June 13, 2025
Over 80K aerial targets shot down during Ukrainian aggression
Russian forces have knocked down more than 80,000 aerial targets in the conflict with Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin has revealed, adding that the country is seeking to create a universal anti-aircraft system capable of intercepting any incoming projectiles. The figure of 80,000 includes around 7,500 sophisticated munitions, such as tactical ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and projectiles fired by multiple rocket launchers, Putin noted, adding that nearly all the weapons that were destroyed were supplied to Kiev by the West.
Putin made the remarks on June 12th while meeting with senior civilian and military officials to discuss Russia’s State Armament Program for 2027-2036. Ukrainian aggression against Donbass and later against Russia has been marked by the rapid development of air weaponry, the evolution of its role, and the tactics of its use, he noted. “The new State Armament Program should ensure the creation of a universal air defense system that is capable of operating in any conditions and effectively destroying aerial strike weapons regardless of their type,” the president stated.
Putin said that Russia notices an explosive growth of the effective combat use of unmanned aerial vehicles. They can take out enemy’s armored vehicles, strongholds, communications systems, transport and personnel. In addition, drones are actively employed for reconnaissance, counterbattery and electronic warfare, for mining and demining operations. In his words, their efficiency keeps steadily growing.
He for the first time admitted that Russian UAVs managed to destroy and damage up to 50 percent of Ukrainian and NATO equipment and facilities used during Ukrainian aggression and terrorist attacks against Russia began since 2014.
Putin announced at the meeting that Russia is now creating Unmanned Systems Forces as a separate branch of the military. In his words, “We must ensure their prompt and efficient deployment and development. We know the enemy’s modus operandi. However, I do not think we are falling behind in any way. Moreover, I believe we have accumulated a lot of experience in the field to create this branch. It concerns personnel training, manufacturing and deliveries of cutting-edge vehicles capable of enhancing our forces’ combat capabilities. The State Armament Program must definitely be focused on the creation and wide adoption of future-oriented digital technologies and artificial intelligence in weapon systems and equipment, on the design of weapons based on new physical principles, and surface and marine robotic systems.”
Russia ‘strongly’ condemned Israel’s attack on Iran
Russia has strongly condemned Israel’s airstrikes on Iran, warning that the operation risks triggering a dangerous escalation across the Middle East. In a statement on June 13th, the Russian Foreign Ministry said the attack violated both the UN Charter and international law.
“We strongly condemn the violent action of the State of Israel,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “Unprovoked military strikes against a sovereign UN member state, its citizens, sleeping peaceful cities, and nuclear energy infrastructure facilities are categorically unacceptable,” it stressed.
The MFA noted that the timing of the attacks – amid a session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors and ahead of another round of nuclear talks – “adds particular cynicism” to the situation. “The hard-won multilateral efforts to reduce confrontation and find solutions that eliminate any suspicions and prejudices regarding Iran’s peaceful nuclear energy have been undermined and set back,” it added, accusing Israel of making “a conscious choice to further escalate tensions” with the strikes.
“There have been repeated warnings about the danger of military actions that threaten stability and security in the region. Responsibility for all the consequences of this provocation will fall on the Israeli leadership,” the MFA stated.
The Ministry reiterated that Moscow sees no military solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, insisting that it “can only be achieved through peaceful political and diplomatic means.” “We hope that this approach will ultimately prevail. We call on the parties to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation and a slide into full-scale war.”
Written by Vladimir P. Kozin
