Ukrainian drones increase Russian losses by 29% in March, Syrskyi says

Drones remain one of Ukraine’s key advantages on the battlefield. The Defense Forces maintain strategic initiative and prevent Russian troops from resuming large-scale offensives.

On average, unmanned units carry out more than 11,000 combat missions per day. In March they hit 50% more verified targets than in February — over 150,000.

During the month, the Defense Forces conducted nearly 350 Middle Strike operations, hitting 143 logistics and storage facilities, 52 command posts, and 20 enemy oil and energy facilities at distances of 30–120 km.

Unmanned ground vehicles increased the number of tasks performed by more than 50% in March.

Syrskyi particularly praised the 414th Separate Unmanned Systems Brigade “Magyar’s Birds” for destroying Russian drone takeoff and landing sites. In March, they eliminated 26% more Russian pilot positions than in February.

At the same time, Syrskyi noted that Russia has increased its unmanned systems personnel to 101,000 troops and plans to reach 165,500 by the end of 2026.

“Following the meeting, I have set tasks for the development of our unmanned systems,” the commander-in-chief said. “We continue to break the enemy’s spine while preserving the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.”

According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, total Russian losses since the start of the full-scale invasion have exceeded 1.307 million troops. Russian losses over the past day are estimated at more than 1,000 killed and wounded.