Ukrainian forces thwart Russian advance on Zaporizhzhia, commander says

Ukrainian forces have thwarted Russia's plan to advance on Zaporizhzhia, according to brigade commander Ivan Bondarenko, who also reported a record 85 enemy aerial targets destroyed in a single day. Bondarenko said Russia now uses various drones, including FPVs, "Molniyas," and Shaheds, to terrorize civilians, with attacks launched in large groups from multiple directions to overwhelm air defenses. He noted that 90% of interceptions are carried out by Ukrainian interceptor drones, and his brigade destroyed nearly 1,400 targets in July alone. The commander stated that Zaporizhzhia is being prepared as an "impregnable fortress," with Ukrainian counterattacks having pushed Russian forces back from the city's approaches. He added that Russia continuously improves its drone technology, including using "Molniyas" as FPV carriers and signal relays.