KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Overnight on March 15, 2025, Russia and Ukraine once again exchanged intense aerial warfare, with both sides reporting the deployment of over 100 enemy drones across their territories. This dramatic escalation follows closely on the heels of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s meeting with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff to discuss the particulars of an American-mediated proposal for a 30-day ceasefire.
Putin, speaking at a press conference on March 13, expressed his support for the truce proposal, albeit with several conditions yet to be clarified before any agreement could be made. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly endorsed the ceasefire during talks held just hours before these latest assaults. "The build-up of Russian forces indicates Moscow intends to keep ignoring diplomacy. It is clear Russia is prolonging the war," Zelenskyy stated, raising concerns over Russia’s commitment to peace.
The contrasting positions demonstrated the challenges of reaching any meaningful agreement, as Zelenskyy warned of Russia's continued attempts to derail talks, saying the Kremlin's numerous conditions were merely excuses. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who hosted virtual discussions among Western allies, urged them to maintain pressure on Putin, asserting, "Ukraine is the party of peace," and emphasizing the urgency for continued dialogue.
On the ground, the conflict escalated when Ukraine’s air force reported the launch of a staggering barrage of 178 drones and two ballistic missiles by Russia. Despite the intensity of the hour-long assault, Ukrainian defenses successfully shot down around 130 of these drones, with another 38 either failing to reach their targets or being neutralized before causing significant harm.
Russia's attacks targeted energy infrastructure, particularly in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk and Odesa regions. Local energy firm DTEK disclosed the aftermath of the strikes, saying, "The damage is significant. Energy workers are already working on the ground. We are doing everything possible to restore power to homes as soon as possible." Reports indicated some residents faced power outages due to the violence.
Adding to the chaos, debris from Russian drones plummeted down onto the Volgograd region, causing fires near the Lukoil refinery and prompting nearby airports to halt operations temporarily. Fortunately, no casualties were reported amid this unfortunate incident, which mirrors previous attacks on the facility.
Meanwhile, earlier on March 14, former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed during media appearances, "Thousands of Ukrainian troops had been surrounded by the Russian military," casting doubts on the strategic successes achieved by Kyiv’s forces. Zelenskyy responded by affirming, "The operation of our forces in the designated areas of the Kursk region continues. Our troops continue to hold back Russian and North Korean groupings. There is no encirclement of our troops."
The U.S. administration is watching developments closely, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. They agreed to follow up on recent engagements aimed at improving communication between the United States and Russia.
Despite the grim state of affairs marked by repeated rounds of violence and allegations, both sides' leaders continue to oscillate between the rhetoric of war and the cautious overtures of peace. The situation remains fluid, as negotiations are fraught with skepticism and mistrust. On the one hand, Ukraine’s leaders show readiness for dialog, but on the other, evidence of increased Russian military presence along the border piques fears of prolonged conflict.
Both the U.S. and the European allies have been staunch supporters of Ukraine's sovereignty and have pressed Russia for accountability. The push for the 30-day ceasefire is seen not just as a diplomatic effort but as a possible precursor to longer-term peace negotiations. Whether these discussions can materialize amid rising hostilities remains uncertain.
It stands as the harsh truth: both nations remain caught within cycles of violence. Yet the calls for peace continue to echo louder with every drone, missile, and, unfortunately, each costly strike. For civilians caught within this conflict, hope hangs on the prospect of leaders seizing the moment to halt the escalation before it spirals entirely out of control.