Zelensky: Putin Seeks Belarus as Base for Russia’s Long-Range Drones
Satellite images and official statements on 23–24 March 2026 highlighted a fresh escalation in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. A major Baltic oil terminal was struck in a drone attack, and Kyiv issued new warnings about Belarus being used for drone operations.
Port attack and civilian casualty
On 23 March 2026 a fire broke out at the Primorsk oil terminal. The terminal is a key Russian loading port on the Baltic near the Finnish border.
Ukraine claimed responsibility for the strike, and satellite imagery showed smoke over the site. The image was supplied by Planet Labs PBC.
Train strike in Kharkiv region
Separately, officials reported a deadly drone strike in Kharkiv region on 24 March 2026. A first-person-view drone hit a carriage at a station in the village of Slatyne.
The regional prosecutor’s office said a 61-year-old passenger died. The attack was reported on Telegram by local authorities.
Allegations of Russian-Iran cooperation
President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine’s military intelligence has “irrefutable” evidence of Russia sharing intelligence with Iran. He warned that such aid prolongs conflict in the Middle East.
Kyiv says Moscow has used signals and electronic intelligence, alongside partner data from the region.
Calls to target drone production
Ukraine’s UN ambassador, Andriy Melnyk, urged Western powers to allow strikes on Russian drone production sites. He argued Russia’s shipments of modernised Shahed drones to Iran make those facilities legitimate targets.
Melnyk addressed the Security Council and called for weapons that can hit production infrastructure abroad.
Belarus and ground control stations
Zelensky said Ukraine’s intelligence has information that Russia plans to open four ground control stations in Belarus. He ordered intelligence chiefs to inform international partners.
The president warned that Belarusian territory could be used for controlling long-range attack drones. Kyiv said there would be responses to any such buildup.
Battlefield losses and operational tempo
Ukraine’s military reported heavy Russian casualties during recent offensives. Commander Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi said more than 6,090 Russian soldiers were killed or wounded in four days.
Zelensky added that his office assessed losses of over 8,000 Russian troops in a seven-day period. Kyiv also said the enemy conducted hundreds of assault actions.
International concerns and casualty figures
The UN warned the violence is worsening after more than 1,500 days of war. Under‑Secretary‑General Rosemary DiCarlo cited confirmed civilian deaths and injuries.
The UN noted at least 15,364 civilians killed, including 775 children, and more than 42,000 injured since February 2022. February 2026 alone saw 188 civilian deaths and 757 injuries.
At the UN Security Council, the UK’s chargé d’affaires James Kariuki said Russia now fires over 5,000 drones per month. He said that rate is roughly five times higher than in 2024. He urged continued British support for Ukraine.
Domestic mobilisation and recruitment
Reports indicate Russian authorities are increasingly recruiting university students to bolster forces. The Moscow Times detailed a campus meeting where students were urged to sign up.
Moscow faces recruitment challenges as casualties mount into the hundreds of thousands, Ukrainian sources say.
What this means
Kyiv’s claims link battlefield developments with geopolitical risks. Ukraine insists Russia’s actions, including possible bases in Belarus, deepen regional instability.
Analysts and diplomats now debate responses and targeting rules. Filmogaz.com will monitor further updates from Kyiv and international bodies.
