Victorious news of 877th day of war: Ukrainian forces down Russian Su-25 in Donetsk region, Russian helicopter with FSB officers on board goes missing

Ukrainian anti-aircraft gunners down Russian Su-25 in Donetsk region

Ukrainian anti-aircraft gunners have shot down a Russian Su-25 attack aircraft in the Pokrovsk sector of the Donetsk region.

The Khortytsia troop grouping reported the information on July 19.

The Russian Su-25, which was attempting to strike Ukrainian Defense Forces positions, was shot down by Ukrainian anti-aircraft gunners of the separate mechanized brigade named after General Lieutenant Mark Bezruchko.

"Due to the accuracy, skill, and professionalism of the Ukrainian anti-aircraft gunners, the Russian air force has lost one Su-25 attack aircraft today," the statement said.

Russian helicopter with FSB officers on board goes missing

A Robinson R44II helicopter has disappeared in Yakutia after an emergency beacon went off. According to SakhaDay, the pilot and three FSB officers were on board.

The Russian service of Radio Liberty reported the information.

On the night of July 19, an emergency beacon on a Robinson helicopter, performing an unregistered flight 80 kilometers from Chagda in the Aldan district, was triggered.

The helicopter then lost communication, and Russian special services are now searching for it.

Ukraine signs £2 billion loan agreement with UK

On July 19, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov and UK Defense Minister John Healey signed an agreement to provide official loan support for strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities.

The framework agreement, in particular, involves providing a loan valued at 2 billion pounds to finance Ukraine's defense needs, as reported by Ukraine's Ministry of Defense.

The purpose of the agreement is to provide financial support for strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, which includes the purchase of modern weapons, military equipment, and other defense equipment in accordance with NATO standards.

"According to the framework agreement, the loan will be utilized for implementing large-scale initiatives aimed at enhancing Ukraine's defense capabilities. This will reduce the burden on the state budget and allow in the short term to obtain the necessary weapons for the defense of our state, first of all, in the field of air defense," said Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov.

The loan is granted for 15 years with the possibility of extension and at a favorable interest rate.

Umerov emphasized that this agreement is crucial for strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities. 

To ensure transparency and effective use of funds, a joint panel comprising officials of both governments would oversee the targeted use of the loan.

Kyiv children's hospital resumes work of three departments after Russian missile strike

After the Russian missile strike on July 8 at the Okhmatdyt Children's Hospital, the surgical, oncology, and neonatal departments have resumed their work. Doctors are now able to conduct acute hemodialysis again

The hospital's general director, Volodymyr Zhovnir, announced this, as reported by Espreso correspondent Dmytro Didora.

Zhovnir stated that the rubble at Okhmatdyt has been cleared, and the expert assessment of the damage from the Russian attack is almost complete. He mentioned that the children's hospital has suffered equipment losses worth UAH 400 million.

"In the near future, we will understand the full extent of the damage to the buildings. We have already resumed the oncology, surgical, and neonatal departments. We even managed to conduct acute hemodialysis," Zhovnir said.

The general director of Okhmatdyt noted that 400 children and their parents were evacuated to different institutions in Kyiv after the Russian strike. However, some children cannot be treated in those hospitals.

"Our nephrologist and a visitor to Okhmatdyt were killed. Five doctors were seriously injured. Three hundred people were injured, most of them medical workers ensuring the safety of children. Six buildings were destroyed, including the cardiac center. Several buildings are likely beyond repair," Zhovnir said.

He also added that the critical infrastructure of the hospital was completely destroyed as a result of the Russian missile strike.

Russian ballistic missile intercepted over Odesa region

Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk reported.

On Thursday evening, July 18, the Defense Forces successfully intercepted the Russian missile.

“The Iskander operational-tactical missile that targeted the Odesa region yesterday was shot down. This is a significant event,” Pletenchuk stated.