Ukraine Invasion: Part 50

[MagicFox]

Welcome, with love and thanks to all contributors and lurkers. Unbelievably, we’re on thread 50. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

All of Biden's delegates can now vote for whomever they please. The Democrats will have an open convention to thrash it all out.

What Is an Open Convention? - Joe Biden has withdrawn from the 2024 presidential race, throwing his support behind Vice President Kamala Harris. But his endorsement doesn’t automatically make her the nominee.

Get your popcorn ready. 😁

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-21-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Russian State Duma Chairperson Vyacheslav Volodin recently visited Nicaragua and Cuba, likely as part of ongoing Kremlin efforts to project its influence in the Western hemisphere and rally states against the US and the West.
• The Georgian State Security Service (SUS or SSSG) reportedly recently summoned several Georgian citizens, who had served as volunteers alongside Ukrainian forces, for questioning on charges of "conspiracy to overthrow the government" and "terrorism."
• Geolocated imagery confirms that a Ukrainian drone strike damaged infrastructure at the Millerovo Airbase in Rostov Oblast overnight on July 19 to 20.
• Russian forces recently advanced near Avdiivka.
• Russian forces conducted missile and drone strikes against Ukraine overnight on July 20 to 21.
• Russian federal subjects are intensifying non-standard monetary incentives for contract service with the Russian military.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

Biden drops out of presidential race. https://kyivindependent.com/breaking-biden-drops-out-of-presidential-race/ "I believe it is in the best interest of my party and my country to stand down," he said on July 21.

⚡️ Kuleba to visit China on July 23-25. https://kyivindependent.com/kuleba-to-visit-china-on-july-23-25/
During the visit, Kyiv's chief diplomat and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi will discuss the Russia-Ukraine war and China's role in achieving just and stable peace, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said.

⚡️EU approves its first-ever military support https://kyivindependent.com/eu-approves-armenia-aid/ for Armenia. The Council of the European Union for the first time approved assistance under the European Peace Facility (EPF) to support the Armenian Armed Forces with 10 million euros ($10.8 million), according to the council's July 22 statement.

⚡️Front-line troops lack https://kyivindependent.com/front-line-troops-lack-ammunition-drones-zelensky-says/ ammunition, drones, Zelensky says.
"It is very important to ensure that in all key directions, we have the means to inflict maximum losses on the enemy," Zelensky said.

⚡️Czech initiative secures funds to provide Ukraine with 500,000 shells https://kyivindependent.com/lipavsky-ammunition/ so far in 2024.
Prague continues searching for additional finances among the allies to bring this number up to 800,000, Czech FM Jan Lipavsky said in Brussels on July 22.

⚡️Around 20,000 https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-around-20-000-russians-died-in-kharkiv-offensive/ Russians died in Kharkiv offensive, Zelensky says.

Russia has deployed additional assault units near the village of Hlyboke in Kharkiv Oblast to prepare for offensive operations, Nazar Voloshyn, the spokesperson of the Khortytsia group of forces, told Interfax Ukraine on July 21. https://kyivindependent.com/russia-deployed-additional-assault-groups-in-kharkiv-oblast-military-says/

⚡️ Russia pushing toward Pokrovsk https://kyivindependent.com/russian-troops-continue-to-advance-towards-pokrovsk-in-donetsk-oblast-despite-heavy-losses-syrskyi-says/ in Donetsk Oblast despite heavy losses, Syrskyi says.

⚡️Zelensky thanks https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-thanks-biden-for-consistent-support-of-ukraine-throughout-presidency/ Biden for consistent support of Ukraine throughout presidency.

⚡️Russia announces https://kyivindependent.com/russia-announces-willingness-to-help-georgian-ruling-party-stay-in-power/ willingness to help Georgian ruling party stay in power.
Andrei Klimov, Deputy Chairman of Russia's Federation Council, stated that Russia is prepared to assist Georgia's ruling party, "Georgian Dream," in retaining power if requested.
Klimov’s comments come amid a recent survey revealing that most Georgians view Russia as their main enemy, with this sentiment growing as Georgian Dream appears to be aligning more closely with Moscow.

⚡️ Russia's Tuapse oil refinery reportedly hit https://kyivindependent.com/tuapse-refinery-on-fire/ amid mass drone attack.

⚡️ Illegal chip flows https://kyivindependent.com/china-hong-kong-russia-chips/ from China to Russia slowing down, Reuters reports.
Supplies of semiconductors and other dual-use goods shipped through China and Hong Kong to Russia have fallen by a fifth in 2024, even though both remain key transshipment hubs, Reuters reported on July 22, citing data from the U.S. Commerce Department.

⚡️Russia suspected of expanding its 'ghost fleet' to LNG exports, FT reports https://kyivindependent.com/russia-suspected-of-expanding-its-ghost-fleet-to-lng-exports-ft-reports/
Mysterious buyers suspected of links to Russia are purchasing dozens of vessels capable of carrying liquified natural gas (LNG), possibly signaling an expansion of Moscow's "ghost fleet" of tankers, the Financial Times (FT) reported on July 22.

⚡️Naftogaz has accumulated 76% of gas storage target https://kyivindependent.com/naftogaz-76-percent-gas/ ahead of winter.
Naftogaz has accumulated 10 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas ahead of winter, representing 76% of the projected November target of 13.2 bcm.

⚡️ Ukraine reaches preliminary deal with bondholders on debt restructuring. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-reaches-preliminary-deal-with-bondholders-on-debt-restructuring/

⚡️Russia begins dismantling https://kyivindependent.com/russia-begins-dismantling-ukrainian-orthodox-church-in-occupied-crimea/ an Ukrainian Orthodox church in occupied Crimea.

⚡️Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko : Zelensky risks political suicide https://kyivindependent.com/klitschko-zelensky-will-likely-need-to-hold-referendum-before-any-territorial-compromises-with-russia/ in case of concessions to Russia, will need to hold referendum.

Ukraine will need to look for ways told hold wartime elections if the war continues to drag on, Zelensky said in an interview with BBC published on July 20. https://kyivindependent.com/zelensky-elections-currently-impossible/

⚡️ Poland considers suspending goods https://kyivindependent.com/poland-strongly-considering-stopping-transportation-of-goods-through-belarus/ transport through Belarus.

⚡️ France bans Russians, Belarusians suspected of foreign interference from attending Paris Olympics. https://kyivindependent.com/france-ban-russians-belarusians-suspected-of-foreign-interference-from-attending-paris-olympics/ In total, 4,340 applications from different individuals, including athletes, volunteers, and hired personnel, were rejected for various reasons, including Russian and Belarusian citizens.

⚡️Russia systemically abuses https://kyivindependent.com/russia-systemically-abuses-its-soldiers-in-ukraine-to-maintain-order-insider-reports/ its soldiers in Ukraine to 'maintain order,' The Insider reports.
Russia uses a systematic program of "gulag-style" abuse directed at its soldiers in Ukraine in order to "maintain order" and punish perceived offenders, according to an investigation by the Insider published on July 22.

⚡️ Occupied Donetsk suffers water supply problems https://kyivindependent.com/russian-occupied-donetsk/ due to power outage in Russia, Kyiv says.

⚡️ Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 2, injure 16 https://kyivindependent.com/attacks-65/ over past day.
⚡️Russian shelling injures 5 in Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪

• JUL 22, 2024

■ Most landbased equipment losses in more than 3 months ■ Most vehicle losses of 2024, special equipment record matched ■ Fewer engagements but casualties stay above 1k ■ Good increase in 🇺🇦 strikes, improved strike ratio

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Zelenskyy announced that the Patriot air defense system from Germany has arrived in Ukraine

The EU has extended all sanctions against Russia for six months, until January 31, 2025, according to a statement from the Council of the EU.

🇨🇿 Thanks to the Czech initiative, 100,000 ammunition will be delivered to Ukraine during July-August, said the head of the Czech Foreign Ministry Jan Lipavsky.
According to him, 18 countries have currently joined the initiative, with 15 of them already fulfilling their promises and making contributions. This means that there are enough funds to deliver 500,000 ammunition to Ukraine by the end of the year, Lipavsky added.

US President Joe Biden is dropping out of the race.

Toretsk. Dismantled by the Russians.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Joe Biden has offered to nominate Kamala Harris as the Democratic presidential candidate for U.S. president

🇦🇿 Kyiv and the EU have requested Azerbaijan to supply gas to Europe through Ukraine to replace Russian gas. This arrangement will become feasible once the current contract with Russia expires at the end of this year.
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has stated that negotiations with Ukraine, the EU, and Russia are still ongoing, with all parties interested in maintaining cooperation.
However, Aliyev cautioned that if Russian gas supplies through Ukraine are halted, Austria and Slovakia could face significant challenges, as they would incur higher costs to procure gas from other sources.
▪️Earlier this month, President Zelensky announced that Ukraine is in talks with Azerbaijan regarding natural gas supplies to Europe. Ukraine aims to maintain its role as a transit country but no longer wishes to facilitate the transit of Russian gas to the EU.

🇦🇹Austria has accepted two seriously ill children from Kyiv's Okhmatdyt hospital, which was hit by a Russian missile on July 8, for treatment.
▪️Earlier, Germany evacuated eight children from Okhmatdyt to its country.

In Zvenigorod, near Moscow, an unknown individual used a sledgehammer to decapitate a bust of Stalin

Monuments Day in Russia
Now the monument to Prigozhin in Russia has been doused with paint and a dildo has been put in his hand.
We're waiting for a new Wagner Group rebellion. https://t.me/liveukraine_media/22807

More than 1,000 international companies have left Russia, but not all have stopped doing business https://t.me/liveukraine_media/22825

The son of a US presidential candidate jokes about genocide in our country.

Ukraine has successfully concluded negotiations with its creditors to restructure its sovereign debt, including a 37% haircut (write down) of the principle. This is very good news for Ukraine.

Ukraine Secures Financial Reprieve, Agrees to $20 Billion Debt Restructuring - Bondholders agree to 37% write-down after contentious negotiations

Josh Shapiro, the governor of Pennsylvania who I mentioned as a possible replacement candidate for President Biden, is now being widely mentioned as a possible pick for Vice President on the ticket with VP Harris. Pennsylvania is an important swing state and I think he'd be a fine running mate for her.

The son of a US presidential candidate jokes about genocide in our country.

He really is such an idiot. For better or worse seems like a groundswell is building around Harris as the prime candidate. I’d like to think that she could win, but I’m just very sceptical that American voters will get behind her.

Not just Ukraine and NATO but the UN, the WTO, WHO, and every environmental agreement rests on a knife edge.

@MissConductUS 2 pieces of good news. Appreciate the uplift.

Sky News and others are suggesting that the polls in key states could be pretty much tied by mid-week.

Fingers very tightly crossed.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

Sofia is open to transfer surplus and unnecessary shells to Ukraine, Bulgarian acting Defense Minister Atanas Zapryanov said, Bulgarian National Radio (BNR) reported on July 22. https://kyivindependent.com/bulgaria-may-send-surplus-ammunition-to-ukraine-minister-says/

⚡️Hungary and Slovakia have asked the European Commission to mediate a consultation procedure with Ukraine after Kyiv hardened sanctions against Lukoil, Russia's second-largest oil producer, which led to a halt in supplies, Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said on July 22. https://kyivindependent.com/hungary-slovakia-seek-consultations-with-ukraine/

⚡️Ukraine to receive https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-to-receive-1-5-billion-in-frozen-russian-assets-in-august-borrell-says/ first $1.5 billion in frozen Russian assets in August, Borrell says.

⚡️Kamala Harris secures https://kyivindependent.com/vp-kamala-harris-secures-enough-delegates-endorsements-to-win-democratic-presidential-nomination/ enough delegate endorsements to win Democratic presidential nomination.

Future peace efforts have to involve Russia, but they cannot be based on terms laid out by Russian President Vladimir Putin, the EU's chief diplomat, Josep Borrell, said on July 22 in Brussels. https://kyivindependent.com/borrell-peace-summit/

⚡️Russia sentences https://kyivindependent.com/russia-sentences-us-journalist-also-kurmasheva-to-6-5-years-in-jail/ US journalist Alsu Kurmasheva to 6,5 years in jail

⚡️ 3 Serbian weapons factory engineers arrested, accused of spying for 'foreign organization' https://kyivindependent.com/3-serbian-weapons-factory-engineers-arrested-accused-of-spying-for-foreign-organization/
The accused are all current or former employees at the state-owned Krusik factory which manufactures weapons and ammunition including 155 mm artillery shells.
The three men are accused of "taking out confidential business-technical documentation from this company without authorisation and handing it over to a foreign organization," Serbian police said in a statement quoted by AFP.

⚡️Indonesia seeking to buy Russian oil https://kyivindependent.com/indonesia-russian-oil/ for first time in over 10 years, Reuters reports.

Boeing has signed a memorandum with Ukraine's largest aircraft manufacturing company, Antonov, to further collaborate on defense-related projects, according to a statement published on July 22. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-antonov-company-to-cooperate-with-boeing-in-defense-related-projects/

⚡️Slovakia receives https://kyivindependent.com/slovakia-receives-first-f-16s-to-replace-mig-29s-donated-to-ukraine/ first F-16s to replace MiG-29's donated to Ukraine.
Another 12 F-16s will be in the country by the end of the year, Lockheed Martin, the company that manufactures the jets said in a press release.

Update: Ukrainian drones attacked ferry https://kyivindependent.com/explosions-reported-in-crimea-amid-claims-of-drone-attacks/ in Kerch Strait, the region's governor Veniamin Kondratyev claimed on the morning of July 23.
"Emergency services are on the scene. The fire is localized, there is no danger of its spreading," Kondratyev said on Telegram, adding, "Unfortunately, there are injured and one killed among crew members and port employees

⚡️Over 1,800 medical facilities damaged or destroyed https://kyivindependent.com/over-1-800-medical-facilities-damaged-or-destroyed-since-start-of-full-scale-invasion-health-ministry-reports/ since start of full-scale invasion, Health Ministry reports.

⚡️55% of Ukrainians oppose https://kyivindependent.com/55-of-ukrainians-opposed-to-territorial-concessions-to-achieve-peace-poll-finds/ territorial concessions to achieve peace, poll finds.

⚡️Mediazona confirms https://kyivindependent.com/mediazona-confirms-identities-of-nearly-60-000-russian-soldiers-killed-in-ukraine/ identities of nearly 60,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine.

⚡️Georgian security service reportedly begins investigating https://kyivindependent.com/georgian-security-service-reportedly-begins-investigating-fighters-returning-from-ukraine/ fighters returning from Ukraine.

⚡️2 Ukrainian teenagers stabbed https://kyivindependent.com/2-ukrainian-teenagers-stabbed-in-warsaw/ in Warsaw

Eye of the storm: A day in the life of Ukrainian infantry on the zero line https://kyivindependent.com/eye-of-the-storm-a-day-in-the-life-of-ukrainian-infantry-on-the-zero-line-near-toretsk/ near Toretsk
Kyiv Independent reporter Francis Farrell spent a day with Ukrainian soldiers at infantry positions near Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast.
They hold the last positions before no man's land: the gray zone between warring sides, where any movement makes you a target.
Just 150 meters across the uneven ground, in positions that likely look very similar, are Russian soldiers.

⚡️ Russian attacks against Ukraine injure 36 https://kyivindependent.com/attacks-66/ over past day.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬

• JUL 22, 2024

■ Most landbased equipment losses in more than 3 months ■ Most vehicle losses of 2024, special equipment record matched ■ Fewer engagements but casualties stay above 1k ■ Good increase in 🇺🇦 strikes, improved strike ratio

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

The Ambassador of Ukraine to Great Britain Valerii Zaluzhnyi held his first international meeting at the diplomatic post at the Embassy of Ukraine in Great Britain.
He discussed with the Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization the issue of security of grain corridors, Ukrainian port infrastructure, and shipping in the Black and Azov Seas, which is blocked by Russia.

Hungary may stop exporting electricity to Ukraine due to the halt of oil transit by Russian Lukoil, said Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjártó.

🇱🇻🇺🇦 Latvia has sent a batch of over 500 drones to Ukraine, Defense Minister Andris Spruds said.

President Zelenskyy to Seek Russia's Participation in Peace Summit Based on International Law, Not Putin's Preconditions, Says EU's Borrell

🇵🇱 Poland Calls to Lift Restrictions on Ukrainian Attacks on Russian Airfields to Protect Children's Hospitals
Polish Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski has urged European countries to allow the Ukrainian Armed Forces to use long-range missiles to attack Russian airfields. Sikorski emphasized that protecting children's hospitals, including oncology facilities, should not be seen as an escalation of the conflict.

EU to Allocate First Tranche from Russia's Frozen Assets for Arms Purchase for Ukraine in Early August
However, EU countries did not reach an agreement on unlocking additional funds for weapons for Ukraine from the European Peace Fund due to Hungary's refusal to lift its veto. Borrell also mentioned that the next meeting of EU foreign ministers will be held in Brussels, not in Budapest, because of Hungary's position on Ukraine.

The Russian media have reported a UAV attack on the port of Kavkaz in the Krasnodar Territory. Allegedly, a ferry carrying weapons for the occupiers was hit. In comments on related posts, users mentioned damage to a railway ferry, leading to the closure of the comment sections, according to the monitoring group “ Krymskyi Veter” ("Crimean Wind").

HIMARS Strikes Russian TOR Air Defense System in Olenivka

Bloomberg reports that China and Europe are purchasing roughly equal volumes of gas from Russia, based on calculations of flows through Ukraine and the Turkish Stream.
From January to June 2024, Gazprom transported 14.6 billion cubic meters of gas to its few European customers, while China imported 15.2 billion cubic meters. However, this European figure is significantly lower than the annual sales to the region of about 130-175 billion cubic meters observed before the invasion.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇱🇻Latvia has sent a batch of over 500 drones to Ukraine
On July 5, the Ministry of Defense of Latvia Andris Spruds announced that more than 2,500 combat drones of various types worth €4 million will be delivered to Ukraine. The first batch of 300 drones arrived a few days after the announcement, and the rest should arrive within this month.

Russian bot capitulated

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-22-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Russia and North Korea are pursuing increased cooperation in the judicial sphere.
• Russia is taking steps to codify terms broadly expanding the Russian official definition of prosecutable extremism as part of its ongoing effort to criminally prosecute and stymie domestic opposition to the Kremlin and its war in Ukraine.
• Kursk Oblast officials appointed a critical Russian milblogger to an advisory role within the regional government, likely as part of wider Kremlin efforts to appease critical commentators by granting them certain reputational concessions in exchange for their increased informational loyalty.
• Ukrainian forces conducted drone strikes against Russian oil infrastructure in Krasnodar Krai and a military air base in Rostov Oblast on July 22.
• Georgian authorities reportedly placed roughly 300 Georgian citizens who have served as volunteers in the Georgian Legion alongside Ukrainian forces on Georgia's wanted list.
• Russian forces recently advanced near Vovchansk, Siversk, Toretsk, and Donetsk City.

I have to say listening to Harris in Milwaukee at the moment she seems buoyed and confident. No sign of a word salad anywhere.

I agree, she is looking to be a far stronger candidate than she was initially made out to be.

Her best chance of winning is for Trump to be more Trump'esque and piss off floating voters.

I see Trump has said he’ll debate her, speaking like that she’ll run rings around him.

Here's a good analysis of her challenges. She's taken some fairly hard left positions in the past which will be used against her, and the immigration issue is a very serious negative for her. Keep in mind that her 2019 campaign for President went nowhere with the voters.

Kamala Harris’s Rocky Road to Victory The vice president is trailing Trump. To beat him, she’ll need a clear plan of action.

Still, a lot can happen in three months. It's certainly an interesting time in American politics.

A retired Russian economist fell out of a window https://www.newsweek.com/top-russian-economist-dies-after-falling-out-window-1929398

Elvira recently made open comments about how the Russian economy was struggling and going to be struggling more. I wonder if this was a 'hint'.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Russia outguns Ukraine but suffers 3 times higher losses https://kyivindependent.com/russia-outguns-ukraine-but-suffers-3-times-higher-losses-syrskyi-says/ Syrskyi says.
Moscow currently fields some 520,000 troops in Ukraine and plans to raise this number to 690,000 by the end of the year, Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi said in an interview with the Guardian published on July 24.
"When it comes to equipment, there is a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 in their favor," Syrskyi said in the interview.

⚡️ Hungary to block EU's Ukraine defense funds until Kyiv lifts ban on Lukoil transit https://kyivindependent.com/hungary-to-block-eu-military-aid-to-ukraine-until-it-lifts-ban-on-lukoil-transit-budapest-says/ Budapest says. [unutterable diseased, stinking, rotting dicks]

⚡️Russia attempting to break through toward Pokrovsk https://kyivindependent.com/russia-attempting-to-break-through-toward-pokrovsk-military-says/ in Donetsk Oblast, military says.

⚡️Russia is building up its forces in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, adding at least 2,000 more troops there within the last few weeks, Dmytro Lykhovii, a spokesperson for Ukraine's Tavria group of forces, said on national television on July 23. Tthere is no indication yet that Russia is preparing for another offensive in the area, Lykhovii added. https://kyivindependent.com/russia-building-forces-in-zaporizhzhia-oblast-military-says/

⚡️Kuleba holds more than 3 hours of talks https://kyivindependent.com/kuleba-holds-more-than-3-hours-of-talks-with-chinese-fm/ with Chinese FM.

⚡️ Ukraine to attract almost $4 billion https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-world-bank-grant/ US grant via World Bank.
The Ukrainian government decided to attract a $3.9 billion grant from the U.S. for salaries and social support programs, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on his Telegram channel on July 23.

⚡️EU ambassadors supported on July 24 the transfer of 4.2 billion euros ($4.55 billion) to Kyiv as the first regular payment under the Ukraine Facility https://kyivindependent.com/eu-ambassadors-ukraine-facility/

Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak held talks with Phil Gordon, the national security advisor to U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Presidential Office said on July 23. https://kyivindependent.com/yermak-holds-talks-with-harris-advisor/

⚡️Ukraine confirms Russian ferry 'seriously damaged' in attack on Crimea https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-confirms-russian-ferry-seriously-damaged-in-attack-on-crimea/

⚡️Ukraine's military intelligence behind https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-military-intelligence-claims-responsibility-for-cyberattack-on-russian-banks-payment-systems/ cyberattack on Russian banks, source says.

⚡️ Moscow car bomb attack injures Russian intelligence officer https://kyivindependent.com/moscow-car-bomb-attack-injures-russian-intelligence-officer-media-reports-say/ media reports say. The TASS news agency said the man had his feet blown off in the attack, which targeted a Toyota Land Cruiser.

⚡️Moscow to pay https://kyivindependent.com/moscow-authorities-will-begin-paying-city-residents-almost-20-000-signing-bonus-for-joining-army/ residents over $21,000 signing bonus for joining army.

⚡️Rheinmetall receives order https://kyivindependent.com/rheinmetall-receives-order-to-build-ammunition-factory-in-ukraine/ to build ammunition factory in Ukraine.
The German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall announced on July 24 that it had received an order from the Ukrainian government to begin the construction of an ammunition factory in Ukraine. [This was planned back in Feb 24]

Ukraine’s soldiers training on Starstreak https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-soldiers-training-on-starstreak-heres-why-its-so-deadly/ – here’s why it’s so deadly
Ukraine's Armed Forces announced on July 23 that another batch of its soldiers were in the U.K., learning how to use possibly the best-named weapon on the battlefield – Starstreak.
Starstreak isn't a new addition to the battlefield in Ukraine – it was actually among some of the first weapons supplied to Kyiv by the U.K. in order to deny Russia air superiority.

⚡️DTEK aims https://kyivindependent.com/dtek-aims-to-recover-60-70-of-its-power-generation-capacity-by-october/ to recover 60-70% of its power generation capacity by October.

Russian missile strikes that have crippled Ukraine’s grid have created an existential need to move energy production away from large facilities that have become targets for Russian attacks. Though the war has created willpower to redesign the energy system, it has also created serious obstacles, writes Andrea Januta. https://kyivindependent.com/you-have-power-or-you-dont-ukraines-energy-crisis-drives-power-decentralization/

⚡️ Bill on banning Russian-linked churches https://kyivindependent.com/lawmakers-block-parliament-as-considering-of-draft-law-on-russian-related-churches-postponed/ postponed, MPs block parliament in protest.

⚡️Around 3,800 convicts have joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces, but some of them have already been killed or injured, a senior lawmaker told Ukrainska Pravda in a comment published on July 23. https://kyivindependent.com/3-800-convicts-serving-in-military-among-them-killed-and-wounded-lawmaker-says/

⚡️ Ukraine and Moldova in talks about returning draft dodgers https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-and-moldova-in-talks-about-returning-draft-dodgers/

⚡️Russian man arrested https://kyivindependent.com/russian-man-arrested-in-france-over-paris-olympics-destabilization-plot/ in France over Paris Olympics destabilization plot.

Ukrainian authorities charged pro-Russian oligarch Viktor Medvedchuk in absentia with illegal seizure of the Samara-Western direction oil pipeline section several years ago, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said on July 24. https://kyivindependent.com/medvedchuk-pipe/

⚡️ Ukraine won't enter EU without settling Volyn massacre https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-eu-volyn-poland/ issue, Polish minister says.

⚡️ Russian attacks kill 4, injure 17 across Ukraine, hit Swiss NGO office https://kyivindependent.com/attacks-67/ in Kharkiv.
⚡️ 6 injured in Kharkiv after Russia's 5th attack in single day.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦
‪

• JUL 24, 2024

■ Engagements & casualties >7-day avg ■ Tank, artillery & special equipment losses >avg ■ Record: 538 vehicle losses in the last 7 days ■ July's 3rd plane loss (Su-25) ■ Janovsky: 36 🇷🇺 17 🇺🇦 added ■ Fewer strikes on both sides

⚡️Kuleba holds more than 3 hours of talks https://kyivindependent.com/kuleba-holds-more-than-3-hours-of-talks-with-chinese-fm/ with Chinese FM.

This can surely only be a good thing. Although I do worry that this shift in rhetoric from Ukraine towards being more willing to undertake dialogue stems from fear of a Trump presidency.

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Russian Federation Could Attack NATO in 5-8 Years, Warns Bundeswehr General Breuer
In an interview with the Sächsische Zeitung, Bundeswehr General Andreas Breuer expressed concerns that the Russian Federation may be in a position to launch an attack on NATO within the next 5-8 years. General Breuer highlighted the alarming rate at which the Russian army is enhancing its military capabilities, receiving between 1,000 to 1,500 tanks annually. In contrast, the five largest European NATO countries combined only acquire about half of this number.
The Bundeswehr, Germany's armed forces, currently operates with approximately 300 battle tanks, illustrating a significant disparity in military hardware between Russia and European NATO members. General Breuer's assessment suggests that within 5-8 years, the Russian military could be sufficiently prepared and equipped to pose a substantial threat to NATO territories.

Türkiye will assist Ukraine in restoring its energy sector and expanding distributed generation capacities, as announced by Deputy Minister of Energy of Ukraine Svitlana Grynchuk following a meeting with Turkish Ambassador to Ukraine Mustafa Levent Bilgen.

The Russian Federation has ignored Türkiye's requests to visit Ukrainian prisoners of war, according to Turkish Ombudsman Şeref Malkoç during a meeting with relatives of the prisoners. He stated that in the absence of a response, Türkiye intends to raise this issue with the UN Secretary General.

Boeing and Ukrainian aircraft manufacturer Antonov are exploring collaboration opportunities in the field of drones. They signed a preliminary agreement at the Farnborough Air Show, aiming to work together on unmanned systems to bolster Ukraine's defense industry.

The Ministry of Health of Ukraine announced that Japan has donated 20 vehicles and five portable ultrasound devices to medical institutions in the Kharkiv region. Additionally, Japan is purchasing 10 endoscopic imaging systems and plans to supply 20 specialized neurosurgical microscopes.

The ambitious aviation project between Russia and China to create a wide-body aircraft, originally symbolized by the abbreviation CR929, has come to an end without Russian involvement. Initially launched as a joint venture to rival Boeing and Airbus, the project began ten years ago. However, Beijing has now decided to proceed without its Russian partners, transforming the CR929 into the C929, an exclusively Chinese development.
The project, which was formalized by a memorandum signed by President Putin during a visit to Beijing in 2014, aimed to produce a 280-passenger airliner. Despite the initial collaboration, sources from China's COMAC Aircraft Corporation have confirmed to the BBC that the partnership with Russia's United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) has been dissolved.

Slovak Defense Minister Robert Kalinyak stated that while Slovakia will not provide direct military aid to Ukraine, the country does not restrict the defense production sector. Despite the government's stance, Slovak-made ammunition still reaches Ukraine. Kalinyak highlighted that the government cannot fully control the end destinations of buyers' shipments.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has unanimously decided to exclude the International Boxing Association (IBA) from its list of recognized federations during its 142nd session in Paris. This decision follows the IOC's previous ruling in the summer of 2022, which determined that tournaments under the IBA would not qualify for the 2024 Olympics.
The exclusion is largely due to the actions of IBA President Umar Kremliov, who allowed Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags, fully lifting all sanctions. Additionally, the IBA's significant financial dependence on a sponsorship agreement with Russian company Gazprom, along with concerns regarding refereeing and other activities within the organization, contributed to the IOC's decision.

Historic moment: The International Olympic Committee announced the creation of the Olympic eSports Games.
The first competitions will be held in Saudi Arabia in 2025.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Russia plans to increase the number of its troops in Ukraine to 690,000 by the end of the year -Armed Forces Chief Oleksandr Syrsky www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/jul/24/i-know-we-will-win-and-how-ukraines-top-general-on-turning-the-tables-against-russia

According to preliminary information, a Russian Shahed drone attacked the Romanian village of Plaura last night
The video, captured from the Ukrainian bank of the Danube, awaits official confirmation or denial.

🇷🇴 Romania raised two F-16 aircraft during the Russian attack on Izmail to monitor the situation, the Romanian Defense Ministry reports
The ministry will investigate near Plaura, where the Russian drones may have come down. The search will continue throughout the day.

In Moscow, the car of Andrei Torgashov, deputy head of the Russian military satellite communications unit, was blown up
According to Russian media, Torgashov survived but lost his legs. His wife was also injured. The explosive device detonated as the couple was getting into the car.

On July 20, Houthi forces attempted to attack a container ship near Yemen twice. The first attempt was with a UAV, the second with an unmanned surface vehicle.
According to Clash Report, the ship's crew was Ukrainian.

The Ukrainian military has "significantly damaged" the Russian ferry Slavyanin in the port of Kavkaz, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine has said
The Russians used this ferry to transport railroad cars, vehicles, and containers for military purposes. "The Slavyanin is the third and last rail ferry that Russia had in the Krasnodar region".

Last night, Russia launched an attack on the Izmail district, damaging the port infrastructure, according to the District Military Administration
A five-story residential building was also hit, resulting in injuries to three people. Fortunately, no one was killed.

@Igotjelly I fear it has to do with that, and also the shortage of manpower for fighting in Ukraine.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-23-2024

Key Takeaways:

• The Russian State Duma proposed an amendment that would allow commanders to punish subordinates for using personal communications and navigation devices at the frontline, prompting significant milblogger backlash and highlighting how Russian forces continue to struggle with command and control (C2) issues and overreliance on insecure technologies to conduct combat operations in Ukraine.
• Ukrainian forces reportedly conducted drone strikes against a ferry crossing in Kavkaz, Krasnodar Krai on the night of July 22 to 23.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin appointed a new Deputy Head of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Services on July 22, and there were several personnel changes within the Russian State Duma on July 23.
• Russian forces recently marginally advanced near Siversk, Avdiivka, and Donetsk City.
• Russian regional officials are continuing to increase financial incentives to entice more men to fight in Ukraine.
• Russian occupation officials continue to rely on Russian security organs for law enforcement and filtration functions in occupied Ukraine aimed at degrading pro-Ukrainian sentiment.