Ukraine Surpasses Russia in Cross-Border Drone Strikes for First Time
In March 2026, Ukraine launched more cross-border attack drones than Russia for the first time since the war began, according to data from both nations.
In March 2026, Ukraine launched more cross-border attack drones than Russia for the first time since the conflict began in 2022, according to data from both nations. Russia's Defense Ministry reported downing 7,347 Ukrainian drones during the month, averaging 237 per day. Ukraine's Air Force indicated that Russian forces deployed 6,462 drones and 138 missiles, with Ukrainian defenses intercepting approximately 90% of the drones and nearly 74% of the missiles.
The combined total of 6,600 Russian drones and missiles reported by Ukraine marks a new monthly high for Russian long-range attacks. Notably, on March 24, Russia launched 948 drones and 34 missiles in a single day, the largest overall attack in a 24-hour period by either side.
Both countries have intensified their use of long-range drone and missile strikes, aiming to degrade each other's economies and military capabilities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized plans to expand Ukraine's long-range strike capabilities, stating in October, "Our production potential for drones and missiles alone will reach $35 billion next year." He added, "We must make the cost of war absolutely unacceptable for the aggressor—and we will."
Ukraine has focused on targeting Russian oil refining and transport facilities, including strikes on the Baltic Sea ports of Ust-Luga and Primorsk, key oil export hubs. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denounced these strikes as "terrorist attacks." Zelenskyy defended the actions, stating that Russia's energy sector is "a legitimate target" because revenue from oil sales funds weapons used against Ukraine.
The escalation of drone incursions has raised concerns about the conflict spilling into neighboring countries, including NATO allies. NATO aircraft have been scrambled in response to Russian drone activity near Poland and Romania, and Russian drones have overflown Moldova. Additionally, stray Ukrainian drones have been reported in Finland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
