UPDATE: President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has confirmed that nearly 60% of the weapons utilized by Ukraine’s military are now produced domestically, surpassing a previously set target from just two months ago. In his latest video address, Zelenskiy emphasized, “During this war, Ukraine has reached the point where nearly 60% of the weapons we have, the weapons in the hands of our soldiers, are Ukrainian-made.” This announcement comes as Ukraine faces intensified attacks from Russian forces.
This achievement marks a crucial step in bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities as officials prioritize the need for increased domestic weapon production. Zelenskiy pointed out ongoing collaborations, including a joint project for arms manufacturing in Denmark. Earlier in July, the president urged his government to enhance local production, aiming for over 50% of arms used in combat to be made in Ukraine—an unprecedented level since gaining independence from Soviet rule in 1991.
The current focus on domestic arms production also includes advancements in drone technology and air defense systems to counteract Russia’s escalating missile attacks on Ukrainian cities. Ukrainian officials have highlighted the development of interceptor drones as a cost-effective solution against aerial threats.
As tensions rise, reports indicate that Russian drone attacks have resulted in casualties in the Belgorod region, with three individuals killed in separate incidents. Regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov confirmed these fatalities on Telegram, underscoring the ongoing danger posed by the conflict.
Late on Saturday, Ukrainian air defense systems successfully repelled waves of Russian drones over Kyiv, with combat drones reportedly approaching the southern city of Kherson from the Black Sea. Residents of both Kherson and Kyiv were urged to seek shelter as alerts were issued across the region, including in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia.
In Zaporizhzhia, local military administrator Ivan Fedorov reported damage to a kindergarten and a residential building, with one woman suffering a head injury from debris. The situation remains dire as heavy fighting continues at the front lines in eastern Ukraine, where Russian tactics are evolving.
A Ukrainian military unit stationed in the devastated area of Pokrovsk reported that Russian marines are attempting to infiltrate the city in small groups, aiming to disrupt Ukrainian artillery and drone operations. The Russian military is also escalating efforts to encircle the city and establish new positions, employing increased use of tanks and armored vehicles.
“According to available information, Russia is planning to deploy its troops in the Donetsk region for a so-called ‘decisive breakthrough’,” the Ukrainian unit stated on Facebook.
As the situation develops, the international community is closely monitoring Ukraine’s military advancements and the ongoing conflict with Russia. With domestic arms production now a significant part of Ukraine’s strategy, the nation is striving to fortify its defenses against continued aggression.
