Russia sees control of the entire Donbas, known for its coalmines and heavy industry, as its key military goal. Ukraine launched more than 280 drones at Russia overnight, one of Kyiv’s largest barrages since the start of the war, Russian state news reported, citing the defence ministry. He added Ukrainian officials at talks in the US on Saturday would discuss the recent “dangerous” US decision to ease some sanctions on the Russian energy sector. One official said stocks of Patriot missiles were “absolutely” dwindling in Europe and elsewhere because of the war in Iran, and added the situation was “pretty concerning”. Russia attacked Ukrainian oil and gas facilities in Poltava and Sumy regions overnight, Ukraine’s largest state oil and gas company, Naftogaz, said.

Source: The Guardian March 21, 2026 06:05 UTC