Russia breaks through Ukraine's defenses in Zaporizhia; Kiev faces energy problems

War information

Ukraine claims to have shot down two Russian Zircon missiles . Recently, Russian forces deployed the latest hypersonic missile ZM22 Zircon targeting important locations in the center of the Ukrainian capital. This is the second time this type of missile has been used publicly against Kiev. These missiles of Russian forces are said to have been launched from Crimea at a terrifying speed, taking only about 5-6 minutes to fly from the launch site to the Ukrainian capital.

However, Ukraine claims that Russia launched two Zircon missiles simultaneously and both were intercepted directly over Kiev. According to experts, preliminary analysis of the debris from the two downed missiles has provided valuable information to Ukraine.

Ukraine confirmed that Russian forces continued to advance west of Avdiivka and expanded control in some areas. Photo: RIA Novosti

Russia broke through Ukrainian defenses in Zaporizhia . Head of the We Are with Russia movement Vladimir Rogov said: “Russian troops broke through the northwestern Verbovoye defense line and advanced 2km. Our forces took control of at least 5 strongholds. Moreover, the enemy suffered heavy losses.”

In addition, in the direction of Zaporizhia, Russian forces also made some progress northwest of Rabotino, Mr. Rogov said. “In Rabotino, Russian forces have improved their positions, advancing closer to Staromayorskoye,” Mr. Rogov said.

Some related developments

Ukraine faces energy problems. Representatives of Ukraine's leading energy provider DTEK have reported an emergency power outage in the port of Odessa, after Russia launched an airstrike targeting high-voltage power plants in the area.

“ The situation is still very difficult. To reduce the load on the power grid, we have been forced to cut off power in the city and limit industrial consumption today, ” said a DTEK representative.

Meanwhile, the Odessa government has confirmed that the city was attacked by UAVs and missiles. A piece of debris from the UAVs caused a fire at the power plant, but it was quickly extinguished.

“ Air defense forces intercepted eight out of nine UAVs targeting Odessa and the neighboring Mykolaiv region ,” the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said.

Russian naval base in Crimea damaged . Satellite images on March 25 show that the Black Sea Fleet's communications center in Sevastopol (Crimea peninsula) was damaged after a missile attack by Ukraine.

Compared to satellite images of the area taken on March 21, it can be seen that the roof of the communication center collapsed after Kiev's attack.

Earlier, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported the attack on the infrastructure of the Black Sea Fleet and two Russian landing ships Yamal and Azov. The Ukrainian military revealed that two Russian warships were on fire, one of which was capsized.

Ukrainian commander resigns to go to the front line . Major General Viktor Nikoliuk, commander of the Training Directorate of the Ukrainian Army Command, announced his resignation and expressed his desire to command a unit on the front line.

“ The current moment requires efforts from all Ukrainians, especially the military. I will do this by commanding units in a frontline area ,” Nikoliuk said.

Prior to becoming the Commander of the Training Directorate, Major General Nikoliuk served as Chief of Staff of the 93rd and 92nd Independent Mechanized Brigades.

Russia delays delivery of S-400 air defense missiles to India . Russia has informed India that it will deliver the last two S-400 long-range air defense missile systems by August 2026. The adjustment in the schedule allows Russia to prioritize meeting the requirements of its armed forces related to the conflict in Ukraine.

Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia has emphasized the need to ensure its defense capabilities, including the deployment of the S-400. The importance of air defense capabilities, especially in the context of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, extends beyond the battlefield. For Russia, the S-400 and similar systems are vital in asserting air superiority and providing cover against potential enemy air strikes or reconnaissance efforts.

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