Former Ukrainian military chief Valerii Zaluzhnyi issued a stern warning about an alliance of authoritarian countries that threatens global democracy. He urged NATO to adapt to the new realities of warfare.
Exclusives
Military Personnel
Kruhliakivka is liberated by Ukrainian special forces, paving the way for a stronger defense of Kupiansk. The Main Intelligence Directorate reported that Ukrainian special forces liberated Kruhliakivka, in Kharkiv Oblast, from Russian invaders. They also bolstered defenses near Kupiansk.
Frontline report: The onset of winter is forcing Ukraine and Russia to violently showdown in Kursk oblast. Both sides are racing to beat the weather, which is causing high-intensity battles.
Russia launches 135 explosive drones, Ukraine downs 80 UAVs, 44 more crash. The drone attack did not result in any civilian casualties.
“Mystery concrete pyramids” are responsible for the deaths of Russian drivers in Kursk Oblast. The mysterious concrete pyramids strategically placed along roads in Kursk Oblast have caused fatal accidents, and raised questions about possible internal sabotage.
Beyond direct engagement with Ukrainian troops, unconventional tactics and internal sabotage could pose additional dangers to Russian troops.
Ukrainian Shark drone guides HIMARS attack on Russian troops’ training ground in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Black Forest drone group uses Shark UAVs for HIMARS strikes at a distance of 30+ km.
ISW: Ukrainians gain ground near Toretsk and Pokrovsk. Russians gain more near Chasiv Yar and Kurakhove. Russians also advanced in Kursk Oblast and near Pokrovsk.
The approximate loss of weapons and military equipment by the Russian Armed Forces since the beginning of the invasion until the present date is 18 OCT 2024.
* Personnel: 675800 (+1530)
* Tanks: 9027 (+13)
* APV: 18053 (+51)
* Artillery systems : 19533 (+23).
* MLRS: 1232
* Anti-aircraft systems: 978
* Aircraft: 369
* Helicopters: 329
* UAV: 17152 (+48)
* Cruise missiles: 2620
* Warships/boats: 28
* Submarines: 1
* Vehicles and fuel tank: 26908 (+93).
Intelligence and technology
Canada will send ammunition to Ukraine as part of a new $47 million military aid package. Bill Blair, Canada’s Minister of Defense, announced a new package of military aid to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian aggression.
TWZ: Aevex reveals secretive kamikaze Phantom Ghost drones supplied to Ukraine. This family of drones has advanced navigation systems and can operate in environments where GPS is not available.
China claims that it is not arming Russia and condemns US sanctions against drone makers. China claims it is not involved in the “Ukrainian Crisis” and that it controls dual-use exports.
International
Estonia urges its NATO allies to consider NATO membership and increase military aid to Ukraine. Estonia has called upon its NATO allies for a significant increase in military support for Ukraine, and to seriously consider granting the war-torn nation NATO membership.
Estonian PM: EU should help Ukraine survive the winter, as Russians prepare to attack power systems. Estonia has committed to providing Ukraine with long term financial assistance as the country prepares for another winter of Russian attacks against its energy grid. Prime Minister Mihal has called for urgent European support to bridge the growing gap between Ukraine’s supply and demand.
Biden and Scholz discuss increased Ukraine assistance. The US President met the German Chancellor and pledged to continue support for Ukraine as the US elections loom. White House official: No consensus on NATO invitation to Ukraine yet. The official stressed the US’s continued support for Ukraine including ongoing military assistance and diplomatic efforts.
The European Council has called for democratic reforms. The Council stressed the importance of fair and free parliamentary elections, with observers having unhindered access.
UK sanctions Russia’s Shadow Fleet of Tankers. The UK government has imposed restrictions on 22 Russian vessels including oil tankers, LNG carriers and other vessels as part of efforts to halt Putin’s war machine.
Humanitarian and Social Impact
Ukrainian Ombudsman Lubinets says international organizations are silent about the executions by Russia of Ukrainian POWS. Despite mounting evidence, the international organizations remain silent and no legal action has been taken against perpetrators.
Political and legal developments
Ukraine accuses ex-defense officials of embezzling more than $ 48 million. Ukraine’s Prosecutor-General has filed a case against former Defense Ministry employees accusing them of embezzling almost $48.5 million on the purchase of low-quality military gear.
Ukraine’s spy chief says 11,000 North Koreans will be ready to fight Ukraine from November. North Korean troops taking part in the Russo-Ukrainian War will be North Korea‘s very first direct military intervention into a European conflict. This may lead to a rethinking of military support policies by other countries, including South Korea.
Media: An investigation reveals Russia’s possible sanctions evasion by transit manipulation. The scheme redirects goods intended for Central Asia and Caucasus into Russia by manipulating shipping documentation.
New developments
The rankings of 2024 for Europe’s poultry and egg production are topped by Ukrainian companies MHP (MHP) and Avangardco (Avangardco). MHP ranked 8th in the world for poultry production and Avangardco ranked 15th among global egg producers according to WATTPoultry International.
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