Russia-Ukraine War: Key Events on Day 1,120: Comprehensive Overview and Updates

Ukraine War: Ceasefire Efforts Collide with Ongoing Attacks on Day 1,120

Thursday, March 20, 2025 – As diplomatic efforts intensify, fighting persists across Ukraine, raising concerns about the viability of a limited ceasefire agreement.

Continued Fighting Undermines Ceasefire Hopes

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, Thursday, March 20, 2025, marked another day of intense fighting in Ukraine. The conflict, now in its 1,120th day, saw continued attacks on civilian infrastructure and military targets, raising serious questions about the prospects for a lasting ceasefire.

In the Sumy region of northeast Ukraine, regional authorities reported that Russian drone attacks struck two hospitals.these attacks are particularly alarming, reminiscent of similar incidents in other conflict zones, such as the targeting of hospitals in Syria, which drew international condemnation. In a separate incident in Sumy,a residential building was hit,resulting in the death of a 29-year-old man and injuries to three others.

Near Kyiv, Governor Mykola Kalashnyk reported that Russian drones damaged several houses, injuring a 60-year-old man. The Kyiv region, being close to the capital, holds strategic importance, and attacks there carry meaningful symbolic weight. The governor’s statement underscores the vulnerability of civilian populations even in areas relatively close to the center of power.

Ukrzaliznytsia, Ukraine’s state railway network, reported two attacks on its power system in Dnipro. The first strike occurred shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly committed to a 30-day pause on attacks targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The second strike resulted in injuries to four people. This is particularly concerning becuase the U.S.energy infrastructure is a major target as well. Just as the colonial Pipeline attack impacted gasoline supply across the East Coast, so too might a disruption in Dnipro impact Ukrainian logistics.

“Russia is attacking civilian infrastructure and people – right now,”

Andriy Yermak, Ukrainian President volodymyr Zelenskyy’s chief of staff.

Yermak’s statement highlights the human cost of the ongoing conflict. His pointed declaration underscores the immediate and devastating impact on ordinary Ukrainians.

Adding a layer of complexity, the Kremlin claimed its defense units called off a drone attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and even shot down seven of its own drones, purportedly following a call between U.S. President Donald Trump and President Putin, during which a limited ceasefire was discussed. However, Kyiv’s military reported downing 72 of 145 Russian drones launched overnight, with another 56 drones reported “lost” due to electronic warfare. This discrepancy in reporting adds to the fog of war and makes it tough to ascertain the true state of affairs.

President Zelenskyy stated that 40 of those drones were launched just hours after the call between Presidents Trump and Putin. He further added that Moscow had launched more than 1,300 guided bombs,eight missiles,and approximately 66 long-range strike drones on Kyiv as the initial round of ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia earlier in march. These figures paint a grim picture of unrelenting attacks despite diplomatic overtures.

On the other side, Russia’s Ministry of Defence claimed its units destroyed 57 Ukrainian drones overnight, with 35 over the Kursk region. One of the attacks in the southern Krasnodar region reportedly ignited a small fire at an oil depot in the village of Kavkazskaya. These claims and counterclaims highlight the difficulty in verifying facts and the propaganda war being waged alongside the physical conflict.

The Russian Defence Ministry accused Ukraine of attempting to “derail” the limited ceasefire agreement, alleging a “purposeful” attack on the oil depot.This accusation underscores the mutual distrust and accusations of bad faith that plague the peace process.

Belgorod’s Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported that at least one Russian soldier was killed by Ukrainian shelling in the Krasnoyaruzhsky district of the Belgorod region, with four others injured. Furthermore, a Moscow court sentenced five Ukrainian soldiers to up to 17 years in prison on “terrorism” charges for their involvement in Kyiv’s incursion into russia’s Kursk region. These incidents highlight the spillover of the conflict into Russian territory and the severe legal repercussions for those involved.

Location	Incident	Impact
Sumy Region	Drone attacks on hospitals and residential building	Damage to infrastructure, 1 killed, 3 injured
kyiv region	Drone attacks on houses	Damage to property, 1 injured
Dnipro	Attacks on Ukrzaliznytsia power system	Disruption to railway operations, 4 injured
Kursk Region	Destruction of ukrainian drones	Alleged Ukrainian aggression
Krasnodar Region	Attack on oil depot	Fire and potential fuel supply disruption
Belgorod Region	Shelling by Ukrainian forces	1 Russian soldier killed, 4 injured

Ceasefire Negotiations: A Fragile Hope

Efforts to establish a ceasefire continue, but face significant hurdles. president Trump stated that he and President Zelenskyy spoke at length about his discussions with president Putin. According to the White House,Zelenskyy agreed to the partial ceasefire and requested additional air defense support,which Trump pledged to help secure from Europe. This mirrors the U.S.’s historical role as a mediator in international conflicts, such as the Camp David Accords.

The White House further stated that Washington has moved beyond the previously negotiated rare minerals deal with Kyiv and is now entirely focused on securing a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. This shift in focus indicates a prioritization of diplomatic efforts over economic considerations, signaling a commitment to finding a resolution. The U.S involvement could follow the model of past peacekeeping efforts, such as in the Balkans, where a sustained commitment was necessary to maintain stability.

Trump also suggested the U.S.take over Ukraine’s power plants to ensure security for the critical facilities,according to Washington. This proposal,while enterprising,raises questions about sovereignty and the potential for long-term U.S. involvement in Ukraine’s infrastructure.

President Zelenskyy,however,accused President Putin of rejecting the U.S. proposal for a full ceasefire, despite public pronouncements to the contrary. He urged the global community to prevent Moscow from extending its war on Kyiv. Zelenskyy’s statement highlights the deep mistrust and conflicting narratives that complicate the peace process.

Zelenskyy also expressed confidence in Ukraine’s European allies after phone calls with French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. “We are in constant communication. I am confident that there will be no betrayal from our partners,” Zelenskyy said. This reassurance underscores the importance of international support for Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. The ongoing solidarity of NATO allies will be critical in shaping the conflict’s trajectory.

Trump’s Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff told Fox News that a U.S. delegation,led by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Secretary of State Marco Rubio,is scheduled to meet with a Russian delegation in Saudi Arabia over the weekend to continue talks over Moscow’s war on Ukraine. Witkoff stated that peace talks would cover “energy and infrastructure in general”. Choosing Saudi Arabia as a venue could be related to its role in mediating past international conflicts and its existing ties with both the U.S. and Russia. The talks follow a pattern established in other regional conflicts, such as those in the Middle East, where international diplomacy plays a vital role in de-escalation.

military Aid and Prisoner Exchange offer Glimmers of Hope

Despite the ongoing conflict, there are signs of continued international support for Ukraine. The German government plans to release $3.3 billion in military aid for Ukraine after Berlin’s outgoing Chancellor Olaf Scholz previously blocked the additional aid, according to Reuters. This commitment of military aid follows a pattern observed in other conflicts,as nations seek to bolster the defensive capabilities of countries facing aggression.

In a rare positive development, Russia and Ukraine exchanged 372 soldiers in a prisoner swap brokered by the United Arab Emirates, according to Russia’s Defence Ministry. Moscow returned 175 prisoners of war,and also an additional 22 seriously injured personnel,while Kyiv handed over 175 soldiers. Prisoner exchanges are a common, though infrequent, occurence in armed conflicts and can be seen as a humanitarian gesture amidst the violence

Considering Dr. Petrova’s emphasis on accountability, what concrete steps can international actors take to ensure responsible actions from all parties involved in the conflict?

Ukraine War: A Discussion on Ceasefire Efforts

Interviewer: Good morning and welcome to Archyde News. Today, we have Dr.Anya Petrova, a senior fellow specializing in Eastern European security at the Global policy institute, to discuss the latest developments in the Ukraine war.Dr. Petrova,thank you for joining us.

Dr. Petrova: Thank you for having me.

Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Concerns

Interviewer: The situation on the ground remains incredibly volatile. We’ve seen continued fighting, impacting civilian infrastructure and resulting in casualties. How do you assess the impact of these ongoing attacks on the prospects for a lasting ceasefire, specifically given the reported attacks on hospitals and critical infrastructure like the railway?

Dr. Petrova: The continued attacks are deeply concerning. Targeting hospitals and power systems, which we’ve seen in Dnipro, is a clear violation of humanitarian law. These actions not only inflict immediate suffering but also undermine any trust needed for successful ceasefire negotiations and the potential for the U.S. to step in and maybe even take over the power plant,is very concerning.

Negotiation Challenges and Diplomatic Efforts

Interviewer: We’re seeing conflicting reports regarding commitments to a ceasefire. There’s talk of diplomatic efforts,including a meeting in Saudi Arabia.What are the key challenges in achieving a sustainable ceasefire, and what role can international actors play in mediating this complex situation?

Dr. Petrova: The primary challenge is the deep distrust between the parties and the competing narratives surrounding the conflict. Multiple entities are working as negotiators. The U.S., the UAE, and other parties can broker prisoner exchanges, such as those that occurred recently, and provide much-needed aid and resources.

Military Aid and Support

Interviewer: We’ve seen continued international support for Ukraine, including planned military aid from Germany.how critical is this continued support, and what specific types of aid are most needed at this juncture?

Dr. Petrova: Military aid, especially air defense systems and ammunition, remains crucial. Though, equally crucial are the economic and humanitarian support. Ukraine needs these,and the support of allies,to maintain resilience during the war.

looking Ahead

Interviewer: Dr. Petrova, the situation is clearly at a critical juncture. Do you think there is a possibility or hope that international actors can unite to bring all parties to the table?

Dr.Petrova: Absolutely. While there is hope of negotiations, there also must be more accountability and willingness for both sides to come to the table. Now, as President Zelenskyy stated, we must not be “betrayed,” and there is still more work to be done, but I am hopeful as we move forward.

Interviewer: Dr.Petrova, thank you for your insights. Our audience is invited to comment below the news article

Dr. Petrova: Thank you for having me.