On July 18 (Moscow time), according to TASS news agency, the Russian Ministry of Defense said that the Vostok Combat Group destroyed more than 15 ground-based robot complexes and 10 heavy unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) Baba-Yaga of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia province, disrupting supply operations to frontline units.
According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, UAV reconnaissance units of the Vostok Operations Group have detected Ukrainian unmanned transport vehicles moving on routes leading to the front lines in Zaporizhzhia province. After accurately determining the route and coordinates, Russian forces have deployed many rounds of UAV attacks targeting these targets.
In a statement, the Russian Ministry of Defense said that more than 15 ground-based cargo robot complexes and 10 Baba-Yaga heavy UAVs were destroyed.
Baba-Yaga is the name that the Russian side uses to refer to the Ukrainian multirotor heavy UAV series. This type of UAV has the ability to carry heavy loads, is often used to transport ammunition, logistics materials or drop bombs in night missions, so it is likened by Russian media and soldiers to "vampire UAVs".
Ground-based robots and transportation UAVs are considered an important part of the logistics system of both sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. The use of unmanned vehicles helps reduce the risk of casualties for logistics forces when having to approach areas that are frequently subjected to fire or within the enemy's observation range.
The Russian Ministry of Defense assessed that the destruction of these vehicles disrupted the supply operations for the frontline units of Ukraine, and at the same time prevented this force from promptly replenishing ammunition and supplies to strengthen the defense system in the region.
The Russian side did not disclose the specific time of the operation as well as the type of attack UAV used in the attack.
The Ukrainian side has not yet commented on the statement of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
Zaporizhzhia is one of the fierce fighting areas in southern Ukraine. For months, this place has continuously witnessed attacks by UAVs, artillery and missiles targeting logistics lines, supply warehouses and military positions of both sides. This area is also considered to be of strategic significance because it is located on the axis connecting eastern and southern Ukraine.
