Overnight, Russia claimed it had taken down nine drones, including two over the Black Sea.
It also alleged that Ukraine attempted to attack a gas storage facility in Russian-occupied Crimea and energy infrastructure in Russia’s Kursk and Bryansk regions.
Ukraine has recently been increasing the size and scope of its drone assaults within Russia. The high watermark this month came on March 10 as Kyiv launched at least 343 drones into Russia, according to the Defense Ministry in Moscow. More than 90 drones were shot down over Moscow, with the capital’s mayor describing the assault as “massive.”
Calls for New Sanctions
Zelenskyy called on the United States to impose additional sanctions on Moscow, asserting that Russia was not pursuing a “real peace” following the latest night of Russian drone attacks.
He emphasized that “Everyone who was affected must be given assistance. But there must also be clear pressure and strong action from the world on Russia—more pressure, more sanctions from the United States—to stop Russian strikes.”
European Union’s Stance
Diplomats have indicated that the Kremlin requires European Union sanctions to be lifted before a Black Sea truce takes effect. The EU stated it was not targeting trade in food, grain, or fertilizers and made clear it would not adjust sanctions while Russian forces remained in Ukraine.
