Ukraine overtakes Russia in drone attacks

Context

In brief

• Ukraine surpasses Russia in drone attacks in March 2026
• 7,347 Ukrainian drones shot down by Russia
• 6,462 Russian drones intercepted by Ukraine

Key facts

• What: Ukraine surpasses Russia in drone attacks
• When: March 2026
• Where: Russia and Ukraine
• Who: Ukraine and Russia
• Amount: 7,347 Ukrainian drones shot down, 6,462 Russian drones intercepted

For the first time since the start of the conflict in 2022, Ukraine launched more drones than Russia. This is what emerges from the military data for March 2026 analyzed by ABC News. As reported by the US broadcaster last month, Moscow announced the downing of 7,347 Ukrainian drones, a monthly record, with an average of 237 remotely piloted aircraft per day. On the opposite front, Ukraine, meanwhile, had to deal with 6,462 Russian drones, around 208 per day, according to official statements from the Ukrainian army.

The pace of Ukrainian attacks, as written by the Kyiv Post, doubled between the end of 2025 and the beginning of 2026, going from two to four different targets hit every night. The number of drones used for each raid has increased from 50-70 aircraft to 100-200, or even more in the case of large-scale operations. For example, during the night between 17 and 18 March, between 250 and 300 drones would have entered Russian airspace. Moscow spoke of 238 interceptions for that night.

Targets in Russia

Between 1 February and 18 March 2026, according to the archives of the Kyiv Post, Ukrainian forces carried out at least 110 drone attacks against Russian targets. These include refineries, oil ports, military bases, ammunition depots and factories of military electronics and explosives. Among the most significant attacks are those against the Russian ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk on the Baltic Sea, essential for oil trade. The Kremlin spokesman, Dmitri Peskov, described them as 'terrorist acts'. Other confirmed targets include a chemical plant in the Stavropol region, a military electronics factory in Sevastopol, and aircraft repair facilities near Novgorod and Pskov.

In over four years of war, Russia still manages to strike deeper into Ukrainian territories. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the range of his army's drones now reaches up to 1,750 kilometers from the border, reaching distant regions such as the Caspian Sea and Western Siberia.

Operational details

The most frequent use of Ukrainian drones is mainly explained by a systematic campaign to destroy Russian air defense systems, with a particular focus on low-altitude drone interceptor launchers, as explained by the Kyiv Post. Cited by the publication, the Ukrainian research group Oboronka states that 'the systematic destruction of surface-to-air missile systems and radar installations is happening at such a rate that the Russian military-industrial complex does not have time to compensate for the losses.' This is a claim that, however, cannot be independently verified.

The Kremlin itself acknowledges the vulnerability. Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Security Council, admitted in March, during a meeting reported by the Russian news agency TASS, that 'the development of the attack systems used by Ukraine, particularly drones, and the sophistication of the tactics employed are such that no region of Russia can consider itself safe.' The Duma deputy, Andrei Gurulyov, a retired general, was even more explicit: Russia is 'too massive' to fully defend itself and 'lacks the necessary air defense forces to create a continuous protective shield.'

Russian Oil in Ukraine's Crosshairs

With the conflict in the Middle East, Ukraine has clearly identified the Russian energy sector as a primary target. Attacks on oil infrastructure aim to drain the main source of funding for Moscow's war machine. Volodymyr Zelensky justified this strategy in February, stating: 'Vladimir Putin sells oil, takes money, and invests it in weapons. And with these weapons, he kills Ukrainians.' This could explain the intensification of attacks in March and perhaps also in April. And it is not necessarily the case that Ukraine will be able to continue this strategy in the long term.

The fact is that at the end of March, a Reuters investigation revealed that Ukrainian attacks on port infrastructure had temporarily reduced Russia's oil export capacity by about 40%. The Ukrainian armed forces estimate that Moscow's oil deliveries have decreased by about 880,000 barrels per day, resulting in a daily loss of approximately $100 million for Russia. 'Gradually, the enemy's oil and logistics system is losing its ability to ensure uninterrupted exports,' declared Robert Brovdi, commander of a Ukrainian drone unit, to the New York Post.

Economic pressure proves more effective with the outbreak of war in Iran, which has caused a surge in oil prices that Russia hoped to take advantage of, underscores the U.S. think tank Atlantic Council.

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Key points

Meanwhile, Ukraine produces millions of drones per year. According to the Kyiv School of Economics, a research center, the Ukrainian military drone market has increased by 137%, reaching $6.3 billion in 2026, with a projected production of seven million drones after four million in 2025.

What cross-border workers should do

For cross-border workers employed in Ticino and residing in Italy, it is important to monitor the evolution of the conflict and its economic implications. In particular, it is crucial to stay updated on oil price fluctuations and potential repercussions on the cost of living and fiscal policies. Using tools like the salary calculator can help better plan finances in a context of economic uncertainty.

Additionally, it is advisable to regularly consult the tax guides to understand how oil price changes and economic policies may affect taxes and pension contributions. Finally, staying informed through reliable sources and participating in discussions with other cross-border workers can provide a more comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities that the conflict may bring.

Source: rsi.ch