Nearly 1,000 Drones and Missiles Launched by Russia in Two Days: The Largest Attack Since the War Began.

What We Know About Russia's Assault on Ukraine on March 23–24

According to TSN.ua: On March 23–24, 2023, Russia launched a massive assault on Ukraine, deploying close to 1,000 drones and missiles. This marked the most extensive single attack wave since the conflict started. The strikes targeted 11 regions, killing at least four civilians and damaging both civilian infrastructure and energy facilities. These attacks represent a significant escalation in the ongoing war, drawing international concern over the scale of destruction.

The assault unfolded between 6:00 PM on March 23 and 9:00 AM on March 24. During this window, 426 munitions were fired. Over the following nine hours, Russian forces released an additional 556 drones. Overnight, 392 attack drones and 34 missiles were recorded. Ukraine's air defense systems managed to intercept 256 drones and 25 missiles during these strikes. On March 24, no missile launches were detected, but 541 out of 556 drones were shot down.

The attacks inflicted damage across 11 Ukrainian regions, including:

• Chernihiv
• Dnipropetrovsk
• Ivano-Frankivsk
• Kharkiv
• Kyiv
• Lviv
• Mykolaiv
• Odesa
• Sumy
• Vinnytsia
• Zaporizhzhia

At least four civilians lost their lives as a result of this devastation. Notably, the March 24 attack struck a UNESCO World Heritage site in Lviv, drawing particular attention to the targeting of cultural landmarks.

Russia Shifts Its Strike Tactics Against Ukraine—Here's How

Analysts at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) note that the series of attacks on March 23–24 reveals a significant shift in Russia's tactics. They emphasize that Russia is attempting to exploit a global shortage of interceptor missiles for the Patriot system. These actions highlight new approaches to warfare and strategy that could have serious implications for Ukraine's security.

The March 23–24 assaults underscore an intensification of Russian military operations and suggest a potential increase in the frequency of future strikes. This is forcing Ukraine to adapt its defensive strategies to meet new challenges posed by drone and missile usage. Given the critical role of international support, Ukraine must strengthen cooperation with its partners to enhance air defense systems and protect vital infrastructure.