Zelenskyy Proposes Sharing Ukraine's Maritime Expertise with Global Partners
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has offered to provide his country's hard-won expertise in securing sea waterways to international partners grappling with the Middle East conflict. Speaking in his nightly video address on Thursday, Zelenskyy revealed that Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha had participated in a virtual meeting focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, attended by approximately forty nations.
"Ukraine possesses relevant expertise concerning sea waterways, including the defence and reopening of maritime traffic," Zelenskyy stated. "If our partners are prepared to act, we will consider how we can strengthen them, applying our expertise, knowledge, and technological potential." This offer comes as Ukraine marks day 1,500 of its ongoing war with Russia.
Russian Frontline Advances Grind to a Halt
In a significant development, analysis of data from the Institute for the Study of War indicates that the Russian army recorded no territorial gains on the Ukrainian frontline in March. This marks the first time in two and a half years that Moscow has failed to advance.
The slowdown in Russian progress, which began in late 2025, is attributed to Kyiv's localised breakthroughs in the south-east. Ukrainian forces have managed to recapture approximately 9 square kilometres across the entire frontline in March, with gains particularly noted on the southern section between the Donetsk and Dnipropetrovsk regions.
North Korea Commemorates Fallen Soldiers in Ukraine
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has inspected the nearly completed Memorial Museum of Combat Feats at the Overseas Military Operations in Pyongyang. According to state media KCNA, Kim provided "field guidance" at the museum, which will honour soldiers sent to support Russian forces in Ukraine.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for mid-April, coinciding with the first anniversary of North Korean troop deployments. This development underscores the international dimensions of the conflict.
Ukrainian Children to be Returned from Russia
The White House announced on Thursday that six Ukrainian children will be returned from Russia to their families in Ukraine, citing efforts by Melania Trump to expedite their repatriation. A seventh child is expected to follow later this month.
Ukraine estimates that nearly 20,000 children have been illegally transported to Russia and Belarus, where they reportedly face military training and potential forced combat against Ukrainian troops.
Intensified Russian Attacks Across Ukraine
Russian strikes escalated across Ukraine on Thursday, resulting in at least two fatalities and dozens of injuries. In the Kherson region, a 42-year-old man was killed when a drone struck a civilian vehicle, with sixteen others wounded including a teenage boy and three police officers.
Chernihiv region faced ballistic missile attacks, while Kharkiv endured a daylong barrage of drone strikes causing at least two injuries, including an eight-year-old girl. Kharkiv's mayor reported strikes in four city districts, with officials noting at least twenty separate drone attacks.
Systematic Targeting of Energy Infrastructure
Ukraine's state oil and gas firm Naftogaz revealed that Russian forces conducted 129 attacks on Ukrainian gas and heating facilities during the recent 151-day heating season. "The Russians targeted pipelines, gas production facilities, underground storage, and heating systems—everything essential for Ukrainian heat and gas supply," the company stated.
This systematic assault on critical infrastructure highlights the broader humanitarian impact of the conflict as peace talks remain stalled and military engagements intensify.
