Ukraine is set to disband its Ministry of Strategic Industries, transferring its institutions to the Ministry of Defence, a move aimed at streamlining the development of the country's defense industry. This announcement comes as fighting intensifies in the Donetsk region, with Russian forces reportedly making gains and probing Ukrainian defenses. Recent reports indicate that Russian troops have committed significant resources to a sector where a Ukrainian breakthrough occurred in mid-June, aiming to exploit perceived weaknesses. This offensive has reportedly led to a lengthening of the front line and strained Ukrainian infantry and drone operator resources, according to analysis of the conflict's progression. The stated objective appears to be the complete capture of the Donetsk region's administrative territory. In parallel, Russian forces are reportedly making efforts to reach Shandryholove and Lyman in the northern part of the front, potentially aiming to recreate a pincer movement similar to that seen in 2022 which threatened Slovyansk. This operation faces significant natural and fortified obstacles, including the Siverskyi Donets river and numerous Ukrainian defensive positions. The analysis suggests Ukraine is currently more weakened than in previous years of the conflict. Separately, there have been reports of drone wreckage in the Kuban region of Russia, where a downed UAV damaged a carriage of a passenger train, injuring two people. Additionally, explosions and a fire were reported at a nitrogen plant in Nevinnomyssk, Stavropol Krai. These incidents highlight the ongoing impact of the conflict beyond direct combat zones. There are also warnings of potential ballistic missile launches from the direction of Donetsk, with specific mention of Iskander-M, KN-23, and C-300 systems that could be employed.
