Volodymyr Zelenskyy has replaced the head of the Ukrainian army, according to the country’s defence minister. Andrii Hnatov replaces Anatoliy Bargylevych, who only took the role in February last year. Meanwhile, battles rage on in the Kursk region.
false,Sunday 16 March 2025 21:15, UK
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Russia’s defence ministry has been reporting waves of Ukrainian drone attacks throughout the day over its Kursk region.
In a 40-minute window this afternoon, Moscow said it shot down 27 Ukrainian drones, while a further nine were reported a short time ago.
It’s not clear whether there were any casualties.
Kursk remains one of the hottest areas of the entire frontline – and you can read more about that in our 15.30 post.
With diplomatic talks between Russia and America stalled, the killing on the battlefields continues.
On this episode of The World podcast, Richard Engel reports from the frontline of Mykolaiv, witnessing continued Russian bombardment of the region, while Yalda Hakim reveals what the Russian ambassador in London told her about Moscow’s conditions for a ceasefire.
To get in touch or to share questions for Richard and Yalda, email theworld@sky.uk.
Click here to visit their YouTube channel where you can watch all the episodes.
Today marks three years since the Mariupol theatre bombing.
On 16 March 2022, hundreds of local civilians were sheltering in the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theatre in Mariupol as the city was besieged by Russian forces.
A Russian airstrike killed a many as 600 people that day, in one of the most infamous events of the war.
Today in Prague, a memorial event was held, where people created a giant sign reading „Children“ in Russian and lit candles.
Retired senior diplomat Lord Peter Ricketts spoke to Sky News‘ Trevor Phillips earlier.
Lord Ricketts warned that fighting in Ukraine could continue for another year, as peace negotiations drag on.
When asked what the best possible endgame was for the war in Ukraine, he said it would end with Kyiv’s independence and the freedom to join NATO if it wanted.
Watch his full interview here.
Military chiefs from around the world will meet next week to discuss the „operational phase“ of protecting Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force, Sir Keir Starmer announced yesterday.
The prime minister hosted a virtual meeting of the „coalition of the willing“ yesterday, which involved leaders of 26 nations, including Ukraine, plus the EU and NATO, to discuss ending the war in Ukraine.
Speaking after the 90-minute meeting, Sir Keir revealed military chiefs from the group of Western nations would meet on Thursday as they move „into an operational phase“.
He said they would draw up plans to help secure Ukraine „on the land, at sea and in the sky“ if a peace deal can be agreed with Russia.
Catch up on the full story here.
On this episode of the Trump 100 podcast, our US correspondents read through questions from listeners.
They are asked if Vladimir Putin has some kind of hold on Donald Trump, whether the US president can actually win a Nobel peace prize, and if Mark and James fear asking difficult questions to Trump’s team in case they have their press access restricted, like other news organisations.
You can email our team at trump100@sky.uk.
Late last night, the US‘ secretary of state and Russia’s foriegn minister held a phone call.
Marco Rubio „discussed next steps“ with Sergey Lavrov, the US state department said.
The pair followed up on recent meetings in Saudi Arabia and „agreed to continue working towards restoring communication between the United States and Russia“.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has replaced the head of the Ukrainian army, according to the country’s defence minister.
Andrii Hnatov will now serve as the new chief of the general staff of the Ukrainian armed forces, replacing Anatoliy Bargylevych, who only took the role in February last year.
„We are systematically transforming the Armed Forces of Ukraine to enhance their combat effectiveness,“ defence minister Rustem Umerov said, announcing the change.
„This involves restructuring the command system and implementing clear standards.“
He insisted that Bargylevych was still „part of the team“, adding that he has now been tasked with „reforming the main inspectorate“.
„His mission is to ensure compliance with military standards and strengthen discipline within the armed forces.“
Zelenskyy has regularly reshuffled military and government personnel to maximise efficiency throughout the war.
Ukraine’s general staff reports there are two ongoing battles in the Russian region of Kursk at present.
As many as eight combat engagements have occurred today, the military said.
„In addition, the enemy launched nine air strikes, dropping 16 guided aerial bombs, and fired 104 times at Ukrainian troops‘ positions and localities,“ it said in its afternoon update.
„The situation in other sectors remained unchanged.“
While Russia claims rapid advances, Ukrainian personnel insist that any retreats have been tactical and that Kyiv’s forces have regrouped at more defendable positions.
Yuri Podolyaka, a pro-Russian military blogger, claims Russia has pushed back Ukrainian forces to the border in some areas.
Russian reports also indicate that they have been slowed because they’ve had to clear large numbers of mines.
The chances of Vladimir Putin entering peace negotiations are „abysmal“, according to the Finnish president.
Alexander Stubb said Putin „doesn’t want a ceasefire“ and „doesn’t want peace“.
„His original aim was basically to destroy the independent sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Basically to have Ukraine ceasing to exist,“ he told the BBC.
„He hasn’t changed his aim and this is what all of us around the table have to understand.“
When asked about the Russian president’s willingness to enter peace talks, he said: „I think the chances are abysmal.“
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Ukraine war latest: Head of Ukrainian army replaced – as battles rage on in Russia's Kursk region – Sky News
