Russian forces capture Spirne, Novooleksandrivka villages in DPR
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In the last 24 hours, Ukraine lost up to 820 servicemen in fights with Tsentr and Yug groups.
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A member of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) forces is seen outside the destroyed Donetsk airport in Donetsk, Donetsk People's Republic, on May 25, 2024. (Sputnik)
Russian forces have seized control of the villages of Spornoe (also known as Spirne) and Novoalexandrovka (also known as Novooleksandrivka) in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) in the last 24 hours, according to the Russian Defense Ministry.
The Ministry explained that "nits of the Tsentr group of forces liberated the village of Novoalexandrovka in the Donetsk People's Republic... Over the past 24 hours, five counterattacks by assault groups of the 24th, 31st, 41st mechanized, and 68th chaser brigades of the Ukrainian army were repulsed," and Russian troops' Yug (South) grouping secured possession of Spornoe.
Ukraine lost up to 820 servicemen, eight vehicles, a US-made M777 howitzer, a Msta-B howitzer, two D-30 howitzers, two Rapira anti-tank guns, and a US-made AN/TPQ-36 counter-battery radar in fights with Tsentr and Yug groups in the last 24 hours, it highlighted.
Up to 285 Ukrainian servicemen were killed in the Sever (North) group, and a tank, five vehicles, and a US-made Paladin self-propelled artillery system were also destroyed.
The Ministry stated that two US-made M777 howitzers, a D-20 howitzer, a Rapita anti-tank gun, and a Grad multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) were also eviscerated.
Russia's Zapad (West) group of forces killed up to 515 Ukrainian soldiers and damaged two armored vehicles and four vehicles, according to the ministry.
During the attack, a UK-made Braveheart self-propelled artillery mount, two US-made M777 howitzers, a Gvozdika self-propelled artillery unit, a Msta-B howitzer, and a Grad MLRS were all struck, according to the Ministry.
Russia's Dnepr group of troops killed up to 105 Ukrainian soldiers and destroyed two US-made M777 howitzers and a D-30 howitzer, as well as a US-made M119 howitzer, an Anklav electronic warfare station, and three field ammo stores, the Ministry said.
Russia's aerospace forces also targeted an echelon carrying military supplies for the Ukrainian army's 117th brigade during unloading, according to the ministry.
Over the last 24 hours, Russia's air defense systems have destroyed several Ukrainian air targets, including 72 unmanned aerial vehicles, two Neptune-MD long-range guided missiles, three US-made MALD decoy missiles, and nine US-made HIMARS rounds, according to the ministry.
Ukrainians flee conscription despite manpower shortage: The Guardian
A report from The Guardian details the challenges faced by Ukrainian men in light of conscription measures, forcing some to resort to desperate measures to evade military service.
Dmytro, a 31-year-old photographer from Kharkiv, said he has been holed up in his flat, rarely stepping outside, anxiously waiting for autumn when his handlers promise to facilitate his escape from Ukraine.
"I want to leave the country. My mind can’t take being trapped here any more," Dmytro said.
The Ukrainian government's recent adoption of sweeping mobilization measures has intensified efforts to enforce conscription. These measures include stricter penalties for draft evasion, prompting increased attempts to flee the country illegally.
For €8,000 (£6,800), Dmytro said he is seeking a way out, adding, "I am not made for war. I can't kill people, even if they are Russians. I won't last long on the front … I want to build a family and see the world. I am not ready to die."
The Ukrainian military, which has been grappling with acute shortages of soldiers, has lowered the mobilization age and intensified recruitment efforts.
As the war wears on, Ukrainians grapple with difficult choices and the harsh realities of conflict. Meanwhile, the West refuses to seek a peace process unfold, as Western leaders continue to deliver arms and munitions to Zelensky.
