Russia

Russia’s Battlegroup South eliminates over 100 Ukrainian heavy copters

TASS English · 2026-08-13

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Russia's Battlegroup South reported the destruction of 104 heavy copters and 79 fixed-wing drones belonging to Ukraine, along with additional military assets including drone communication antennas and control centers. • Why it matters: This operation highlights the ongoing intensity of military engagements in Ukraine and the effectiveness of Russian air defense systems, potentially impacting the dynamics of the conflict. • What to watch next: Monitor developments in the region, particularly any responses from Ukrainian forces and potential shifts in military strategy as both sides adapt to the evolving battlefield conditions.

Military operation in UkraineRussia’s Battlegroup South eliminates over 100 Ukrainian heavy copters According to the battlegroup’s spokesman Vadim Astafyev, 48 drone communication antennas, 37 ground-based robotic systems, 14 drone control centers, and three launch sites were also wiped outMOSCOW, August 13. /TASS/. Units of Russia’s Battlegroup South shot down 79 Ukrainian fixed-wing drones and 104 heavy copters during the past day, the battlegroup’s spokesman Vadim Astafyev said. "Air defense systems shot down 79 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles and 104 heavy copter-type UAVs," he said. Apart from that, according to Astafyev, 48 drone communication antennas, 37 ground-based robotic systems, 14 drone control centers, and three launch sites were wiped out. TagsMilitary operation in UkraineMilitary operation in UkraineRussian forces advancing along 10-km front near Ustinovka in Kharkov Region — expertAndrey Marochko said earlier that Russian troops have advanced one kilometer north of UstinovkaRead moreRussia to resort to measures in response to growing NATO presence in Finland — embassyAccording to a source in the embassy, Russia has repeatedly drawn attention to the detrimental consequences of this policy, and the diplomats are sure that Helsinki are aware of these signalsRead moreNovorossiysk declares state of emergency after Ukrainian drone attackAccording to the latest reports, a secondary school, a sports school and a college had been damaged in the attackRead moreUS spends $533 mln on shell plant that produces nothingMoscow has repeatedly stressed that Western arms supplies to Kiev and assistance in training Ukrainian servicemen only prolong the conflict and do not change the situation on the battlefieldRead morePutin thanks Varyag crew for hospitalityThe Russian President shook hands the commanders and ordered "At ease!" to the sailorsRead moreRussian troops liberate Vodyanoye community in Kharkov Region over past day — top brassRussia's Battlegroup North units took control of the settlement, destroyed an enemy armored combat vehicle and inflicted more than 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops over the past dayRead moreWest Nile Fever cases imported to Russia from Thailand, Mali, CAR in 2026No fatalities linked to West Nile Fever have been reported this yearRead moreAircraft possibly carrying Gilman makes stopover in IrelandA source in EU air traffic control services said that Shannon Airport is often used to refuel aircraft before flying over the AtlanticRead moreMagnitude 5.5 earthquake hits off El Salvador’s coastThe epicenter was located 69 kilometers southeast of the city of ChirilaguaRead moreAmerican mercenary Conor Kennedy arrested in absentia in Russia, placed on wanted listHe participated in combat operations on the side of the Ukrainian forces incognitoRead moreRussia’s annualized GDP gains 0.6% in 1H — ministryAccoridng to he Russian Economic Development Ministry, growth in the second quarter was driven by robust domestic demand and positive performance across several sectors of the real economyRead moreBaba-Yaga drone number one target for snipers, Kalashnikov rifles — Kalashnikov CEOAlan Lushnikov noted that the role and place of snipers in armed conflict were constantly evolvingRead moreCIS observers start monitoring elections of State Duma deputies — Executive CommitteeThis is the 11th CIS observer mission in Russia, it will include more than 100 peopleRead moreSu-57 constitutes key element for achieving air superiority — Russia’s Air Force CommanderSergey Kobylash stated that during the special military operation, Russian aviation and aviation munitions "reached a qualitatively new level"Read moreNearly 40 shelling attacks by Ukrainian troops reported in DPR in past dayTwelve civilians, including a teenager, were reportedly woundedRead moreWestern pirate games to prompt Russian response anywhere, senator saysKonstantin Basyuk emphasized that there was no point in using diplomatic notes with those who speak the language of forceRead morePress review: NATO boosts Northern Europe presence as Israel blocks Gaza peace effortsTop stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 11thRead moreNATO Council says Russia 'bears responsibility' for drone incidents in Romania, PolandThe alliance intends to strengthen defenses on its eastern flank "from the Baltic to the Black Sea" and continue providing support to UkraineRead moreExpert says fuel shortage being observed in UkraineFreight and insurance costs have skyrocketed, said Sergey Kuyun, head of the consulting firm A-95 Read moreStrait of Hormuz traffic falls five times since start of war — WSJThe publication also noted that on August 11, 14 vessels managed to cross the Strait of Hormuz with 11 of them using the so-called Iranian corridor Read moreLeavitt to leave White House press secretary post before September — TrumpDonald Trump noted that Karoline Leavitt will now be one of his top outside advisors, and an influential voice within the Republican PartyRead moreBaltic not NATO’s internal sea, Polish president warnsAlthough this follows from cartography and map analysis, in fact this is not entirely the case, Karol Nawrocki pointed outRead moreRussia cut oil production by 6,000 bpd in July — OPECRussia’s oil production is currently constrained by the OPEC+ agreementRead moreImplementation of US peace plan for Gaza de-facto stalled — Russia’s UN envoyVasily Nebenzya stated that the ceasefire was still being consistently violated, first of all by the Israeli sideRead moreRussia calls on Caspian littoral states to address Caspian Sea’s receding water levelsRussia’s Charge d’Affaires in Turkmenistan Pyotr Shchukin emphasized that there is currently no single scientific explanation for the causes of the present-day drop in water levelsRead moreUS NGO calls on Congress to block Turkey’s transfer of cluster munitions to KievDumping obsolete cluster munitions into a conflict creates a humanitarian liability for civilians, Deputy Washington director at Human Rights Watch Nicole Widdersheim notedRead moreRussian army is global military powerhouse — expertAccording to Hero of Russia Yevgeny Poddubny, Russia currently has the most combat-ready and powerful army in the worldRead moreRussia’s defenses in Zaporozhye make Ukraine’s military 'hit brick wall' — military expertAccording to Andrey Marochko, the Russian army manages to hold back the enemy and advance on this directionRead moreRussia has right to attack any ships carrying cargo for enemy — MedvedevThe Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman stressed that Russian armed forces were capable of significantly extending their operations beyond the borders of the Black Sea basinRead moreInflation in Iran to peak at 300% — US President TrumpThe International Monetary Fund expects inflation rate in Iran to reach 69% this yearRead moreEU wary of 'Trojan horse' as it considers faster enlargement — mediaAccording to the sources, the European Commission was drawing up revised rules for new members, which will be presented to EU leaders at a European Council meeting on October 15Read moreRussian stocks close in the red on WednesdayThe yuan exchange rate against the ruble added 5 kopecks to 12.3 rublesRead moreNATO says begins to reduce contingent in KosovoThe alliance's spokesperson Allison Hart did not provide any numerical data on the scale and timing of the reductionsRead moreSpecial military operation to end or be suspended only on Russia's terms — MedvedevThe United Russia party’s Chairman noted that relations with the West will change little after thatRead moreAll US bases will be seized if Washington uses nuclear weapons against Iran — IRGCBrigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi did not clarify whether the Iranian military would occupy the US bases on its own or with the help of other forcesRead moreGirl injured due to falling drone in Rostov RegionA girl was injured after a drone fell on the Istok recreational center near DonetskRead moreRosstat preliminarily estimates Russia’s GDP growth in Q2 2026 at 1.3%GDP growth was driven primarily by retail trade turnover, food service turnover and freight turnoverRead morePutin arrives aboard Varyag missile cruiserPacific Fleet Commander Admiral Viktor Liina reported to the president on the fleet’s ongoing drillsRead moreEasing of monetary policy key factor in recovery of economic activity in Russia — ministryThe economic activity was supported by existing government measuresRead moreGeorgia hurts itself by saying no to diplomatic relations with Russia — Abkhazian officialSergey Shamba stressed that Abkhazia would only be happy if relations between Russia and Georgia improvedRead moreDrapaty, killing civilians in Novorossiya, Donbass, pledges allegiance to West — expertVitaly Kiselyov noted that Mikhail Drapaty personally issued orders to Ukrainian forces to strike civilian vehicles on the Novorossiya federal highwayRead moreUkrainian MiG-29 fighter jet shot down by friendly fire — defense sourceUkraine’s State Bureau of Investigation opened a criminal probe after the fighter’s crashRead moreIran may drag conflict with US out until end of Trump’s presidential term — IRGCAccording to Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi, Iran has to attain deterrence so that the enemy never dares to attack itRead moreNGO sues Trump challenging paid access to his publications on Truth SocialAccording to the plaintiffs, last year alone, from 9,000 to 11,000 posts and reposts were published on the US leader's pageRead moreIN BRIEF: What we know about foiled terrorist attack against Defense Ministry officerThe suspect planned to blow up a car of the employee of the military commissariat of the Krasnodar RegionRead moreMoscow to respond in kind if West seizes Russian commercial vessels — PutinThe Russian president emphasized that it wasn’t just about the areas where Russian vessels could be seized but wherever Moscow founds it necessary and reasonableRead moreRussia slams Yerevan over plans to interrogate WWII veteranIt is hard to find clearer evidence of the moral and spiritual decay that leads to rapprochement with the modern faceless, morally impoverished Europe and fraternization with the neo-Nazi Kiev regime, Maria Zakharova statedRead moreRosatom chief proposes projects to develop science, production, exportsAlexey Likhachev highlighted three topics that, in his view, are of fundamental importance, yet the mechanisms for addressing them have not yet been fully establishedRead moreNo reason to panic over US’ Golden Dome plans — senior Russian diplomatSergey Ryabkov also noted that with the Golden Dome defensive shield, the air defense system receives space-located interceptors, which is "extremely destabilizing"Read morePolitico says Zelensky 'fumbled' Belgrade trip as Kosovo remarks cause stirThe publication noted that Albania had reacted sharply to the statement as wellRead moreUS forces in complete control over Strait of Hormuz — President TrumpAccording to the US leader, Iran has "no Navy and no Air Force" Read moreRussian troops hammer Ukrainian fuel tanks, ship with military cargo in new strikesRussian troops hit a Ukrainian patrol boat at the Ochakov port in the Nikolayev RegionRead moreDrop in investment levels in early 2026 cannot be described as dramatic — Bank of RussiaThe overall level of investment activity remaining high, said Adviser to Central Bank Governor Kirill Tremasov Read moreAir defenses intercept 147 Ukrainian drones over Russian regionsOn-duty air defenses downed Ukrainian UAVs over 13 Russian regionsRead moreUkrainian attack leaves Sevastopol without electricityAccording to the city’s Governor Mikhail Razvozhayev, specialists are assessing the damage and emergency services are in a state of high alert.Read moreWest always wanted to 'cancel' Russia, but now it's doing it brazenly — MedvedevThe politician noted that as soon as the special military operation had begun, it had come out in an absolutely cynical, undisguised, monstrous and even perverted formRead moreNorth Korea can deliver ‘death' blow in case of external threat — Foreign MinistryFirst Deputy Foreign Minister Jang Kum-chol called South Korean nuclear submarine program "a serious challenge" to the security and maritime sovereignty of North KoreaRead moreIN BRIEF: Putin’s key statements on innovations, sovereignty, SKIFThe head of state noted that Russia has grown even stronger by expanding its technological capabilitiesRead moreMinister announces recovery in Russia's economic growth ratesAccording to Economic Development Minister Maxim Reshetnikov, the recovery in growth rates was first observed in March and is continuing despite persistent external pressureRead moreWashington seeks to cut embassy staff in Middle East — CNNAccording to the TV channel, the US State Department does not expect to return to normal staffing in the region soon amid the looming threat of a full-scale return to war Read morePetition calling for preserving Russia House submitted to parliament — BSW partyBSW founder Sahra Wagenknecht said earlier that her party had prepared a petition against the demands by some political forces to close the Russia HouseRead moreOver 1,000 pigs killed by fire at pig-breeding farm in Trans-Baikal RegionAccording to preliminary data, the fire was caused by a short circuitRead moreHouthis lose over 80 fighters in Yemen in six days — TVYemeni government forces launched artillery and drone strikes against the rebels in northern Dhale Governorate on Tuesday eveningRead moreAK-12 rifle more reliable, easier to use than foreign competitors — Kalashnikov CEOThe AK-12 is represented in export markets by the 7.62mm and 5.56mm caliber AK-15 and AK-19 modelsRead moreAttempts to escalate situation in Caspian must be thwarted by littoral statesPyotr Shchukin stressed that any attempts by extra-regional forces to bring geopolitical confrontation and military tension into these historically peaceful waters are aimed at undermining the atmosphere of friendship and mutual trustRead morePress review: US halts Iran strikes as Pentagon develops nuclear plan for Russia, ChinaTop stories from the Russian press on Thursday, August 6thRead moreAnnual inflation in Russia totals 5.98% in July — RosstatFood prices rose by 0.29% in July month-on-monthRead moreRussian troops consolidating positions in Olkhovatka in Kharkov Region — expertAccording to Andrey Marochko, this was preceded by the liberation of the neighboring settlement of Vodyanoye on August 12Read moreLibyan parliament speaker, top Turkish diplomat discuss ways of settling Libyan crisisThe talks between Aguila Saleh and Hakan Fidan were held in Benghazi after the top Turkish diplomat’s meeting with Libyan National Army commander Saddam HaftarRead moreUkraine to lose its Western territories sooner or later — PutinIt may not happen tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, It may take one year, two years, 10 years or 15 years, Russian President saidRead moreSenior Russian diplomat talks unlawful sanctions on Iran with UK, French, German envoysThe Russian side argued that Great Britain, Germany and France just don’t have any legal or procedural grounds to do soRead moreZaporozhstal steel plant closure devastating for Ukraine, deputy believesThe area's economy depended on the enterprise, said Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of the Zaporozhye Region Viktor Yemelyanenko Read moreRussia remains top oil supplier to India, China in June — OPECRussia supplied around 2.2 mbd of oil to India in JuneRead moreSeveral sailors of US aircraft carrier tried to commit suicide — Military TimesThe aircraft carrier has been in service for more than eight months instead of the expected six, and the staff does not know when they will be able to return homeRead moreUkrainian drone attacks wound 12 DPR residents in one day — republic's headA teenager born in 2011 was injured when a drone attacked a residential building, DPR head Denis Pushilin said Read moreEU endangers itself by acting against civilian shipping — Russian Foreign MinistryToday, Operation Irini is actually being used by the European Union to intimidate commercial carriers and obstruct the freedom of navigation, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Read moreKiev’s Black Sea strikes further Western interests — MFAAccording to Maria Zakharova, the Kiev regime seeks to provoke chaos on the global food marketRead moreDeath toll from Ukrainian drone attack on Krasnodar Region rises to threeThe number of people injured in the Kiev regime’s overnight attack climbed to 24, Governor Veniamin Kondratyev saidRead moreDeath toll from earthquake in Colombia up to 265A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck near the city of San Jose del Palmar in the Choco department on August 10Read moreRussia’s security must be ensured along all of its borders — PutinThe Russian leader noted that the situation in the Pacific Fleet’s operational area "is not easy" Read moreMoscow ready to exchange over 220 convicted Ukrainians for Russians — rights commissionerYana Lantratova added that the Russians in question included residents of the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics and CrimeaRead morePutin hopes common sense prevails in the West, red lines will not be crossedThe Russian president noted that one such red line includes the deployment of strike systems in UkraineRead moreKiev confirms limitation of data on Russian missile launches against targets in UkraineUkraine has been experiencing a shortage of interceptorsRead morePress review: NATO expands Black Sea presence and raises risks as Hormuz deal sparks hopeTop stories from the Russian press on Friday, August 7thRead moreClosing Strait of Hormuz to virtually wipe out growth in British economy in 2027 — TVAccording to the analysis, the British economy could face a recession, if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed until springRead moreThailand to leverage military ties in trade negotiations with US — BloombergAccording to the source, Bangkok plans to warn the US administration that steep tariffs could compel the kingdom to scale back bilateral military cooperation, including its participation in the signature Cobra Gold military exercisesRead moreJD Vance personally asks Kiev to stop strikes on CPC infrastructure — newspaperAccording to the Financial Times, the US vice president conveyed Washington’s request in a phone call with Vladimir Zelensky on July 31Read moreIN BRIEF: Putin’s statements on Western 'piracy, robbery', groundless Japan’s claimsThe Russian president said the Pacific Fleet’s marines carry out missions in the Pacific Operational Area "boldly, professionally, and heroically"Read moreRussian forces advance 1 km north of Ustinovka in Kharkov Region — expertEarlier, Andrey Marochko said that Russian forces have established control over Ustinovka and drove Ukrainian troops eight kilometers from the border with the Belgorod RegionRead moreIN BRIEF: What we know about release of American Robert Gilman, convicted in RussiaRobert Gilman was detained in 2022 at the Voronezh railway station after being involved in a drunken brawl on the Sukhum-Moscow trainRead moreMagnitude 5.4 earthquake hits KashmirNo casualties or damage were immediately reportedRead moreSupreme Court finds Yabloko received about $36,000 from abroadThe party recieved donations from counterparties, who received funding from the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Israel and a number of other countries from July 9 to August 2Read moreOver one million square meters of warehouses damaged in Ukraine — agencyThe Kiev Region accounts for about 750,000 square meters of that numberRead moreRussian Battlegroup West destroys 83 Ukrainian heavy six-rotor drones in past dayApart from that, Ukraine’s daily losses included 61 drone control centers, a Starlink satellite communications station, and 39 ground-based robotic systemsRead moreYabloko receives Supreme Court’s reasoned decision for removal from electionsThe court session lasted more than nine hoursRead moreSu-35S pilot destroys two Ukrainian Su-27s in single air battle — commanderSergey Kobylash added that, "after skillfully executing a maneuver and taking up an advantageous tactical position," the Russian pilot fired three air-to-air missilesRead moreUS could face 'bloodbath' if it launches ground operation against Iran — expertMikhail Margelov said there can be a lot of scenariosRead moreRussian forces tightening trap for Ukrainian troops in Volchansk after liberating VodyanoeThe Volchansk pocket continues to shrink, military expert Andrey Marochko saidRead moreZelensky's government 'nepotism' paves way for massive corruption — expertIn Ukraine, nepotism in corruption schemes has become a tradition, military expert Vitaly Kiselyov saidRead morePress review: EU braces for winter fuel shortage as gold prices set to recoverTop stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, August 12thRead moreDamaged schools, dead, injured in southern Russia: consequences of drone attacksAir defense forces on duty intercepted and destroyed 502 Ukrainian UAVs over eight Russian regionsRead more

Source: TASS English
RELATED NEWS

More Stories

All News
Russia

Putin visits Kuril Island of Iturup

• What happened: Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the Kuril Island of Iturup, where he toured the Yasny fish-packing factory during his trip to the Sakh...

Russia

Russian forces advancing along 10-km front near Ustinovka in Kharkov Region — expert

• What happened: Russian forces have advanced along a 10-kilometer front near Ustinovka in the Kharkov Region, reportedly mopping up the area and gaining ground...

Russia

RT visits Belgorod hospital treating children wounded in Ukrainian strikes (VIDEO)

• What happened: The Belgorod Region in Russia has seen a surge in casualties due to intensified Ukrainian drone strikes, with a hospital treating numerous inju...

Russia

Russian Battlegroup West destroys 83 Ukrainian heavy six-rotor drones in past day

• What happened: Russian Battlegroup West reported the destruction of 83 Ukrainian heavy six-rotor drones in a single day, along with additional losses includin...

Russia

Over 1,000 pigs killed by fire at pig-breeding farm in Trans-Baikal Region

• What happened: A fire at a pig-breeding farm in the Trans-Baikal Region resulted in the death of over 1,200 pigs, with preliminary investigations indicating a...

Russia

Russian forces advance 1 km north of Ustinovka in Kharkov Region — expert

• What happened: Russian forces have advanced one kilometer north of Ustinovka in the Kharkov Region, establishing control over the settlement and pushing Ukrai...