Ukraine launched more cross-border attack drones than Russia during March, marking the first time Kyiv appears to have outpaced Moscow in such strikes since the war began in 2022, according to figures released by both countries and analysed by ABC News.
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Data published by Russia’s defence ministry showed that Russian forces claimed to have shot down 7,347 Ukrainian drones during the month. That represents the highest monthly total reported by Moscow since the conflict started and averages about 237 drones per day. The ministry's reports only include drones it claims to have intercepted.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s air force reported facing 6,462 Russian drones and 138 missiles throughout March. Of these, Ukrainian authorities said 5,833 drones and 102 missiles were intercepted or suppressed — roughly 90% of the drones and just under 74% of the missiles launched.
Based on Kyiv’s figures, Ukraine experienced an average of just over 208 incoming drones and four missiles each day during the month.
Independent verification of either side’s data is not possible. Analysts note that both governments may seek to highlight the effectiveness of their air defence systems or emphasise enemy attacks as evidence of continuing hostilities despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Record level of Russian strikes
Ukraine’s tally of around 6,600 Russian drones and missiles during March represents the highest monthly total of long-range strikes reported by the Ukrainian air force.
Kyiv publishes daily summaries of Russian drone and missile launches, detailing how many projectiles are intercepted and how many reach their targets.
The largest single attack reported during the month occurred on 24 March, when Ukraine’s air force said Russia launched 948 drones and 34 missiles in a 24-hour period — the biggest barrage recorded in the conflict by either side.
Long-range aerial attacks have become a central feature of the war. Both countries have increasingly relied on drones and missiles to damage infrastructure, weaken economic activity and disrupt the opposing side’s ability to sustain the conflict.
The strikes have continued even as United States-mediated peace discussions have resumed.
Ukraine expands domestic drone industry
Russia has so far launched more drones and missiles overall during the war. Ukrainian officials frequently cite Moscow’s regular nighttime attacks as a major threat to the country’s strategic position.
However, the latest figures suggest Ukraine’s ability to strike back is growing as it expands domestic production of drones and missiles.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly highlighted the development of Ukraine’s long-range strike capabilities.
“Our production potential for drones and missiles alone will reach $35 billion next year,” he said in October, adding that Ukrainian-made defence technologies were already competing with leading systems globally.
Most Ukrainian attacks are believed to rely on relatively inexpensive domestically produced drones. Ukraine has also begun deploying interceptor drones developed by local companies to destroy incoming Russian aircraft.
The country is developing cruise missiles as well, including the Flamingo system, which Kyiv says can travel more than 1,800 miles. Despite these advances, drones still account for the majority of Ukrainian projectiles reported by Russian authorities.
Energy infrastructure targeted
Over the past year Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian oil infrastructure, including refineries and export terminals, in an effort to disrupt a key source of revenue for Moscow.
Among the most prominent strikes in March were attacks on oil facilities at the Baltic Sea ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk, both major export hubs.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the strikes as “terrorist attacks”.
Zelenskyy has defended the targeting of Russia’s energy sector, arguing that oil revenues help fund Moscow’s military operations.
Regional security concerns
Drone warfare has also raised concerns about the conflict spreading beyond Ukraine’s borders.
Countries like Poland and Romania frequently scramble NATO aircraft in response to Russian drones approaching Ukrainian territory near alliance borders. Officials in several NATO states — including Romania, Poland, Lithuania and Latvia — have reported incursions by Russian drones, though Moscow denies responsibility.
Stray Ukrainian drones have also reportedly fallen in nearby countries including Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 7 April 2026
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