NATO’s top general in Europe warns, however, that despite losses in Ukraine, the Russian military is actively improving and learning from its experiences.
Military Personnel
Frontline report: Ukraine’s demolition squads convert Toretsk’s high-rises to a Russian trap. Ukrainian forces have turned Toretsk skyline into a battlefield, dismantling high-rises held by the Russians to neutralize important defensive positions.
Ukraine drones strike Russia’s largest explosives factory 900 km away from the border (updated). The facility produces explosives and other munitions that are used against Ukraine, including artillery shells.
Drones attack a Russian explosives factory in central Nizhny Novgorod Oblast. The governor claimed that air defenses had repelled the attack. However, witnesses reported smoke rising in the industrial zone.
The approximate loss of weapons and military equipment by the Russian Armed Forces since the beginning of the invasion until the present:
* Personnel: 678520 (+1340)
* Tanks: 9047 (+12)
* APV: 18111 (+39)
* Artillery systems : 19565 (+17).
* MLRS: 1232
* Anti-aircraft systems: 978
* Aircraft: 369
* Helicopters: 329
* UAV: 17287 (+57)
* Cruise missiles : 2624 (+1)
* Warships/boats: 28
* Submarines: 1
* Vehicles and fuel tank: 26987 (+41).
Intelligence and technology
Switzerland provides GCS-200 vehicles to Ukraine for demining.
France has converted EUR 300 million in frozen Russian assets to Caesar howitzers for Ukraine. Paris will finance 12 Caesar Howitzers and other critical military hardware.
International
Ukraine demands a global response to North Korea’s military support of Russia’s war machine. Zelenskyy calls on the international community to condemn Pyongyang’s direct involvement in this conflict, as over 11,000 North Korean troops are preparing to deploy.
Polish PM Tusk says US election is crucial for Zelenskyy’s “victory plan”. While President Zelenskyy is seeking EU support for his Victory Plan, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk highlights the divisions among European leaders. A reassessment will be made after the US presidential elections.
Nato commander warns about strengthened Russian military after Russo Ukraine war. According to NATO’s top general in Europe, the Russian military is actively improving and learning from its experiences in Ukraine, despite its losses.
NATO Assembly chief: Alliance supports Ukraine’s entry, but timing is uncertain. Gerry Connolly, NATO PA President, says that Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty is a key factor in securing an invitation from the alliance.
Zelenskyy’s plan to replace US soldiers in EU with Ukrainians, according to the NATO Assembly chief, is “inappropriate”. Jerry Connolly said it was a misguided effort to curry favor with Donald Trump.
Humanitarian and Social Impact
A Ukrainian official claims that Russian attacks have killed 33 education workers in Donetsk Oblast, since 2022. Constant shelling in the region has destroyed over 870 educational facilities and claimed the lives of civilians and soldiers.
As temperatures drop to +2degC/36degF, a Russian attack in Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast cuts power to 37,000 people. Local officials reported that no one was injured despite the widespread impact.
Russia launches twin ballistic missiles at the Ukrainian industrial hub Kryvyi Rih, injuring 17. While emergency responders were dealing with the first attack a second strike struck, injuring an injured rescue worker.
Political and legal developments
ISW: Kursk incursion accelerates Ukraine-Russia POW exchanges. In just 2.5 months, four major prisoner exchanges took place following the Kursk operation.
ISW: Putin’s peace rhetoric before the BRICS summit was a smokescreen for Ukrainian capitulation requests. Russia’s President claims to be open to “peace talks” but continues to portray Ukraine as the aggressor and reaffirms Russia’s willingness to “continue the fight.”
Here is the daily review for Sat 19 Oct 2024.
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