August 13, 2026 marked a day of large-scale air operations by the Russian Armed Forces against Ukraine. According to a report by the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, during the night of August 13, the enemy carried out one of the largest drone attacks in recent times. A total of 133 drones of various types were launched, including Shahed, "Gerbera," and other models. Most of them failed to reach their targets thanks to the work of the air defense system.

Timeline and Directions of the Attack

The air assault began as early as 18:00 on August 12, when Russian forces started launching UAVs from several directions. The main flight routes passed through the territories of the Kursk and Orel regions, as well as through Millerovo and Primorsko-Akhtarsk (RF). Additionally, drones flew through Donetsk, Gvardiyske, and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea. This indicates Russia's attempt to use multiple attack vectors to overload Ukrainian air defense systems.

Air Defense Effectiveness and Consequences

As of 08:00 on August 13, according to the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, 111 enemy unmanned aerial vehicles were shot down or suppressed. This means that the effectiveness of the air defense system exceeded 83%. Despite this, 15 locations across the country were hit by drones, and debris from shot-down UAVs was recorded falling in another 16 territories. In particular, port infrastructure caught fire in the Odesa region after the attack, which could affect logistics and export capabilities in the region.

Contradictory Data

Although official data from the Armed Forces of Ukraine indicates 111 drones shot down, some independent sources and local authorities report a higher number of damages and possible missed targets. At the same time, Russian sources have not provided detailed information on the results of the attack, creating an information vacuum. There are also disagreements regarding the exact number of drones launched — some experts suggest that the actual number may be higher than the declared 133 units.

Warnings and Current Situation

Defenders warned the civilian population that the attack is ongoing: several unmanned aerial vehicles are still in the sky. This requires the population to maintain high vigilance and comply with safety rules. Authorities urge citizens not to go outside unless necessary and to follow the instructions of local authorities.

Context and Prospects

This attack takes place against the backdrop of ongoing negotiations regarding international aid to Ukraine. Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy explained how the US could help the country survive the next winter, including the supply of energy equipment and financial support. However, as previously reported, American manufacturers of Patriot systems are not in a hurry to transfer production licenses for these systems to Ukraine, which could limit Ukraine's ability to modernize its air defense.