Kherson

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 8 DONETSK REGION, Ukraine - Even as they grapple with ammunition shortages and await materiel from Western backers, Ukrainian forces are testing Russian defenses for vulnerabilities ahead of a much-anticipated counteroffensive. At one trench position just over a kilometer from Russian lines, a Ukrainian corporal is working with a partner unit flying commercial drones to monitor Russian forces, identify weak points and plan strikes to destroy fortifications. "We are testing them," he said, describing small operations aimed at identifying Russian fighting positions and measuring their response. "And of course, they are doing the same to us." Like others in this report, the corporal spoke on the condition he be identified only by his rank and call sign, "Boxer," in keeping with Ukrainian military regulations. Boxer said the small operations are preparing … [Read more...] about Ukrainian forces probe front lines for Russian weak spots

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Russian-appointed authorities in Crimea said the military fended off a Ukrainian strike on the port of Sevastopol on Monday, while a drone was also reportedly found in a forest near Moscow — attacks that come as Ukraine is believed to be preparing for a major counteroffensive. The Moscow-appointed head of the port city of Sevastopol in Crimea, Mikhail Razvozhayev, said the military destroyed a Ukrainian sea drone that attempted to attack the harbor in the early hours. He said another drone blew up without inflicting any damage. The attack was the latest in a series of attempted strikes on Sevastopol, the main naval base in Crimea that Russia illegally annexed in 2014. Ukrainian authorities didn't immediately comment on Monday's strikes. After previous attacks on Sevastopol and other areas, Ukrainian … [Read more...] about Drones attack Sevastopol, crashed drone found near Moscow

This is a carousel. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate 9 DONETSK REGION, Ukraine - The artillery shells were stored in a shallow mud dugout, covered with a black plastic tarp to keep them safe. Just 14 rounds remained - evidence of a critical ammunition shortage that has the Ukrainians scrambling for ways to conserve supply until their Western allies can produce or procure more. The artillery platoon, with the 59th Motorized Brigade in eastern Ukraine, used to fire more than 20 or 30 shells per day with their Soviet-era howitzer. Now, they typically shoot one or two, or none at all. The ammunition that has pounded parts of Ukraine daily for more than a year has become a precious resource in the artillery war with Russia - and which side conserves shells and rearms faster could turn the tide on the battlefield. In the dugout, a Ukrainian soldier reached for a round as his commander recited coordinates … [Read more...] about Facing critical ammunition shortage, Ukrainian troops ration shells