Multiple drone attacks were reported in Taganrog, Rostov Oblast, and the occupied Luhansk region on July 31st. In Taganrog, explosions were heard and the Beriev Aircraft Design Bureau and Taganrog Air Base were identified as likely targets. Drone activity was also reported across various areas in Luhansk. According to the Intelligence of Ukraine, additional Shahed-136 type shock UAVs were launched from the Halino aerodrome in Kursk region and Millerovo airfield in Rostov region. In parallel, a US Senate committee approved a Pentagon spending bill that includes approximately $1 billion in support for Ukraine. This funding comprises $800 million for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and $225 million for the Baltic Security Initiative, which supports Ukraine's defense against Russia's invasion. This approval occurred despite the Trump administration's request to reduce such funding, as reported by NOELreports. Further details on the conflict indicate that Russian forces in the Sumy region are facing worsening conditions following the loss of Kindrativka, with Ukrainian troops reportedly advancing, according to Russian military blogger Anatoly Radov cited by NOELreports. Separately, a report from KofmanMichael suggests that while the front line is not at risk of collapse, Russian improvements in drone employment are diminishing Ukraine's advantages. In a different development concerning international cooperation, a Russian delegation led by Roscosmos head Bakanov met with NASA leaders in Houston, with both agencies witnessing launches from Cape Canaveral, indicating a period of cooperation despite broader geopolitical tensions. The US Senate appropriators have added $22 billion to the defense spending bill, bringing the topline to $853 billion. This includes significant allocations for munitions procurement and production, with $1.2 billion designated for Lockheed Martin to increase capacity for PAC-3 MSE, THAAD, and JASSM missiles. Funding for F/A-XX and E-7 Wedgetail aircraft has also been restored, as noted by Colby Badhwar. An analysis of drone usage indicates a substantial increase in Russian drone launches against Ukraine in July, with 6,297 drones launched compared to 426 in July 2024, marking a 1378% increase. This surge suggests expanded drone supply beyond Iran, potentially involving Chinese sources, according to silupescu. Concerns have been raised regarding Russian military blogger Fighterbomber's safety, with speculation that he might face consequences similar to those experienced by Girkin or Murz, implying a potential turn of events against Russian supporters, as stated by UAControlMap. Separately, information regarding Pokrovsk highlights its location amidst large coal mine networks, with the tunnels of these mines being extensive but not mapped, as shared by J1MMYJAMJAM. There was also a report mentioning an incident involving a Brazilian YouTuber in Russia, with Ene1d4LSant2 suggesting a comparison between racism in Brazil and Russia.
