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Ukraine Strikes, Negotiations Stall, and Nowruz Greetings Highlight Complex Diplomacy
March 21, 2026 – 1,486 Days of Conflict
By 20 Minutes Correspondent
Fact of the Day: Ukraine Launches Massive Drone Attack on Russia
In one of the largest drone offensives since the start of the war, Ukraine launched 283 drones on Russia during the night from Friday to Saturday, the Russian Defense Ministry reported.
“No damage or injuries were reported,” according to the official RIA Novosti agency, although around 90 of these devices targeted the Rostov border region, as confirmed by its governor, Yuri Slyusar.
In contrast, the governor of the Saratov region in southwest Russia reported that two people were injured after a drone attack damaged several houses.
Stalled Negotiations Amid Global Tensions
Ukrainian and American negotiators are scheduled to meet in the United States this Saturday for fresh talks, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
However, the negotiation process aimed at ending the war between Ukraine and Russia has been slipping, interrupted by the recent conflict in the Middle East following US-Israeli strikes on Iran beginning February 28.
“Peace, stability, and security in the region,” said Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for Russian diplomacy, in response to the attacks on the Natanz nuclear site in Iran, as reported by Tehran.
Nowruz Diplomacy: Putin and Zelensky Send Greetings to Iran
Amid the ongoing conflicts, both Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky extended Nowruz greetings to the Iranian people, each highlighting their own diplomatic stance.
The Kremlin statement noted:
“Congratulations on the occasion of Nowruz were sent to the Iranian leaders, to the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic, Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, and to the country’s President Massoud Pezeshkian. Vladimir Putin wished the Iranian people the strength to overcome difficult trials with dignity and stressed that, in these difficult times, Moscow remains a faithful friend and a reliable partner for Tehran.”
A long-time ally of Iran, Russia denounces the strikes carried out on the country by Israel and the United States since the end of February.
For his part, Zelensky wrote on his X account Friday evening, in Persian:
“Wish a happy Nowruz to the Iranian people and to all those who celebrate this holiday. Ukraine wishes the people of Iran true freedom and security. By freeing itself from this terrible terrorist regime, Iran can become a peaceful and prosperous society, as it once was.”
The 1,486th day of the Ukraine-Russia war underscores escalating military tensions and complex global diplomacy, as regional conflicts intersect with larger international crises.
The Bigger Picture:
Understanding these events is crucial for anyone following international affairs closely.
World leaders are expected to respond to these developments in the coming days.
We encourage our readers to follow this developing story for the latest information.
Source: This article was originally published in another language by 20Minutes – Actu Monde and has been translated and adapted for our global English-speaking audience. Read the original article here.