According to Ukraine’s armed forces, Russian military casualties reached a new monthly record in March. Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov stated that 35,351 Russian soldiers were lost last month, with 96% of those casualties attributed to drone strikes. This figure represents a 29% increase compared to February.

Ukrainian leadership links this surge to accelerated drone production. Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskii reported that drones were used to strike 151,207 targets in March, a 50% rise from February. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously set a goal of inflicting over 50,000 Russian casualties per month, which he described as the “optimal level” to degrade Russian forces irreversibly.

Alongside rising casualties, Russia’s territorial gains are reportedly declining. Estimates from the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) indicate that Russian forces are capturing an average of 5.5 sq km per day this year, down sharply from 14.9 sq km per day at the end of 2024. Ukrainian officials also highlight recruitment challenges faced by the Russian military, suggesting a potential shortfall of 65,000 contract soldiers this year.

Ukraine claims to have achieved superiority in drone manufacturing over Russia. Deputy Defence Minister Serhii “Flash” Beskrestnov mentioned the development of next-generation interceptor drones capable of speeds up to 400–550 km/h. Additionally, Fire Point, Ukraine’s largest producer of long-range drones, disclosed it has designed ballistic missiles with ranges up to 850 km, potentially capable of reaching Moscow.

Zelenskyy alleged that the ceasefire demand purportedly made by Russian President Vladimir Putin is primarily aimed at reducing Russian losses. Ukrainian officials further assert that Russia harbors ambitions to seize not only parts of Donetsk but also the Odesa, Mykolaiv, and even Vinnytsia regions, indicating broader territorial objectives.

Source: www.aljazeera.com