**Russia’s Advance in Ukraine Slows Down**
Russian forces have made significant progress in Ukraine since July, but their pace of advance has slowed down over the past few months. According to a monitoring group called DeepState, Moscow seized just 133 square kilometers in March, which is the lowest monthly total since June 2024.
**Winter Conditions and Ukrainian Drone Units Help Slow Russia’s Advance**
The slow-down is attributed to winter conditions, effective work of Ukrainian drone units, and a temporary exhaustion of Russian offensive potential. Ukrainian forces have consistently pushed back against Russian advances, with gains declining since the beginning of winter. In December, Russian troops captured 401 square kilometers, in January they took 321, and in February, they seized 189.
**Fighting Continues Around Pokrovsk**
Despite the slowdown, fighting continues around the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast. Ukrainian forces are holding their ground against Russian advances. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on March 31 that Russian forces are “stalling” and failing to advance in the area.
**Ukraine Loses Territory in Russia’s Kursk Oblast**
While Ukraine has slowed down Russian advances, Ukrainian forces have nearly reversed their gains in Russia’s Kursk Oblast. Ukraine initially seized 1,300 square kilometers of Russian territory but now holds just 70 square kilometers. Since launching operations in Kursk, Russian forces have suffered over 55,000 casualties.
**DeepState Warns of Potential Redeployment**
DeepState warned that Russian forces previously engaged in Kursk may be redeployed elsewhere, posing additional threats along the front line.
Read More @ kyivindependent.com