This was Russia’s WORST Month of the War

(KYIV) – Ukraine carried out its most extensive series of long range strikes against Russian military and industrial targets in March, hitting oil refineries, air defence systems and defence production facilities, according to open source data and official statements.

The campaign included strikes on 10 oil refineries, 12 air defence systems and five defence industry factories. Ukrainian forces also targeted infrastructure linked to missile production, with assessments suggesting disruptions to supply chains for several months.

Data compiled from confirmed unmanned aerial and naval vehicle attacks shows a steady increase in strike frequency since 2023, with a sharp rise in late 2025 following the expansion of Ukraine’s domestic drone and missile production. March 2026 recorded the highest level of activity to date.

Ukrainian strikes have also targeted Russian oil export infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. Satellite imagery and monitoring data indicate that key terminals, including Ust Luga and Primorsk, have experienced repeated attacks over a period of more than 10 days. Fires were still visible at multiple sites as of early April.

Marine traffic data shows numerous tankers waiting idle in the Gulf of Finland, unable to load cargo. Analysts estimate that up to 40 percent of Russia’s Baltic oil export capacity has been affected.

Ukraine has continued strikes on refining capacity, including a renewed attack on the Bashneft refinery in Ufa, located approximately 1,300 kilometres from the front line. The facility, which produces around 7.1 million tonnes of petroleum products annually, sustained damage to its primary distillation unit.

In parallel, Russia reported the loss of two military aircraft in a single day, including an An 26 transport aircraft and a Su 34 fighter bomber. Russian sources indicated that both incidents were likely due to mechanical or operational causes. The An 26 crash resulted in the deaths of 29 personnel, with reports suggesting senior officers may have been on board.

On the battlefield, Ukrainian forces continued targeting Russian equipment, including S 300 radar systems, Tor air defence units and armoured vehicles. Drone strikes remain a key component of Ukraine’s operational strategy.

Ukrainian officials report that Russian casualties between January and late March reached approximately 89,000 killed or seriously wounded. During the same period, Russia is estimated to have mobilised around 80,000 personnel, indicating a net loss in manpower.

Russian authorities have introduced measures to increase recruitment, including requiring businesses in regions such as Ryazan to nominate employees for military service based on company size.

Russia has also intensified its use of long range drones against Ukrainian cities. In March alone, more than 6,400 drones were launched, exceeding the total number used over nearly two years earlier in the conflict. Ukraine reports an interception rate of approximately 90 percent, supported by expanded air defence capabilities.

At the political level, tensions remain over potential negotiations. Russian officials have called for Ukrainian forces to withdraw from occupied eastern territories, while Kyiv has rejected such proposals, stating they would not end the conflict.

Meanwhile, European Union discussions on additional financial support and sanctions remain ongoing, with Hungary continuing to block key measures ahead of upcoming elections.

Ukraine continues to expand domestic defence production, including new drone manufacturing facilities in Europe, as it seeks to reduce reliance on external military support.