In March, Ukraine targeted 15 plants and oil refineries in Russia

Ukraine struck 15 major Russian strategic facilities in March 2026 — including five industrial plants and 10 oil-related sites — in one of its largest long-range strike campaigns, according to the Defence Ministry. The attacks targeted locations from occupied territories to deep inside Russia, including Leningrad Oblast, aiming to weaken Moscow’s military-industrial capacity.

Among the key targets were major defense-related factories, including the Kremniy El microelectronics plant, which produces components for missile and air defense systems, and the Aviastar aircraft facility in Ulyanovsk, used for maintaining transport and refueling aircraft. Ukraine also struck an aircraft repair plant and facilities tied to armored steel and ammunition production, as well as a servicing center for S-400 systems in Sevastopol, potentially disrupting air defense operations.

At the same time, Ukraine targeted Russia’s energy infrastructure, hitting refineries, ports, and terminals such as the Port of Novorossiysk and Primorsk. These strikes reduced export capacity, disrupted fuel supplies for Russian forces, and affected a key source of revenue for the Kremlin, while additional attacks on fuel depots further complicated frontline logistics.

Russia is using the situation with Ukrainian drones in its propaganda

Finland’s security service, Finnish Security and Intelligence Service, has warned that Russia is spreading disinformation about recent drone incidents near Finnish territory. According to Finnish media outlet Yle, three cases since Sunday involved suspected Ukrainian drones, but Russian sources have falsely claimed that Finland allowed launches from its soil.

Supo said these narratives align with the Kremlin’s broader propaganda efforts and are likely aimed at portraying Finland as hostile to Russia. The agency believes Moscow is using the situation to influence both domestic and international audiences, particularly as it seeks to maintain its image as a reliable energy supplier despite disruptions.

The service also noted that energy infrastructure in the Gulf of Finland remains critical for Russia’s economy and war financing. By shifting blame onto Finland and other EU countries, Russia may be trying to deflect attention from its own vulnerabilities and failures to prevent Ukrainian strikes, while potentially increasing influence or sabotage activities elsewhere in Europe.

Russians struck the downtown of Kharkiv

Russian forces struck Kharkiv with Shahed-type drones in broad daylight on April 2, hitting a residential building in the city’s Kyivskyi district. The attack caused a large fire and left two women injured, according to local authorities.

Emergency services said flames engulfed apartments on the first and second floors of an eight-storey building, with the fire covering around 200 square meters. Rescue teams quickly arrived at the scene to contain the blaze and assist residents.

Firefighters, bomb disposal experts, and psychologists from Ukraine’s State Emergency Service are continuing to work at the site, providing aid to those affected. Operations are ongoing amid the risk of further strikes.