Victorious news of 875th day of war: 95 Ukrainian defenders released from Russian captivity, Ukrainian military destroys 28 Russian ships since 2022

Ukrainian military destroys 28 Russian ships since all-out war began

The Ukrainian Armed Forces have destroyed a total of 28 Russian ships, including the submarine Rostov-na-Donu.

Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesman for the Ukrainian Navy, announced this at a briefing on July 17.

He clarified, "This count includes the Rostov-na-Donu submarine, which was destroyed while in dry dock."

He stated that the Ukrainian Armed Forces have destroyed three Russian cruise missile carriers, a submarine, and two new Russian ships - the Askold and Cyclone.

“Among the destroyed ships are three cruise missile carriers, a submarine, and two new ships, specifically the newest ones - the Askold and Cyclone. These vessels represent various classes, ranging from a flagship missile cruiser to missile boats and units designed for deploying small numbers of troops and patrolling, such as the Raptor, Serna, and Tunets,” emphasized the Ukrainian Navy spokesman.

95 Ukrainian defenders released from Russian captivity

On July 17, 95 soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the National Guard and the State Border Guard Service were returned from Russian captivity.

According to the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, 49 soldiers from the Ukrainian Armed Forces were released, including a member of the “air bridge” who volunteered to fly a helicopter to Azovstal to assist the units blocked there, and 2 soldiers from the Ukrainian Air Force.

Additionally, 21 National Guardsmen, 10 sailors, 7 servicemen from the Territorial Defense Forces, 5 border guards, 2 from the State Transport Special Service, and 1 defender from a volunteer territorial community unit were also released.

“All of the released servicemen are men: 88 privates and sergeants, and seven officers. Among those who have finally gained their freedom, 23 defended Mariupol, including thirteen Azovstal defenders,” the statement said.

The Coordination Headquarters reported that this marks the 54th prisoner exchange. In total, the headquarters have facilitated the return of 3,405 people from Russian captivity.

Russia loses stocks of Soviet-era tanks 

Despite claims of a wartime economy with 8% of GDP allocated to military expenditures, Russia can only replace its significant losses of tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery by refurbishing Soviet-era stockpiles. While substantial, these reserves are finite. The Economist reports.

According to intelligence estimates, Russia lost approximately 3,000 tanks and 5,000 other armored vehicles in the first two years of the war. Oryx, a Dutch open-source intelligence site, has documented 3,235 Russian tank losses with visual evidence, but indicates the real number is likely much higher.

Since the invasion of Ukraine, approximately 175 reasonably modern T-90M tanks have been deployed to the front line. The IISS estimates that annual production this year could reach around 90 units. However, most of the T-90Ms are upgrades of older T-90As. As those numbers dwindle, production of newly built t-90ms this year might be no more than 28.

Russia can build only 30 brand-new tanks a year. Last year, when Ukrainians captured a supposedly new T-90M, they discovered its gun had been produced in 1992.

Russia's ability to produce new tanks and infantry fighting vehicles, or even to refurbish older ones, is hindered by supply chain challenges. Components earmarked for 2025 production have already been depleted due to wartime demands. Moreover, crucial equipment, previously imported from Europe, is now restricted by sanctions. 

According to The Economist report, the old Soviet armaments supply chain no longer exists. Ukraine, Georgia and East Germany were all important centers of weapons and components manufacture. Kharkiv was the main producer of turrets for t-72 tanks. 

The number of workers in the military-industrial complex has also fallen dramatically. Unless something changes, before the end of this year Russian forces may have to adjust their posture to one that is much more defensive, says the IISS analyst Gjerstad.

Belgium allocates €150 million for Ukraine's reconstruction

The Belgian government is allocating €150 million for projects to restore Ukraine's infrastructure. The agreement was signed on July 17 by Prime Ministers Denys Shmyhal and Alexander De Croo during an online meeting. The Ukrainian Prime Minister announced this on Telegram.

As noted, the funds will be used, in particular, to restore energy and social infrastructure in the Kyiv and Chernihiv regions.

According to Shmyhal, the signed agreement simplifies the implementation of joint programmes and projects between Belgium and Ukraine, and will contribute to the recovery, economic and social development of our country.

Under the agreement, the Belgian development agency Enabel will also open a representative office in Ukraine.

Explosions heard again in occupied Mariupol

On July 17, Petro Andriushchenko, an advisor to the mayor of Mariupol, reported that explosions occurred in and near the Russian-occupied city.

According to Andriushchenko, the blasts were heard in the Skhidny neighborhood, the Left Bank district, and the village of Sopyne. At 16:15, Andriushchenko also reported the activity of Russian aviation.

“It's happening again, and this time Russian aircraft are flying over with the Russian flag raised. Why are they flying so low? Are they afraid?” wrote the mayor's advisor.