Ukrainian forces faced intensified combat as Russian military operations escalated over the past 24 hours, with General Staff reporting 155 combat clashes along the contact line. The most intense battles were noted near the settlements of Toretsk and Pokrovsk, as well as on the Kursk and Novopavlivka fronts.
On March 17, 2025, Russian forces launched 90 airstrikes targeting Ukrainian positions and settlements, deploying not only guided bombs but also employing 2,506 kamikaze drones. The volume of artillery fire was massive, totaling 5,771 strikes with 145 of these coming from multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS). These relentless attacks highlight the increased hostilities from the Russian side, putting additional pressure on Ukrainian defense forces.
Specifically, Ukrainian defense forces managed to repel several Russian advances across multiple fronts. On the Kharkiv front, Russian assaults were thwarted, including one unsuccessful attempt to advance near the town of Vovchansk. Nine separate attacks were recorded on the Kupiansk front, where defenders successfully thwarted assaults near several settlements such as Petropavlivka and Zahryzove.
Further south on the Lyman front, 10 specific attack attempts were repelled, with attempts made to breach defenses at Balka Zhuravka and Novomykhailivka. Similarly, Ukrainian forces showed resilience on the Siversk front, where three Russian attacks were repelled around Bilohorivka.
On the Kramatorsk front, Russian forces stepped up their aggression with seven targeted attacks impacting settlements such as Chasiv Yar and Kurdiumivka, but again they were met with effective resistance. Meanwhile, the Toretsk front saw 25 concerted Russian assaults directed at numerous areas, underscoring the high aggression levels aimed at breaking through Ukrainian defenses.
Ukrainian forces exhibited commendable defensive strategies, successfully repelling 44 Russian assaults on the Pokrovsk front alone. This includes fierce resistance near Vodiane Druhe and Svyrydonivka, demonstrating the enduring spirit of Ukrainian military efforts. On the Novopavlivka front, Russians launched 14 attacks as well, attempting to breach perimeter holdings around Oleksiivka.
Noteworthy combat also emerged on the Huliaipole front, where Ukrainian defenders halted 10 attacks, and on Orikhiv front, where two Russian advances were stopped successfully. Ukrainian forces were particularly effective on the Prydniprovske front, where they successfully repelled one attack.
The situation remained tense as Ukrainian and Russian forces engaged multiple times throughout the day. Reports indicated 18 Russian attacks were repelled during confrontations near Kursk Oblast, alongside 30 airstrikes and hundreds of artillery strikes, including MLRS operations. These escalations have heightened the fear of renewed, large-scale offensives.
Despite these aggressive maneuvers, there were no signs indicating any preparations for offensive operations on the Volyn and Polissia fronts.
The intensity of combat over the past hours and sustained artillery bombardments indicate how the conflict continues to test the capabilities and resilience of Ukrainian forces. Officials remain vigilant, preparing for what could be more intense confrontations as both sides plan their next moves.
