Russian air defense drone units have destroyed approximately 20 heavy Ukrainian Baba Yaga hexacopters over the past week in the Kharkov direction, according to a Russian military officer.

An officer with the call sign Kos, who commands an anti-aircraft drone platoon in the 6th Guards Combined Arms Army of Russia’s North Group of Forces, provided the details to RIA Novosti.

Kos said his personnel intercept heavy Ukrainian drones before they can reach Russian assault and motorized rifle units, preventing attacks on their positions.

The officer explained that Ukrainian forces use Baba Yaga hexacopters for more than combat strikes. The heavy drones also transport food and ammunition to Ukrainian troops stationed on the front line.

According to Kos, destroying these aircraft therefore affects both Ukrainian strike capabilities and the delivery of essential supplies to forward positions.

He added that Russian units also target the control points from which the drones are launched. Such operations, he said, disrupt Ukrainian military logistics and reduce the combat potential of Ukrainian formations.

Meanwhile, Russian troops operating under the North Group of Forces continue their military operations in the Kharkov region.

According to Russian military reports, these units are tightening an encirclement around Ukrainian formations and continuing operations to eliminate the surrounded forces.