(KYIV) – Russia has launched a large scale spring offensive across a front stretching roughly 100 kilometres, but early indications suggest the operation has incurred heavy losses and limited gains. The offensive began on 17 March 2026 following months of reported troop build up. Ukrainian officials had repeatedly warned of an imminent push. Within the first 48 hours, Ukrainian estimates indicated around 3,200 Russian troops were killed or wounded, including 1,710 casualties on 18 March and 1,520 on 19 March. Initial battlefield developments point to strong Ukrainian resistance. Even pro Kremlin military bloggers, including the Russian channel Rybar, have depicted…