Russian forces may significantly increase artillery strikes in Ukraine

In Ukraine, significant developments regarding artillery strikes by Russian troops have been reported. According to Vladislav Voloshyn, spokesman for the Southern Defense Forces, intelligence indicates that the number of artillery attacks may escalate substantially in the Orikhiv and Huliaypole directions. Previously, Russian forces were using approximately 12,000 rounds per day; however, this figure is expected to rise to around 18,000 to 18,500 rounds daily. This increase marks a 54% rise in the limit on artillery ammunition allocated for counter-battery combat. The Russian military has been conducting around 200 to 250 shelling attacks daily in these southern regions, deploying between 750 and 800 rounds of ammunition in each attack. This sustained intensity of shelling indicates a possible preparation for intensifying their assault operations in Ukraine, particularly as combat clashes have increased slightly in the Orikhiv direction over the past week. The Ukrainian Defense Forces are actively engaged in search and strike operations to reclaim lost positions in this region and push back Russian forces from key settlements. Voloshyn highlighted ongoing efforts to maintain Ukrainian territorial integrity, especially in areas such as the settlement of Kamianske, where Defense Forces have achieved a 23% improvement in reclaiming positions compared to the previous week. Despite the challenges, they have successfully repelled Russian advancements, emphasizing the resilience and tactical efforts of the Ukrainian military in the face of increasing artillery threats. Recent data shows that on August 17, there were 182 combat encounters between Ukrainian Defense Forces and Russian insurgents, with 58 taking place in the Pokrovsk direction alone. These statistics underline the escalating conflict and the urgent need for appropriate countermeasures as the situation remains volatile. The announcement serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing conflict and the worries of increased military confrontations in the region.