Russia carried out a higher number of drone attacks on Ukraine in March compared to any other month since the full-scale invasion in 2022. Despite this, Ukraine has managed to impede Moscow’s progress.
Rejecting Kyiv’s proposal for an Easter truce, Moscow launched at least 6,462 long-range drone attacks on Ukraine last month, marking a 28% increase from February. On a single day, March 24, over 1,000 drones were deployed by Russia, constituting one of the largest daily drone barrages since the conflict began. This assault resulted in several fatalities and numerous injuries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared a positive turning point in the war, highlighting that the frontline situation is currently the most favorable in the past ten months. He stated that their armed forces successfully thwarted the planned offensive for March, although he anticipated heightened assault operations from the Russians.
Despite ongoing Russian attacks in locations like Kharkiv and Shostka, resulting in casualties, Zelensky emphasized the resilience of the front line. Russia’s strategy of using drones to instigate suffering among Ukrainian civilians has been evident, with emergency measures required to shelter non-combatants from harsh winter conditions.
The surge in Russian drone attacks is speculated to be influenced by the US diverting resources to the Iran conflict and peace negotiations. The Kremlin aims to portray a false image of victory to the US, despite mounting evidence suggesting otherwise.
Despite facing setbacks, Kyiv continues to push back against the Russian advance, causing significant casualties to Putin’s troops on a daily basis. Reports indicate that Ukraine has escalated attacks deep inside Russian territory.
Frequent drone assaults on Russia’s oil infrastructure have severely impacted Putin’s financial resources for the war, particularly by disrupting oil production and export capabilities. Ukrainian forces’ continued strikes on Russian oil facilities have significantly hindered Moscow’s oil export capacity.
The Institute for the Study of War reported that Ukrainian forces persist in targeting Russian oil infrastructure, with recent strikes causing fires near the Bashneft-Novoil Oil Refinery in Ufa, Republic of Bashkortostan, as confirmed by geolocated footage from Russian sources.
