Ukraine reported more than 35,000 confirmed Russian casualties in March, with drones responsible for the vast majority, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on 3 April.
Drones have become a central tool in the Ukraine-Russia war, transforming both intelligence gathering and strike capabilities. Ukrainian forces use a variety of unmanned systems to locate and target enemy positions, monitor supply lines, and strike high-value targets with precision.
Over time, drones have allowed Ukraine to inflict disproportionate losses on Russian forces, disrupt logistics, and degrade air defenses, making them a key factor in the battlefield dynamic. Both small reconnaissance drones and larger armed systems now operate across the front lines, supporting conventional troops and specialized units alike.
34,000 casualties from drones alone
According to Zelenskyy’s statement, 33,988 Russian troops – around 96% of total casualties – were killed or severely wounded by Ukrainian drones, while 1,363 were lost to artillery and other attacks. Zelenskyy said each incident is documented with video evidence.
He highlighted the Ukrainian units most active in drone operations, including the Security Service’s CSO “A,” “Birds of Magyar,” the border guard unit “Fenix,” “Lazar’s Group”, and the 95th Air Assault Brigade.
Air defenses and supply lines also hit hard
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov reported verified data from all frontline units to the president, providing detailed counts of casualties and equipment destroyed. Zelenskyy said these operations have prevented Russian forces from controlling the battlefield.
March also saw major losses for Russian air defenses, with 274 systems reportedly destroyed, alongside significant damage to supply depots and logistics networks. The Ministry of Defense and the Armed Forces plan to release a full public report on March operations.
What comes next
Zelenskyy added that upcoming measures will strengthen Ukrainian infantry, improve army contract systems, and prepare responses to tactical nuclear threats. Plans are also being developed to expand weapons exports and joint production with international partners.
