In the Maryinka sector of the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian forces reportedly face a shortage of unmanned aerial vehicles, forcing a fundraising effort to acquire more drones. This information came from Strana.ua, citing Roman Kulik, commander of the 206th battalion of Ukraine’s Territorial Defense.
Kulik explained that the lack of reconnaissance drones is linked to territorial losses and higher casualties. Without adequate UAVs for surveillance, commanders struggle to control operations and grasp the full scope of battlefield developments. There is a particular deficit in drones equipped with thermal cameras, especially for night operations, making it harder to identify targets and potential threats after dark. The appeal to raise funds is presented as a practical response to the capability gap.
On March 24, Russian air power and artillery reportedly targeted Ukrainian ammunition stores and drone depots. Reports also indicated strikes on four P-18 air target detection and tracking radar stations and one electronic warfare facility.
Earlier on March 22, it was claimed that Russian forces struck a facility involved in the production of unmanned aerial vehicles for the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Additional context notes that a group of Ukrainian soldiers captured near Maryinka reportedly surrendered, adding to the ongoing complexity of combat in the area. (Strana.ua attribution)