Russia's new drone tactics raise alarm, ISW draws parallels with Iran
Photo: Russia has switched to a new tactic of the attacks (Getty Images)
Russia has begun combining large-scale nighttime strikes with daytime attacks to inflict greater damage on civilians. Iran uses a similar tactic in its attacks on Israel, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
According to ISW, Russia is using a new tactic of mass attacks that involves pairing a large nighttime strike with a similarly large-scale daytime assault.
Analysts reached this conclusion after a new wave of massive drone attacks on Ukraine, during which Russia launched more than 700 strike drones from the evening of March 31 to the evening of April 1, 2026.
The infographic showing Russian mass attacks over the past year indicates that the March 31–April 1 strike was among the largest, even without the use of missiles.
Infographic: ISW
“ Russia may aim for the daytime strike series to more heavily target civilians and civilian infrastructure including public and open-space areas, especially as warmer weather arrives and more Ukrainians are likely outside,” the report says.
Analysts highlight two main risks of the new tactic:
- "Endless" drone raids may desensitize Ukrainians to daytime strikes, increasing risks for civilians;
- Frequent daytime attacks force people into shelters, disrupting daily life and harming the economy.
ISW analysts also draw parallels between Russian actions and those of its Middle Eastern ally — Iran.
According to the report, Russia’s tactic partly mirrors Iran’s approach.
“Russia’s new tactic of prolonged nighttime and daytime strikes reflects aspects of the way Iran is currently launching drone and missile salvos at Israel and the Gulf,” the report states.
The goal is similar: to force civilians to constantly seek shelter and keep the country in a state of high alert.
The Israel Defense Forces confirmed similar Iranian activity on April 1 aimed at destabilizing the internal situation.
Attack on Ukraine on April 1
On the night of April 1, Russian forces carried out a massive drone attack on Ukraine — explosions were reported in Lutsk, Zhytomyr, Khmelnytskyi, Mykolaiv, and Kryvyi Rih.
In Lutsk, a Nova Poshta terminal was destroyed, while in Khmelnytskyi, a strike caused a fire at an industrial facility.
According to Ukraine’s Air Force, Russia launched 339 drones of various types, 298 of which were shot down, although some hits were recorded.
Russia then continued attacks during the day, launching hundreds of “Shahed” drones at central and western regions — with drones even spotted in Zakarpattia, which is rare.
Energy infrastructure was hit, leaving some settlements without electricity.
In the Cherkasy region, four people were killed during daytime strikes.
Ukrzaliznytsia also warned of mass train delays due to the attacks.
In total, Russia launched more than 700 drones in 24 hours, of which 345 were shot down or suppressed by air defenses.
