Map Shows New Russia Offensive Launched Ahead of Putin-Trump Call

Advances in Southern Ukraine: The Latest Developments in the Conflict

The conflict in Ukraine continues to evolve, with recent reports indicating that Russian forces have made gains in the southern region of the country. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a Washington, D.C.-based think tank, Russian troops have advanced in the Zaporizhzhia region, specifically northwest of the village of Robotyne. This development comes as tensions remain high ahead of an expected call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, scheduled for Tuesday. The ISW has provided a detailed map showing the latest front-line movements, which highlights the shifting dynamics of the conflict. While Newsweek has reached out to the Russian and Ukrainian defense ministries for comment, no official statements have been released yet.

The Strategic Significance of Russian Gains

The reported advances by Russian forces in southern Ukraine are significant, as they suggest that Moscow is gaining momentum on the battlefield. The ISW has noted that geolocated footage confirms Russian movements northwest of Robotyne, while pro-Russian military bloggers have also claimed that Russian troops, including elements of the 108th Airborne (VDV) Regiment, have seized control of Mali Shcherbaky and made progress both west and east of the settlement. These claims, though unverified, align with reports from the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD), which has stated that its forces have "liberated" the village of Stepovoye in the Zaporizhzhia region. The capture of such strategic locations could bolster Putin’s position, potentially reducing the likelihood of him agreeing to a ceasefire or other measures that might halt the current momentum.

The Prospects for a Ceasefire

The expected call between Trump and Putin is particularly notable given the recent U.S.-led efforts to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine. During bilateral talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 11, Washington proposed a 30-day ceasefire, which was accepted by Kyiv. However, Putin has linked any potential ceasefire to the resolution of the "root causes" of the war, a phrase that has raised concerns among Western officials and analysts. Many interpret this as a demand for concessions from Ukraine, including its exclusion from NATO, the disarmament of its military, and the removal of President Volodymyr Zelensky. These conditions are seen as non-starters for Kyiv, casting doubt on the feasibility of a ceasefire.

Battlefield Dynamics: A Mixed Picture

The ISW has also reported that both Ukrainian and Russian forces have made advances in the Toretsk direction, with Ukrainian troops pushing north and Russian forces moving south. This dual progress highlights the fluid nature of the conflict, as both sides seek to assert control over key territories. The pro-Moscow Telegram channel "Operation Z" has described the situation as a "new catastrophe" for the Armed Forces of Ukraine, claiming that Russian forces are steadily advancing and "liberating villages one by one." While these claims are likely exaggerated, they reflect the propaganda efforts aimed at shaping the narrative of the conflict.

Reactions and Implications

The ISW has emphasized that Russian gains in the south could embolden Putin, making him less inclined to consider a ceasefire or other diplomatic overtures. Ian Brzezinski, a senior fellow at the Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security, has argued that Putin’s demands are designed to undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and security. By linking a ceasefire to the "root causes" of the war, Putin is effectively calling for the dismemberment of Ukraine’s political and military structures. This approach has raised concerns that the Russian leader has no genuine interest in ending the conflict but is instead using the prospect of a ceasefire as a tactical ploy.

What’s Next?

As the world waits for the outcome of the Trump-Putin call, attention remains focused on whether any meaningful progress can be made to address the conflict. The ISW has cautioned that the battlefield dynamics, coupled with Putin’s maximalist demands, make a negotiated settlement unlikely in the near term. With both sides continuing to make gains and losses, the war in Ukraine appears set to enter a new phase, characterized by ongoing violence and shifting alliances. The international community will be closely watching the developments, as the stakes for global stability and security remain high.