Over 35,200 enemy personnel losses in April: Ukraine’s Defence Forces increase strike effectiveness

In April 2026, 35,203 russian personnel were confirmed killed or severely wounded under the Army of Drones Bonus program. All strikes were verified through video evidence.

This result indicates that, for the fifth consecutive month, russia is losing more personnel than it can replace through mobilization.

“We are maintaining a pace at which the enemy is losing more than it can replace. This is one of the key objectives within the defense strategy,” said Minister of Defence of Ukraine Mykhailo Fedorov.

Growth in mid-range strikes

A particular focus is on developing the middle strike capability. This includes engagements against targets at distances of 20–150 km, such as depots, headquarters, air defense systems, and logistics infrastructure.

In April, the number of such engagements at ranges beyond 20 km increased:

• by a factor of two compared to March;
• by a factor of four compared to February.

This directly shapes the situation on the front line and weakens russia’s capabilities.

Interceptor drones as a component of air defense

Ukraine continues to systematically enhance the protection of its airspace. Interceptor drones have already become a key component of air defense.

A total of 194 military units have confirmed shoot-downs of Shahed-type drones, with record interception rates recorded once again.

Integration of robotic systems in the military and saving lives

The development of robotic systems helps increase combat effectiveness while reducing risks for personnel.

In April:

• 10,281 logistics and evacuation missions were carried out using unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs);
• an average of 367 such UGV missions were conducted daily.

Artillery, reconnaissance, and mining remain key components of a coordinated effort, with steadily improving effectiveness.

Leaders by category in the Army of Drones Bonus program

The units that achieved the best results in key areas of the program in April were recognized:

Drone strikes (unmanned systems):

• Special Operations Center “A”, Security Service of Ukraine
• 414th Separate Brigade “Magyar Birds”, Unmanned Systems Forces
• Main Unmanned Aerial Systems Department “Phoenix”

Interception of Shahed-type drones:

• 414th Separate Brigade “Magyar Birds”, Unmanned Systems Forces
• 38th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment, Land Forces
• 1020th Anti-Aircraft Missile Artillery Regiment

Artillery:

• 147th Separate Artillery Brigade
• 148th Separate Artillery Brigade
• 95th Separate Air Assault Brigade

Mine-laying with drones:

• Lasar’s Group, National Guard of Ukraine
• 81st Separate Airmobile Brigade
• 808th Separate Support Brigade

Intelligence/Reconnaissance:

• 413th Separate Unmanned Systems Regiment “RAID”
• Special Operations Center “A”, Security Service of Ukraine
• Lasar’s Group, National Guard of Ukraine

Unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs):

• 1st Separate Medical Battalion
• 3rd Separate Assault Brigade
• 17th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade

The mathematics of war: data and the scaling of effective solutions

The Army of Drones Bonus program is based on verified battlefield data and enables the rapid scaling of the most effective solutions.

“Our objective is to achieve a level of enemy losses that makes any further enemy advance impossible. We monitor each unit's performance in real time and scale up the most effective practices across the military. I thank the Security and Defence Forces for their systematic efforts,” said Mykhailo Fedorov.