Moscow is reportedly analyzing statements regarding a potential 30-day truce in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, even as battlefield violence and diplomatic friction intensify. On March 12, 2025, Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told U.S. bloggers, as reported by RIA Novosti, that Ukraine squandered an opportunity to retain its 1991 borders—minus Crimea and parts of Donbas—by failing to honor the Minsk agreements. Lavrov emphasized Russia’s firm stance, warning that NATO troops in Ukraine, even as peacekeepers, would be seen as a direct threat. “Nobody talks to us,” he lamented, accusing the West of sidelining Russia while making decisions about Ukraine.
The same day, violence flared across the conflict zone. In Russia’s Kursk region, acting governor Alexander Khinshtein reported that a Ukrainian attack on a feed mill in Kozyrevka killed four civilians—three men and one woman—leaving another seriously injured. Meanwhile, in Ukraine’s Kryvyi Rih, a Russian missile strike demolished a hotel and damaged an apartment building, with images showing a burning car and widespread destruction. In Odesa, a Barbados-flagged bulk carrier, MJ Pinar, was hit by a Russian missile while loading wheat for export to Algeria, further disrupting Ukraine’s economy.
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Ukraine’s military responded with force, launching 64 drones and 54 munitions over 12 municipalities in Russia’s Belgorod region within 24 hours, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov. While no casualties were reported, the attacks damaged homes, businesses, and infrastructure, igniting fires and escalating local fears.
Amid the chaos, a diplomatic shift emerged: U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard announced the resumption of intelligence sharing with Ukraine, ending a prior pause. “We are one significant step closer to ending the bloody war,” she posted on X, crediting presidential leadership. As Moscow studies truce proposals, the war’s toll—compounded by a struggling global economy and dipping share markets—continues to mount, leaving both sides entrenched yet searching for an off-ramp.
Key Points:
- Truce Consideration: Moscow is studying statements about a 30-day truce plan amid the ongoing conflict.
- Lavrov’s Claims: Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated Ukraine missed a chance to retain its 1991 borders (excluding Crimea and parts of Donbas) by not following the Minsk agreements, warning NATO presence in Ukraine is a threat to Russia.
- Civilian Deaths in Kursk: A Ukrainian attack on a feed mill in Russia’s Kursk region killed four civilians and injured one, per acting governor Alexander Khinshtein.
- Russian Strikes in Ukraine: A missile strike in Kryvyi Rih destroyed a hotel and damaged an apartment building; in Odesa, a bulk carrier loading wheat was hit, disrupting exports.
- Ukrainian Attacks in Belgorod: Ukraine targeted 12 municipalities in Russia’s Belgorod region with 64 drones and 54 munitions, damaging homes and businesses but causing no casualties, according to Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov.
- Intelligence Sharing Resumed: U.S. DNI Tulsi Gabbard confirmed the end of a pause in intelligence sharing with Ukraine, citing progress toward ending the war.
