Russia and Ukraine trade heavy strikes as Moscow bolsters capital air defenses

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Aug 13, 2026, 10:30 AM UTC · In the digest of 2026-08-13-1030
Russia and Ukraine trade heavy strikes as Moscow bolsters capital air defenses
Photo: Corriere della Sera

Heavy cross-border strikes continue between Ukrainian and Russian forces as Moscow reinforces air defenses around key cities.

Russian strikes targeting Kyiv and residential areas in Zaporizhzhia killed at least 17 people and injured dozens, prompting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to call again for Western air defense interceptors. Meanwhile, Ukrainian drone attacks hit several Russian-controlled areas, including Belgorod, Crimea, and the outskirts of Moscow, causing casualties and damage.

In response to deep strikes, Moscow has reportedly repositioned frontline air defense systems to construct three protective rings around the capital and Saint Petersburg.

Elsewhere, former US President Donald Trump raised concerns over potential Patriot missile production in Ukraine, warning, "we have to be careful who we give our weapon secrets to." Meanwhile, an Italian naval vessel intercepted a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker near Pantelleria.

Sources: ANSA, Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica, La Stampa.

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