Ukraine Invasion: Part 52

[MagicFox]

Welcome to 52. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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me too @Natsku. Honestly thought at the beginning of the invasion that Ukraine would be defeated quickly; then it seemed possible that Russia would be driven out. Did not expect this to go on and on like this, nearly into the third year.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️ Almost 60 Russian aircraft https://kyivindependent.com/almost-60-russian-aircraft-based-in-targeted-north-caucasus-airbase-sbu-source-says/ based in targeted North Caucasus airbase, SBU source says.
Ukrainian forces carried out a successful strike against Russia's Khanskaya military airfield in the Adygea Republic, Ukraine's General Staff confirmed on Oct. 10.
"During the attack, 57 warplanes, trainer aircraft, and helicopters were based at the airfield. This included Su-34 and Su-35 jets and Mi-8 helicopters," a source in the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) told the Kyiv Independent.

⚡️ Russia launched new push https://kyivindependent.com/russia-allegedly-launches-new-counterattack-in-kursk-oblast/ in Kursk Oblast, Kyiv claims attack 'thwarted.'
Russian forces launched a new counterattack against Ukraine's left flank in Russia's Kursk Oblast, several Russian and Ukrainian Telegram channels claimed on Oct. 10.

Russia has transferred around 50,000 soldiers from other sectors of the front to Kursk Oblast, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said on Oct. 10, more than two months after the start of Kyiv's incursion. https://kyivindependent.com/russia-has-redeployed-50-000-troops-to-kursk-oblast-syrskyi-claims/

Ukraine controls roughly 40-50% of the town of Toretsk while the rest has been captured by Russia, the city's military administration head, Vasyl Chynchyk, said on Oct. 11. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-holds-40-50-of-toretsk/

⚡️ Rome to host next Ukraine Recovery Conference https://kyivindependent.com/rome-recovery-conference/ on July 10-11, 2025.

A large fire erupted at an oil depot in Russian-occupied Feodosia late in the night on Oct. 10 at the site of a previous Ukrainian drone strike, where another blaze has been burning for four days, local media reported. https://kyivindependent.com/large-fire-erupts-at-oil-depot-in-occupied-crimeas-feodosia-at-site-previous-ukrainian-strike/

⚡️ Putin visits Turkmenistan for regional forum https://kyivindependent.com/putin-visits-turkmenistan/ meeting with Iran's president.

⚡️ Ukraine's parliament passes bill https://kyivindependent.com/parliament-international-legion/ allowing foreigners to serve as officers in International Legion.

⚡️ US tech firm Anduril https://kyivindependent.com/anduril-announces-selling-drones-after-successful-tests-in-ukraine/ announces selling drones after successful tests in Ukraine. According to Anduril, their new drones will be capable of flying for 40 minutes and covering a range of 20 kilometers (12 miles).

⚡️Norway allocates https://kyivindependent.com/norway-allocates-more-than-87-million-to-increase-weapons-production-for-ukraine/ more than $87 million to increase weapons production for Ukraine.

‘Game changer:’ EBRD on largest investment https://kyivindependent.com/game-changer-ebrd-on-largest-investment-since-start-of-war-into-newly-merged-ukrainian-telecoms-company/ since start of war into newly merged Ukrainian telecoms company

⚡️War risk insurance surges https://kyivindependent.com/war-risk-insurance-surges-after-recent-russian-strikes-on-foreign-vessels-bloomberg-reports/ after recent Russian strikes on foreign vessels in Black Sea, Bloomberg reports.

⚡️Russia expands https://kyivindependent.com/russia-eases-visa-requirements-for-georgian-citizens/ visa-free entry for Georgian citizens.

⚡️Kadyrov claims group of Russian lawmakers are plotting https://kyivindependent.com/kadyrov-claims-group-of-russian-lawmakers-are-plotting-his-assassination/ his assassination.

Viktoria Roshchyna, a Ukrainian journalist held captive by Russia, has died, said Petro Yatsenko, a spokesperson of Ukraine's Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, on national television on Oct. 10. https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-confirms-death-of-viktoria-roshchyna-ukrainian-journalist-held-in-russian-captivity/

A Russian missile strike on Odesa Oblast on Oct. 9 hit a civilian cargo ship containing 45 containers of packaged sunflower oil to be sent as humanitarian aid to Palestine, Ukraine's Agriculture Ministry said on Oct. 10. https://kyivindependent.com/russian-missile-strike-on-odesa-oblast-hit-ship-with-humanitarian-aid-for-palestine-kyiv-says/

⚡️US actor, Russian propagandist Steven Seagal says he would 'die for Putin' in new documentary. https://kyivindependent.com/us-actor-russian-propagandist-steven-seagal-says-he-would-die-for-putin-in-new-documentary/ [oh, yes please]

⚡️ Russian attacks against Ukraine kill 6, injure 27 https://kyivindependent.com/attacks-97/ over past day.
⚡️ Russian missile attack on Odesa Oblast kills 4, injures 10 https://kyivindependent.com/russian-missile-attack-on-odesa/
⚡️ Russian attack on Kharkiv's outskirts injures 5.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪- OCT 11, 2024
■ Increased engagements but casualties stay below 7-day average
■ Significant equipment losses, record vehicle losses in last seven days
■ Most 🇷🇺 MLRS strikes this month so far

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-10-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Ukrainian forces reportedly struck a Shahed drone storage facility in Krasnodar Krai and an ammunition warehouse in the Republic of Adygea on October 9 and 10.
• Russian forces have reportedly struck three civilian vessels docked in Ukrainian ports since October 5, likely as part of intensified Russian military, political, and economic pressure to undermine confidence in Ukraine's grain corridor, Western support for Ukraine, and push Ukraine into premature negotiations.
• An unspecified senior US defense official stated on October 9 that Russian forces have suffered over 600,000 casualties since the start of the full-scale invasion in February 2022 — a stark increase from a prior US intelligence assessment that Russian forces suffered about 315,000 casualties in Ukraine as of December 2023.
• An Iranian outlet affiliated with former Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) Commander Major General Mohsen Rezaei claimed on October 8 that Russia provided Iran with an S-400 air defense system and a squadron of Su-35 fighter jets but provided no evidence for this claim.
• Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Toretsk. Russian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast and near Chasiv Yar, southeast of Pokrovsk, and southwest of Donetsk City.
• The Russian military appears to be increasingly recruiting older Russian volunteers in order to sustain ongoing crypto-mobilization efforts.

Larry making Zelensky smile is such a wholesome thing ❤️

late, sorry

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

World Bank Creates New Fund to Support Ukraine — Reuters
The Executive Board of the World Bank on Thursday approved the creation of a Financial Intermediation Fund (FIF) to support Ukraine, with contributions expected from the USA, Canada, and Japan.
This fund will help meet the G7 countries’ commitment to provide Ukraine with up to $50 billion in additional financing by the end of the year.

Germany and NATO Allies Prepare €1.4 Billion Military Aid Package for Ukraine
Germany, along with Belgium, Denmark, and Norway, is preparing a significant military aid package for Ukraine valued at €1.4 billion, to be delivered by the end of 2024, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced ahead of talks with President Zelenskyy in Berlin.
“By the end of the year, with the support of our partners, we will deliver another package worth €1.4 billion to Ukraine. This includes air defense systems such as IRIS-T, Skynex, Gepard anti-aircraft guns, self-propelled artillery, armored vehicles, combat drones, radar systems, and ammunition,” Scholz said.

New Date for Ukraine Defense Contact Group Meeting Yet to Be Determined, Says Pentagon

Zelenskyy Arrives at the Vatican for Meeting with Pope Francis

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described his recent meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz as the most significant since Russia’s full-scale invasion, according to the Office of the President’s press service

The UK May Send Troops to Ukraine for a Training Mission, — The Times
According to informed sources, small groups of instructors are planned to be sent to western Ukraine, where they will conduct intensive basic training for recruits before they are deployed to the front.

Russian Lukoil Adds 25 Old Tankers to Its Shadow Fleet — Financial Times
Journalists discovered that each of these tankers was purchased by a separate offshore company, which was linked to one or even several other firms.
The ships were operated by Dubai-based companies owned by a Pakistani shipping entrepreneur who is currently facing prosecution in British courts for defrauding investors.
All purchases were financed by Dubai’s Eiger Shipping DMCC, which belongs to Litasco Middle East DMCC, the Middle Eastern branch of Lukoil’s oil trading division. Eiger provided upfront funding by pre-chartering the vessels being prepared for acquisition.
Journalists estimated that Lukoil spent over $700 million on these tankers.
A key figure in this scheme was British accountant John Ormerod. His firm, Ormerod Allen & Co., has provided financial services to the shipping industry since 1990.

Serbian President Vucic Signs Declaration Supporting Ukraine, Condemning Russia’s Invasion

Enemy Attacks Odesa with Ballistic Missiles, Killing Four, Including a Teenager
The attack destroyed a two-story building in the Odesa district where civilians lived and worked, trapping people under the rubble.
Rescuers from the State Emergency Service saved four people, but tragically, three others died under the debris. Among the deceased were a 43-year-old woman, a 22-year-old man, and a 16-year-old girl.

Ukrainian Kateryna Sadurska Sets New World Record in Freediving, Diving Without Fins to 80 Meters

The Associated Press (AP) has revealed that young African women are being fraudulently recruited to work in Russia's "Shakhed" factory in Tatarstan, where attack drones are manufactured. According to the investigation, around 200 women from Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka were lured to Russia through deceptive social media ads offering free flights and jobs in the hospitality and catering sectors.
Upon arriving in Russia, these women, aged 18 to 22, were coerced into working 12-hour shifts assembling "Shakhed" drones, which are used in daily attacks on Ukrainian cities. The women worked alongside Russian students in the Alabuga special economic zone. According to accounts, they were under constant surveillance both at work and in their dormitories. Promises of wages were not fulfilled, and they had to work with chemicals that caused skin problems.
The AP's investigation included analysis of satellite images of the factory complex, internal documents, and interviews with several women who worked there. The factory in Tatarstan is Russia’s main production hub for attack drones, aiming to produce 6,000 drones annually by 2025, according to data from the Washington Institute for Science and International Security.

Survey: Fewer Americans Now Believe US is Spending Too Much on Ukraine Aid
A recent Pearson Institute/AP-NORC survey shows a decrease in the number of Americans who believe Washington is overspending on support for Ukraine's resistance against Russian aggression. In October 2023, 52% of respondents thought the US was spending too much on Ukraine aid, down from 34% in September. Meanwhile, 31% said the US was providing the right amount, and 15% felt more aid was needed.
Notably, the percentage of those who feel the US spends too much on Ukraine has dropped among both Republicans (from 69% in 2023 to 50% in 2024) and Democrats (from 37% to 20%).

Feodosia is still on fire. [spectacularly so]

"In October 2023, 52% of respondents thought the US was spending too much on Ukraine aid, down from 34% in September." can't be right; 52% is not down from 34%. Where is the typo?

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇮🇹🇺🇦In Italy, President Volodymyr Zelensky also met https://www.president.gov.ua/news/prezident-ukrayini-predstaviv-plan-peremogi-dzhordzhi-meloni-93789 with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, where he presented her with the victory plan

At the meeting between Pope Francis and President Volodymyr Zelensky, the primary topic of discussion was the return of Ukrainian citizens held captive by Russia

Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchina has died while being transferred to Moscow
Roshchina had been reporting on the war in Ukraine since the first days of Russia’s invasion in February 2022, publishing her work in "Ukrainska Pravda," "Hromadske," and "Radio Liberty." In 2022, she was awarded the "Courage in Journalism" prize by the International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF).
She was held in Detention Center No. 2 in the city of Taganrog, Rostov Oblast, Russia. According to former prisoners, this detention facility is notorious for its brutal torture methods

The Defense Forces currently control about 40-50% of Toretsk in the Donetsk region, while the rest of the city remains occupied, according to the head of the Toretsk Military Administration during a TV marathon.

er, good point - let me find the full thing

Survey: Fewer Americans Now Believe US is Spending Too Much on Ukraine Aid

A recent Pearson Institute/AP-NORC survey shows a decrease in the number of Americans who believe Washington is overspending on support for Ukraine's resistance against Russian aggression. In October 2023, 52% of respondents thought the US was spending too much on Ukraine aid, down from 34% in September. Meanwhile, 31% said the US was providing the right amount, and 15% felt more aid was needed.

Experts attribute the shift to growing awareness among Americans, with three-quarters believing Ukraine has the right to defend itself, and the US should assist. Recent reports of renewed Russian offensives have likely reinforced the view that US support might not be enough.

The survey also highlighted a stark difference in opinion between political parties. Democratic respondents were more likely to see Russia as an enemy and Ukraine as an ally. About two-thirds of Democrats favor increasing aid, compared to more isolationist views among Republicans, where a significant portion opposes foreign aid in general.

Notably, the percentage of those who feel the US spends too much on Ukraine has dropped among both Republicans (from 69% in 2023 to 50% in 2024) and Democrats (from 37% to 20%).

Half of respondents view Russia as an enemy, while 43% see Ukraine as a US ally. Among Democrats, 67% consider Russia an enemy, compared to 40% of Republicans and 43% of independents.

A July Pew Research Center survey further reflected this political divide. While 62% of Republicans believe the US has no obligation to help Ukraine, 63% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents feel the US has a responsibility to defend Kyiv.

Currently, 29% of Americans think the US provides too much support to Ukraine, while 26% believe the aid is appropriate.

Here we go

https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/pollsters-examine-how-americans-views-on-1728599738.html

The survey shows that in October 2023, 52% of respondents believed the US was spending too much on aid to Ukraine, 31% said the US was spending the right amount, and 15% said the US was spending too little. In September this year, only 34% of respondents felt the US was spending too much, while 39% said the US was spending the right amount, and 21% believed the US was spending too little.

sharp eyes, @AskingQuestionsAllTheTime ! :)

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Hackers from Ukraine's Intelligence Directorate take down key Russian military university, wiping 150TB of data, 11 websites, over 7,000 workstations, 135 servers, more.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/40357

Almost 3 years into Russia's invasion, 81% of Ukrainians are confident of victory.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/40305

Exclusive Video Shows Ukrainian Troops Training in France, Macron Visits AFU Troops
https://www.kyivpost.com/index.php/post/40255

How Ukraine Defeated a Major Russian Assault: Tactical Analysis of the Battle of Kupiansk
Despite superior numbers, including 60 main battle tanks and over 1,000 troops, the Russian forces were completely destroyed within just 20 minutes.

Inside HUR International Legion: Exclusive Insight at Foreign Fighters Training in Ukraine
Kyiv Post visited the training camp of the International Legion under Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (HUR), a special unit, consisting of foreign volunteers.
https://www.kyivpost.com/post/40364

Crisis for Russian Troops
Russia is showing all of the signs of having fallen into a quagmire with no strategy or hope of being able to get out.

Russia's 155th brigade of the Russian Pacific Fleet lost 2400 out of their 3000 personell in the battles for Vuhledar, an 80% loss, according to BBC Russian Service investigative report.

I read your stuff, and if it feels wrong I assume a typo somewhere. That it is talking about different years makes sense of those figures. Thank you!

I thought this was a good assessment of Russia's manpower situation. Putin has grand plans to expand his army, but they're already recruiting older men in poor physical condition, so I don't know where he expects to find new soldiers.

Presumably he's going to import them? NK, Africa etc

Well, they are talking about 'several thousand' NK soldiers fighting in Ukraine now. Also, if they are having to deceive African women into coming to Russia for domestic service and then turning them into slave labour to assemble Shahads, that argues they really are short of people.

They tried this with India, and the Indian government put a stop to it. He may get some North Koreans, but I doubt he'll get many from countries where people have a choice whether to do it or not. And he needs hundreds of thousands of recruits.

There's also the fact that very few of them will speak Russian or have any military training, apart from North Koreans. It will be impossible to introduce the non-Russian speakers into his existing formations in any meaningful way.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Russian troops renew assaults https://kyivindependent.com/russian-troops-renew-assaults-in-kherson-zaporizhzhia-oblasts-military-says/ in Kherson, Zaporizhzhia oblasts, military says.
Since the start of the week, Ukraine's forces have repelled 29 Russian attacks in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, Operational Command South said on Oct. 11.

⚡️NATO to rethink https://kyivindependent.com/nato-to-rethink-alliances-relationship-with-russia-for-first-time-in-decades/ alliance's relationship with Russia for first time in decades.

⚡️Germany delivers https://kyivindependent.com/germany-delivers-iris-t-air-defense-system-zelensky-says-next-year-support-is-key/ IRIS-T air defense system, Zelensky says next year's support is key.

⚡️House Speaker has no 'appetite' https://kyivindependent.com/house-speaker-has-no-appetite-for-more-us-support-for-ukraine/ for more US support for Ukraine.
"I don't have an appetite for further Ukraine funding, and I hope it's not necessary," U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Oct. 11.

⚡️Poland’s 2025 EU presidency to focus https://kyivindependent.com/polands-2025-eu-presidency-to-focus-on-ukraines-integration-and-eu-expansion-duda-says/ on Ukraine’s integration and EU expansion, Duda says.

⚡️EU officials considering https://kyivindependent.com/eu-officials-considering-reform-to-bypass-hungarys-blockade-on-ukraine-defense-funds/ reform to bypass Hungary’s blockade on Ukraine defense funds.
A proposed reform of the European Peace Facility (EPF) would make financial contributions voluntary, aiming to bypass Hungary's veto on military aid to Ukraine, which has caused a 6.5 billion euro ($7 billion) backlog.

Ukraine braces for winter freeze https://kyivindependent.com/russia-wants-to-cut-off-ukraines-nuclear-power-plants/ amid potential Russian strikes targeting nuclear power
Ukraine is set to face its toughest winter since the start of the full-scale invasion as Russia eyes cutting off its nuclear power after already bombing out capacity from half of its electricity generation sector in large-scale air strikes.

⚡️ Oil depot burning in occupied Luhansk Oblast https://kyivindependent.com/general-staff-oil-depot-burning-in-occupied-luhansk-oblast-after-ukrainian-strike/ after Ukrainian strike, General Staff says.

⚡️Ukraine sets up supervisory boards https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-sets-up-supervisory-boards-for-lethal-and-non-lethal-procurement-agencies-defense-minister-says/ for lethal and non-lethal procurement agencies, Defense Minister says.

⚡️Slovakia to expand https://kyivindependent.com/slovakia-to-expand-its-base-of-repairing-ukrainian-military-hardware-foreign-minister-says/ its base of repairing Ukrainian military hardware, foreign minister says.

Why the Baltic States fear https://kyivindependent.com/why-the-baltic-states-fear-russias-kaliningrad-exclave/ Russia's Kaliningrad exclave

⚡️Conscription officers detain https://kyivindependent.com/conscription-officers-detain-men-outside-okean-elzy-concert-in-kyiv/ men outside Okean Elzy concert in Kyiv.
Video footage taken at the scene shows officers stationed outside the doors to the venue, intercepting male attendees as they exited the concert. Officers are shown forcibly arresting some men.

How Ukrainian town scaled up https://kyivindependent.com/how-ukrainian-town-scaled-up-vegetable-production-creating-jobs-for-idps-and-locals-amid-war/ vegetable production, creating jobs for IDPs and locals amid war
The partial occupation of the southern Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, fierce fighting, and mined fields in Mykolaiv and Kharkiv oblasts have severely disrupted vegetable and fruit production, with 30% of the sector’s potential destroyed, according to authorities.
The prices of vegetables have increased, and so have the imports, experts say. So in response, the small town of Teofipol in western Khmelnytskyi Oblast, just 300 kilometers from the Polish border, decided to ramp up local vegetable production to help prevent a possible food crisis.

⚡️ Russian attacks kill 3, injure at least 14 people https://kyivindependent.com/russia-kills-and-injures-multiple-civilians-in-attacks-on-south-and-east-ukraine-in-the-past-day/ in Ukraine over past day.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪- OCT 12, 2024
■ Engagements & casualties above 7-day average
■ Massive equipment losses; noteworthy special equipment & drone losses
■ Record daily vehicle losses for 2024
■ Most 🇺🇦 strikes this month so far; improved strike ratio

The Associated Press (AP) has revealed that young African women are being fraudulently recruited to work in Russia's "Shakhed" factory in Tatarstan, where attack drones are manufactured. According to the investigation, around 200 women from Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, and Sri Lanka were lured to Russia through deceptive social media ads offering free flights and jobs in the hospitality and catering sectors.
Upon arriving in Russia, these women, aged 18 to 22, were coerced into working 12-hour shifts assembling "Shakhed" drones, which are used in daily attacks on Ukrainian cities. The women worked alongside Russian students in the Alabuga special economic zone. According to accounts, they were under constant surveillance both at work and in their dormitories. Promises of wages were not fulfilled, and they had to work with chemicals that caused skin problems.
The AP's investigation included analysis of satellite images of the factory complex, internal documents, and interviews with several women who worked there. The factory in Tatarstan is Russia’s main production hub for attack drones, aiming to produce 6,000 drones annually by 2025, according to data from the Washington Institute for Science and International Security.

Ooh, tactical mistake. That will go down like a cup of cold sick among the African nations Putin is so keen to woo. His schtick is that he's fighting the baddie C19th colonialists, and he's Africa's fwiend.

Coerced labour, unpaid, not free to leave, looks an awful lot like slavery – with self-shipping slaves.

On an individual note, I hope the women are released and flights home provided.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-11-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Russian forces intensified their ongoing effort to dislodge Ukrainian forces from Kursk Oblast around the evening of October 10 and have recently advanced further into the main Ukrainian salient in Kursk Oblast while reportedly eliminating almost the entirety of the smaller Ukrainian salient in Glushkovsky Raion.
• Intensified Russian counterattacks likely aim to push Ukrainian forces out of Kursk Oblast before poor weather conditions in Fall 2024 and early Winter 2024-2025 begin to constrain battlefield maneuver.
• The Russian military command likely aims to rapidly push Ukrainian forces out of Kursk Oblast in order to free up combat power for its priority offensive operations in Donetsk Oblast and to ease the theater-wide operational pressures that the Ukrainian incursion has generated.
• South Korean and Ukrainian officials reportedly continue to identify North Korean military personnel already fighting in Ukraine as well as training in Russia for possible future deployments alongside the Russian military.
• Western partners continue to announce and provide new military assistance to Ukraine.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues diplomatic efforts to establish and clarify Ukraine’s strategic vision for peace.
• Chechen Republic Head Ramzan Kadyrov declared a "blood feud" against Russian legislators, suggesting that Kadyrov is becoming increasingly emboldened in his personal political disputes.
• Ukrainian officials confirmed that Ukrainian journalist Viktoriya Roshchyna died in Russian captivity.
• Ukrainian officials announced new appointments in the Ministry of Defense (MoD).
• Russian forces recently advanced near Pokrovsk and Kurakhove.
• The Kremlin is deceptively recruiting young African women to assemble Iranian-designed Shahed drones in the Republic of Tatarstan, likely to address labor shortages in Russia.

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

North Korea has issued a final warning to South Korea, threatening to deploy offensive weapons on full alert along the border, according to a statement from Pyongyang’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The regime demands that Seoul cease drone flights over its territory.
However, South Korea’s military firmly denies any such drone activities in North Korean airspace.

Lithuania has received the first batch of its own combat drones, with 5,000 set to be handed over to Ukraine by the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense.
In addition to supporting Ukraine, Lithuania is also boosting its own defense capabilities, having ordered over 2,300 drones for its troops. “We are strengthening both our army and the defense of Ukraine,” the ministry stated.

NATO Defense Ministers to Discuss Long-standing Policy on Russia
NATO countries are currently deliberating the need for a new strategy regarding Russia, though no consensus has been reached. Opinions among the 32 NATO members vary, with some advocating for more aggressive measures, while others worry that such an approach could further destabilize Russia. Hungary and Slovakia, in particular, continue to maintain ties with the Kremlin, complicating the development of a unified strategy.

Several thousand soldiers from the DPRK are currently undergoing training in Russia and may be deployed to the front in Ukraine by the end of the year — The Washington Post.
North Korean soldiers are reportedly supporting Russian troops on the ground, with some possibly already killed or wounded in Ukraine, according to South Korean and Ukrainian officials. This development raises questions about whether military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow has entered a new phase.
An unnamed representative of Ukrainian intelligence indicated that North Korean officers are present in the occupied territories of Ukraine to oversee Russian troops and study the battlefield, although Kyiv has not yet observed any North Korean units actively engaging in combat operations.
On Tuesday, Andriy Kovalenko, head of Ukraine’s Center for Countering Disinformation, wrote on Telegram that North Korea had already sent troops, including military engineers monitoring the use of weapons, and that “some of them have already died.”
A representative of Ukrainian military intelligence stated that it remains unclear where the combat units undergoing training in Russia will be deployed along the Ukrainian front. The representative suggested that Moscow might use these troops in Russia’s border regions, thereby freeing up Russian forces for combat in Ukraine.

Slovakia plans to expand the repair base for Ukrainian military equipment, according to the Slovak Minister of Foreign Affairs, Juraj Blanar, during a meeting with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.

Ukrainian military personnel are being trained by Danish instructors in the United Kingdom as part of the multinational operation “Interflex,” according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Live: Ukraine Telegram Highlights

🇮🇳🇺🇦India has become https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-10-11/india-is-now-russia-s-no-2-supplier-of-restricted-technology?srnd=homepage-europe&embedded-checkout=true the second-largest supplier of dual-use technologies to Russia, including microchips, electronic circuits, and machinery, with China being the only country ahead. The export of such goods directly to Russia is prohibited due to sanctions, as they are used in the production of weapons.
In April and May, the value of banned technology shipments to Russia exceeded $60 million, doubling from the previous two months. By July, exports reached $95 million. Nearly one-fifth of sensitive technologies that end up in Russia’s military-industrial complex come through India.

September recorded https://ukraine.ohchr.org/en/Protection-of-Civilians-in-Armed-Conflict-September-2024 the highest civilian casualties in Ukraine over the past year.
According to the UN, at least 208 civilians (including 9 children) were killed and 1,220 injured in Ukraine last month.
In total, since February 24, 2022, 11,973 Ukrainian civilians have been killed, and 25,943 have been injured, as reported by the UN.

A channel closely linked to Russian military aviation, Fighterbomber, has reported the loss of a Su-34 fighter jet
⚡️Russian channels already claiming it was an F-16 that shot down the Russian fighter jet

The ideologue of the "Russian world," Alexander Dugin, now refers to the genocide of Ukrainians as "military exorcism."

Kyiv Post Telegram Highlights

Facebook/Instagram parent company, Meta has dismantled a large Russian influence operation in Moldova.
The Instagram and Facebook accounts targeted President Sandu, pro-European politicians, and Moldova’s relationship with Romania, while supporting pro-Russian Moldovan parties.
Content centered on news and geopolitical events, aiming to sow division and promote pro-Kremlin narratives.

Capping off an explosive week for the Russian petroleum industry, massive fires have consumed a gas station in Grozny this hour, igniting with such force that fuel tanks were launched 200 meters distance.

Kyiv Independent Telegram Highlights

⚡️Russian fighter jets likely left Belarus https://kyivindependent.com/russian-fighter-jets-leave-belarus-says-monitoring-group/ monitoring group says.
Their sudden appearance in Belarus prompted speculation from Ukrainian officials and military experts that Russia may have moved the jets to Belarus to evade Ukrainian strikes, or to prepare for another massive attack.

⚡️Serbia makes deal with Gazprom https://kyivindependent.com/serbia-makes-deal-with-gazprom-for-extra-400-million-cubic-meters-of-gas-this-winter/ for extra 400 million cubic meters of gas this winter.
Dusan Bajatovic, CEO of the Serbian state-owned company Srbijagas, came to an agreement with Alexey Miller, CEO of Russian state-owned energy giant Gazprom, and expects Russian gas supplies to reach 400 million cubic meters this winter.

⚡️Iran delivers satellites to Russia for rocket launch https://kyivindependent.com/iran-delivers-satellites-to-russia-for-rocket-launch-media-reports/ media reports.
Iran has delivered two domestically manufactured satellites to Russia for an upcoming launch, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported on Oct. 12.

⚡️Ukraine, France working to establish https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-france-working-to-establish-joint-defense-production-facilities-zelensky-says/ joint defense production, Zelensky says.

⚡️Mediazona confirms https://kyivindependent.com/mediazona-confirms-identities-of-nearly-73-000-russian-soldiers-killed-in-ukraine/ identities of nearly 73,000 Russian soldiers killed in Ukraine.

⚡️Russian troops reportedly shoot https://kyivindependent.com/russian-troops-reportedly-shoot-9-surrendering-ukrainian-soldiers-in-kursk-region/ 9 Ukrainian POWs in Kursk Oblast.

Ragnar Bjartur Gudmundsson 🇺🇦‬ ‪ OCT 13, 2024
■ Increased engagements & casualties above 7-day average
■ Significant APV losses, 2 air defence systems
■ Unfavorable strike ratio

UNITED24 Media Telegram Highlights

Russians suspended production of the Su-57 jets due to sanctions.

Use of “Pirated” Starlink Systems by Russians Affects Hostilities in Ukraine — The Washington Post
According to the publication, Russian forces’ use of pirated Starlink systems has posed a significant challenge to Ukrainian troops, particularly in the Pokrovsky region, where this technology played a crucial role in strategic operations.
While the use of Starlink is not the only factor contributing to Moscow’s progress towards Pokrovsk, military analysts say it has notably enhanced the capabilities of Russian forces in the area.
Oleksandr, a battalion commander in the 47th Brigade, highlighted the lack of adequate countermeasures to prevent Russian access to the system, stating, “That’s what’s killing us.” He emphasized the urgent need to limit the enemy’s use of this technology.

Poland plans to halt asylum provisions for illegal migrants from Belarus, according to Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Tusk stated that the asylum system is being exploited by Putin, the self-proclaimed president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, as well as smugglers and human traffickers. He argued that their actions undermine the very essence of the right to asylum.
Tusk also pledged to tighten Poland’s border controls against undocumented entry, even if the European Union does not endorse the measure.

Türkiye will impose a duty on steel products from the Russian Federation for five years, with an additional tax ranging from 6% to 9%, depending on the manufacturer, according to the Official Gazette.
The Turkish Cabinet explained that the measure aims to combat “unfair competition” and market dumping.
Similar duties will also apply to steel producers from India and Japan, while duties on Chinese steel will be set at a special rate of up to 43%

Ukraine Strengthens Defense Industry with Allied Support — The Washington Post
The European Union’s recent decision to allocate $440 million for reviving Ukraine’s defense industry marks a major shift in its response to Russia’s war. However, it also reveals the EU’s defense sector struggles in producing weapons and ammunition, The Washington Post reports.
The EU funding will come from profits on frozen Russian assets, adding to $190 million already pledged by Denmark.
While Europe and the U.S. provide billions in military aid to help Ukraine resist a much larger Russia, their defense industries, designed for peacetime production, struggle to meet Ukraine’s needs.
“There is a realization that Europe cannot produce the weapons Ukraine requires, so it’s easier for Ukrainians to do it themselves if they have the materials and funds,” said an anonymous European diplomat.
However, this funding won’t replace the significant supply of Western-made weapons to Ukraine, noted Jan Lesser, head of the Brussels office of the German Marshall Fund. “This is simply the reality of Ukraine’s security situation,” he added.
Ukraine’s Defense Minister Rustem Umyerov stated that around $4 billion has been allocated for developing the country’s defense industry this year. However, Economy Minister Yulia Svyridenko believes the sector could produce even more, estimating up to $10-12 billion.
An unnamed European official described the funding as a turning point, not for its size but because it represents public investment in Ukraine’s defense sector. The official added that funding may increase significantly soon. Nevertheless, Ukraine’s defense industry remains far from rivaling Russia’s, and significant Western aid will be needed in the coming years to defend against Russian aggression and reclaim occupied territories, analysts from ISW stress
Ukraine has already signed contracts with major defense companies like Germany’s Rheinmetall and the Franco-German group KNDS, which opened an office in Kyiv last week. KNDS and other Western firms are partnering with Ukraine to produce 155mm NATO-standard shells, urgently needed on the front lines. While Ukraine has started manufacturing these shells, production remains limited.