Ukraine Invasion: Part 51

[MagicFox]

Welcome to 51. Thanks as usual to all and Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

Agreed thread guidance:

A. The agreed purpose of the thread is for the sharing of information and commentary on current events

B. If you post a link please tell us where it leads/give a precis of the content

C. Discussion and debate is welcome, but please keep it respectful

Did someone say surreal poetry?

I think we have to maintain Ukrainian morale at the moment. I think the delay in the decision to allow missiles to target Russian soil not only limits Ukraine militarily but also drives down morale .

Surely the west's hesitancy means Russia has more scope to target Ukrainian energy infrastructure and other sensitive sights. It my belief part of Russian strategy is to grind down the Ukrainian people over months and years so political opinion slowly turns to some sort of end.

We also have the hurdle of the US election and that is a big unknown. A Trump presidency could cause all sorts of chaos in decision making. The unfortunate Pro Ukraine stance of the latest would be assassin has not helped here......

There seems to be more warm words than tangible increase in support from the west and it looks like there has to be an increase in weapon supply to Ukraine.

@mids2019 I completely agree. You encapsulated why I was feeling low for them. How much worse would the Ukrainians feel. Their morale, so important that they continue to have hope, but how?

For a start the west needs to step up the delivery of conventional weapons if they can’t/won’t allow them to use long range into Russia. This article in today’s round up paints a stark picture: Western aid not enough to equip 'even 4 out of 14' underarmed brigades needed on the front, Zelensky says.

@dibly, the words you bolded were precisely what gave me pause.

Naturally!

gah sorry that was wrong thread

@revishvilig

Interesting comments by Kyrylo Budanov:

• Russia aims to conclude the war by the end of 2025 or the beginning of 2026, seeking to achieve a victory. Russia will face significant economic challenges starting in the summer of 2025. 1/14⬇️

 Russia will need to conduct another round of mobilization. This, in turn, could undermine the country's social and political stability. 2/14 if Russia does not secure victory, it will lose its long-term ambition of being perceived as a superpower over the next 30 years - said Budanov, referencing Russian intelligence sources. 3/14 Russia expects "all their problems will begin in the summer of 2025," as financial, economic, and socio-political factors converge. Russia is currently managing the worsening economic situation, it is aware that the ongoing recession, already severe, continues to deepen. 4/14 But this is still far from the peak. They predict that by the summer of 2025, the negative economic impact will become starkly evident" 5/14 Russia is accelerating various processes in an effort to mitigate these effects and navigate the crisis, aiming to conclude the war on favorable terms. 6/14 Russia is increasingly facing the challenge of insufficient army recruitment. "By the summer of 2025, they will confront a critical dilemma either announce another mobilization or reduce the intensity of hostilities, both of which could prove decisive for their military strategy" Despite official rhetoric, war fatigue is real in Russia, as the conflict has impacted a significant portion of the population.

Budanov acknowledged that some Russians are pleased with the aggressor’s gains, having captured more than 30% of Ukraine. 8/14 They are attracted by the high salaries in the Russian army. However, the number of volunteers is dwindling, prompting the Russian government to offer one-time payments of up to 48,000 USD upon signing a contract. 9/14 Ukraine’s efforts to bring hostilities deeper into Russian territory have also impacted the social and psychological state of the Russian population. "It changed their worldview," he noted. 10/14 "Previously, the Russian population lived under the belief that, no matter what, we are a very powerful country, the strongest in the world. But with the first explosions in Moscow and other parts of Russia, this myth was shattered." 11/14 Referring to obtained documents, Budanov explained that if Russia fails to achieve victory by the end of 2025, it risks losing its status as a global power. 12/14 "They understand this very clearly. This is a critical period for them," Budanov remarked. "That’s why they will do everything in their power to secure what they perceive as a victory. 13/14 Failing that, Russia risks being excluded from all global processes entirely. The best they could hope for in that scenario is regional leadership, and that is not acceptable to them." 14/14

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Ukraine's Victory Plan 90% complete https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-victory-plan-90-complete-zelensky-says/ Zelensky says.

⚡️ EU preparing to raise up to 40 billion euros https://kyivindependent.com/eu-preparing-to-raise-45-billion-loan-for-ukraine-without-us-ft-reports/ in loans for Ukraine without US, FT reports citing sources and a draft proposal.

⚡️ Von der Leyen names new European Commission with pro-Ukraine figures https://kyivindependent.com/von-der-leyen-names-new-european-commission/ leading diplomacy, defense. For the first time in history, the European Commission will include the position of defense commissioner. Former Lithuanian Prime Minister and Member of the European Parliament Andrius Kubilius will take up the new post overseeing the EU's defense policy.

Around 1 million https://kyivindependent.com/wsj-ukraine-russia-losses/ killed, wounded in Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine, WSJ reports.

You probably haven't heard that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is preparing to send a mission to Russia. That’s because top IMF officials have been trying to draw as little public attention to their plans as possible – which ought to tell you something. Fund officials themselves know that this is a scandal in the making, write Tymofiy Mylovanov and Nataliia Shapoval in this op-ed.
The IMF is about to send its first official mission to Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. https://kyivindependent.com/opinion-imfs-trip-to-moscow-is-effectively-enabling-russias-war-against-ukraine/

⚡️UK's Starmer seeking European support for Ukraine long-range missile strike proposal https://kyivindependent.com/u-ks-starmer-seeking-european-support-for-ukraine-long-range-missile-strike-proposal-bloomberg-reports/ Bloomberg reports.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she supports the decision of allies to give Ukraine the go-ahead.

⚡️Meta blocks https://kyivindependent.com/meta-blocks-russian-state-media-across-its-platforms-amid-foreign-interference-activity/ Russian state media across its platforms amid 'foreign interference activity.'
The decision follows U.S. charges against RT employees for alleged efforts to influence the 2024 election, with Meta stating that Russian state media has a history of using deceptive tactics online.

⚡️ Ukraine's parliament backs major tax hike https://kyivindependent.com/ukraines-parliament-backs-major-tax-hike-in-first-reading/ in first reading.

⚡️ Ukraine destroys Russian ammunition depots https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-destroys-russian-ammunition-depots-near-russian-occupied-mariupol/ near occupied Mariupol, Navy says.

Trump shooting suspect Ryan Wesley Routh — personal interactions in Ukraine raise questions about support for Kyiv https://kyivindependent.com/trump-shooting-suspect-ryan-wesley-routh-what-we-know-about-his-ukraine-connections/

... Text messages shared with the Kyiv Independent and conversations with other foreigners living and working in Ukraine paint a picture of a person who misrepresented himself, expressed disdain for Ukraine’s war effort, and had delusional ideas of his place in international affairs.

Brazil cannot interfere in the Russian-Ukrainian war, and those who want to engage in a dialogue with the Brazilian government should have done so before the war, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said on Sept. 16, Metropoles reported. https://kyivindependent.com/brazil-cannot-interfere-in-russia-ukraine-war-lula-says-after-zelenskys-criticism/

⚡️ Doctors Without Borders, an international humanitarian organization that focuses on providing medical aid in conflict zones, announced on Sept. 16 that its programs in Russia will be closed. [wonder why? they don't pull out of a place easily] https://kyivindependent.com/doctors-without-borders-russia/

‘It’s personal’ — Why Germany still refuses to send Taurus https://kyivindependent.com/germany-wont-send-taurus-missiles-to-ukraine-scholz-says-why/ missiles to Ukraine. “At this point, it has even become what you might call a personal issue of the chancellor,” Jessica Berlin, a senior fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), said. “There's a personal element involved in the other political considerations. That is not the only driver of the decision, but is certainly playing a role.”

⚡️ 'Syrians disappear in Luhansk Oblast' — Ukraine's intelligence says Moscow uses foreign fighters https://kyivindependent.com/hur-syrians/ as cannon fodder.
"Russia has established a scheme with travel companies to recruit Syrians for the war against Ukraine. First, poor people are offered jobs as security guards in Russian oil regions, and then they are lured with a higher salary" to fight the war against Ukraine, HUR said on social media.

⚡️Kremlin propagandist attacked in Russia, possibly killed https://kyivindependent.com/kremlin-propagandist-killed-in-russia-in-apparent-hur-operation/ Ukraine's intelligence reports.

⚡️US announces sanctions https://kyivindependent.com/us-announces-sanctions-against-georgian-officials-for-human-rights-abuses/ against Georgian officials for human rights abuses.

⚡Kazakh President Tokayev says https://kyivindependent.com/kazakh-president-tokayev-says-russia-cannot-be-defeated/ 'Russia cannot be defeated.'
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev told German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during a visit to Astana on Sept. 16 that "Russia cannot be defeated in the military sense."

⚡️ Ukraine appeals to UN, Red Cross over Russia apparently executing https://kyivindependent.com/ombudsman-appeals-to-un-red-cross/ POW with sword.

⚡️ Russian attacks across Ukraine kill 2 https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-across-ukraine-kill-2-injure-9-over-past-day/ including child, injure 9 over past day.
⚡️Russian attack injures https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attack-injures-4-first-responders-in-kharkiv-as-ukraine-marks-rescuers-day/ 4 first responders in Kharkiv, as Ukraine marks Rescuer's Day.

‪Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪- SEP 17, 2024
■ Engagements stay above 7-day average, 1k casualties
■ Big drone losses but otherwise modest equipment losses
■ 🇷🇺 strikes up between days, unfavorable strike ratio
■ Warspotting: Visually confirmed tank losses for Aug added

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Russia received profits from the grain stolen from the territories of Ukraine. It is approximately worth at least $1 billion, — WSJ

Following negotiations between President Biden and the British Prime Minister, the U.S. is not prepared to announce the lifting of restrictions on Ukraine’s use of long-range weapons for strikes deep into Russian territory, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.

Norway Records Radiation Spike Near Russian Border, — Barents Observer
According to the publication, traces of cesium-137 and uranium-235, both commonly used in nuclear reactor fuel and as components for nuclear weapons, have been detected.

The Pentagon's stockpile of weapons and military equipment is dwindling, leading to smaller military aid packages in recent months, CNN reported, citing two U.S. officials.
In April, the Pentagon announced a $1 billion aid package, but since then, none have exceeded $400 million, with some packages amounting to as little as $125 million or $250 million.

The West is indirectly funding Putin’s military with increasing purchases of fuel made from Russian oil, Politico reports.
This was possible due to a loophole in sanctions: the oil is refined in countries like Türkiye before being sold to Western markets.
Türkiye has taken advantage of discounted Russian oil, increasing its imports by 70% this year. One Turkish refinery, Star Aegean, relies on Russian oil for 98% of its needs, with 9 out of 10 barrels heading to Western markets.
Energy expert Martin Vladimirov called this "a direct violation of the spirit of the sanctions law," urging the EU and G7 to ban imports of oil products refined from Russian oil.

Germany pledges an additional 100 million euros in aid to support the energy system in the winter period, — Reuters

Ukraine is set to receive the first batch of Panzerhaubitze 2000 self-propelled guns from Germany within the next two months, Stern. de reports, citing Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.
The delivery includes 12 howitzers, identified by Germany in early September as part of a defense aid package for Ukraine. "I think six of them will be delivered in the next eight weeks," Pistorius said.

Ukraine's invitation to representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross and the United Nations to join humanitarian response efforts in the Kursk region is a "provocation," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Militarnyi recently toured the ‘Ukrainian Armored Vehicles’ factory, highlighting key developments:
• The production rate of the ‘Bohdana’ self-propelled artillery system (ACS) has surpassed the 10 units/month previously announced by President Zelenskyy. According to the founder of the ‘Come Back Alive’ fund, production is now at 16 units/month. The factory is also developing alternative chassis options for ‘Bohdana’ to diversify and further accelerate production.
• Since the beginning of the year, ‘Ukrainian Armored Vehicles’ has delivered over 100 ‘Novator’ armored vehicles (BBM) and plans to hand over several hundred more by year’s end.
• The company manufactures a full range of mortar ammunition (60-120 mm) and 122 mm artillery shells. Hundreds of thousands of shells have been produced this year, though the biggest challenge remains sourcing explosives, as Ukraine lacks domestic production.
• A new plant is set to launch next year, which will significantly boost the company’s production capacity.

Ukrainian soldiers released from Russian captivity during the last exchanges

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Russian propagandist Alexander Korobov was eliminated in Russia
According to Ukrainian intelligence, Korobov was attacked and hit in the head in Belgorod on September 15. He died in hospital from a skull injury.
Korobov worked for Rossiya 1 and Zvezda TV channels, praised the Russian military and repeatedly received awards from Putin, and filmed propaganda stories in the occupied territories of Ukraine. The DIU says he personally participated in the commission of serious war crimes against Ukraine.

The DPRK is now the largest supplier of weapons and ammunition to the Putin regime.
The North Korean ammunition that Russia uses to fight Ukraine is paid for with nuclear technology. And we are not talking about power plants. Putin shares military developments in the nuclear industry with Kim

Dutch Defense Minister Brekelmans believes that the war in Ukraine will not end in 2024 and called for a vision of long-term support for Ukraine

⚠️Warning: Sensitive content Real content from Ukraine
Russians have executed a Ukrainian prisoner of war with a sword, according to Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets.
Photos of the killed Ukrainian soldier with duct tape on his hands and a sword with the inscription “For Kursk” are circulating online.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Ukraine releases new FPV drone that hits speeds of 325km/hour, capable of targeting helicopters in flight
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/39057

❗️One million people have been killed or wounded in Russia's invasion of Ukraine, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Ukrainian sources report that Ukraine has lost 80,000 soldiers killed and 400,000 wounded and western intelligence estimates Russian losses at around 200,000 killed and 400,000 wounded.

Ukraine's new upgraded version of Germany's Leopard 1 tank now public for the first time
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/39110

Russians go low-tech, attaching nails to drones in attempt to ram Ukrainian FPV's
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/39090

Overnight, the Russian military airbase in Engels, Saratov region, came under attack by strike drones.
This airfield hosts strategic Tu-95MS bombers, armed with X-101 missiles, which Russia uses to attack Ukrainian cities.

Qatar, a Middle Eastern nation who previously brokered a deal to return illegally deported children to Ukraine, has decided to join in supplying weapons to Kyiv
Qatar will transfer 24 PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers to the Ukraine as part of a deal with the German government.

Ukraine's surprises continue to unmask a deteriorating Russia
https://www.kyivpost.com/videos/39077

Russians are killing all life in Ukraine's Desna River
https://www.kyivpost.com/photos/39049

Kyiv Post Morning News Roundup for September 17th, 2024
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/39086

Those wounded/killed figures are very alarming. Ukrainian wounded are much higher than you might expect in a defensive war, according to conventional wisdom.

That conventional wisdom is related to defending a static, prepared target, not a two-and-a-half-year-old war. It also hasn't been purely defensive for Ukraine. They went on the offensive in both 2022 and 2023, with great success in the earlier offensive and little to show for it in the second. They've also been highly vulnerable to air attacks.

The numbers don't surprise me a bit.

Hopefully mn won't hide my ISW posts again😬

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-16-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Ukraine has taken steps to address its manpower shortages, but delays and insufficiencies in Western military aid to Ukraine continue to limit its ability to generate effective combat units that can defend critical areas and contest the theater-wide initiative.
• Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine's incursion into Kursk Oblast has forced Russia to redirect some resources from Ukraine to defend in Russia but that Ukraine still needs sufficient resources and Western permission to strike military targets in Russia to mitigate the theater-wide strain on Ukrainian forces.
• Russia continues to build out its long-term military capacity by gradually increasing the size of its armed forces.
• Iran is simultaneously setting conditions to build a nuclear weapon while continuing to signal its willingness to resume nuclear negotiations with the West.
• Select Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) officials continue to face corruption charges as the Russian military leadership is undertaking a wider effort to root out corruption in the MoD.
• Ukrainian forces advanced in Glushkovsky Raion, Kursk Oblast, and Russian forces recaptured territory in the area as of September 16. Ukrainian and Russian forces recently advanced in the Kursk salient.
• Ukrainian forces regained territory near Kharkiv City and Pokrovsk.
• Russian forces advanced near Kreminna, Chasiv Yar, Pokrovsk, and Vuhledar.
• Russia reportedly continues to coerce migrants to fight in the Russian military.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Russia claims https://kyivindependent.com/russia-claims-ukraine-made-new-attempts-to-break-into-kursk-oblast/ Ukraine made new attempts to break into Kursk Oblast.

⚡️US believes Zelensky's peace strategy 'can work,' https://kyivindependent.com/us-believes-zelenskys-peace-strategy-can-work-official-says/ official says.

⚡️None of Ukraine's plans to end the war envisages https://kyivindependent.com/none-of-ukraines-plans-to-end-the-war-envisages-ceasefire-ceding-territory-podolyak-says/ ceasefire, ceding territory, Podolyak says.

⚡️IMF reportedly postpones https://kyivindependent.com/imf-reportedly-postpones-russia-visit/ controversial visit to Russia.
The International Monetary Fund's (IMF) planned visit to Russia has been "postponed indefinitely," Russian state-controlled news agency TASS reported on Sept. 17.
News emerged earlier in September that the IMF was preparing to send its first mission to Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

⚡️Italy to deliver promised SAMP/T https://kyivindependent.com/italy-to-deliver-promised-samp-t-air-defense-system-by-end-of-september/ air defense system by end of September.

⚡️Trump assassination attempt suspect has no ties https://kyivindependent.com/trump-assassination-attempt-suspect-has-no-ties-to-ukrainian-institutions-kyiv-says/ to Ukrainian institutions, Kyiv says.

⚡️Russian weapons depot ‘wiped off the face of the earth’ by Ukrainian drone attack https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-drones-struck-tver-oblast-weapons-depot-source-says/ SBU source claims.
Ukrainian drones successfully targeted a weapons depot in Russia's Tver Oblast overnight, a source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent on Sept. 18.

⚡️Civilians evacuated https://kyivindependent.com/russia-evacuates-population-in-tver-oblast-claims-mass-drone-attack/ amid drone attack in Russia’s Tver Oblast, Russian governor claims.

Why Russia still rakes in cash transporting gas through Ukraine: What to know in 4 key charts https://kyivindependent.com/why-russia-still-rakes-in-cash-transporting-gas-through-ukraine-what-to-know-in-4-key-charts/
While Russia's deadly war rages on Ukraine's soil, one unexpected aspect of the invasion is that natural gas continues to flow through Ukraine from Russia, with both sides profiting from the deal and – to an extent – financing each other's war machines.

⚡️Parliament votes https://kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-parliament-passes-budget-defense/ to increase state budget by $12 billion for defense expenditures.

‘A wave of lawlessness’ – returning from war in Ukraine, Russian convicts commit crimes at home https://kyivindependent.com/a-wave-of-lawlessness-returning-from-war-in-ukraine-russian-convicts-commit-crimes-at-home/
Since the start of the year, Russia has seen a record number of grave crimes in the past 13 years — more than 403,000 — the Russian Verstka media outlet reported, citing the Russian Interior Ministry.
"Among the factors influencing the growth of crime, the Interior Ministry pointed to the war in Ukraine and the return of former prisoners from the front line," the outlet wrote.

⚡️Georgian parliament passes https://kyivindependent.com/georgian-parliament-passes-anti-lgbtq-legislation/ anti-LGBTQ legislation.
Georgia's parliament passed a package of anti-LGBTQ laws on Sept. 17 in its third reading. The bills will still need to be signed by pro-Western President Salome Zourabichvili to become law — but a veto by the president can still be overcome by a subsequent vote in parliament.

⚡️Russian attacks kill https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attacks-kill-injure-sept-18/ 4, injure 22 over past day.
⚡️Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia Oblast kills https://kyivindependent.com/russian-attack-in-zaporizhzhia-oblast-kills-at-least-2-injures-5/ at least 2, injures 5.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson - SEP 18, 2024
■ 6th most engagements since start of war, casualties slightly below 7-day average ■ Notable special equipment losses
■ Unfavorable strike ratio

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Ukraine's Allies Begin Discussing War End Scenarios — Bloomberg
According to sources cited by Bloomberg, Ukraine's allies have started seriously discussing potential scenarios for how the war could end through negotiations and what possible paths to peace might look like.
However, the publication claims that any decisions regarding negotiations will be made solely by Kyiv, and there is no pressure on President Zelenskyy. Despite this, concerns are emerging in several Western capitals that these efforts could result in Kyiv being pushed into an early ceasefire.

Since the beginning of 2022, Russian residents have accumulated around $180 billion in "shadow reserves" held in foreign accounts, according to Yanis Kluge, a researcher at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs. Kluge's analysis is based on data from the Central Bank of the Russian Federation, which lists these funds under categories such as "other investments," "loans, loans, cash currency and deposits," and "other debt."
Kluge suggests that these "shadow reserves" likely belong to large exporting companies. In 2022, Russia saw record revenues from raw materials ($591.5 billion) and a substantial balance of payments surplus ($227.4 billion). Though this surplus decreased in 2023, it remained significant at $118.3 billion.
The funds accumulated abroad did not flow into Russian accounts or the Central Bank's reserves, which are under international sanctions. The size of these shadow reserves, estimated at half of Russia's federal budget ($406 billion), is comparable to the Central Bank's gold reserves ($188 billion) and is nearly double the amount of Russia's currency reserves.

The German Ministry of Defense is hopeful that the government will approve hundreds of millions of euros in additional aid for Ukraine. While the amount may fall short of the four billion euros Ukraine actually needs, any increase in funding would still be seen as a positive outcome.
There is concern in Kyiv and among its allies that Germany’s financial strain might lead to a reduction in its military support. As Berlin is currently the second-largest provider of aid to Ukraine, behind the US and alongside Britain and other European nations, there are fears that a potential reduction in Germany’s support could trigger a domino effect among other nations, further impacting Ukraine’s military assistance.

Japan will assist Ukrainian enterprises in the production of prostheses, according to the Ministry of Social Policy of Ukraine. This collaboration was discussed during a meeting between representatives of the Ministry and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
The focus is on the possibility of supplying Ukrainian prosthetic manufacturers with Japanese components. Additionally, Japan is prepared to support the training of specialists in the production of prostheses using computer technology-developed models.

Europe Seeks $20 Billion from Gazprom for Undelivered Gas, — Reuters
Europe’s attempt to hold Gazprom accountable for gas supply failures has resulted in lawsuits totaling over $20 billion. At least 19 companies from 11 European countries have filed claims against the Russian gas giant, accusing it of breaching contracts. The total amount of these claims is estimated at 18.6 billion euros, or $20.6 billion.
The largest claim—13 billion euros—was filed by German company Uniper, once Gazprom’s main client in Germany and a co-investor in the Nord Stream-2 project. Uniper, which bought 20 billion cubic meters of gas annually from Russia, sought compensation for massive losses due to the halt in Russian gas supplies. In June 2024, Stockholm Arbitration ruled in favor of Uniper.
The total amount of claims now exceeds Gazprom’s net revenue from foreign gas sales, which stands at $10 billion annually from Europe and Turkey, $7 billion from China, and $2 billion from CIS and Central Asia, according to estimates by BKS financial group.
Russian analysts warn that Gazprom may face payment seizures in Europe as companies could attempt to intercept funds from remaining buyers of Russian gas. This has already been reported in Austria, where national gas operator OMV revealed attempts to seize payments to Gazprom.

Interesting stuff about Gazprom.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

Kaja Kallas will assume the role of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on November 1, according to von der Leyen. [Let's hope she reinvigorates the EU's approach]

🇺🇳 The UN will visit the Ukrainian-controlled territory of Kursk oblast only if Russia allows it.
This is how the UN responded to Ukraine's call for humanitarian assistance in the Kursk region, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs sent to the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

🔥A warehouse with fuel and lubricants caught fire in Yaroslavl, Russia. It is not known what caused it

⚡️Ukrainian Navy units destroyed Russian ammunition depots near Mariupol with a missile strike. [first reported yesterday]
The attack eliminated both the infrastructure and large quantities of ammunition stockpiled by Russian forces, according to the Navy

Ukraine's air defense forces shot down 46 out of 52 drones launched by Russia.
Five UAVs were lost in location, and one drone flew back to Russia.
Additionally, Russia attacked with three Kh-59/69 missiles. None of them reached their intended targets.

Several residential buildings in Kropyvnytskyi were damaged due to a Russian attack, and one person was killed
A 90-year-old woman also sustained minor injuries, according to the Regional Military Administration (RMA). She has received medical assistance.

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Behind the scenes of the latest Ukraine/Russia POW swap

Leaked internal files from the sanctioned Russian government "Social Design Agency" show that in the first 4 months of 2024, their influence operations generated 33.9 million comments, produced 39,899 “content units” on social media, including 4,641 videos and 2,516 memes and graphics.
One such meme, disparaging the President of Ukraine was even shared by Elon Musk to his nearly 200,000,000 followers.

Switzerland to Host Ukraine Mine Action Conference in Lausanne in October
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/39146

Detonations continue at Russia's missile/ammunition storage base in Toropets in Russia's Tver region with fires now consuming 5 square kilometers.
This is likely the largest hit by Ukraine on Russian territory.
NASA FIRMS Satellite data.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-17-2024

Key Takeaways:

• The Ukrainian Prosecutor General's Office opened an investigation into another case of apparent Russian abuse and execution of a Ukrainian prisoner of war (POW).
• Leaked documents outlining large-scale Kremlin information operation campaigns targeting Ukraine and the West continue to demonstrate the Kremlin's commitment to leveraging its global information instruments to advance Moscow’s interests using social media.
• Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu arrived in Iran for an unannounced visit following recent visits to Syria and North Korea amid ongoing Russian efforts to secure military cooperation and support from non-Western allies.
• Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son-hui in Moscow.
• Russian forces recently advanced near Toretsk and Pokrovsk and southwest of Donetsk City.
• Ukraine's Main Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) reported on September 17 that Russia continues to recruit citizens from Syria to fight in Ukraine.

Just seen that the Ukrainians have managed to blow up a massive weapons cache deep into Russian territory.

https://www.newsweek.com/huge-mushroom-fireball-rises-over-russian-ammo-storage-struck-drones-1955488

Good. I cannot ever remember a time I felt so inclined to celebrate acts of war as I am every time Ukraine prevails.

@velinatchakarova

Putin had ordered the regular size of the Russian army to be increased by 180,000 troops to 1.5 million active servicemen which would make it the second largest in the world after China's. The overall size of the armed forces to be increased to 2.38 million people.