United24 Media:
πΉ The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has indicated that Russia is likely using the BRICS summit in Kazan as a platform to seek support for its war against Ukraine. The summit, attended by 36 world leaders, offers Russia a chance to strengthen global relations with non-Western countries. Meetings have already taken place between Russian President Vladimir Putin and leaders such as China's Xi Jinping, India's Narendra Modi, and South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa.
The ISW suggests that Russia might use this event to finalize agreements and develop trade mechanisms that could help sustain its military campaign in Ukraine, thereby lessening the impact of Western sanctions. The summit is seen as a strategic effort by Russia to bolster international ties outside the Western bloc.
πΈ The Economist, citing Ukrainian intelligence chief Kyrylo Budanov, reports that Russia has agreed to provide North Korea with financial assistance and nuclear technology in exchange for soldiers and missiles. Under an agreement made in June 2024 between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un, Russia is set to help North Korea circumvent sanctions and enhance its nuclear capabilities through technological know-how. Additionally, the DPRK is supplying Russia with 1.8 million rounds of ammunition annually and has transferred ballistic missiles since late 2023.
North Korean troop deployment reportedly involves at least 500 officers and three generals, with forces expected to arrive in Russia's Kursk region on October 23. While the DPRK militaryβs experience in modern warfare remains uncertain, Budanov highlighted their potential ideological rigidity and motivation, as family members in North Korea could face severe consequences for any failures on the battlefield.
πΉ Ukrainian pilots have completed their training in the United Kingdom, as announced by Ukraine's Ambassador to the UK, Valerii Zaluzhnyi. Alongside Deputy State Secretary for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, Zaluzhnyi attended the graduation ceremony for the third cohort of Ukrainian Air Force pilots at the Royal Air Force base in Cranwell.
During the ceremony, Zaluzhnyi expressed his gratitude to the UK for its support in training the pilots, emphasizing that this effort provides Ukraine with a crucial advantage over its adversary. He conveyed his appreciation to the instructors and wished the newly trained pilots success and safety in their upcoming missions. The ambassador encouraged the graduates, stating, "We will pray, and you will fly, fight, and win."
πΈ The United Kingdom is set to provide an additional Β£120 million (approximately $155 million) to support Ukraine's naval defense. This funding aims to bolster the Coalition of Naval Forces and Means for Ukraine in response to the escalating Russian attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure in the Black Sea.
πΉ UN Secretary General AntΓ³nio Guterresβ participation in the BRICS summit in Kazan has been justified by the organization as a matter of "great significance." Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq responded to Ukraine's criticism by explaining that attending summits of key international groups, such as the BRICS, G7, and G20, is standard for the UN Secretary General due to the prominence of these organizations. Haq emphasized that BRICS represents around half of the world's population, making this meeting crucial for the UN's engagement.
Regarding the concerns raised by Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Haq reiterated that Guterresβ stance on the Russia-Ukraine war remains unchanged. He stressed that the Secretary General would reaffirm his support for a just peace based on the UN Charter, international law, and relevant UN resolutions during any potential discussions with Russian officials. Furthermore, Guterres plans to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a mutually convenient time, following their prior agreement in New York during the General Assembly.
Earlier, Ukraine's Foreign Ministry criticized Guterres' decision to attend the summit in Russia, pointing out his rejection of an invitation to Ukraine's Global Peace Summit in Switzerland. The ministry argued that this choice undermines the UN's credibility and does not aid the peace process.
πΈ The Crimea Platform continues to gather global momentum in supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity within its recognized borders. Among key priorities, President Zelenskyyβs Peace Formula places a strong emphasis on securing the release of civilian prisoners in Crimea, ensuring their return to their families and restoring their freedom. Crimea isnβt just territory; it's about the people who deserve to reclaim their home, and Ukraine is fully committed to making that a reality.
πΉ The Council of the European Union has officially approved a mechanism to provide a loan of up to 35 billion euros to Ukraine. This loan will be funded through taxes on excess profits generated from frozen Russian assets. The decision aligns with a plan previously agreed upon by the G7 during their June summit, which outlined a $50 billion support package for Ukraine. The funds aim to help Ukraine cope with the economic challenges arising from the ongoing war, supporting reconstruction and other critical needs.
πΈ Great Britain and Germany have signed a landmark defense pact aimed at enhancing military cooperation across multiple domains, including air, land, sea, space, and cyberspace, according to the Associated Press. The agreement signifies a commitment to jointly develop advanced weapons and technologies while prioritizing areas such as long-range strike capabilities and drone technology that can perform on par with fighter jets.
As part of the pact, both countries will collaborate on protecting submarine cables in the North Sea, with German anti-submarine aircraft stationed at a Scottish base to patrol the North Atlantic. Additionally, Germany's Rheinmetall will establish a factory to produce artillery barrels using British steel.
The defense partnership also includes joint exercises focused on bolstering NATO's eastern flank and a continued commitment to supporting Ukraine. Specifically, Britain will outfit German Sea King helicopters for Ukraine with modern missile systems, signaling ongoing solidarity with Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasized that NATO allies remain committed to strengthening defense and deterrence capabilities under this agreement.
πΉ The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs believes that Russiaβs attempt to promote its neo-imperialist agenda regarding the global legal order and security at the BRICS summit was unsuccessful. The Ministry noted that Russia aimed to gain support for its stance amid the ongoing war against Ukraine but did not achieve significant backing.
According to Novaya Gazeta, the final summit declaration contained only a single mention of the war in Ukraine, highlighting the limited attention given to the issue despite Russiaβs efforts to shape the discourse.
πΈ The Ukrainian military is set to receive a new silent ground drone called "Targan" (translated as "Cockroach"), according to the Ministry of Defense. Developed by Ukrainian engineers, this robotic complex is designed for stealthy operations on the battlefield. It is easily transportable in a minibus or on a car trailer and can carry up to 200 kilograms (approximately 440 pounds) of cargo.
Equipped with a silent electric motor, large rubber wheels, and special design features, the Targan can move inconspicuously over significant distances. Its versatility allows it to transport various supplies such as ammunition, food, or equipment, based on the military's needs.
πΉ Russia is reportedly reactivating and modernizing BRDM-2 armored reconnaissance vehicles, according to OSINT analyst Jompy, as cited by Defense24. After being deconserved, many of these vehicles are sent to the 103rd Armored Tank Repair Plant for repairs and upgrades.
The BRDM-2 is a Soviet-era reconnaissance vehicle with a crew capacity of four but lacks a designated troop compartment. It can be equipped with either a 14.5-mm KPVT heavy machine gun or a 7.62-mm PKT machine gun.
πΈ South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol warned that North Korea could face consequences under international criminal law based on the actions of its troops.
"We strongly condemn Russia and North Korea's illegal actions and want to make it clear that there will be consequences. We cannot continue business as usual with Russia while it persists in its unlawful invasion of Ukraine, violating the UN Charter and international law."
πΉ The U.S. has information about the arrival of 3,000 North Korean soldiers in Russia, said Kirby at a briefing.
According to him, they arrived by sea in Vladivostok and were then sent to various training units in eastern Russia, where they are currently undergoing training.
πΈ At the World Bankβs ministerial round table, Ukraineβs Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal highlighted the need to strengthen sanctions against Russia.
βUnfortunately, in July, Russia was classified as a High Income Country, alongside the worldβs most developed nations. Last week, the World Bank raised its growth forecast for Russia in 2024 and 2025. We keep finding Western components in the remains of Russian missiles that kill Ukrainians, showing that the sanctions arenβt working as effectively as needed.
Decisive action is necessary to limit Russiaβs ability to continue the war. We urge stronger primary and secondary sanctions on Russiaβs financial sector, oil and gas sales, and technology sales.β
πΉ Retired Australian Major General Mick Ryan criticized those advocating for negotiations, calling them "so-called experts" with shallow thinking and no concrete plan.
In an interview with Voice of America, Ryan said that Putin has no interest in stopping the war or negotiating at this time. "He sees himself leading this war. So what's there to negotiate? The only option would be to surrender the captured territories, and that's not something he's willing to do," Ryan explained.
He added that Putin has been observing Western leaders' debates and policy-making for years and likely believes he can manipulate them. "Putin has exploited the notion that a Russian defeat would be worse than a Ukrainian one. The Russians have nothing to offer in negotiations right now, and getting them to the table would be extremely difficult."
Ryan also questioned what could actually be achieved if Ukraine and Russia were to negotiate. "Those calling for talks haven't presented a plan for negotiations or for enforcing a ceasefire. Which European military has shown the capability or willingness to stand between Ukrainian and Russian forces to guarantee a ceasefire?" he asked.