Victorious news of 804th day of war: Ukrainian forces repel Russian motorcycle assault, power engineers create smart grids

Kosovo to donate mortar shells to Ukraine 

The partially recognized republic of Kosovo will provide Ukraine with a military aid package that will include mortar shells, military trucks, armored vehicles, and tactical vehicles. This was reported by hromadske.

"I will not go into details, but I can say that these are 120 mm, 60 mm, 81 mm mortar shells, military trucks for transportation of personnel and weapons, armored vehicles, tactical vehicles to support units in Ukraine in the transport and operational aspect," said Kosovo's Defense Minister Eyup Machedonsi.

The first batch of aid that has already arrived in Ukraine included tactical vehicles and armored vehicles. The second package includes mortar shells. 

Kosovo also trains Ukrainian demining specialists; in 2022, the first group of the Mine Action Center completed training. According to the Minister, Kosovo is currently preparing to train the second group.

Smart grids are being created in Ukraine

Ukrainian energy companies are working to decentralize electricity production and implement smart grids. In particular, the state-owned JSC Ukrainian Distribution Networks is already working on 12 such projects. This was announced by Mykola Markheva, Head of the Automation and Business Process Optimization Department at Ukrainian Distribution Networks, during a discussion at the Ukraine Energy Initiative.

According to Mykola Markheva, in the next 10 years, distribution system operators (DSOs) will be one of the key links in the decentralization of electricity production and the introduction of smart grids.

"Smart grids are a key element of the future of the electricity industry and will help improve the condition of power grids and ensure sustainable and efficient energy supply," he said. "In general, as of today, 65% of all high-voltage substations in the URM Group have been telemechanized and 12% of smart meters have been installed. For example, Ternopiloblenergo JSC has telemechanized 100% of all 35-110 kV substations.”

URM's portfolio includes 12 pilot projects with 6 foreign-invested operators on substation automation, installation of reclosers, metering, reconstruction of the power infrastructure with the transition to the 20 kV voltage class; development of microgrids; creation of a mobile substation fleet, etc.

Ukrainian forces repel Russian motorcycle attack near Novomykhailivka

Russian soldiers on motorcycles tried to break through to the positions of Ukrainian paratroopers near Novomykhailivka. They were eliminated with the help of drones. This was reported by the public relations service of the 79th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade.

“It can happen! The Russian forces got on motorcycles to boldly break into the positions of the Tavria paratroopers near Novomykhailivka. But our attack drone operators did not appreciate the creativity and each rider was issued a fine for speeding long before the finish line.”

According to the brigade, eight motorcycles and one infantry fighting vehicle were destroyed during the assault. Ukrainian soldiers managed to damage another infantry fighting vehicle and a tank.

Latvia donates equipment for communication on frontline

As part of the IT coalition, Latvia has provided Ukraine with communication equipment worth about €100,000. It should provide brigades with communication at the tactical level. This was reported by the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.

"Thanks to our partners, we continue to meet the needs of our units at the tactical level. A new batch of equipment from Latvia will help us to establish communication on the frontline. I am grateful to our partner for their timely support," said Deputy Minister of Defense for Digital Transformation, Digital Development and Digitalization Kateryna Chernohorenko.

Ukrainian Railways set record for export cargo transportation

Since the beginning of the year, Ukrzaliznytsia has transported a record amount of cargo for export. In January-April 2024, the railroad transported 30.4 million tons of cargo in export traffic. This is 48.8% more than in the same period last year, the company's press service reports.

"In 2024, our priorities include increasing the volume of cargo transportation, including exports, which are extremely important for the country's economy. Despite the fact that Russia has intensified its attacks on the railway infrastructure, we have a record number of freight transported in this direction over the past 4 months. The work of every railroader who helped us achieve this result is an important contribution to the stability of our country," said Yevhen Liashchenko, Chairman of the Board of JSC Ukrzaliznytsia.