Defense forces launched successful strikes on important Russian targets / Collage by Channel 24
In March 2026, the Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out large-scale strikes on Russian military-industrial complex facilities. These included attacks on the temporarily occupied territories of Crimea, Donbas, and Russia's rear areas.
This was reported by the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
What facilities did Russia manage to attack in March?
The department emphasized that each SOU attack on Russia was part of a systematic effort aimed at destroying the enemy's war machine.
In March, one of the largest campaigns in terms of the number of strategic facilities affected took place – 5 strategic factories and 10 oil refineries were destroyed.
Among the affected important Russian military-industrial complex facilities:
- The Kremniy El plant in Bryansk. It is one of the largest Russian enterprises engaged in microelectronics. The strike by the defenders damaged the production building and the component warehouse. As a result of the attack, the supply of microcircuits for Iskander missiles and air defense systems was interrupted for up to six months.
- The Aviastar aircraft factory in Ulyanovsk. The attack by Ukrainian UAVs damaged the parking lot and a climate shelter. In addition, several Il-76 and Il-78 aircraft were hit. The Ministry of Defense emphasized that this factory is a key enterprise for the production and maintenance of heavy transport aircraft. They provide logistics for enemy troops and refueling strategic aircraft in the air.
- 123rd Aircraft Repair Plant , Staraya Russa. The attack hit the hangars for the Il-76 and damaged the A-50 strategic anti-aircraft missile and missile defense aircraft. This plant is a key element in the repair of Russian aircraft. Its damage will significantly slow down the restoration of the occupiers' aircraft fleet.
- The Alchevsk Metallurgical Plant , located in Alchevsk, manufactures artillery shell casings and also produces and repairs armored steel for the military equipment of the occupation army. As a result of the Ukrainian strike, a large-scale fire broke out at the plant.
- The Granit Innovation Center in the temporarily occupied territory of Sevastopol. This center is the only facility for servicing S-400 air defense systems in Crimea. The destruction of the enterprise will make it impossible to quickly repair complex anti-aircraft missile systems on the peninsula, and will also create long-term gaps in air defense.
Map of damage to enemy strategic plants / Image from the Ministry of Defense
Which oil refining enterprises were attacked by the defense forces?
Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries have halted a significant portion of Russian oil exports to the Baltics. In total, 10 oil industry facilities were hit in March, including refineries, terminals, and ports, thanks to deep strikes.
- “Albashneft” and “Afipsky” refineries. The plants are key suppliers of diesel fuel for the southern group of Russian troops.
- Port “Kavkaz” and oil and fuel terminal “Sheskharis” in Novorossiysk. These facilities are critical oil and fuel transshipment hubs for the Black Sea Fleet.
- Saratov Refinery and Bashneft-Ufaneftekhim. According to the Ministry of Defense, these are processing giants that ensure the internal military reserve and stability of the Russian fuel market.
- The Kirishi and Yaroslavl refineries are the main sources of aviation kerosene for airfields in the western and northern districts of Russia.
- Transneft-Port Primorsk and NOVATEK-Ust-Luga are strategic terminals in the Baltic. Their destruction blocks financial revenues from exports and halts the logistics of energy carriers.
Map of damage to Russian refineries / Image from the Ministry of Defense
In addition, the Defense Forces struck 14 fuel and lubricant depots. They ensure the prompt refueling of tanks and armored personnel carriers immediately before entering the positions.
Russian air defenses have also been hit by Ukrainian attacks. In March alone, 12 S-300/S-400 air defense systems were hit. Ukraine's effective attacks deprive the enemy of the ability to control and defend its own territory and important facilities.
Also, 10 short- and medium-range air defense systems were struck. In particular, “Tor”, “Tor-M1”, “Tor-M2U”, “Buk-M1/M2/M3”, “Pantsir-S1” and “Tunguska”.
The defenders attacked ships and missile systems
In March, the Defense Forces struck a number of naval and missile targets, including the patrol icebreaker “Purga” at the Vyborg Shipyard, the frigates “Admiral Essen” and “Admiral Makarov”, as well as three Iskander and two Bastion missile systems.
Ukraine continues to consistently destroy the Russian military machine within the framework of the “War Plan”, depriving the aggressor of the resource for waging war. Each new explosion in Russia at a strategic facility is a step towards exhausting the aggressor,
– the Ministry of Defense emphasized.
What losses had the enemy already suffered by April 2?
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On April 1, the defense forces struck the Strela enterprise in the Bryansk region of Russia, which produces components for cruise missiles. Enemy UAV control points and manpower concentrations in the temporarily occupied territories of the Zaporizhzhia and Luhansk regions were also hit.
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On the night of April 2, SBS and GUR drones destroyed 4 Orion drones, an AN-72P aircraft, and a Sword radar in occupied Crimea.