Photo: ukrnet
Withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Suja: strategic retreat or loss of an important foothold?
The Ukrainian defence forces, which launched a surprise offensive on Russian territory in the Kursk region in August 2024, have been forced to retreat from the key city of Sudzha. This is evidenced by the latest reports from the frontline and statements by Russian officials. According to the governor of the Kursk region, Alexander Hinstein, Russian troops have regained control of Sudzha, evacuating more than 120 local residents. Ukraine’s commander-in-chief, General Oleksandr Syrsky, did not confirm the final loss of the town, but noted that the Ukrainian Armed Forces were “manoeuvring to more favourable positions” to save soldiers’ lives.
The retreat was a blow to Ukraine, which had hoped to use control of part of the Kursk region as leverage in future peace talks. Destroyed by numerous Russian airstrikes, Suja was a symbol of Kyiv’s bold raid that humiliated the Kremlin. However, Russian troops, reinforced by North Korean units, have intensified their offensive, recapturing at least 24 settlements in recent days, according to the Russian General Staff. Analysts speculate that the Ukrainian withdrawal may be part of a preparation for a broader strategy in the face of ceasefire negotiations, but for now it appears to be a loss of initiative.
Trump is in a hurry: will Putin agree to a ceasefire?
US President Donald Trump, who has returned to the White House, is actively promoting the idea of a 30-day ceasefire in Russia’s war against Ukraine. His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, held a lengthy meeting with Vladimir Putin in Moscow on 13 March, which Trump described as “very productive”. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said: “There is a very good chance that this horrible, bloody war is finally going to end.”
Putin, for his part, has expressed agreement in principle to a ceasefire, but has set a number of conditions. He insists that the ceasefire must “eliminate the root causes of the crisis” – a term the Kremlin uses to refer to its demands for Ukraine’s demilitarisation and neutral status. Putin also raised the issue of the fate of Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region, saying that they should lay down their arms and surrender to save their lives. Ukraine categorically rejects these claims, calling the allegations of the encirclement of its forces “fake”.
Trump threatens Russia with financial consequences if it does not agree to a truce. “We can do something very bad for Russia economically,” he said, hinting at new sanctions. At the same time, Kyiv fears that a 30-day pause could give Russia time to regroup. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on the US to increase pressure on Moscow, saying that Putin is “deliberately delaying the process” to sabotage diplomacy. Whether Trump will succeed in convincing the Kremlin remains an open question, but the clock is ticking.
White House cuts funding for Radio Liberty and Voice of America
The Trump administration has announced significant cuts in funding for Radio Liberty and Voice of America, two media outlets that have served as instruments of American soft power in Eastern Europe and beyond for decades. The White House explains the decision as a desire to “optimise the budget” and focus on domestic priorities. Critics, however, see the move as a concession to Russia, which has long accused these outlets of “anti-Russian propaganda.”
For Ukraine, where Radio Liberty plays a key role in countering Russian disinformation, the decision could weaken the information front. “It’s a gift to Putin,” said one Ukrainian media expert, who wished to remain anonymous. The White House has not yet commented on whether the cut is related to the ongoing ceasefire talks, but the timing of the announcement is suspicious.
Lukashenko is ill: rumor or reality?
Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko, a long-time Putin ally, is facing a new wave of speculation about his health. According to opposition sources, the 70-year-old leader is suffering from a “serious illness” that could affect his ability to lead the country. Official Minsk denies these rumours, calling them “another provocation by the West”. However, Lukashenka has made fewer public appearances recently, and his meeting with Putin in Moscow on 13 March was accompanied by noticeable physical weakness.
If the rumours are confirmed, this could destabilise Belarus, a key Russian satellite in the war against Ukraine. Analysts suggest that the Kremlin is already preparing for a possible transfer of power in Minsk, adding another layer of uncertainty to regional geopolitics.
US launches strikes against Houthis in Yemen
Meanwhile, in the Middle East, the Trump administration has authorised large-scale air strikes against Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen. According to the Pentagon, on 15 March, US forces destroyed several weapons depots and command centres, killing at least 31 militants. These strikes were a response to Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, which threaten global trade routes.
Trump called the operation a “clear message” to Iran and its proxies, stressing that the US “will not tolerate chaos”. However, critics in Washington warn that an escalation in Yemen could distract attention from efforts to end the war in Ukraine. Whether Trump can balance these conflicts will be a test of his foreign policy.
Conclusion.
The world is at a crossroads. Ukraine’s withdrawal from Suja, Trump’s diplomatic pressure on Putin, the reduction of the US information presence in the region, uncertainty with Lukashenko and strikes on Yemen – all these events are intertwined to form a new geopolitical reality. For Ukraine, the key question remains: will the ceasefire bring real peace or just a temporary respite before a new Russian offensive? The answer depends on whether Washington and Kyiv can outplay the Kremlin at the negotiating table.
Author : Marianna Nyzhnia
