**Russia’s Offensive Efforts Stalling in Ukraine**
Ukraine’s Commander-in-Chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi, said on March 31 that Russia is struggling to make gains in the Pokrovsk sector of Donetsk Oblast. Despite intense fighting, Russian forces are “stalling” and failing to advance.
**Hotly Contested Area**
Pokrovsk, located about 70 kilometers northwest of Donetsk, remains a key battleground. Syrskyi previously claimed that over 7,000 Russian soldiers were killed near the town in January alone. In February, Ukrainian forces reported that Russian troops were “bogged down” near Pokrovsk.
**Ukrainian Military Strategy**
Syrskyi said Ukraine’s main tasks are holding defensive lines and stabilizing threats. While some areas of the front line have seen advances by Ukrainian forces, the overall situation remains fluid.
**Global Response to Russia-Ukraine Conflict**
The international community continues to provide support to Ukraine. The U.S., for example, is considering a new package of military aid that includes funding for Ukraine’s Drone Line project and other defense initiatives.
**Other Developments**
A French court found Marine Le Pen guilty of embezzling EU funds on March 31, banning her from running for public office. Three men were detained in connection with espionage activities in Ukraine. The Moscow metro website was unavailable due to a hacking attack by Ukrainian Railways.