Ukraine’s Defense Forces disrupted a strategic offensive operation planned by Russia for March 2026.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported this in his evening address on March 16.
Details
Zelenskyy thanked Ukrainian troops who continue to hold the front line and destroy Russian forces. According to him, Ukrainian defenders managed to derail a large-scale offensive operation that Russia had prepared for March.
“Ukrainian Defense Forces disrupted the Russian strategic offensive operation that the enemy planned for this March. Although attacks continue and assaults are ongoing, the intensity and scale of fighting are not what Russian commanders promised their political leadership.”
Zelenskyy stressed that battlefield successes strengthen Ukraine’s position in international negotiations and diplomacy.
“This matters because our strength on the battlefield strengthens all of Ukraine’s positions — our communication with the world, our diplomacy, and the ability of our partners to stand with us regardless of the challenges.”
The president also said he spoke with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi on March 16 and praised Ukrainian soldiers for their work.
“Our soldiers deserve recognition. Well done, guys.”
Context
Earlier in March, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian intelligence had obtained documents outlining Russia’s plans for 2026–2027. According to those plans, Russia aims to fully occupy the Donetsk Oblast and Luhansk Oblast and continue offensive operations in the Zaporizhzhia Oblast and Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
Russian forces have also considered advancing toward the Odesa Oblast. However, Zelenskyy said these plans do not reflect the real situation on the battlefield.
Earlier, The Ukrainian Review reported that Ukrainian forces liberated more than 400 square kilometers of territory during counteroffensive operations and restored control over most of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
