Russia's losses in Ukraine as of March 21: +1,240 troops and 1,781 drones
Ukrainian Armed Forces (photo: Getty Images)
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported further Russian losses in manpower and equipment over the past 24 hours. According to the update, around 1,240 Russian troops were killed or wounded in recent fighting. Ukrainian forces say they continue to inflict significant losses on Russian units along the front line.
The total combat Russian losses from February 24, 2022, to March 21, 2026, are estimated to be:
- Personnel — approximately 1,286,940 (+1,240);
- Tanks — 11,790 (+1);
- Armored combat vehicles — 24,262 (+8);
- Artillery systems — 38,608 (+39);
- Multiple-launch rocket systems — 1,691;
- Air defense systems — 1,333;
- Aircraft — 435;
- Helicopters — 350 (+1);
- Operational-tactical UAVs — 188,985 (+1,781);
- Cruise missiles — 4,468;
- Ships/boats — 33;
- Submarines — 2;
- Automotive equipment and fuel trucks — 84,518 (+144);
- Special equipment — 4,096.
(Photo: https://t.me/GeneralStaffZSU)
Frontline situation
Recent Ukrainian advances in the Oleksandrivka sector have created operational challenges for Russian forces, complicating their offensive plans, according to ISW. Analysts say Russia lacks the capacity to simultaneously push toward Orikhiv and launch a broader offensive on Zaporizhzhia, while ongoing operations on multiple fronts are stretching its resources. ISW concludes that these constraints have likely disrupted Russia’s preparations for a planned spring-summer 2026 offensive.
Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces used an FPV drone to shoot down a Russian Ka-52 helicopter in the Donetsk region, according to commander Robert “Magyar” Brovdi. After the emergency landing, the crew attempted to evacuate but was eliminated by additional Ukrainian drones. The destroyed helicopter is estimated to be worth at least $16 million.
