<Ukraine Situation Report: July 29 Highlights and Insights>
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Frontline Losses
Endless gratitude goes to Andrew Perpetua for his dedicated efforts and precise geolocations.
Noteworthy losses include four aircraft: a Mi-28, a Su-34, and two Su-30SMs, the latter struck at their base by ATACMS. A significant number of D-20 and D-30 artillery pieces have also been reported, with the D-20 introduced in 1955 and the D-30 in 1960. The D-20, which has a caliber of 152mm, and the D-30, with a caliber of 122mm, boast effective ranges of 17km and 15km, respectively, making them vulnerable to drone attacks.
Meanwhile, Putin commemorated Navy Day with an unusual salute from sailors, prompting reflections on previous instances of similar gestures.
Losses in Africa
Philip Obaji Jr. continues to shed light on Russian imperialism in Africa, particularly highlighting the recent deaths of numerous Wagner mercenaries in Mali. Russian online sources are attempting to link this ambush to Ukraine, which raises questions about their motives. It simultaneously portrays Ukrainians as highly organized while suggesting an alliance between Africa and Ukraine.
Rumors suggest that Wagner commander Anton Elizarov perished in the ambush, which reportedly claimed the lives of up to 80 Russian mercenaries, with another 15 taken captive.
Sergei “Pond” Shevchenko, commander of the 13th Assault Detachment of Wagner, also lost his life in this conflict. The Wagner Telegram channel confirmed these casualties, attributing the lack of situational awareness to a sandstorm. The last m