Ukraine Surpasses Russia in Deep-Strike Drone Attacks

Ukraine has surpassed Russia in the number of long-range (deep-strike) drones launched over a single month.

French analyst Clément Molin reviewed March data based on statements from Russia’s Ministry of Defense and Ukraine’s Air Force.

According to Russia’s Ministry of Defense, 7,347 Ukrainian drones were detected during March – the highest monthly total ever reported by Moscow. This equals an average of 237 drones per day.

On the other hand, Russia’s Ministry of Defense publishes only data on Ukrainian drones that it claims were shot down.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that over the course of the month, its forces encountered 6,462 Russian drones and 138 missiles of various types.

Of these, 5,833 drones and 102 missiles, about 90% of the drones and just under 74% of the missiles, were intercepted or suppressed.

According to data released by Kyiv, Ukraine faced an average of just over 208 drone attacks and around four missile strikes per day in March.

According to the Ukrainian Air Force, on March 24, Russia launched 948 drones and 34 missiles at the country.

In recent years, Ukraine’s domestic program for developing long-range drones and missiles has been steadily advancing.

“Ukraine first launched over 1,000 drones at Russia in August 2024, 3,000 in July 2025, and 7,000 in March 2026,” Clément Molin noted.

Over the past month, Ukrainian strikes have systematically targeted oil export terminals, pipelines, and refineries.

The aim is to hinder Russia’s ability to use energy revenues to finance the war against Ukraine.

Recently, Ukraine has shifted its focus to the south and continues to target various oil-refining facilities.

“Meanwhile, for the past eight months, Russia has been launching around 5,500 Shahed, Geran, and Gerbera drones deep into Ukraine,” Molin adds.

Russian strikes are focused on the power grid, energy, and railway infrastructure, as well as civilian and military sites and industrial facilities.

On the night of April 7, drones executed another attack on the Russian oil port of Ust-Luga in the Leningrad region.