Ukrainian troops are chuffed with this delivery of all-terrain military buggies that were assembled by volunteers in the country’s capital Kyiv.

The images show Ukrainian guardsmen trying out their new buggies and putting them through their paces on dirt tracks in a forested area. The all-terrain vehicles appear fast and agile, easily carrying three soldiers.

The footage was obtained from the National Guard of Ukraine on Wednesday, 3rd August, along with a statement saying: “For the guards of the Northern Union, volunteers from the capital handed over hand-assembled VOLS mobile buggies.”

VOLS is a manufacturer of light military vehicles in Ukraine.

The National Guard added: “These small but incredibly manoeuvrable all-terrain vehicles perform the tasks of light military equipment and help increase mobility, reduce personnel losses and provide a serious advantage to the defenders of Ukraine.

“VOLS buggies are ideal for both assault and defence. They are the best choice for snipers and medics. The uniquely shaped fuel tank and small engine provide more than 500 kilometres without refuelling, and the specially equipped folding section can be used to evacuate wounded soldiers as far as possible from the fire lines or to transport the necessary equipment and ammunition.”

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February in what the Kremlin is calling a “special military operation”. Today marks the 162nd day of the invasion.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 4th August, Russia had lost about 41,500 personnel, 1,789 tanks, 4,026 armoured combat vehicles, 946 artillery units, 260 multiple launch rocket systems, 118 air defence systems, 223 warplanes, 191 helicopters, 742 drones, 182 cruise missiles, 15 warships, 2,960 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 83 units of special equipment.

Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower, but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.

The United Nations is carrying out a fact-finding mission after requests from both Russia and Ukraine following the deaths of 53 Ukrainian POWs in an explosion at a barracks at the Olenivka prison in pro-Russian-controlled Donetsk in eastern Ukraine.

The United States Senate has ratified Finland’s and Sweden’s accession to NATO, with 95 voting in favour and one vote against. The US is now the 23rd NATO member to ratify the countries’ bids to join the alliance. All 30 members have to ratify their bids before Finland and Sweden can become members.

The first grain ship exporting food from Ukraine under a deal brokered by Turkey and the United Nations has reached Turkey. It is the first of 27 ships planned so far that, it is hoped, will help fight the global food crisis. It has been inspected and is now expected to move through to the other side of the Bosphorus Strait.

Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schroeder has faced criticism for having a private meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin after travelling on holiday to Moscow.

Speaking in New York on Wednesday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres said that record profits posted by oil and gas companies amid the war in Ukraine amount to “grotesque greed” and urged governments to implement windfall taxes to raise funds to help those most in need.