Ukrainian Forces Neutralize 800 Russian Troops, Destroy 29 Artillery Systems in One Day

The Ukrainian Armed Forces dealt a significant blow to Russian forces, neutralizing 800 occupiers and eliminating 29 artillery systems in a single day, according to Ukrainian military sources. This comes as Russia appears ready to make a major push in the ongoing conflict, despite suffering heavy casualties.

Ukrainian defense official Oleksiy Danilov stated that Russian troops are engaged in a massive redeployment in southern Ukraine, including the Kherson, Melitopol, and Zaporizhzhya regions, bringing in additional forces. However, Ukraine has been receiving substantial help from Western partners, including high mobility artillery rocket systems (HIMARS) from the United States, which have been critical in repelling Russian troops and striking their supply lines.

The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the south is making advances, with the villages of Andriyivka and Lozove being liberated, and Ukrainian forces strengthening their positions. The Antonivskiy Bridge across the Dnieper River in Russian-controlled Kherson city was closed after being hit by a Ukrainian air strike, disrupting Russian reinforcements and supplies.

Why this matters: The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has significant geopolitical implications, with the potential to reshape the balance of power in the region. The success of Ukrainian forces in neutralizing Russian troops and destroying their artillery systems demonstrates the effectiveness of Western military aid and the resilience of Ukraine's defense.

The Ukrainian military also reported heavy shelling along the entire front line in the eastern Donetsk region, as Russian forces targeted Bakhmut and other cities. The Ukrainian commander Oleksiy Tarasenko witnessed a shift in Russia's tactics, with Moscow's forces taking bold risks by launching battalion and platoon-sized attacks, sometimes with up to 10 combat vehicles.

To prepare for the anticipated Russian offensive, Ukraine has been urgently building extensive defensive lines spanning over 600 miles of the front, including anti-tank ditches, concrete obstacles, and reinforced trenches. These fortifications are aimed at slowing down any potential Russian advances, as Ukraine's forces are exhausted and facing severe shortages.

While Ukraine has received a $60 billion military aid package from the U.S., it still needs time to train new troops and receive the promised European equipment. The passage of this aid package by the U.S. House puts Ukraine a step closer to receiving new firepower to hinder Moscow's latest attacks.

In a notable incident, the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SSO) destroyed a Russian Hyacinth-S 152-mm self-propelled gun 2S5 using an American HIMARS system. The Russian gun was detected by the 73rd Maritime Center of the SSO during reconnaissance operations in the occupied southern region, where it had been firing at Ukrainian Defense Forces. After relaying the coordinates, the SSO fighters executed a precise strike, completely destroying the enemy's cannon.

According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the total Russian combat losses since the invasion began on February 24, 2022 are estimated at 461,060 military personnel. During the past day, 86 combat engagements were recorded on the front line in Ukraine, with the enemy actively assaulting the positions of the <a href="https://ny

Key Takeaways

• Ukraine neutralized 800 Russian troops, destroyed 29 artillery systems.
• Russia redeploys forces to southern Ukraine, facing Ukrainian counteroffensive.
• Ukraine receives HIMARS from US, disrupts Russian reinforcements and supplies.
• Ukraine builds extensive defensive lines to prepare for anticipated Russian offensive.
• Ukraine estimates 461,060 Russian combat losses since invasion began.