Victorious news of 880th day of war: Ukraine to receive 100,000 ammunition rounds via Czech initiative in August, Ukrainian forces could block Crimea this year

Ukraine to receive 100,000 ammunition rounds via Czech-led initiative by end of summer

In July and August, Ukraine will receive 100,000 rounds of ammunition purchased through a Czech-led initiative.

Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský announced this, according to CTK.

He stated that 100,000 rounds would be delivered to Ukraine by the end of summer.

"During July and August, we will send a total of 100,000 more rounds. We are currently seeking funds to buy more ammunition to continue the initiative into 2025. We could deliver up to 800,000 rounds this year if we had the funds," said Lipavský.

The Czech Foreign Minister highlighted that 18 countries have joined the Czech Republic's initiative, with 15 already contributing. This funding will allow the delivery of 500,000 rounds to Ukraine by the end of the year.

Lipavský also mentioned that the Czech Republic is in daily contact with Ukraine regarding the ammunition purchase initiative.

Ukraine could block Crimea this year 

Serhiy Zgurets, Defense Express CEO and military expert, noted that 2024 is not associated with large-scale offensive actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

He shared his opinions with Espreso TV.

"Ukraine's military leadership has stated the need to implement a mobile defense strategy. The main task at the current stage is to deplete the enemy as much as possible and create the preconditions for offensive actions. President Zelenskyy also mentioned this, but the timing for offensive actions remains uncertain. Ukraine currently lacks sufficient reserves, even with the 14 brigades that require Western assistance to be fully manned. Therefore, this year is not expected to see large-scale offensive actions by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. However, mobile defense in certain tactical areas aimed at destroying the enemy will be implemented this year," Zgurets said.

According to a military expert, Ukraine has a chance to block Crimea using long-range systems, drones, and other methods. This could make Crimea a bargaining chip in negotiations with Russia, potentially influencing the negotiating position.

"Changes on the front line through offensive actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces this year are hardly possible or advisable. Our military leadership understands this. On the other hand, our partners must understand that holding the front line and destroying the enemy in the maximum possible number depends on the effectiveness of European and American assistance," emphasized Zgurets.

Guerrillas uncover Russian Tor anti-aircraft missile system in Donetsk region

Guerrillas have uncovered the latest Russian Tor-M2 air defense system in the Donetsk region. An agent from the Atesh partisan group found the Tor-M2 missile system near the Starodubiv Reservoir in the temporarily occupied area, according to Atesh.

The agent noted that a dozen Russian soldiers were operating the system.

"Russian troops are not actively preparing for air threats and are often seen resting during downtime. They have increased patrols around the air defense system, which suggests they are concerned about possible Ukrainian attacks," Atesh reported. 

The partisans added that Russian forces keep their radar stations turned off because "AGM-88 missiles from the Ukrainian forces quickly destroy such systems."

Ukrainian team NaVi wins CS2 tournament

The Ukrainian esports team Natus Vincere won the Counter-Strike 2 tournament at the Esports World Cup 2024, earning $400,000 for their victory.

Sportarena reported the information.

The major multidisciplinary esports tournament Esports World Cup in Counter-Strike 2 takes place in Saudi Arabia from June 28 to August 25.

In the final, NaVi beat G2 Esports with a score of 2:1 (Ancient - 14:16, Nuke - 13:6, Inferno - 13:6).

For winning the tournament, the Natus Vincere CS2 team received $400,000 and 1,000 points in the overall club ranking of the Esports World Cup 2024. Meanwhile, G2 Esports earned $175,000 and 600 points.

Ukraine reaches agreement on external debt restructuring

Ukraine has reached key agreements with the Eurobond holders' committee to restructure its sovereign debt, saving the state $11.4 billion over the next 3 years.

Ukraine's Ministry of Finance reported the information.

According to the agreement, the existing Eurobonds will be exchanged for a package of new Eurobonds with a nominal reduction in the cost of debt of 37% initially and a reduction in the net present value of debt of about 60%.

"This is the level that will allow us to restore debt sustainability, fulfill the goals of the IMF program and comply with agreements with international partners, in particular, with the Group of Creditors of Ukraine. The agreement will provide USD 11.4 billion in debt service savings over the next 3 years. By 2033, the savings will amount to USD 22.75 billion. This will free up vital financial resources that can be used for defense and social spending," the Ministry of Finance explains.

The restructuring agreement also provides for an extension of the maturity of the Eurobonds. In particular, the first repayment will take place in 2029 in the amount of USD 1.172 billion.