Ukrainian drones attacked a Lukoil oil/fuel storage facility in Adler, a district of Sochi, Russia, on the Black Sea coast. The strikes occurred late on July 23rd, leading to reports of explosions and active Russian air defenses in the area. One drone was described as an AN-196 Lyutyi, potentially a long-range OWA-UAV. Multiple sources reported significant drone activity targeting Sochi and Adler, with air defenses reportedly engaging a large number of drones. Videos circulating online showed explosions and air defense fire near the airport and the fuel depot. The drone strike on the fuel depot was confirmed by multiple outlets, with one source indicating the strike occurred at coordinates 43.3967249, 39.9899048. In parallel, Odesa, Ukraine, experienced a sustained drone attack, with reports of explosions near the port and falling debris. Another wave of Russian UAVs was reported approaching from the Black Sea. The US State Department approved two military assistance packages for Ukraine totaling $322 million, including Hawk Phase III anti-aircraft missile systems and Bradley infantry fighting vehicles. Separately, a US citizen, Derek Huffman from Texas, was confirmed killed on Ukrainian front lines by a drone strike. The Trump administration also made a commitment of $9 million in FY 2025 Security Assistance Initiative funds to BAE for refurbishing Bradley fighting vehicles. In Ukraine, public protests continued in Kyiv, with participants expressing a range of grievances including concerns over anti-corruption policy and army reform. Protesters chanted "Hands away from NABU and SAP," referring to anti-corruption bodies. Both NABU and SAP have reportedly agreed to prepare a new bill on their work following an initiative from President Zelensky. Russian negotiators announced that Russia and Ukraine have agreed to an exchange of 1,200 prisoners of war from each side. Meanwhile, updated maps indicated Russian advances near Myrnohrad and clarified positions near Lyman.
