Moscow, Russia – Amidst a continuing escalation of fighting on the front lines, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced on Saturday, June 13, 2026, that it had carried out a series of intensive air and missile strikes targeting vital infrastructure belonging to Ukrainian forces. This came as Russia claimed to have made territorial gains in several strategic sectors.
Precision airstrikes targeting energy facilities and airports
A statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that the Air Force and attack drones, along with missile and artillery forces, conducted precision operations targeting long-range drone storage sites and energy and transport infrastructure facilities relied upon by the Ukrainian military. The statement specified that the strikes targeted “temporary deployment points” of Ukrainian forces and “foreign mercenaries” in 142 locations. This reflects the expanding scope of Russia’s targeted operations.
Progress on all fronts: Heavy losses in Kyiv’s ranks
The Russian statement reviewed the field developments of Russian forces operating along the long lines of contact. The “Northern Group” had improved its tactical position in the Sumy region, inflicting heavy losses exceeding 235 Ukrainian soldiers, in addition to destroying combat vehicles and field artillery.
In the Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia regions, the “East,” “South,” “West,” and “Center” groups continued their operations. The statement noted significant advances deep into enemy defenses. The ministry highlighted the “liberation of 172 buildings in the town of Konstantinovka in the Donetsk People’s Republic,” and the neutralization of dozens of Ukrainian soldiers and the destruction of their equipment in that area.
Attrition and fortification tactics
These operations are part of a Russian strategy aimed at weakening the logistical capabilities of the Ukrainian armed forces by depleting their fuel and transport supplies. They also seek to improve the defensive and offensive positions of Russian forces. According to the statement, the Dnipro Group successfully repelled Ukrainian mechanized formations near the towns of Orykhov and Malukaterinivka in the Zaporizhzhia region.
According to the Russian perspective, these figures confirm that the “Central,” “Western,” and “Southern” forces are continuing to exert pressure on Ukrainian mechanized and assault brigades. This comes amidst a state of high alert on both sides. Military experts believe these operations are part of Moscow’s ongoing efforts to tighten the noose around Ukrainian defenses in Donetsk and the border regions. Meanwhile, Kyiv continues its attempts to repel the intensified Russian attacks, which focus on striking deep into Ukrainian logistics to reduce the effectiveness of Western aid and Ukrainian military capabilities on the ground.
