Ukraine Surpasses Russia in Drone Attacks for the First Time Since 2022, ABC News Analysis Finds

In March 2026, Ukraine surpassed Russia in the number of cross-border strikes for the first time since the start of the full-scale war. At the same time, both countries increased the use of drones and missiles, intensifying aerial attacks.

This is according to an analysis by ABC News, as well as data published by the Ukrainian Air Force and the Russian Ministry of Defence, as reported by 24 Kanal.

Who has the advantage in the drone war in March?

The Russian Ministry of Defence stated that in March its air defense forces shot down 7,347 Ukrainian UAVs. That is an average of 237 drones per day and the highest monthly figure ever reported by Moscow. However, it should be noted that this reflects only the number of drones reported as shot down, while the total number of drones launched from Ukraine is unknown.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Air Force reported that more than 6,462 Russian drones and 138 missiles of various types were launched over Ukraine in March. Of these, 5,833 UAVs and 102 missiles were neutralized or intercepted.

Thus, according to data published by Kyiv, during March Ukraine faced an average of just over 208 drones and four missiles per day. ABC News notes that it cannot independently verify the data released by either Russia or Ukraine, according to the report.

At the same time, ABC News reports that in March Russia set a new record for the scale of long-range attacks, using around 6,600 UAVs and missiles.

The most intense strike occurred on March 24, when Russia launched 948 drones and 34 missiles at Ukraine in a single day.

However, the publication suggests that the March data may indicate a possible shift in the balance of power in favor of Ukraine, as Kyiv’s long-term efforts in developing drones and missiles are beginning to show effective results.

Recent attacks on Russia: what is known?

On April 6, the “Sheskharis” oil terminal in Novorossiysk came under attack. Several facilities caught fire. Notably, this port is considered one of the most heavily protected locations in Russia.

On April 5, one of Russia’s largest oil refineries, Lukoil-Nizhegorodnefteorgsintez, was set ablaze following a strike.

In the Bryansk Oblast and Kursk Oblast, defense forces destroyed “Shahed” launch bases. They also destroyed a radar station of the S-400 air defense system in Feodosia.