- 16:40Morocco's automotive production boosts regional growth in 2024
- 16:12Rental prices in Barcelona decrease by 6.4% after rent control measures, but challenges remain
- 15:44SpaceX crew replaces stranded astronauts on the ISS
- 15:06Winter weather alerts in Spain amid snow and low temperatures
- 14:40Xi Jinping declines EU invitation for anniversary summit
- 14:10Trump administration freezes US-funded media operations
- 13:45Australian teen Gout Gout shatters records with world-leading 200m performance
- 13:16Collective pressure on Russia to reach a ceasefire agreement
- 12:44Israeli airstrike kills nine in Gaza amid ceasefire tensions
-
Prayer times
RABAT2025-03-17
Follow us on Facebook
War Update: Key Developments on Day 1,044
Military Action
Ukraine conducted a high-precision strike on a Russian command post in Maryino, Kursk region, where its forces hold parts of the territory following a significant cross-border incursion. In response, Russia claimed its air defenses intercepted four Ukrainian missiles in the area, while regional authorities reported damage to residential and other buildings.
A Ukrainian video showed alleged damage to a Russian base in Ivanovskoye, near Maryino. Russia stated that its defenses downed drones targeting border regions, including Belgorod, Bryansk, and Kursk, while also shooting down a Ukrainian Su-27 fighter jet, 97 drones, and six HIMARS rocket launchers.
Ukraine countered by reporting the destruction of 47 out of 72 Russian drones overnight, with another 24 lost to electronic interference. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian court sentenced a man to 15 years in prison for passing sensitive information to Moscow.
Internal Challenges
Ukraine launched a criminal investigation into desertion and abuse of power after hundreds of soldiers deserted an army unit partially trained by international partners. The 155th Mechanised Brigade, established last year, was among the units involved in preparing for potential Russian offensives.
Political Developments
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that a decisive stance by incoming U.S. President Donald Trump could significantly impact the war's outcome, suggesting his potential to help stop Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Economic Impact
European gas supplies remain stable, except for disruptions in Moldova, where the halt of Russian transit has forced the closure of most industrial operations. A recent Russian tanker collision in the Black Sea caused an oil spill of 2,400 tonnes, revised from an earlier estimate of 3,000 tonnes.
Ukraine announced plans to boost exports in 2025, building on a 15% increase achieved in 2024.
Regional Tensions
Slovakia's Prime Minister Robert Fico, angered by Ukraine’s actions on Russian gas transit, suggested reducing support for Ukrainians and threatened to halt electricity deliveries.
In the Baltic region, Lithuania dismissed concerns over an undersea cable failure allegedly caused by a Russian vessel, affirming its commitment to synchronize its electricity grid with Western Europe. Meanwhile, Finland sought legal action to detain a Russian tanker over damages linked to the severing of an undersea electricity interconnector and telecoms lines.
This snapshot highlights the ongoing complexity of the conflict and its ripple effects on politics, economies, and regional dynamics.
Comments (0)