Ukrainian forces have once again struck hard against invading Russian troops, launching successful precision airstrikes that targeted several key bridges and river crossings in the northern sector of the front line. The Ukrainian Air Force conducted these operations with a mixed strike group, aiming to severely hinder the movement and resupply of Russian units.
In one of the most effective attacks, Ukrainian aircraft eliminated a group of Russian infantry near the settlement of Zvanivka. These precision-guided raids demonstrate Ukraine’s increasing ability to hit deep strategic targets, shifting the balance on the battlefield and putting Russian forces on the defensive.
Further south, Ukraine’s 110th Territorial Defence Brigade neutralised 14 Russian troops and destroyed four motorcycles used in rapid assault missions. These small but fast-moving enemy units have been a key element of Russia’s offensive strategy near the border. By dismantling their mobility, Ukraine is making it increasingly difficult for Russian units to regroup or launch surprise attacks.
This war of attrition continues to expose the deep weaknesses in Russia’s command structure. The toll on Russian military leadership is stark. According to the “Killed in Ukraine” project, at least 6,000 Russian officers have died since the start of the full scale invasion. Senior lieutenants top the list with over 1,520 confirmed dead. The high rate of officer casualties is reportedly linked to constant Russian assault operations and deliberate Ukrainian strikes on command posts.
Meanwhile, fears of Russian sabotage efforts have surged across Europe. German authorities recently arrested three Ukrainian nationals accused of mailing explosive parcels from Germany to Ukraine. Prosecutors believe this was a “test run” orchestrated by individuals linked to Russian state institutions. The parcels contained GPS trackers and were intended to map out routes for future bombing or arson attacks.
Two of the suspects, identified only as Vladislav T and Daniel B, were arrested in Germany, while a third man, Yevan B, was detained in Switzerland. German prosecutors suspect they had communicated with Russian state agents and had pledged readiness to conduct future sabotage missions.
Authorities remain wary, citing past incidents such as parcel explosions in Britain, Germany, and Poland last year, allegedly part of another Russian plot to cause explosions on cargo planes destined for the United States. Germany’s Justice Minister warned of the growing threat of hybrid attacks orchestrated by the Kremlin aimed at destabilising Western democracies.
Following these events, security firm DHL and other logistics providers have been increasing security across their networks. In one harrowing case, Germany narrowly avoided a potential plane crash when a parcel ignited mid-flight.
Adding further strain on Russian morale, March 2025 marked a record high for missing Russian personnel. Over 10,000 appeals for information about missing troops were submitted to the Ukrainian “I Want to Find” project that month alone. The war is taking a heavy toll on the Russian side, with total military deaths estimated at around 111,000, excluding losses from occupied territories or foreign mercenaries.
On the diplomatic front, the newly elected Pope Leo the Fourteenth received a list of Ukrainian prisoners held in Russian captivity. During a meeting with Eastern Catholic representatives, the Pope reiterated his support for Ukraine, urging for peace and the release of all prisoners.
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski strongly denied claims that Polish troops would be sent into Ukraine, clarifying Poland’s role would be limited to logistics and border protection. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz reminded European leaders that the war’s outcome will determine whether law and democracy continue to prevail in Europe or if tyranny and brute force triumph.
