Victorious news of 554th day of war: Ukrainian partisans in Mariupol target Russian forces, Ukraine successfully tests its long-range weapons

NATO says Ukrainians exceeded their expectations in counteroffensive

The Ukrainian military is successfully pushing back the Russian forces during the counter-offensive, gradually driving Russia out of its positions, and is able to break through some of the occupiers' fortified defense lines.

This was stated by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, CNN reports.

In an interview, the NATO Secretary General gave a positive assessment of the Ukrainian counter-offensive, and in this context stressed the importance of support for Ukraine by partner and allied countries.

"The Ukrainians are gradually gaining ground, meaning that they are pushing back the Russians, and they are able to get through some of these heavily defended territories, including the minefields," he said.

He also disagreed with the critical assessments of some Western military and experts about the slow pace of the Ukrainian Defense Forces' advance in this campaign, adding that there is "a constant dialogue between NATO allies and the Ukrainian side."

"What we have seen is that Ukrainians have exceeded expectations again and again, and we have to remember where the whole thing started last year with the full-fledged invasion by Russia into Ukraine. Then experts believed that Ukraine would only last for a few days or a few weeks. Now they have liberated the north, around Kyiv, the east, around Kharkiv, the territory in the south – Kherson. And now they are making even more gains," Stoltenberg said.

Ukrainian becomes world boxing champion in 63 kg weight category

Bohdan Tymchuk from Kolomyia won first place and became the world boxing champion in the 63 kg weight category.

This was announced by the mayor of Kolomyia, Bohdan Stanislavsky.

"The Ukrainian flag was raised in Rio de Janeiro thanks to Bohdan Tymchuk, a sportsman from Kolomyia. He won first place and became the world boxing champion in the 63 kg weight category. Ukraine's national team also showed excellent results at the World Summer Boxing Gymnasium in Brazil, taking first place as a team. This was also achieved with the help of our athlete. An excellent result!" said Stanislavsky.

Ukrainian partisans set Russian base in Mariupol on fire

Partisans of the "E" group set fire to the territory of the Russian invaders' base in the temporarily occupied Mariupol. As a result, Russian forces lost at least four vehicles.

This was reported by the mayor's adviser Petro Andriushchenko.

BAE Systems to open an office in Ukraine and localize arms production

Two arms cooperation agreements have been signed between Ukrainian ministries and the British company BAE Systems. They provide for the localization of production and repair of weapons, including the new L119 light howitzers.

This is stated on the website of the President of Ukraine.

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with representatives of BAE Systems, a multinational company headquartered in London that specializes in arms production, security and aerospace.

It is reported that weapons manufactured by BAE Systems, including the L119 and M777 artillery systems and CV90 infantry fighting vehicles, have proven themselves in Ukraine, helping to defeat Russia and receiving positive feedback from Ukrainian soldiers.

Two agreements were signed at the meeting between Ukrainian ministries and Charles Woodburn, the company's CEO. The first is an agreement on cooperation in localizing BAE Systems' weapons production between the Ministry of Strategic Industries of Ukraine and BAE Systems. The second is on joint work on the repair, spare parts and production of new L119 light howitzers between the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine and the British company.

Ukrainian Armour resumes production of mortars of various calibers

Ukrainian Armour LLC has fully resumed production of mortars of various calibers and has already supplied more than 600 units to the Ukrainian Defense Forces this year alone.

The company announced this on Facebook.

"Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, part of our production facilities in the east of the country has been seized by the enemy. We have found a way to resume production cycles, conduct qualification tests and launch the production of 60 mm, 82 mm and 120 mm mortars at relocated sites," said Vladyslav Belbas, CEO of Ukrainian Armour LLC.

Ukrainian-made long-range weapons hit a target 700 km away

At the meeting with President Zelenskyy, Ukraine's own weapons production was discussed. 

The Ministry of Strategic Industries reported that a long-range Ukrainian-made weapon hit a target 700 km away.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced this on August 31 on Telegram.

Meanwhile, National Security and Defense Council Secretary Oleksiy Danilov posted a video of a Ukrainian missile test.

"The missile program of the President of Ukraine is in action. The tests are successful, the use is effective," he wrote.

However, Danilov did not specify whether these were the same tests that were reported to Zelenskyy.

Ukraine launched 12 air strikes against the enemy

During the day, Ukrainian aviation carried out 12 strikes on the areas of concentration of personnel and 4 on enemy anti-aircraft missile systems. 

This was reported by the General Staff. 

During the day, missile and artillery units destroyed one artillery unit at a firing position and two enemy radar stations.