970 Russian Losses in 24 Hours; Advances Near Hulyaipole as Ukraine Pushes Back Near Slovyansk

Ukraine's General Staff reported 970 Russian personnel losses in the 24-hour period ending March 31, bringing cumulative total to approximately 1,297,670 since February 24, 2022 — Day 1,496 of the full-scale invasion. 147 combat clashes were recorded across the front. Ukrainian forces made tactical advances near Slovyansk and in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka area. Russian forces advanced near Hulyaipole in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and in the Kostyantynivka-Druzhkivka tactical area, continuing pressure along the Fortress Belt agglomeration. Intense fighting continued in Sumy, Kharkiv, Slovyansk, Kostiantynivka, and Zaporizhzhia sectors. Russia deployed 9,355 kamikaze drones (including frontline FPVs) over 24 hours, conducted 70 airstrikes, and dropped 237 guided aerial bombs. One Russian air defense system was destroyed.