Victorious news of 744th day of war: 305 neutralized Russian drones, aid package from UK, explosions in Melitopol

Famous brand stores are returning to Ukraine

The brands of Inditex, one of the world's largest fashion distribution groups, such as Zara, Pull&Bear, Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Stradivarius, Oysho, and Zara Home, are officially returning to Ukraine. This was reported by Ukraine's Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Since 2022, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been systematically working with all the leading international brands that left the Ukrainian market due to the outbreak of a full-scale war by the Russian Federation to resume their work in Ukraine.

"The return of large international companies to the Ukrainian market creates new jobs, provides access to quality goods and services, supports Ukraine's economy in times of war and deepens its integration into the global economy, strengthens the confidence of international business and investors in our country and its victory," the ministry said.

American nuclear fuel is loaded at Khmelnytsky NPP for the first time

The first batches of Westinghouse nuclear fuel have been delivered to Khmelnytsky NPP. This is the fourth nuclear power plant to be converted from Russian to American fuel. This was reported by Energoatom.

"Fresh Westinghouse nuclear fuel for two KhNPP units with VVER-1000 reactors is already at the plant site. From now on, all domestic nuclear power plants will use American fuel assemblies. They will be loaded into the reactors of Khmelnytsky NPP this year during scheduled preventive maintenance," the company informed.

Until now, two KhNPP units have been operating on Russian fuel purchased before the full-scale invasion of Russia. After February 24, 2022, Energoatom completely ceased cooperation with the aggressor country.

Photo: gettyimages

"The company has carried out a number of technical works and purchased the necessary equipment to ensure that all Ukrainian nuclear power units with VVER-1000 and VVER-440 reactors operate on nuclear fuel from the American company Westinghouse," Energoatom said.

Russian ammunition depot explodes in Melitopol

At least two explosions occurred in the temporarily occupied Zaporizhzhia region over the past day. This was reported by the head of Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration Ivan Fedorov.

"Last night, an explosion was recorded in Tokmak at the Russian military base. And yesterday there were explosions in Melitopol - an ammunition warehouse in the temporarily occupied city and a car that brought ammunition blew up," said Fedorov.

The UK will provide Ukraine with over 10,000 drones

The United Kingdom is stepping up its support for Ukraine by providing a £325 million support package for advanced unmanned aerial systems to combat Russia's illegal invasion. This was reported by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The increase in the planned funding package from the 200 million pounds announced by the Prime Minister in January to 325 million pounds will allow for the purchase of more than 10,000 unmanned systems, most of which are FPV drones, 1,000 British-designed kamikaze drones, as well as reconnaissance and maritime drones.

Tavria forces neutralized 305 drones in one day

Over the past day, 52 combat engagements took place in the operational area of the Tavria operational and strategic grouping of troops. Russia launched 18 airstrikes, 114 strikes by 'kamikaze' drones, and 1,142 artillery attacks. This was reported by the commander of the Tavria forces, General Oleksandr Tarnavskyi.

According to the general, total Russian losses amounted to: 360 people (killed and wounded), 27 units of weapons and equipment, not including UAVs. In particular, these include 2 tanks, 7 armored combat vehicles, 3 artillery systems, 1 air defense system, 13 vehicles and a unit of special equipment. A total of 305 UAVs of various types were neutralized or destroyed. The Ukrainian Defense Forces also destroyed another enemy fuel and lubricant depot.

"I am grateful for the accuracy of our soldiers, in particular those who destroyed the Russian anti-aircraft missile system 9K330 Tor-M-2 and the automated jamming station R-330Zh Zhitel," added Oleksandr Tarnavskyi.