Ukraine Downs 23 Russian Drones but "Significant Damage", West "Sorely Disappointed" with Offensive

Ukraine said its forces shot down 23 Shahed-136/131 kamikaze drones launched by Russia overnight on Aug. 2. Russian forces launched the Iranian-made UAVs from three directions – Kursk and Primorsko-Akhtarsk and Chauda in Crimea. According to the Air Force, most of the Shaheds were shot down over Kyiv and Odesa oblasts. Ukraine’s Air Force reported that some drones managed to hit their targets in Odesa Oblast. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reacted to the attack, calling Russia "terrorists". Ukraine said that its forces killed 540 Russian soldiers in the last 24 hours. Ukraine’s military intelligence claims that conflict within Russian elites is escalating. The UK Ministry of Defence has said Russia is attempting to strengthen its ground forces as part of a long-term strategy to face down NATO. The UK ministry said Russia had been establishing "major new formations to add depth to its ground forces" over the last two months. A Politico report claims that Kyiv’s allies are disappointed with its counteroffensive results till now. The Politico quoted US officials, who admitted that the Ukrainian counter-offensive produced no major successes. The US officials also said that Kyiv’s supporters who were hoping for a breakthrough "were sorely disappointed”. Washington may also announce another package of military aid worth $400 million to Kyiv’s government next week, as per Politico. Watch this video to know what's latest in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.