Ukrainian forces faced 99 combat clashes on March 16, with the fiercest battles taking place in the Pokrovsk and Kurakhiv areas. Russia launched 64 air strikes and deployed over 900 kamikaze drones, escalating its offensive. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed that Russia also fired over 4,300 shells at Ukrainian positions and settlements.
| Key Statistics from March 16 | Details |
|---|---|
| Total combat clashes | 99 |
| Main battle zones | Pokrovsk and Kurakhiv |
| Air strikes by Russia | 64 |
| Kamikaze drones used | Over 900 |
| Shelling incidents | Over 4,300 |
Fighting was intense across multiple directions. In Kharkiv, Russian forces launched four assaults near Vovchansk, Kamyanka, and Kutkivka, with one battle ongoing. In Kupyansk, Russian troops attempted nine attacks, eight of which were repelled. In Lyman, Ukrainian defenders faced nine assaults, with three battles still raging.
In Siversk, three Russian offensives near Bilohorivka and Ivano-Darivka were stopped. In Kramatorsk, enemy troops attacked near Chasiv Yar and Predtechyne, with one battle ongoing. The Toretsk region saw 14 Russian advances, with three clashes continuing.
Pokrovsk faced the heaviest fighting, with 15 Russian assaults near multiple villages. Ukrainian troops repelled 14 attacks, but one battle remains. Pokrovsk was also struck by an air-dropped KAB bomb. Ukrainian defenders neutralised 303 Russian soldiers, with 152 killed, and destroyed six vehicles, 11 motorcycles, two satellite communication devices, and four drone control points. A Russian tank, mortar, motorcycle, and vehicle were also damaged.
| Ukrainian Defence Successes in Pokrovsk | Details |
|---|---|
| Russian soldiers neutralised | 303 |
| Killed Russian soldiers | 152 |
| Destroyed enemy equipment | 6 vehicles, 11 motorcycles, 4 UAV control points |
| Damaged enemy equipment | 1 tank, 1 mortar, 1 motorcycle |
In Novopavlivka, Russian forces made nine attempts to break through, with one battle ongoing. In Huliaipole, Ukrainian troops repelled six attacks, while Novopavlivka, Novodarivka, and Huliaipole were hit by Russian airstrikes. In Orikhiv, Russian forces attacked six times, with three ongoing battles. Komyshuvakha was also struck from the air.
In Prydniprovske, Russian troops did not attempt advances but launched air strikes on Olhivka, Tokarivka, and Mykolaivka. In the Kursk region, Ukrainian forces repelled 13 enemy assaults and endured 247 shelling incidents. The enemy also launched 11 air strikes, dropping 18 guided bombs.
Civilians in Ukraine remain under constant threat. Russian drones attacked two civilian cars in Sumy, injuring two people, while settlements in the Myropilska and Bilopilska communities suffered damage. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia launched over 1,020 drones in the past week alone, calling for tougher international pressure to counter Russian aggression.
