UKRAINE, KHARKIV OBLAST, Aug 1 — Near Hlyboke, the Russian army conducted evacuation and started mining the areas in the possible directions of the advance of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. They are also preparing assault groups for offensives, reported the press service of the “Kharkiv” group of forces.

Russia started its new offensive north and northeast in the Kharkiv region in May, but Ukrainian troops have stabilized the frontline in this section since. Now, heavy battles are ongoing in and around Vovchansk (three miles from the border, 46 miles away from Kharkiv) and near Lyptsi (six miles from the border, 12 miles from Kharkiv.)

According to the “Kharkiv” group of forces in Vovchansk, the Russian military conducted a rotation for assault troops of the 138th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade of the 6th Army. Military says the personnel of the 4th Volunteer Assault Brigade are preparing for offensive operations in one of the residential neighborhoods of Vovchansk. In the area of the aggregate plant, they deliver medicines and food using unmanned aerial vehicles.

The Russian army is building up its command and control system and communications near Sotnytskyi Kozachok and is increasing the use of reconnaissance drones.

According to the military, there were eight combat clashes in the Kharkiv direction over the past day.

“The enemy launched ten airstrikes in the direction of our Ukrainian troops’ positions, using 16 glide bombs (KABs). They targeted the areas of Lyptsi, Slobozhanske, Horiane, Velykyi Burluk, and Vilcha. The occupiers launched 32 strikes with kamikaze drones and fired 477 times at the positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces. The enemy has launched one missile attack since the beginning of the day,” the military said.

Over the past day, the Ukrainian army killed 127 Russian troops. One Russian soldier has surrendered.  

Also, in the Kharkiv direction, Russia lost 38 pieces of weapons and military equipment, including two tanks, three armored combat vehicles, six artillery systems, 12 vehicles, three pieces of special equipment, and 12 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Ukrainian troops also destroyed 62 enemy personnel shelters and one ammunition storage site.

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  •  In the Kharkiv region, near Hlyboke, Russian troops have started using hunting shotguns to counter unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, reported the press service of the “Kharkiv” group of forces.