Russia Launches Drone Assault on Ukraine Despite Ceasefire Plans

Despite a recent agreement between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump to suspend attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure, Russia conducted significant drone and missile attacks across Ukraine on March 19. The Ukrainian Air Force reported multiple air raid alerts and extensive strikes in regions including Mykolaiv, Kyiv, and Odesa, where 72 Shahed drones were reportedly shot down. Russia also claimed that its forces shot down several of their own drones, allegedly targeting Ukraine's energy facilities, although Ukraine and military analysts have questioned the credibility of these claims. Concurrently, Ukraine's Defense Intelligence Directorate launched a large-scale drone attack on Russian military assets in occupied Crimea, targeting radar and air defense systems. The Russian military's assertions appear to be part of a disinformation campaign, aiming to influence ongoing negotiations and undermine Ukraine's position. This escalation indicates a complex and volatile situation, with both sides accusing each other of failing to uphold peace agreements.