Syrskyi: Russian Losses Increased by 29% in March Due to Drone Strikes

General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, shared a significant update on the military situation in Ukraine via his Facebook account. He revealed that in March 2023, Russian military losses resulting from drone strikes carried out by Ukrainian forces surged by 29% compared to February. This increase underscores the effectiveness of Ukrainian defense operations and highlights the ongoing struggle to prevent the enemy from regaining momentum for a large-scale offensive.

Syrskyi emphasized that one of the critical factors contributing to the superiority of Ukrainian forces is the deployment of drone systems. According to him, these units are currently inflicting the most substantial and effective damage on the enemy. He noted that over the past four months, beginning in December 2022, drone units have been responsible for eliminating more personnel from the Russian army than the enemy has been able to recruit into its ranks.

During a meeting dedicated to the development of drone systems, Syrskyi analyzed the results from March. He stated that in March 2023, compared to February, the total losses inflicted on enemy personnel by drone units increased by 29%. On average, drone forces are conducting over 11,000 combat missions daily, and the results from March indicated that 50% more verified targets were hit compared to February, totaling over 150,000.

The Commander-in-Chief also noted an increase in the effectiveness of Middle Strike capabilities, which executed nearly 350 strikes at operational depth (ranging from 30 to 120 kilometers). As a result of these strikes, 143 logistics and supply facilities of the Russian military were targeted, along with 52 command posts, 20 oil and energy sector facilities, and many other vital objectives. This comprehensive result reflects the efforts of domestic manufacturers of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), the growing expertise of operators, and the organizational decisions made.

Syrskyi further mentioned that ground robotic complexes increased their operational tasks by more than 50% in March compared to February. However, he stressed that the enemy is not remaining idle. Intelligence reports indicate that as of early April 2023, the occupying forces have expanded their drone personnel to 101,000 servicemen, with plans to increase this number to 165,500 by the end of 2023. Therefore, Syrskyi stated that Ukrainian forces cannot afford to pause in this decisive confrontation.

Efforts to further develop drone units across various branches and types of the Ukrainian Armed Forces continue. During the meeting, Syrskyi received reports on the capability acquisition status of drone units in the Ground Forces and Territorial Defense Forces, as well as the use of unmanned naval vessels. He highlighted the importance of experience sharing among representatives of combat brigades and battalions. Notably, the 414th separate drone brigade, known as 'Birds of Madyar,' has been actively engaged in identifying and destroying enemy UAV landing sites. According to Syrskyi, enemy pilot positions were suppressed by 26% more in March than in February.

General Syrskyi also announced that following the meeting, tasks were established for the continued development of drone systems. As reported by Ukrinform, soldiers from the 413th separate drone regiment 'Raid' successfully targeted a Tor-M2 surface-to-air missile system, as well as supply depots and a pre-flight preparation point for drones in temporarily occupied territories of Donetsk region.

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