Ukraine's defense minister has announced that the country's armed forces shot down more than 33,000 Russian drones of various types in March, setting a new monthly record since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion over four years ago.
Record Interception Numbers
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated on Telegram late Monday that interceptor drones were used to achieve this milestone. Ukraine has developed advanced drone technology that has proven crucial in countering Russia's larger military, attracting global military interest.
Interceptor drones, as part of a comprehensive air defense system, are now being sought by Middle Eastern and Gulf countries amid the Iran war, according to Ukrainian officials.
Offensive Capabilities Expanded
Ukraine's offensive capabilities have also improved significantly. The Defense Ministry reported Tuesday that the range of deep-strike capabilities has more than doubled since February 2022. Initially able to hit targets 630 kilometers (400 miles) away, Ukrainian forces can now strike targets up to 1,750 kilometers (1,100 miles) behind enemy lines.
This enhancement has enabled Ukraine to target Russian oil installations that fund Moscow's war effort, as well as manufacturing plants supplying the Russian military.
Strikes on Russian Oil Refinery
Ukraine's domestically developed long-range attack drones struck a Russian oil refinery and Black Sea terminal in Tuapse for the third time in less than two weeks, prompting evacuations as a precaution. The Unmanned Systems Forces said Tuesday that earlier strikes this month destroyed 24 oil storage tanks and damaged four others. Independent verification of these claims was not possible.
Krasnodar Gov. Veniamin Kondratyev reported that residents near the Tuapse refinery were being evacuated, though he did not specify numbers or duration.
Russian and Ukrainian Casualties
The Russian Defense Ministry said Tuesday its air defenses intercepted 186 Ukrainian drones overnight over Russian regions, annexed Crimea, and the Black and Azov seas. In the border region of Belgorod, three people were killed and three wounded in a drone attack, according to Gov. Vyacheslav Gladkov.
Meanwhile, Russian drone attacks on Ukraine killed three civilians and wounded five others. In Chuhuiv, Kharkiv region, two people died, as reported by regional military head Oleh Syniehubov. In Kryvyi Rih, President Zelenskyy's hometown, a 40-year-old man was killed and five others injured. Another attack on Konotop, Sumy region, knocked out power and water supplies.
