a massive attack by 214 Russian drones and over 80 replica drones without explosive payload to confuse Ukrainian defenses [unspecified date].
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports Ukrainian forces advancing near several localities in the Donetsk region, specifically Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Kuryavka, and in Borova, in the Kharkiv province [unspecified date]. The ISW also reports continuous Russian attacks on critical infrastructure and civilians in Ukraine, with nearly 1,900 casualties, including dead and wounded Russian soldiers, reported by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine in the last 24 hours [unspecified date].
In the midst of negotiations to end the war, Kiev asserted that Vladimir Putin, President of Russia, "wants to continue the war" because he has set conditions for an immediate 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States on March 14 [unspecified date].
References:
- Institute for the Study of War (ISW) report, March 7, 2025
- Institute for the Study of War (ISW) report, March 14, 2025
- Institute for the Study of War (ISW) report, March 21, 2025
- unspecified source, March 21, 2025
- unspecified source, early August 2025
In light of the ongoing war and conflicts, politics and general news continue to focus on key developments in Ukraine. France has played a crucial role in enhancing Ukraine's air capabilities by providing Mirage 2000-5 fighter jets, enabling the Ukrainian Air Force to conduct precision strikes, even against Russian territory.
