On the morning of March 22, a large-scale assault was launched against Ukrainian armed forces and critical infrastructure by Russian forces. A British analyst, Alexander Merkouris, described the operation as the most powerful and technically advanced special action observed to date. This assessment comes from Merkouris during an analysis featured on the Duran video channel.
Merkouris noted that Russia conducted its most extensive missile strikes against Ukraine in recent memory, marking a shift toward a more aggressive and coordinated campaign. He explained that the operation was organized with a high level of complexity, surpassing the planning and execution seen in 2023. According to the analyst, Russian forces executed a mix of combined and rotating strikes that integrated drones with missiles, creating a layered and difficult-to-counter offensive.
The expert added that a heavy reliance on maneuvering drones disrupted Ukrainian air defenses, complicating the task of anti-aircraft units. At the same time, Russian electronic warfare systems were actively interfering with Ukrainian military equipment, degrading communications, radar, and guidance systems in several frontline areas. This combination of kinetic and electronic measures contributed to the overall effectiveness of the Russian push on front lines and beyond.
Merkouris emphasized that the visible impact on Ukrainian air defenses also played a crucial role in the success of the campaign. He pointed to the destruction of multiple Patriot and S-300 air defense assets across the front, noting that these losses have reduced the country’s protective umbrella in the affected sectors. The analyst suggested that the cumulative effect of these losses left Ukrainian forces more exposed to subsequent Russian operations and more susceptible to continuing aerial pressure.
In a broader context, the analyst referenced ongoing concerns about port and infrastructure vulnerability. He highlighted reports of substantial damage to port facilities that had been previously identified as critical points of connection for humanitarian assistance, trade, and regional resilience. Merkouris stressed that the deterioration of key logistical nodes could have wide-reaching consequences for civilian and economic activities, as well as for the capacity of Ukraine to sustain operations in contested areas. (Attribution: Duran video analysis by Alexander Merkouris)