Air raid sirens sounded at 8:26 a.m. with explosions being heard shortly after.

"We are acting to protect our people," Moldovan President Maia Sandu said.

The Kyiv Independent’s separate analytical unit, KI Insights, is excited to announce the launch of its podcast, Ukraine Insights — a show dedicated to unpacking Ukraine’s politics, security, economy, and international relations through in-depth, expert-driven conversations.

The number includes 760 casualties that Russian forces suffered over the past day.

A top Ukrainian official said there was no "reliable alternative option" beyond the spring to keep Kyiv's finances afloat.

Ukrainian drones struck a Russian oil depot in Labinsk, Krasnodar Krai, overnight on March 16, setting the site ablaze, Telegram news channel Exilenova Plus reported, citing local residents.

Ukraine placed seventh in the medal standings at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, which concluded March 15.

Thousands have flooded the streets of Budapest on March 15 as two rival political blocs showcased their strength four weeks before the pivotal parliamentary elections.

"At the moment, I have no idea how much trouble I'm going to cause myself in the future," says Pavel Talankin at the very beginning of the documentary "Mr. Nobody Against Putin." Not every story about Russian propaganda demonstrates its power. Some merely highlight the self-dramatization of the Russian people and their real position — that in their own country, they are nobodies and will not even try to change that. So the audience is left with a distorted sense of agency, shaped by the denial

Key developments on March 14-15 * Ukraine strikes Russian radar systems, S-400 launcher in occupied Crimea, General Staff says * Russian strike razes homes in Zaporizhzhia, killing 1, injuring 19 * Moscow attacked by over 60 drones in single day, mayor says * Ukraine claims 'successful' strike on 2 Russian ships ferrying weapons, equipment through Kerch Strait * Russia sentences 5 Ukrainian POWs to 15–18 years over 2024 Kursk incursion * Ukraine confirms drone strike on major southern Rus

Russia has rejected attempts by European allies to take on a greater role in Ukraine peace negotiations, the Financial Times reported on March 15, citing European diplomats involved in the talks.

According to Kuleba, the protected routes will include key logistical corridors used to supply Ukrainian forces and evacuate wounded soldiers.

In the latest episode of Ukraine This Week, Anna Belokur examines how the new war in the Middle East could strengthen Russia's ability to keep financing its invasion of Ukraine.

Ukrainian defense forces hit the 59N6-E "Protivnik" and 73E6 "Parol" radar stations near the village of Liubknekhivka in temporarily occupied Crimea.

The sanctioned athletes took part in Russia’s invasion and used sporting events to justify Moscow’s aggression and whitewash its crimes and occupation, according to the President’s Office.

Ukraine's Air Force reported that Russia launched 97 drones overnight, including Shahed-type attack drones. Air defenses shot down or suppressed 90 of them. Five drones struck five locations, while debris from downed drones fell in two locations.

The number includes 740 casualties Russian forces suffered over the past day.

U.S. President Donald Trump told NBC News on March 14 that oil sanctions temporarily lifted against Russia will "go back as soon as the crisis is over," as the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran continues into its third week.

Ukrainian forces reportedly struck the Tikhoretsk oil pumping station in Russia's Krasnodar Krai overnight on March 15, Russian Telegram media channels reported.

The claim appears to conflict with President Volodymyr Zelensky's earlier statement that Kyiv agreed to Washington's request for assistance in protecting U.S. military bases in Jordan.

Two people who were trapped beneath the rubble have been rescued by emergency workers. A 17-year-old boy was injured and is in serious condition following the attack, which destroyed several homes.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested to hold talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky on the topic of Ukrainian interceptor drones as the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran continues into its third week, Israeli media publication Ynet reported on March 14.

Tokyo is considering signing an arms transfer agreement to acquire Ukrainian-made drones from Kyiv, as Japan seeks to strengthen its drone defense capabilities, Kyodo News reported on March 14.

The Russian Defense Ministry also claimed that nearly 300 Ukrainian drones had been shot down across the country over a 10-hour span.

"The Iranian regime has been supporting the murder of Ukrainians for years, by directly sharing drones and technology for Russian aggression against Ukraine," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said in a statement to the media.

Ukraine's Foreign Ministry and state energy giant Naftogaz briefed diplomats from 31 countries, including Hungary, about the extent of the damage to the pipeline.

Greek Maritime Minister Vassilis Kikilias said he believed the strike may be connected to the U.S. decision to temporarily ease sanctions on Russian oil.

Editor's note: This article is a shortened on-site version of KI Insights' public newsletter, The Week Ahead, covering events from March 16-22. Sign up here to start your week with an agenda of Ukraine-related events delivered directly to your inbox every week. Audio version of The Week Ahead is now available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. Expectations for next week center on potential deliveries of Ukrainian interceptor drones to the United States and Gulf countries. Kyiv is reporte

Ukraine's military intelligence agency described both ships as a "key part" of Russia's Kerch ferry service.

"Russia's war against Ukraine threatens... the safety of our citizens," Moldovan Foreign Minister Mihai Popsoi said.

The United States issued a temporary license on March 12 allowing countries to purchase Russian oil currently stranded at sea in an effort to stabilize global energy prices, the U.S. Treasury Department announced. The decision marks a major shift in Washington's sanctions enforcement strategy. Washington had previously framed potential sanctions relief as leverage to push Russia toward concessions in negotiations to end its full-scale war against Ukraine. Now, however, the geopolitical shock

The rulings mark the latest in the ongoing prosecutions of Ukrainian servicemembers held in Russian captivity following Kyiv's cross-border operation in August 2024.