Russia: Destruction of 4 HIMARS missiles and 166 Ukrainian drones

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that its air defenses succeeded in shooting down 4 missiles of the "HIMARS" type, made in the USA, in addition to 166 Ukrainian drones in one day.

According to the statement published by the ministry today, Thursday, 3 guided bombs and a long-range "Neptune" missile were destroyed, as well as repelling the attack of drones that were trying to target vital sites in Russian territory.

The Russian news agency "TASS" also reported that the air defenses shot down 4 HIMARS missiles, which had been launched from American-made rocket launchers, along with a long-range Neptune missile used by Ukrainian forces to strike strategic targets.

On the other hand, Russian forces continue to make significant progress on the eastern front of Ukraine, where Ukrainian forces reported that Russia enjoys clear military superiority in terms of manpower and resources.

The Chief of the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi stated in a social media remark: "The enemy has a threefold advantage in troops and resources, as it can outnumber us by four to six times in some areas."

Syrskyi pointed out that Russian forces are using a "creeping advance" method through small infantry groups, aiming to infiltrate and occupy Ukrainian villages while avoiding direct confrontations with Ukrainian forces.

At the same time, Ukrainian forces managed to regain control of 58 square kilometers and several small villages in eastern Ukraine.

However, despite these gains, Russian forces have been able to make gradual progress in the region throughout August 2025, according to an analysis conducted by the "AFP" agency based on data from the Institute for the Study of War.

Currently, Russia controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory, and Moscow has confirmed its intention to continue fighting unless a peace agreement is reached on its terms.

These terms primarily include: halting Ukraine's accession to NATO (NATO) and preventing the alliance's expansion in its vicinity, in addition to ceding some Ukrainian provinces that are now under Russian control.