The Institute for War Studies (ISW) in its report of March 9 informs about the problems Vladimir Putin's troops are having in Ukraine. The Russians planned to attack the capital of the Zaporozhye Oblast from the direction of Ołeksandrivka, Hulaypol and Orikhiv. Meanwhile, the Ukrainians are carrying out effective counterattacks in these directions, driving the Russians from their positions and preventing them from launching an effective spring offensive.
What difficulties did the Russians encounter during their operations in Ukraine?
From what directions did the Russians plan to attack Zaporozhye?
What are Ukrainians doing in response to Russian attacks?
How did Donald Trump evaluate the conversation with Vladimir Putin?
The situation on the southern front is much more difficult for the Russians than at the beginning of 2026, and counterattacks tie up their forces and reduce the possibility of attacking elsewhere. On other fronts, including the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, Russian attacks are limited and have made no significant progress, while the Ukrainians have been carrying out counterattacks and strikes against Russian assets in occupied Crimea.
Donald Trump talks to Vladimir Putin about the war in Ukraine
— I had a very good conversation with him (…) We talked about Ukraine, which is simply a never-ending fight (…). There is huge hatred between President Putin and President Zelensky, they cannot communicate. But it was a positive conversation on this issue, Trump said.
