Inside Russia-Outside Russia is a news insight by the Federation of the Russian Embassy in Bangladesh on 16.3.25
INSIDE RUSSIA
Putin says aware of Trump’s call to spare Ukrainian troops in Kursk Region
The Russian leader said that the Ukrainian army had committed crimes against the civilian population in the Kursk Region, which “are classified by the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federation as terrorism”
NOVO-OGARYOVO, March 14. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin said that he had read today’s appeal by US President Donald Trump to spare the lives of Ukrainian servicemen blocked by Russian troops in the invasion zone of the Ukrainian army in the Kursk Region.
“We have read today’s appeal from the President of the United States, Mr. Trump, to spare the lives of Ukrainian army soldiers, parts of which are blocked by Russian troops in the area of the invasion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Kursk Region,” the head of state said at a meeting with members of the Russian Security Council.
He said that the Ukrainian army had committed crimes against the civilian population in the Kursk Region, which “are classified by the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federation as terrorism.”
Earlier Trump wrote on the Truth Social network that “thousands of Ukrainian servicemen are completely surrounded by the Russian armed forces and are in a very bad and vulnerable position.”
Rosatom considering layout variants for new nuclear plants in Belarus
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said earlier today that Belarus requested Russia to build the second nuclear power plant in the country
MOSCOW, March 14. /TASS/. Rosatom is considering several layout variants for new nuclear power facilities in Belarus, the communications department of the Russian state-run corporation told TASS.
“The issue of building a new nuclear power facility in Belarus is being explored. We are considering several layout variants,” a Rosatom spokesperson said.
President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko said earlier today that Belarus requested Russia to build the second nuclear power plant in the country. The first Belarusian nuclear power plant was built in the Grodno Region.
Almost 380 people missing in Russia’s Kursk region found alive, acting governor says
As residents have been returning en masse, search efforts are ongoing, Alexander Khinshtein added
KURSK, March 15. /TASS/. As many as 378 residents of recaptured localities in the Kursk Region have been found alive and removed from the missing persons list, acting governor Alexander Khinshtein reported via Telegram.
“So far, 378 names have been removed from the list of people missing [in the Kursk Region] – they have been found alive,” he wrote.
As residents have been returning en masse, search efforts are ongoing, the official added.
Russian troops liberated 33 communities in the Kursk Region, the Donetsk People’s Republic and the Sumy Region in the week of March 8 as part of the special military operation, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported on Friday.
Leaders of Russia, Belarus, Tajikistan call Azeri president at informal meeting
Aliyev expressed his gratitude for Putin’s invitation to attend the May 9 events in the Russian capital, the Azerbaijani leader’s press service said
MOSCOW, March 15. /TASS/. The presidents of Russia, Belarus and Tajikistan, Vladimir Putin, Alexander Lukashenko and Emomali Rahmon respectively, called their Azerbaijani counterpart, Ilham Aliyev, during an informal meeting on Saturday, the Kremlin reported.
“During a joint informal meeting, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and Tajik President Emomali Rahmon called Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev <…> to discuss a range of pressing issues relating to the development of interstate relations,” the Kremlin specified. The four leaders agreed to meet in Moscow on May 9 as part of festivities marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Aliyev expressed his gratitude for Putin’s invitation to attend the May 9 events in the Russian capital, the Azerbaijani leader’s press service said in a statement.
OUTSIDE RUSSIA
Russian envoy discusses Iranian nuclear issue with IAEA chief
“We discussed a number of issues related to the Iranian nuclear program,” Russia’s Permanent Representative to international organizations in Vienna Mikhail Ulyanov said
BERLIN, March 15. /TASS/. Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia’s Permanent Representative to international organizations in Vienna, said he had discussed Iran’s nuclear program with Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
“[I’ve] met today with IAEA Director General Mr. Rafael Mariano Grossi. We discussed a number of issues related to the Iranian nuclear program,” the Russian diplomat wrote on X.
The five permanent members of the UN Security Council and Germany struck a nuclear deal with Iran in 2015 to address the crisis over its nuclear program. Donald Trump who held his first tenure as the US president withdrew from the agreement in 2018, and the United States reinstated the anti-Iranian sanctions it imposed on the Islamic Republic before the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).
In 2020, the Iranian parliament responded by adopting a strategic action law to lift sanctions and safeguard the country’s national interests. Among other things, Tehran blocked IAEA inspectors from accessing its nuclear sites.
Putin aide compares EU leaders to ‘affectionate puppies’
President Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov has compared European leaders to puppies
President Vladimir Putin’s foreign policy aide, Yury Ushakov, has echoed the Russian leader’s comparison of European leaders to puppies, commenting on how quickly they shifted to supporting the US push for a ceasefire in the Ukraine conflict.
Last month, Putin predicted that European politicians, who “happily carried out any order from the president in Washington” under President Donald Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, would soon fall in line with changing US policy. Given Trump’s “character and persistence,” all of them would soon “stand at the master’s feet and gently wag their tails,” the Russian president said.
In an interview on Friday with Russia 1 TV journalist Pavel Zarubin, Ushakov was asked to comment on European leaders’ recent shift to supporting the US-proposed 30-day ceasefire after years of steady military assistance to Kiev. Everything is turning out as Putin “vividly” portrayed, the presidential aide said.
“He described it as if they would be like affectionate dogs at the feet of their master. This is approximately what is happening now,” Ushakov stated.
Following a virtual meeting of European leaders on Friday, France and the UK both demanded that Russia accept the 30-day ceasefire agreed upon by Ukraine and the US during bilateral talks in Saudi Arabia earlier in the week.
“Russia must now accept” the truce deal, French President Emmanuel Macron wrote on X. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy told the press that Moscow must accept the ceasefire without conditions. “Ukraine has set their position out. It is now for Russia to accept it,” he said.
Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev dismissed the ultimatum, telling Britain and Lammy personally to “shove their idea back up the sh*thole it came from, diplomatically speaking.”
The US and its allies in Europe severed diplomatic ties with Russia soon after the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022, pledging to support Kiev with financial and military aid “as long as it takes.” Moscow has long characterized the conflict as a Western proxy war against Russia.
Trump has repeatedly signaled his intention to diplomatically wind down the conflict during his reelection campaign. Relations between Washington and Moscow began to thaw following a phone call between Putin and Trump, which was followed by high-level talks in Riyadh last month.
European leaders who severed ties with Moscow can reestablish diplomatic contact whenever they choose, Putin said last month, though he noted they are “deeply entangled with the Kiev regime” and that it would be “very difficult or almost impossible for them to backtrack without losing face.”
SPECIAL MILITARY OPERATION IN UKRAINE
Russian forces start liberating Shcherbaki in Zaporozhye Region — politician
Earlier, Rogov told TASS that the Russian armed forces had advanced in the Zaporozhye Region, approaching the settlements of Shcherbaki and Malye Shcherbaki from the south
MELITOPOL, March 15. /TASS/. Russian servicemen have reached the outskirts of the village of Shcherbaki in the Zaporozhye Region and started to liberate it, Vladimir Rogov, chairman of a Russian Civic Chamber committee, told TASS.
“Russian servicemen have reached the outskirts of the village of Shcherbaki. The initiative is in the hands of our guys, the fighting for the settlement has begun,” he said.
Earlier, Rogov told TASS that the Russian armed forces had advanced in the Zaporozhye Region, approaching the settlements of Shcherbaki and Malye Shcherbaki from the south.
Russian forces liberate Rubanshchina, Zaoleshenka in Kursk Region
The ministry also emphasized that the Ukrainian armed forces have lost more than 67,600 servicemen in total during the fighting in the Kursk Region
MOSCOW, March 15. /TASS/. The Russian armed forces have liberated the settlements of Rubanshchina and Zaoleshenka in the Kursk Region over the past 24 hours, the Defense Ministry reported.
“The battlegroup North has liberated the settlements of Zaoleshenka and Rubanshchina,” the statement said.
The ministry also emphasized that the Ukrainian armed forces have lost more than 67,600 servicemen in total during the fighting in the Kursk Region, including 220 over the past day.
“Over the day, the Ukrainian losses amounted to more than 220 servicemen, a tank, an infantry fighting vehicle, an armored fighting vehicle, four vehicles, two artillery guns, two mortars, as well as a drone control post and an ammunition depot,” the statement said.
In total, during the fighting in the Kursk area, the enemy has lost more than 67,630 servicemen, as well as 393 tanks, 317 infantry fighting vehicles, 283 armored personnel carriers, 2,199 armored fighting vehicles, 2,437 vehicles, 555 artillery guns, 52 multiple rocket launchers, including 13 HIMARS and seven MLRS, 120 electronic warfare stations, 16 counter-battery radars, ten air defense radars, 56 units of engineering and other equipment, including 23 engineering demolition vehicles, a UR-77 demining unit, as well as 15 armored recovery vehicles and a command and control vehicle.
Russian forces hit energy facilities that support Ukraine’s military-industrial complex
According to the ministry, Russian air defenses shot down seven JDAM bombs, three HIMARS rockets and 170 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones
MOSCOW, March 15. /TASS/. Russian servicemen have hit Ukrainian military airfield infrastructure and energy facilities that provide work of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex, the Defense Ministry reported.
“The Russian Armed Forces hit Ukraine’s military airfield infrastructure, drone production workshops, ammunition and logistics warehouses, energy facilities that ensure the work of the Ukrainian military-industrial complex,” the ministry said, adding that the Russian Aerospace Forces have downed a Ukrainian Air Force MiG-29 jet in an air battle.
According to the ministry, Russian air defenses shot down seven JDAM bombs, three HIMARS rockets and 170 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones.
TASS has compiled the main information about the special military operation progress over the past 24 hours.
Battlegroup Center
The battlegroup Center has defeated Ukrainian brigades in the Dnepropetrovsk Region and the Donetsk People’s Republic, the enemy has lost up to 465 servicemen, the ministry reported.
“The battlegroup Center continued to advance deep into the enemy’s defenses, defeating five Ukrainian brigades in the Dnepropetrovsk Region and in the DPR,” the statement said.
In addition, the ministry pointed out that the Ukrainian military lost “four armored combat vehicles, including a US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicle, eight vehicles and three artillery guns.”
Battlegroup North
Russia’s battlegroup North has eliminated up to 45 Ukrainian servicemen over the past day, the Defense Ministry said.
“In the Kharkov area, the battlegroup North has defeated two Ukrainian mechanized brigades near the Volchansk and Liptsy settlements in the Kharkov Region. Ukraine lost up to 45 servicemen, four vehicles, an artillery gun and an electronic intelligence station,” the ministry said.
Battlegroup West
The battlegroup West has wiped out over 255 Ukrainian servicemen over the past day, the military said.
“Ukraine lost over 255 servicemen, four armored combat vehicles, including a US-made Bradley infantry fighting vehicle and an Austia-made Pinzgauer Vector armored vehicle, two pickup trucks, four field artillery guns and three ammunition depots,” the statement said.
Battlegroup East
The battlegroup East has eliminated more than 160 Ukrainian servicemen over the past day, the ministry said.
“Ukraine lost more than 160 servicemen, two armored combat vehicles, six vehicles and two field artillery guns,” the statement said.
Battlegroup South
The battlegroup South has eliminated over 260 Ukrainian servicemen over the past day, the Defense Ministry said.
“Ukraine lost over 260 servicemen, a US-made M113 armored personnel carrier, five vehicles, a field artillery gun, a Croatian-made RAK-SA-12 MLRS, two electronic warfare stations and an ammunition depot,” the statement said.
Battlegroup Dnepr
The battlegroup Dnepr has wiped out over 80 Ukrainian servicemen over the past day, the army said.
“The battlegroup Dnepr hit the manpower and equipment of three Ukrainian brigades near the settlements of Olgovka, Nikolskoye and Sadovoye in the Kherson Region, eliminating up to 80 servicemen and destroying three vehicles,” the statement said.
INSIGHTS
Moscow’s dilemma: Russia and Trump set the stage for Ukraine, but can Kiev be trusted?
The Jeddah talks have confirmed the long-obvious fact that Zelensky’s regime has no real options
The most telling aspect of Tuesday’s US-Ukraine talks in Jeddah wasn’t the meeting itself but rather the reaction of Western European leaders. Forced to begrudgingly praise Washington’s supposed efforts for peace, officials – led by EU boss Ursula von der Leyen – were left practically begging for a seat at the negotiating table. But they won’t get one.
For the past month, there has been an ongoing struggle between European globalists and Donald Trump over who will dictate the West’s approach to Ukraine. The outcome of the Jeddah talks makes it clear: the Europeans have lost that battle.
Europe sidelined
Brussels and its allies wanted to continue supplying Ukraine with weapons and funding in a prolonged fight against Russia, all while attempting to drag Washington along. The idea was to assume leadership of the globalist agenda that had been slipping from Joe Biden’s grasp. Emmanuel Macron, the most restless among them, floated various unrealistic initiatives – ranging from sending Western European troops under the guise of peacekeepers to proposing partial ceasefires and other half-measures.
Trump, however, has made no secret of his disdain for this crowd. To him, the liberal interventionists pushing for endless war in Ukraine are ideological opponents. Since Ukraine has been the centerpiece of Western foreign policy for the past three years, stripping Kiev from its European patrons was a crucial step for Trump’s team in its broader battle against the globalist elite.
This strategy played out in the open. First, Vladimir Zelensky was humiliated in Washington, almost being shown the door at the White House. Then, the Trump administration cut off Ukraine’s access to intelligence data and drastically reduced military supplies. Trump made it clear to Zelensky: either fall in line or lose everything, because the Europeans won’t save you.
For Zelensky, the writing was on the wall. He spent the past few days frantically touring European capitals, desperately seeking military guarantees or a last-minute lifeline. Instead, he received only empty words of sympathy and lofty speeches. The reality was unavoidable – the EU was powerless to help.
By effectively signing a political surrender to Trump, Zelensky has pledged loyalty to the American president, committing to his agenda. This was confirmed in Jeddah. Now, Zelensky is expected back in Washington – to cement what is likely a humiliating agreement for Ukraine.
What this means for Russia
Exactly one month ago, Trump placed a call to Vladimir Putin. While the details of their conversation remain unknown, we can speculate. Trump likely expressed his desire for a quick peace deal and inquired about Russia’s conditions. Putin would have reiterated Moscow’s long-standing demands – rooted in the failed Istanbul agreements of 2022 and further solidified by Russia’s terms outlined last June. Most importantly, Putin likely asked Trump a critical question: can you guarantee Ukraine and Europe will abide by any deal?
It appears Moscow and Washington have reached an initial framework for a peace agreement. The broad strokes seem to include no military guarantees for Ukraine, no path to NATO membership, and a change in Kiev’s leadership.
Both sides have spent the past month preparing. Trump has tightened his grip over Ukraine and pushed Western Europe out of the decision-making process, while the Russian military has made decisive gains, particularly in Kursk, a necessary condition for any ceasefire.
A fragile peace?
Trump seems confident that he can strike a deal with Putin, ensure Kiev’s compliance, push the Europeans aside, and secure a lasting peace – cementing his status as a global peacemaker. But the reality is more complicated.
First, we don’t know the precise terms Putin and Trump have discussed, nor whether both leaders interpret them in the same way. The devil is always in the details, and negotiations between Moscow and Washington are never straightforward.
Second, and more critically, Zelensky’s pledge to Trump does not guarantee genuine loyalty. A peace deal on Russia’s terms would mean the collapse of modern Ukrainian nationalism and, inevitably, the slow dismantling of the Ukrainian state in its current form.
Zelensky has already spent the past year resisting peace efforts, pushing for military guarantees, and clinging to Western Europe in hopes of prolonging the war. There is no reason to believe he has suddenly abandoned these instincts. The most logical course for Kiev now would be to publicly cooperate while privately undermining any deal, buying time in hopes that Trump can be outmaneuvered or that European support can be rekindled.
Western Europe’s next move
The EU and the UK are unlikely to sit idly by. Macron and others will undoubtedly work behind the scenes to keep Ukraine on life support, maintaining a political and financial link to Kiev while waiting for an opportunity to reverse course. Their strategy is clear: stall Trump and hope for a new US administration in 2029 that will reignite the conflict.
The Kremlin has experienced this kind of Western deception before. If Moscow has learned anything from past negotiations, it will ensure that any deal struck this time is airtight, leaving no room for Ukraine or its European patrons to wriggle free.
The Jeddah talks mark a turning point. Ukraine is being pulled out of the hands of the Western European elite and placed firmly under Trump’s control. Whether this will lead to a real peace settlement – or merely a new phase in the geopolitical chess game – remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that Brussels and London have lost their grip on the Ukraine conflict.
