Ukraine Advances, Strikes Moscow and Crimea
Progress of the Ukrainian Offensive
Over the past week, Ukraine has picked up the intensity of their offensive operations primarily focused in the east and south. Ukraine has made limited gains in Bakhmut, Velyka Novosilka and Orikhiv and appear to have repulsed a Russian attack near Svatove.
Moving northeast to southwest, Russia launched an attack on July 20th in the vicinity of Svatove towards the Ukrainian held city of Izium. Over a few days they made rather quick progress, advancing up to 6km in some areas and generally taking territory across a nearly 20km front. On July 26th, Ukraine began to counterattack and by the 31st they had retaken all lost territory and the lines have largely stabilized back to their original positions.
Near Bakhmut, Ukrainian forces continue to advance to the north and south of the city. Gains to the north have been modest and are better measured in hundreds of meters as Ukraine moves towards Yahidne and Pidhorodne. To the south the progress is a bit more substantial. Ukrainian forces in the last week have advanced up to 2km along a 5km front around Klishchiivka and Adriivka.
Further west on the Velyka Novosilka axis, Ukrainian forces have advanced roughly 3km into Staromaiorske. This is an area that’s seen the most territory regained by Ukraine since the start of the offensive and despite the heavy Russian resistance, appears to still be a priority. Additionally, there are reports that some of the units held in reserve during the opening weeks of the offensive have now entered the fight in this area.
Finally in the direction of Orikhiv, Ukrainian forces advanced around Robotyne. Some of these gains are still pending confirmation and it appears that even if Ukraine doesn’t have outright control of new territory, new areas are now being contested.
Ukraine Strikes in Crimea and Moscow
Over the past week Ukraine has carried out attacks in Crimea and downtown Moscow. The Chongar Bridge is a key rail line that connects Crimea to the Russian occupied territories in southern Ukraine. The bridge was attacked by some means, details aren’t yet clear, on July 29th dealing rather substantial damage. The bridge was first attacked with Storm Shadow cruise missiles on July 5th.
A few days later a suspected Ukrainian drone attack occurred in the Russian capital city of Moscow. The Moscow mayor stated that multiple drones had been shot down and where the strike occurred was due to an out of control drone. Then one day later another group of drones appeared over Moscow with another striking the same building as the day prior.
It does not appear that anyone was killed or wounded in the attack and Ukraine has not formally claimed responsibility.
https://news.yahoo.com/armed-forces-ukraine-confirm-successful-101500989.html
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-66368016
Russia At North Korea’s Side For Military Parade
Russian Defense Minister Shoigu traveled to North Korea this past week to meet with the leader of the DPRK, Kim Jong Un. The two were seated together for the parade celebrating the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War which showcased much of North Korea’s newer military technology including ICBMs.
This was the first visit to the DPRK by a Russian Defense Minister since the 1991 break up of the Soviet Union. During the course of the visit, Kim vowed solidarity with Russia’s people and military as the two discussed security and defense cooperation, according to North Korean media.
There have long been concerns that Russia would turn to North Korea to help provide munitions, especially artillery rounds, for their ongoing war with Ukraine. To date it does not appear that concern has played out but there is speculation that this visit was designed to, at least in part, help move North Korea in that direction.
https://apnews.com/article/north-korea-kim-jong-un-shoigu-parade-3171c3536c040e6edab073fa060c8138
Niger Coup Threatens Larger War in Africa
Last week a military junta seized power in Niger, removing President Mohamed Bazoum. Lots of mixed information coming out around an already confusing situation. Some arguments are that there was anger about the government’s inability to handle the rising threat of Islamic State in the region.
On July 30th, heads of state from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) threatened to respond with force if the coup leaders did not reinstate the deposed president. Simultaneously, the coups supporters threatened increased violence if any external intervention is attempted.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-66339528
https://thesoufancenter.org/intelbrief-2023-august-1/
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/pro-coup-protests-niger-west-african-leaders-meet-2023-07-30/
Islamic State Attack Kills 45 in Pakistan
A suicide bombing in northwest Pakistan killed 45 and wounded another 130 on Sunday. Islamic State militants targeted the political rally and stated, “the attack comes in the natural context of the ongoing war waged by Islamic State against democracy as a regime hostile to true Islam and in conflict with its divine law.”
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/pakistan-suicide-bombing-death-toll-rises-45-2023-07-31/
Hey bro you seen what Russia did they shot down Wagners jet killing the leader of wageber. That’s the link
https://t.me/pilotblog/6216