The slow progress of Russia on the battlefield takes place when the United States is trying to put pressure on Ukraine to conclude fast peace to end the war at all costs. According to Donald Trump Washington's “peace plan”, he would even be willing to recognize the illegal annexation of Crimea by Moscow.
However, the President of Ukraine Wołodymyr Zelanski excluded such a possibility, for which he was criticized by his American counterpart. The American president described the position of Zelanski as “very harmful to peace negotiations with Russia.” In an interview with Time magazine, the US president said that the Crimean Peninsula “would remain under Russia's control”. “Zełenski understands this, everyone understands that he has long been under their control,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian army, despite the Russian numerical advantage and in armament, managed to stabilize the front. According to the experts with whom Kyiv Independent talked, Ukraine is able to continue the fight.
– The situation of Ukraine is not so bad that it has to go to such high concessions, especially since Russia does not want to compromise – said Jakub Janovsky, a military analyst from Prague who is working on the Open Source Oryx project, which follows the losses of Ukrainian and Russian equipment.
While the Russians carry out an attack in the Donetsk region and on the southern front, its troops have difficulty moving forward. Ukraine, in turn, improved its ability to counteract these attacks, including by using FPV drones and min.
“Flowing a kilometer after a kilometer in a country as large as Ukraine is not entirely a good strategy,” said the analyst.
Maria Senovilla / PAP
Destroyed buildings after the Russian fire in Dobropol in the Donetsk region, March 9, 2025.
Based on photos from the front depicting existing Russian attacks as part of the spring offensive, Janovsky assessed that Operations using mechanized and motorized units were not effective. Nevertheless, the fire led by the Russians is continuous, though of varying intensity.
“We often see the same scheme”
Oleksandr SpyTsin, commander of the drone unit in the Omega National Guard division, located near Pokrowska, said that the Russians were constantly acting. The task of his unit is to locate them and prevent them from reaching the position of Ukrainian infantry.
“We often observe the same pattern: when they get a serious blow, the next day their activity weakens, they calm down a little,” said SpyTsin. “Then they don't work for one day or focus on a different direction, and then they are here again, behaving as if nothing happened,” he added.
Janovsky estimated that Moscow's future achievements depend on the resources that he is able to allocate, considering that Equipment inherited from the Soviets quickly consumes.
If Russia's losses exceed its production capacity, Moscow – according to the analyst – can still supply its units this year, using, among others Civilians instead of armored personnel carriers.
Recognition of Crimea “unreasonable”
Former Defense Minister Andrij Zagoroduk emphasized that the official recognition of the annexation of Crimea would be “definitely unreasonable”. He assessed that the proposed peace formula does not give specific safety guarantees and It will not prevent the conflict to resume by Vladimir Putin.
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– Formally you can accept territorial losses only once, they cannot be recovered again. And Russia can break the suspension of weapons as many times as it wants, “said Zagorroduk, emphasizing that Ukraine needs solid guarantees of security from the US and Europe.
“Even if Ukraine” has no cards “, he can't accept something that will only encourage Putin to further actions,” he added.
“Ukraine will not sign the surrender”
Deputy Jehor Czerniew, vice -chairman of the National Security Committee, referring to the Trump's peace plan, said that “all our allies have long been informed about” red lines “. – We cannot withdraw, we will not sign the surrender” – he added.
John Hardie from the Foundation for the Defense of Democracy based in Washington believes that even if the United States decided to withdraw military assistance again and stop exchanging military information with Ukraine, The refraction on the front line is unlikelyalthough in some areas – such as air defense – the effects may be felt faster.
“I don't think Ukraine find itself in a situation where it would have to accept everything that the United States says or Russia demands to obtain an immediate agreement,” he added.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
