As Russian forces intensify their operations in Donbas, the Ukrainian military faces increasing pressure on multiple fronts.
Exclusively Available
Military Personnel
Expert warns that Russian troops have breached Ukrainian defenses in Donbas and are setting the stage for winter battles. Emil Kastehelmi, a Finnish military expert, reports that a Russian offensive has been sweeping across Donetsk in recent days. He says there have been over 100 battles.
BI: Russia retakes territory in Kursk Oblast but an extended push into Ukraine’s strongholds could stall. Experts predict that while Russian forces are gaining ground in Kursk they will have greater difficulty in capturing and holding Ukraine’s last strongholds.
New Russian forces target Kupiansk as Ukrainian troops hold strong. Russia intensifies their offensive on the Kupiansk Front, deploying new mechanized units while Ukrainian defenders continue blocking their advances.
ISW: Russia forces injured troops back into combat. Russian milbloggers claim that wounded troops are sent to Ukraine’s frontlines and forced into combat, detention and inadequate medical treatment.
Ukraine denies that Russia has full control of Donetsk Oblast’s Chasiv Yar and Toretsk. The fighting is said to continue, with Russian tactics shifting away from frontal attacks and towards infiltration tactics using smaller groups.
During the nighttime attack against Ukraine, none of Russia’s 48 Shahed Drones reached their target. Ukraine reports that 31 Shahed Drones were downed, with 14 others crashing while three drones diverted to Belarus.
The approximate loss of military equipment and weapons of the Russian Armed Forces since the beginning of the invasion until the present date is:
* Personnel: 696410 (+1460)
* Tanks: 9162 (+6)
* APV: 18470 (+20)
* Artillery systems : 20039 (+26).
* MLRS: 1244 (+1)
* Anti-aircraft systems: 994
* Aircraft: 369
* Helicopters: 329
* UAV: 18088 (+25)
* Cruise missiles: 2628 (+1)
* Warships/boats: 28
* Submarines: 1
* Vehicles and fuel tank: 28038 (+77).
Intelligence and Technology
Reuters: The scarcity of explosives limits the growing production of mortar shells in Ukraine. Smetanin, Ukraine’s Minister of Strategic Industries, says that supply chain problems are also causing delays in the missile program.
Estonia is interested in “high-quality” drones made by Ukrainians for its military. Estonia’s defence leadership is looking at Ukrainian drone suppliers to help strengthen its armed force. Plans for cooperation could enhance Ukraine’s production capabilities.
International
Poland proposes to lend Ukraine money for defense amid tensions over MiG fighter planes. Sikorski suggests Ukraine purchase arms on credit after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that Poland had not delivered MiG-29s.
Pyongyang pledges its loyalty to Russia until victory over Ukraine. Choe Son Hui, the North Korean FM, praised Putin’s “wise management” ahead of talks at Moscow and insisted that Russia would “achieve an incredible victory.”
Berlin says that it is not the lack of funds but rather a shortage of weapons that prevents timely aid to Ukraine. Germany is constantly assessing additional options for military support and encourages partner nations to do the same.
US congressman calls on NATO to allow Ukrainian strikes into Russia due to North Korean involvement in the war. US Congressman Mike Turner urges NATO, to lift restrictions on Ukrainian attacks into Russian territory and consider direct actions against North Korean forces in Ukraine.
Ukraine asks South Korea for military assistance as North Korea sends troops to Russia’s war. Ukraine and South Korea have strengthened diplomatic ties in light of North Korean forces assisting Russia.
Switzerland donates rescue equipment for Ukraine’s emergency services. The package includes 30 machines for clearing debris and 30 fire pumps valued at $6,47million to support emergency services’ management of war-related infrastructure destruction as well as civilian assistance.
Canada urges its allies to support Ukraine’s long range strikes against Russia using Western weapons. Melanie Joly, Canada’s FM, stated that Canada supports Ukraine in its long-range strikes against Russia and advocates lifting restrictions for Western weapons use for such operations.
South Korea is planning to send a monitoring team to Ukraine despite the presence of North Korean troops. Seoul “feels a need” to set up a monitoring team to analyze North Korean military activity in the war in Ukraine, according to an official.
New Developments
Vucic claims that Putin has reaffirmed his war goals and ruled out a ceasefire. Serbia’s president claimed that during a telephone call, the Russian ruler revealed that Russia continues to reject ceasefire options while pursuing its stated military goals.
VoA: Ukraine intensifies its psychological warfare against North Korean troops. Kyiv intensifies psychological warfare campaign against Pyongyang troops by sending surrender messages. Seoul increases intelligence cooperation with Ukrainian forces.
Here is the daily review for Thu, 31 Oct 2024.
Read More @ euromaidanpress.com