Ukraine fails to move even to active defense

The Ukrainian army has struggled to transition to active defense and stabilize the front, facing severe shortages in artillery shells and fortifications. According to war veteran Oleh Symoroz, Ukrainian troops are frequently forced to retreat to unprepared positions.

Symoroz reports ongoing difficulties along the entire front line, particularly in the Avdiivka sector, where Ukrainian forces have been unable to establish a stronghold. He attributes the challenges to inadequate fortifications and strategic mistakes during retreats. Contrary to claims, troops are not withdrawing to prepared positions but are retreating strategically with significant errors.

The Russian forces have adapted their defense strategy, deploying concrete plants near the front and extensively mining the area. These measures have hindered Ukrainian counteroffensives, particularly in the south in 2023. Symoroz also noted failures in fortification efforts, citing poor conditions in the Kharkiv region as a factor in recent enemy advances.

Additionally, Ukrainian units are severely understaffed, with 60-70% personnel considered a strong indicator of capability. The shortage of weapons, especially artillery shells, exacerbates the problem. Western assistance has been inconsistent, with shortages affecting even advanced equipment like the German-designed Panzer-2000 self-propelled howitzer.

Symoroz warns that without resolving these issues, the Ukrainian army cannot shift from defensive to active defense. Effective counteroffensive actions depend on addressing these critical problems with fortifications and artillery.

Ukrainian forces sunk a Russian Black Sea Fleet submarine in Sevastopol

The Ukrainian defense forces have successfully targeted a Russian submarine and an S-400 anti-aircraft missile system in Crimea. On August 2, Ukrainian Rocket Forces, working with the Navy, severely damaged four S-400 Triumph missile launchers. Additionally, the Russian submarine Rostov-on-Don, part of the Black Sea Fleet, was struck in Sevastopol’s port and sank immediately.

Ukraine liberated 23 more children from Russian occupation

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Ukraine has successfully liberated 23 more children, including three orphans, from Russian-occupied areas in Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and Luhansk oblasts. These children, previously at risk of deportation, are now safe and receiving medical and psychological support.

Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson Oblast State Administration, confirmed that eight children were returned from occupied Kherson Oblast. Among the cases, an 18-year-old from Enerhodar witnessed the brutal beating of his father by Russian forces and faced the threat of forced conscription.

A 7-year-old girl and her mother, who left their home to avoid Russian propaganda classes, were also freed. The mother had previously hidden orphans in student accommodation to protect them from abduction.

Teenage sisters aged 15 and 17 endured severe trauma, including multiple searches and interrogations by Russian forces. Their family was used as a human shield, and they lived in fear of sexual violence. Another teenager who escaped faced repeated interrogations by Russia's FSB and was detained for refusing a Russian passport.

Save Ukraine, which facilitated the return of these children, reported that Russian authorities used tactics like offering monetary incentives to attend Russian schools, even substituting teachers with non-professionals. To date, Save Ukraine has helped 446 children return from occupied Russian territories.