Ukraine Invasion: Part 52

[MagicFox]

Welcome to 52. Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦

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@TheABC Thank you. More great info. Character wise can hack it.

United24 Media:

🔹 Ukrainian soldiers held captive by Russia are being systematically tortured, with the UN confirming instances of executions. At least 177 Ukrainian soldiers have died in custody, according to European Parliament deputies.

The day before, European legislators discussed war crimes committed by Russian forces, including the mistreatment of Ukrainian prisoners of war. "The executions and torture of POWs by the Russians show the Kremlin's disregard for international law," said European Commissioner for Justice Didier Reynders, adding that the EU supports efforts to hold those responsible accountable for these horrific crimes.

Latvian MEP Sandra Kalnietė, quoted by DW, highlighted cases where prisoners were starved or denied contact with their families, noting even worse atrocities, such as executions being shared on social media. She stressed that the names of the perpetrators are known, and "all of them will face trial."

German MEP Serhiy Lagodinsky detailed other forms of torture, including sexual violence, electric shocks, and deprivation of sleep, food, medical care, and communication. He emphasized that "death under such conditions is also murder."

Polish MEP Adam Belan warned that "Putin's criminal machine must not be forgotten, as these crimes could be repeated in Ukraine or even the EU."

🔸 The White House stated that North Korean troops involved in the war against Ukraine would be legitimate military targets, just like Russian forces.

At a briefing, National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby said the U.S. does not yet have clear information on the purpose of sending North Korean troops to Russia or whether they will actually participate in combat against Ukraine.

"If they do take part in the war against Ukraine, they are legitimate military targets. The Ukrainian military will defend itself against North Korean troops the same way it does against Russian forces. The risk of North Korean soldiers being wounded or killed in action is very real if they engage Ukrainian forces," Kirby said.

🔹 In Kazan, Putin stated that it is "impossible" to inflict a strategic defeat on Russia.

"Those who seek to defeat Russia strategically do not understand the history of our country; their expectations are unrealistic," he said.

❗️Zelenskyy stated that once the victory plan is implemented, Russia will be present at the Peace Summit on Ukraine.

Speaking at the third parliamentary summit of the Crimea Platform, he added that this would also be the time to discuss the implementation of the peace formula. "We will see the peace formula realized, along with the full restoration of the goals and principles of the UN Charter," Zelenskyy said.

He also took the opportunity to remind "international bureaucrats" that today is celebrated as UN Day worldwide, "not just somewhere in Kazan."

🔸 The U.S. has asked its G7 allies to consider imposing sanctions on Russian palladium and titanium, according to Bloomberg.

Palladium is essential for computer chips and car catalysts, while titanium is widely used in aircraft, medical implants, and other industries.

A key challenge is that Europe relies heavily on these metals and has shown little interest in mining them domestically in the past.

🇲🇳 The ISS officially labeled Mongolia as a violator for refusing to arrest Putin.

The harshest “penalty” Mongolia could face, according to the Assembly of participating states, is losing procedural privileges, including the right to nominate candidates for new judges at the International Court of Justice. Interestingly, in 2024, a Mongolian representative was elected to the Court for the first time in history, with a nine-year term.

Putin’s visit to Mongolia on September 3 marked his first visit to a Rome Statute member state since the ICC issued a warrant for his arrest in March 2023 for the abduction of Ukrainian children.

🔹 The first units of North Korean military personnel have arrived in Russia's Kursk region, according to the Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR).

Intelligence reports indicate that these troops will undergo several weeks of coordination, as Russia plans to deploy them in the war against Ukraine. GUR estimates that around 12,000 North Korean soldiers have been transferred to Russia, including 500 officers and three generals from Pyongyang.

🔸 The Ukrainian company Odd Systems has started mass production of "Kurbas 256" (1 photo) thermal imaging cameras for attack drones.

"We studied the experiences and took into account the needs of FPV operators to create a Ukrainian product with complete control over the hardware and low-level software," said a company representative.

🔹 Baykar aims to finish building its plant in Ukraine next year, with 80% of the construction complete and equipment being ordered. While the start of production will depend on the war, the facility is set to be ready by August 2025, according to CEO Haluk Bayraktar in a report to Reuters.

The plant will likely produce the TB2 drone or the more advanced TB3 model. Baykar, a leading drone exporter, currently supplies its TB2 and Akinci drones to 35 countries and is working to produce more components domestically due to global supply chain concerns. The company is also starting a $300 million project to develop a turboprop engine for the Akinci drone over the next five years, followed by a turbofan engine for the Kizilemma unmanned combat vehicle, which is undergoing flight testing.

Currently, Akinci and Kizilemma use Ukrainian-made engines. Baykar recently signed a deal with Ukraine’s Ivchenko-Progress for a joint development of a turbofan engine.

Looking ahead, Baykar is focused on autonomous drones that could replace manned fighter jets within the next 40 years, with smaller, riskier missions and larger quantities than today’s fighter fleet.

🔸 Lukashenko stated that Putin would never bring North Korean troops into the war against Ukraine, as it would escalate the conflict and might prompt NATO to deploy its troops in Ukraine. [Obviously didn't get the memo!]

🔹 Russia provided intelligence to the Yemeni Houthis, who attacked Western ships in the Red Sea with missiles and drones earlier this year, The Washington Post reports. The Houthis, who began launching these attacks late last year during the Gaza war, are now using Russian satellite data to expand their strikes, with the information passed through Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Experts say Russia aims to create instability from the Middle East to Asia to challenge the United States. The conflict escalation in the Middle East, sparked by an attack on Israel on October 7 last year, has drawn resources and attention away from U.S. focus on threats from Russia and China.

"For Russia, any escalation is beneficial because it shifts the world's focus away from Ukraine and forces the U.S. to allocate resources elsewhere," said Oleksandr Gabuev, director of the Carnegie Eurasian Center.

Since November 2023, Yemeni militants backed by Iran and Russia have attacked over 100 ships, sinking two and seizing another. These incidents disrupted global trade, as some shippers temporarily rerouted ships south around the Cape of Good Hope, a longer, costlier path. About 10% of the world's daily oil shipments pass through the Bab al-Mandab strait, linking the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Tanker traffic on this route dropped by 77% in August 2024 compared to October 2023, according to Windward, a maritime intelligence company.

Interestingly, Russian "shadow fleet" tankers, including those linked to Kremlin-backed Rosneft, were also targeted by Houthi attacks.

🔸 A Russian businessman linked to Viktor Bout, named Viktor Granov, was on the plane recently shot down in Sudan, according to Reuters.

Granov's documents were found in the wreckage of the Il-76 aircraft, which Sudanese authorities had used to deliver weapons and ammunition to the besieged city of El-Fashir.

Granov previously led two airlines accused of violating an arms embargo in the Congo. He was also mentioned in a 2005 Amnesty International report that noted his connections with Viktor Bout.

Live:Ukraine:

The U.S. Secretary of Defense believes that Ukraine can “absolutely” defeat Russia even without long-range weaponry approval from the West

“Russia has already moved its aircraft out of ATACMS range. Ukraine has the capability to produce its own drones, which are very effective. We’ve seen them conduct operations 400 km from the border, and even further,” said Lloyd Austin.

🔹 Xi Jinping left for China, but in parting said that "Tatarstan is a wonderful place" and suggested the head of the region Rustam Minnikhanov to communicate more often

t.me/liveukraine_media/25627

🇭🇺 For the first time in 18 years, Orbán’s party is no longer the most popular in Hungary.

The opposition party “Tisza,” leded*_ by Péter Magyar, holds a slight lead over Orbán’s “Fidesz,” according to a poll by the Publicus Institute.

Among the general population, “Tisza” has 24% support, compared to 23% for “Fidesz.” Among those who have pledged to participate in the elections and have decided on their choice, the ratio is 39% to 37% in favor of Magyar’s party.

🇪🇺🇺🇸�* Over 80% of Ukrainians would vote for joining the EU and NATO if such referendums were held soon, according to a poll by the Razumkov Center.

In a potential referendum on Ukraine’s EU membership, 81% of Ukrainians said they would participate, with 88% of them voting in favor and 8% against. For a NATO membership referendum, 82% would take part, with 86% supporting the move and 10% opposing it.

The strongest support for EU and NATO membership was found among respondents from western Ukraine, while the lowest support came from the south.

🔹 Auchan is leaving Russia due to sanctions pressure

The French hypermarket chain is preparing to sell its Russian business to local distributors.

Despite the full-scale war, Auchan remained in Russia because it was profitable and also aimed to use Russia as a gateway to enter the Chinese market.

❗️If North Korean military forces join Russia’s war against Ukraine, the US should consider the possibility of direct military action, said U.S. House Intelligence Commitee Chairman Turner.

According to him, North Korea’s involvement in the war should become a “red line” for the U.S. and NATO.

🇰🇷 South Korea may supplyly_ weapons to Ukraine depending on the level of military cooperation between Russia and North Korea, President Yoon Suk Yeol stated.*

“If North Korea sends special forces to the war in Ukraine, we will provide support to Ukraine step by step,” he noted.

Currently, Seoul does not supply lethal weapons to Ukraine, offering only humanitarian and financial aid. However, according to Yoon Suk Yeol, the country may consider this issue “more flexibly” depending on North Korea’s military actions.

▪️Seoul possesses a significant arsenal of domestically produced tanks, armored vehicles, and artillery, as well as large reserves of ammunition.

🔸 Putin confirmed that before the war in Ukraine, there were no drone strikes on Russia, but according to him, there was “a much worse situation — Russia was constantly being shown its place.”

“You mentioned drone strikes and so on. Yes, there were none, but there was a much worse situation — it was that our persistent and continuous proposals to establish relations with Western countries were met with being shown our place all the time. I can tell you this quite clearly. It seemed polite, but essentially, we were always being shown our place,” Putin said.

He added that this “place” would have led Russia to slide into the category of secondary states, serving only as a raw material supplier, resulting in a “loss of sovereignty,” which he claimed would mean the end of Russia as a functioning state.

🇫🇮 Finland is permanently closingng_ two border crossing points with Russia.*

The closures involve the temporary checkpoints “Inari” and “Parikkala,” which have not been in use since 2022.

▪️In April, Finland indefinitely extended the closure of border crossing points with Russia.

🇲🇳Mongolia violated the Rome Statute by failing to arrest Putin, according to the International Criminal Court.

This refers to Putin’s visit to Mongolia in September. Since Mongolia recognizes the ICC’s jurisdiction, it was obligated to arrest the Russian leader, who had an arrest warrant issued by the court in the spring of 2023.

However, Mongolia did not comply. The ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber II determined that Mongolia acted contrary to the Rome Statute and hindered the court’s ability to carry out its functions.

The matter has been referred to the Assembly of States Parties, which will decide what actions to take next.

🇲🇩 In October, Russia transferreded_ over $24 million to Moldova for voter bribery, bringing the total amount to more than $39 million*

The voter bribery scheme began in late spring, but the number of transfers increased significantly ahead of the elections and referendum. The operation was conducted through the “Promsvyazbank” app, where people were assisted in setting up Telegram bots to collect their phone numbers. So far, authorities in Moldova have documented more than 520 individuals involved in the bribery scheme. They face up to three years in prison or a hefty fine.

🔹 Meanwhile, in Chechnya, unknown individuals opened fire on a Russian National Guard military truck, according to Russian social media channels. One guard member was killed, and another was injured

🔸 Turkish company Baykar plans to complete the construction of a drone manufacturing plant in Ukraine by August 2025, according to Reuters.

The company’s CEO, Haluk Bayraktar, noted that the plant is currently 80% complete. He also mentioned that the facility’s capacity will allow for the production of around 120 drones per year.

🔹 Elon Musk has been in regular contact with Putin since late 2022, according to The Wall Street Journalal_. In private conversations, Musk and Putin discuss personal topics, business, and geopolitical tensions. This concerns the U.S. administration, as Musk has access to certain classified information, and the U.S. heavily relies on the space technology developed by his company SpaceX.*

Publicly, Musk mentioned speaking with Putin only once, saying it was a conversation about space around April 2021. However, after 2022, Musk communicated with several Russian officials, including, as reported by WSJ, Sergey Kiriyenko, the first deputy chief of Russia’s presidential administration. The content of their discussions remains unknown.

Additionally, in late 2023, Putin allegedly asked Musk not to activate Starlink satellite communication terminals in Taiwan as a favor to Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

🔸 Ukrainian NGOs are urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to respond to the meeting between the UN Secretary-General and Putin

They call on the ICC and the Office of the Prosecutor to take action, arguing that such a meeting undermines the authority of ICC decisions and the investigation into the most serious crimes of concern to the international community, which threaten global peace, security, and welfare.

Additionally, the NGOs request that the Office of the Prosecutor, by Article 18 of the Relationship Agreement between the UN and the ICC, seek any information from Guterres that was obtained during his meeting with the suspect, Putin, which may be useful for the investigation.

🇩🇪The Armed Forces of Ukraine have received an additional 20 Marder infantry fighting vehicles from the German company Rheinmetall

The Marder 1A3 version supplied to Ukraine is equipped with additional laser rangefinders, allowing for effective and precise targeting.

In total, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have received nearly 200 of these IFVs.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-24-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin failed to deny the presence of North Korean military personnel in Russia on October 24, amid official Ukrainian reports that the first North Korean military units arrived in Kursk Oblast on October 23.
• Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko strongly hinted that Belarusian forces will not fight in Ukraine and appeared to question Russian President Vladimir Putin's likely efforts to introduce North Korean forces into Russia's war against Ukraine in the process.
• The Kremlin is reportedly attempting to portray the BRICS summit in Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan as evidence of widespread international support for Russia – especially to domestic audiences in Russia.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin attempted to project Russian confidence in the Russian military's ability to repel the Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast at a press conference after the BRICS summit on October 24.
• Ukrainian authorities are investigating another execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) by Russian forces in the Pokrovsk direction against the backdrop of Russian forces' increasingly frequent POW executions across the theater.
• Ukrainian forces recently advanced in Kursk Oblast and near Toretsk and Pokrovsk.
• Russian forces recently advanced near Kreminna and Siversk.
• The Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD), Ministry of Defense (MoD), and Rosgvardia reportedly each have their own Akhmat units that perform different functions in different sectors of the front and rear.

Kyiv Independent Telegram highlights

⚡️4 Ukrainian POWs killed ( kyivindependent.com/russia-killed-4-ukrainian-pows-near-selydove-prosecutors-say/ ) by Russian forces near Selydove, Prosecutor General's Office reports.

⚡️ China 'not aware ( kyivindependent.com/china-not-aware-of-north-korean-troops-in-russia-preparing-to-fight-in-ukraine/ )' of North Korean troops in Russia preparing to fight in Ukraine. Beijing's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the statement despite the U.S., Seoul and Kyiv all confirming their presence in recent days. [Of course we believe you, Beijing]

⚡️Ukrainian military considering ( kyivindependent.com/ukraine-considering/ ) creation of new cyber army branch.

⚡️ South Korea could 'review' ban on supply of lethal arms ( kyivindependent.com/south-korea-could-review-ban-on-supply-of-lethal-arms-to-ukraine-president-yoon-suk-yeol-says/ ) to Ukraine, President Yoon Suk Yeol says

The Kyiv Independent, [24/10/2024 16:35]
⚡️ Zelensky won’t sign bill to end daylight saving time (kyivindependent.com/zelensky-wont-sign-bill-to-end-daylight-saving-time-media-says/) in Ukraine, media says.

⚡️ Russian forces trying to build crossings near Oskil River ( kyivindependent.com/russian-forces-trying-to-build-crossings-near-oskil-river-to-advance-on-kupiansk-military-sources-say/ ) to advance on Kupiansk, military sources say.

⚡️Why did Ukraine's prosecutor general resign ( kyivindependent.com/why-did-ukraines-prosecutor-general-resign-and-who-will-replace-him/ ), and who will replace him? The formal reason for Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin's resignation on Oct. 22 was the ongoing major corruption scandal involving hundreds of prosecutors who obtained disability benefits, including financial support, the ability to evade the military draft and leave the country at will. A crucial question is whether Kostin's resignation will solve the problem of fake disability documents and corruption at the prosecutor's office in general and whether his replacement will be any better.

Ukraine knows how to strike deep inside Russia ( kyivindependent.com/ukraine-says-it-has-recipe-for-long-range-capabilities-only-needs-financial-backing/ ), it just needs the money from Western allies to do so. Ukraine could, on its own with funding, produce more sophisticated kit using priceless experience gained through more than two and a half years of fighting back against Russia’s full-scale invasion.

⚡️Ukraine's immediate accession ( kyivindependent.com/ukraines-immediate-accession-to-nato-is-not-realistic-slovak-president-says-following-meeting-with-scholz/ ) to NATO 'not realistic,' Slovak president says following meeting with Scholz.

⚡️Ukraine cannot ( kyivindependent.com/ukraine-cannot-join-nato-immediately-scholz-says/ ) join NATO while at war, Scholz says.

⚡️Uzbekistan refuses ( kyivindependent.com/uzbekistan-refuses-to-join-eurasian-economic-union-which-includes-russia/ ) to join Eurasian Economic Union, which includes Russia.

⚡️ Musk has been in contact ( kyivindependent.com/musk-putin-wsj/ ) with Putin, Russian officials since 2022, WSJ reports.

Business tycoon Elon Musk, one of the richest people in the world, has been in regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin and other Kremlin officials since late 2022, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Oct. 25, citing undisclosed official sources.

⚡️ Ukraine strikes Russian Buk air defenses ( kyivindependent.com/ukraine-strikes-buk-systems/ ), destroys radar guidance system overnight on Oct. 25 in the occupied part of Luhansk Oblast, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces said.

⚡️'We can't have a bad outcome,' ( kyivindependent.com/jpmorgan-chase-ceo-ukraine/ ) JP Morgan Chase CEO says on Ukraine, Russia's nuclear threats. "Nuclear proliferation is the biggest risk mankind faces," said Dimon, head of the largest U.S. bank and the world's largest investment bank by revenue. According to him, the West has to have clarity and subordinate many things "to make sure that this ends up right." [Dimon 1, Musk 0]

⚡️Kyiv receives ( kyivindependent.com/kyiv-receives-list-of-missing-ukrainian-soldiers-via-qatar-ombudsman-says/ ) lists of missing Ukrainian soldiers via Qatar thanks to mediation by Qatar, Ombudsman Dmytro Lubinets said on Oct. 24. He did not specify in his statement whether the lists were provided to Qatar by Moscow or the status of the listed missing soldiers.

⚡️Russia has suffered ( kyivindependent.com/russian-casualties-in-kursk/ ) 17,800 casualties since start of Kursk incursion, Syrskyi claims.

⚡️ 'Our business' if we deploy ( kyivindependent.com/putin-north-korean-troops/ ) North Korean troops, Putin says. Speaking to Russian propagandist Olga Skabeyeva, Putin did not explicitly confirm the dispatch of North Korean soldiers, saying that "once it's necessary to make a decision, we will do so."

As well as images of N Korean troops allegedly being at a Russian base, there have also been repeat postings of a group of NK officers in Red Square. They are clearly at the Zhukov equestrian statue.

One of the ways Zhukov made his name was pre-WW2 commanding Soviet and Mongolian forces against Japan & Manchukuo in Manchuria in 1939.

Image grabbed from a Russian social media post.

United24 Media:

🔹 The first North Korean troops will be deployed by Russia in combat zones on October 27-28, according to Zelenskyy, following a report from Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi.

The Ukrainian president called this a clear escalation by Russia, unlike recent statements made in Kazan.

"The world can now see Russia's true intentions: to continue the war. This is why a strong and decisive response from global leaders is necessary. The involvement of North Korea in the conflict should be met not with inaction or vague comments, but with real pressure on both Moscow and Pyongyang to uphold the UN Charter and to punish this escalation," Zelenskyy said.

🔸 Ukrainian Athlete Yaroslava Mahuchikh Sets World Record

The International Federation has ratified Mahuchikh's impressive 2.10 m high jump, achieved at a competition in Paris this summer.

With this jump, she broke the previous record of 2.09 m, which had stood since 1987.

🔹 Over Half of Russian Artillery Shells Now Come from North Korea

According to intelligence from Ukraine and South Korea, more than 60% of the artillery shells recently used by the Russian army were supplied by North Korea, while only 30% were Russian-made and 10% came from Iran, reports Bloomberg.

Since August 2023, North Korea has sent approximately eight million 122mm and 152mm shells, around 100 Hwasong-11 (KN-23) ballistic missiles, and Bulsae-4 anti-tank weapons to Russia.

🔸 Intercepted conversations of the Russian military reveal that an interpreter is assigned for every 30 North Korean soldiers.

Ukrainian intelligence estimates that there are already about 12,000 North Korean troops in Russia, including 500 officers and three generals from Pyongyang.

🔹 According to Bloomberg, NATO has proposed two responses to North Korean soldiers being sent to Russia: increasing support for Ukraine and strengthening partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.

🔸 Court Upholds Confiscation of Russian Oligarch Alisher Usmanov's Assets in Ukraine

The Appeals Chamber of the High Anti-Corruption Court (VAKS) upheld the decision to confiscate assets belonging to Russian oligarch Alisher Usmanov, according to the Anti-Corruption Center. The confiscated assets include over 165,000 tons of iron ore, valued at more than UAH 2 billion, and 100% of the authorized capital of the IT company "Peter-Service Ukraine."

🔹 A residential building was hit by the Russian UAV in Kyiv

This was reported by the capital's mayor Vitaliy Klitschko. The upper floors of a high-rise building are on fire.
*
State Emergency Service Reveals Damage to High-Rise in Kyiv Following Attack*

An attack on a 25-story high-rise in Kyiv caused partial damage to apartments on the 17th, 18th, and 19th floors. The fire erupted on the 16th and 17th floors, requiring emergency response efforts to contain the blaze and assess the damage.

🔸 Ukraine Completes Ratification of the Rome Statute

Ukraine is set to become the 125th member of the International Criminal Court, with the ratification taking effect on January 1, 2025.

🔹 🇪🇺🇺🇦 The Ukrainian combat system DELTA coordinated over 50 drones and a “robot dog” during NATO’s largest exercise on unmanned systems, REPMUS 24. For the first time, Ukraine’s Navy participated in these maritime drills, held near Portugal’s Troy Peninsula from September 9 to 27.

Using the DELTA system, Ukraine coordinated various unmanned vehicles—underwater, sea, land, and air. It also connected to Rheinmetall’s four-legged Robotics-L dog, which can assist soldiers in tough terrain and help detect mines.

The exercise involved tasks like anti-submarine warfare, clearing sea mines, and protecting critical underwater infrastructure. DELTA’s integration with other systems improved coordination and operation management.

Deputy Defense Minister Kateryna Chernogorenko emphasized that Ukraine’s participation showcases the value of its innovations and strengthens ties with NATO. REPMUS 24 provides a platform to test new technologies, enhance situational awareness, and respond to maritime threats.

The drills are part of NATO’s broader strategy to advance maritime capabilities and digital transformation.

NATO 🇺🇦 Armed Forces are grateful for the support and assistance of #NATO/ AFU are grateful for the support and assistance of #NATO

🔸 Concerns Grow Over Potential Biological Weapons Production Near Moscow

According to The Washington Post, Russia may resume producing biological weapons that pose significant risks to humanity near Moscow. Satellite images reveal unusual activity at a closed facility northeast of the city, showing construction equipment renovating the old laboratory and laying the foundations for ten new buildings.

This construction at Sergiy Posad-6 is under the watchful eye of American intelligence and bioweapons experts due to rising concerns about Moscow's intentions.

🔹 Putin is lying about encircling two thousand Ukrainian soldiers in the Kursk region, according to Oleksandr Syrskyi, head of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

During a press conference in Kazan, Putin claimed that Russian forces had surrounded a group of 2,000 Ukrainian troops and were preparing to eliminate them.

Syrskyi dismissed this as “blatant misinformation” that does not reflect the real situation. He stated that Ukrainian forces continue active operations in the Kursk direction, successfully degrading enemy combat capabilities for three months. Despite heavy pressure from Russian forces, the occupiers are suffering significant losses in personnel and equipment.

Since the operation began on August 8, Ukrainian forces have captured 711 Russian soldiers, killed 6,662, and wounded 10,446. They have also destroyed 45 tanks, 256 infantry fighting vehicles, 99 artillery systems, and five anti-aircraft guns.

🔸 A missile strike on Dnipro damaged residential buildings, resulting in the deaths of two women and a 14-year-old girl. The number of injured has risen to 20, with four children among the victims. The attack caused significant destruction across the affected areas.

Live:Ukraine

🇰🇵 ❗️Soldiers from North Korea will be deployed in combat as early as October 27-28, President Zelensky announced.

In light of this, Zelensky is urging world leaders to respond clearly and apply pressure on Moscow and Pyongyang.

🇱🇹 "It’s a major escalation in the war. So it tells you that it's no longer regional, it's no longer just European. It’s a global conflict," says Lithuanian FM Landsbergis on North Korean troops being deployed in Ukraine.

🔹 Zelensky declined a visit from UN Secretary-General António Guterres to Ukraine due to his participation in the BRICS summit, AFP reportsts_, citing sources in the President’s Office*

“After Kazan, Guterres wanted to come to Ukraine, but the president did not confirm his visit. Therefore, Guterres will not be here, precisely because of the humiliation of common sense and international law in Kazan,” said the source.

🔸 Through the social network X, Usyk asked Trump to help free Ukrainian prisoners. Now, searching for Usyk’s account on X yields no results

Context: Today, Donald Trump is scheduled to appear on Joe Rogan’s podcast.

So, Oleksandr Usyk reached out to Rogan:

“Dear Joe Rogan, could you ask Donald Trump, when he appears on your podcast, if Mr. President is so confident in his influence over Putin, whether he could help free the defenders of Azovstal and all Ukrainians from Russian captivity right now? There is no time to waste. Sincerely, Oleksandr.”

Currently, if you search for Oleksandr Usyk on the X social network, either in Latin or Cyrillic script, his account does not appear in the results.

Probably a bug or... 🫠

🔹 The combat losses of the enemy from February 24, 2022 to October 26, 2024

@DesdamonasHandkerchief

The involvement of North Korea in the conflict should be met not with inaction or vague comments, but with real pressure on both Moscow and Pyongyang to uphold the UN Charter and to punish this escalation," Zelenskyy said.

Z is right but I’m afraid over the last 2 or 3 years the UN has shown itself utterly unfit for purpose (and not just in relation to the conflict in the Ukraine).

So true, and the fact that the UN Secretary General is currently attending The BRICS summit in Russia, shaking hands and kowtowing to Putin, underlines their uselessness.

It’s all a bit dismal these days. So many fascist authoritarian leaders in power. The UN is toothless and it is astounding that Guterres went to Russia ffs.

It looks like it’ll be a Trump presidency and this time he won’t be restrained by the Generals. Maybe Congress can mitigate against the worst of his attacks on democratic institutions but there’s a lot of republican nutters so I’m not holding out a lot of hope there. I fear for Ukraine with a Trump presidency.

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-25-2024

Key Takeaways:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Russia will imminently deploy North Korean forces to unspecified combat zones on October 27 and 28, as Russian and North Korean officials continued to issue vague yet suggestive statements regarding the possible presence of North Korean troops in Russia.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled that Western “Ukraine fatigue” is encouraging Russia to continue its full-scale invasion of Ukraine and pursue its theory of victory predicated on Russia outlasting Western support for Ukraine.
• Putin also continued to exaggerate Russian progress in Kursk Oblast, likely in an attempt to reassure domestic audiences of the Russian military's ability to suppress Ukraine's incursion into Kursk Oblast.
• Russian President Vladimir Putin promoted former Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) “Sparta” Battalion Commander and Plenipotentiary Representative in the Urals Lieutenant Colonel Artyom Zhoga to the Russian Security Council, likely in an ongoing effort to establish younger, pro-war figures within the Kremlin.
• Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claimed that Russia does not seek to “influence” elections of other countries "unlike the West" amid continued evidence to the contrary.
• Russian authorities swiftly responded to xenophobic riots in Korkino, Chelyabinsk Oblast on October 25, a marked change from Russian authorities' slow and disorganized response to the October 2023 antisemitic riots in the Republic of Dagestan.
• German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall announced on October 24 that it recently delivered 20 additional Marder infantry fighting vehicles to Ukraine and noted that Germany financed the delivery of the vehicles.
• Ukrainian forces advanced near Borki and regained lost territory near Chasiv Yar and Toretsk.
• Russian forces advanced near Siversk, Pokrovsk, and regained territory near Obukhovka.
• The Kremlin is continuing to forge new state-affiliated veteran societies and organizations likely in an ongoing effort to replace veteran organizations that have been critical of Russia’s conduct of war in Ukraine.

Kyiv Independent Telegram highlights

Russia again suffers 2nd deadliest day since start of full-scale invasion, Ukraine claims ( kyivindependent.com/for-2nd-time-in-october-russia-suffers-2nd-deadliest-day-since-start-of-full-scale-invasion-ukraine-claims/ ). Some experts suggest the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia is at least in part linked to Moscow's surging manpower losses in recent months. The bloodiest day for Moscow's forces was on May 13, when they suffered a reported 1,740 casualties.
⚡️Russia 'not planning any concessions,' Putin says ( kyivindependent.com/were-not-planning-any-concessions-putin-says-on-peace-talks-with-ukraine/ ) on peace talks with Ukraine. Any peace agreement to end Russia's war with Ukraine must be in Moscow's favor, Russian President Vladimir Putin said in an interview with state media on Oct. 25.

⚡️Poland rules out transferring ( kyivindependent.com/poland-refuses-to-transfer-south-korean-weapons-to-ukraine/ ) recently-purchased South Korean weapons to Ukraine.

⚡️Russian troop losses for October could hit 40,000, Estonian intelligence ( kyivindependent.com/russia-may-lose-nearly-40-000-personnel-in-war-with-ukraine-in-october-estonian-intelligence-suggests/ ) suggests.

⚡️Russian suicide drone hits ( kyivindependent.com/russian-drone-hits-multi-story-residential-building-in-kyiv/ ) 25-storey multi-story residential building in Kyiv, killing a 15-year-old girl and injuring five people. 100 people evacuated.

⚡️North Korea says any troop deployment to Russia is in 'regulations of international law ( kyivindependent.com/north-korea-says-any-troop-deployment-to-russia-is-in-regulations-of-international-law/ ).’

⚡️US reports North Korean troops moving to Russia ( kyivindependent.com/us-reports-north-korean-troops-moving-to-russias-kursk-region/ )’s Kursk region to assist Moscow in countering a Ukrainian offensive launched there in August, according to a U.S. official John Kirby.

⚡️G7 to provide Ukraine $50 billion ( kyivindependent.com/g7-to-provide-ukraine-50-billion-in-loans-backed-by-frozen-russian-assets/ ) in loans backed by frozen Russian assets. "Our aim is to begin disbursing the funds by the end of the year."

⚡️Media: US-sanctioned Gazprombank ( kyivindependent.com/media-gazprombank-may-buy-auchan-chains-in-russia/ ) may buy Auchan chains in Russia. [Bet Russia will give a 'good' price. Too bad for Auchan]

⚡️Georgians head out to vote ( kyivindependent.com/georgians-head-out-to-vote-in-parliamentary-elections-tensions-run-high-at-some-polling-stations/ ) in parliamentary elections, tensions run high at some polling stations. Nino Lomjaria, a lawyer and former ombudswoman, reported on Oct. 26 that an election observer was attacked while filming a ballot box being stuffed.

⚡️Government says 'strategically important ( kyivindependent.com/government-says-strategically-important-employees-will-be-able-to-extend-military-exemption-status/ )' employees will be able to extend military exemption status. Meanwhile, an audit of the exemption process is ongoing until Nov. 15 to assess which businesses qualify for critical enterprise status, reflecting the government's effort to balance the country's defense needs with economic stability.

FT article "‘China will not like it one bit’: Beijing uneasy with North Korean troops in Russia"

Deepening Moscow-Pyongyang ties could destabilise Korean peninsula and embolden US-led alliances in region. Beijing has become increasingly wary of deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang.

https://archive.is/0tVWL

Surely this would be a good thing?

Oh yes. Discord in the ranks of the enemy will help Ukraine.

Georgia’s election seems to be heading in an unfortunate direction https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3wqq6l99w3o

Ben Hodges was on the Silicon Curtain podcast on Friday and is a fascinating and sensible listen. Talks at length about Ukraine/Russia as well as the election, Musk’s engagement with Putin and the new emerging axis.

United24 Media:

🔹 Zelenskyy Condemns Continued Russian Aggression After Kazan Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Russia’s recent attacks, underscoring that aggression cannot be halted through dialogue alone but requires decisive defensive actions. He highlighted strikes on Kyiv, Dnipro, Sumy Oblast, Khmelnytskyi, and other regions, lamenting the destruction of Mechnikov Hospital in Dnipro and residential buildings. The attacks resulted in three fatalities, including a 14-year-old girl.

Zelenskyy emphasized that the ongoing war, now in its third year, has one clear instigator: Moscow. He called for increased pressure on Russia to force an end to the conflict, asserting that true peace and security can only be secured through strength and determination.

🔸 Rheinmetall Expands Weapons Production in Ukraine with Four New Factories

Rheinmetall, a leading German defense company, is advancing its plans to establish four arms production facilities in Ukraine. According to the company’s CEO, the first plant is already operational, servicing equipment and running production lines. The factory is set to deliver its first batch of Lynx infantry fighting vehicles by the end of this year.

Construction is underway for the second and third facilities, which will focus on manufacturing gunpowder and ammunition. Additionally, Rheinmetall plans to build a fourth plant dedicated to producing anti-aircraft systems, further bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

🔹 Former Lithuanian President Dalia Grybauskaitė has expressed strong concerns about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s threat to Europe.

In an interview with Euronews, she emphasized that as long as Putin remains in power, he will pose a danger to the continent. Grybauskaitė warned that any peace agreement allowing Russia to retain conquered Ukrainian territories would enable Russia to prepare for future aggression against neighboring countries, including potentially the Baltic states, Moldova, or Georgia.

She underscored that Putin’s ongoing war against his neighbors leaves no room for retreat, suggesting that Europe will continue to face threats from Russia. Additionally, Grybauskaitė assured that Lithuania will uphold its pro-European and pro-Ukrainian policies, regardless of the outcome of its parliamentary elections.

🔸 According to The New York Times, five thousand elite North Korean soldiers are being transferred to Russia’s Kursk region, with the deployment expected to be completed by Monday.

These troops are being flown from Vladivostok using Il-76 transport aircraft to a military airfield in western Russia, from where they will move towards the combat zone. As of now, the North Korean forces remain stationed in the Kursk region and have not yet engaged in any hostilities.

🔹 The European Commission has welcomed the consensus reached between the Group of Seven (G7) nations and the European Union concerning their contributions to a $50 billion loan for Ukraine. The loan will be repaid using profits generated from frozen Russian assets. The EU’s share of the contribution will amount to approximately €18 billion.

🔸 President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged international partners to intensify pressure on Russia and bolster support for Ukraine amid the anticipated involvement of North Korean troops in the conflict. He emphasized that the coming week will be marked by “very active work” with Ukraine’s allies to reinforce the military effort at the front and advance the strategy aimed at compelling Russia to end the war.

🔹 Emergency and rescue operations have concluded at the site of the destroyed building in Dnipro. The rocket attack resulted in the deaths of five people, with 21 others injured, including four children, according to the State Emergency Service.

“Two individuals were rescued from the rubble,” the agency reported. “Psychologists from the State Emergency Service provided psychological assistance to 32 people, including two children.”

🔸 BRICS’s ambition to move away from the dollar remains a distant dream, according to Bloomberg. Despite the group’s growing economic influence, the shift toward using the yuan or local currencies for transactions faces significant hurdles. The publication notes that settlements in national currencies are costly due to low liquidity, while digital currencies remain too volatile.

Although China advocates for the internationalization of the yuan, it is not yet prepared to allow the currency to circulate freely. The dependence on the dollar was evident even at the BRICS summit in Kazan, where participants were advised to bring dollars and euros, highlighting the dollar’s enduring dominance in the global economy.

🔹 Canada has delivered a batch of new LAV 6.0 ACSV armored personnel carriers to Ukraine, according to Operation UNIFIER. The vehicles, intended for support and evacuation purposes, underwent training in Germany before being dispatched to aid Ukraine’s defense efforts.

🔸 Russia has the financial means to continue funding the war in Ukraine for several more years, according to The Washington Post. The report attributes this capability to substantial oil revenues and the ineffectiveness of Western sanctions, particularly the G7’s oil price cap, which has failed to significantly curtail the aggressor’s oil income.

However, the Russian economy faces the risk of “overheating” due to factors such as rapidly increasing wages, strained production capacity, and a labor shortage.

🔹 President Zelenskyy has signed a law permitting foreigners to serve as officers in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Previously, non-citizens were only allowed to hold rank and sergeant positions.

Live:Ukraine:

❗️❗️In Dnipro, Russian forces damaged Mechnikov Hospital — one of Ukraine’s most crucial medical facilities, President Zelensky reported.

The city now counts 20 injured, including children: two girls, aged 8 and 16, and two boys, both 17. The death toll has already risen to four.

🇬🇪Here’s how the parliamentary elections are unfolding in Georgia:

Reports of falsifications and altercations. (Fighting in polling stations and blatant vote stuffing)

t.me/liveukraine_media/25689

🇬🇪In Tbilisi, a large brawl broke out near a polling station between activists from the pro-Russian “Georgian Dream” party and election observers.

The clash involved several dozen people.

t.me/liveukraine_media/25694

🇬🇪The Georgian Central Election Commission has processed data from nearly 70% of polling stations. According to official results, “Georgian Dream” is leading with 53%

This contradicts several exit polls.

👹 J.D. Vance: To end the war, Ukraine must give up territory seized by Russia

"Neither Ukraine nor Russia has enough resources - men, weapons, or money - to continue the war; both countries are exhausted."

🔹 In Ryazan, an oil refinery is on fire, according to Russian media.

Earlier, locals reported hearing explosions. An air raid alert had been issued in the city.

🔸 Today, Russia lost two helicopters.

A Mi-2 crashed in the Kirov region, with all four people on board not surviving. Another helicopter, likely a Mi-28, went down near the Kerch Strait.

🇬🇪❗️In Georgia, two opposition parties have announced they do not recognize the results of the parliamentary elections

The parties in question are Mikheil Saakashvili’s “United National Movement” and the “Coalition for Change.” The leader of the Coalition, Gvamaria, claims that the ruling party, “Georgian Dream,” is orchestrating a constitutional coup.

Earlier, the Central Election Commission released results from 70% of polling stations, showing the ruling “Georgian Dream” party with 52.9% and opposition parties with 38.2%.

The opposition has announced upcoming protests, reports “Echo of the Caucasus.”

🇬🇪 After counting 99.6% of the ballots in Georgia’s parliamentary elections, the ruling party “Georgian Dream” is in the leadad_ with 54.08% of the vote.*

Opposition parties have collectively gathered 37.58% and have declared they do not recognize the election results or the count from the Central Election Commission. One opposition leader claims that the “Georgian Dream” is committing a constitutional coup.

▪️On October 26, opposition media reported that the opposition had more votes (52%) compared to the ruling “Georgian Dream” (40.9%).

▪️These elections are considered historic for Georgia, as the results will indicate the country’s trajectory — toward integration with the EU or closer alignment with Moscow.

🔹 The UN should have alerted the ICC about Secretary-General Guterres’s meeting with Putin, who has an active arrest warrant from the court, said Ukraine’s UN representative, Sergiy Kyslytsya.

He referenced 2013 UN guidelines advising restraint from actions that may obstruct the court’s work, noting that individuals with warrants might seek meetings with UN officials to undermine the ICC’s credibility.

Any analysis out there on how the attacks on Iran might affect Russia (and hence Ukraine). According to this article (and other stuff I have seen) www.timesofisrael.com/iran-said-alarmed-as-idf-cripples-its-missile-production-disables-key-air-defenses/ :

"Eveleth said the Israeli strikes may have “significantly hampered Iran’s ability to mass produce missiles.” He said that an image from Planet Labs, a commercial satellite firm, showed that an Israeli strike destroyed two buildings in Khojir where solid fuel for ballistic missiles was mixed."

Will this potentially mean there is are less available for Russia?

https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-october-26-2024

Key Takeaways:

Bloomberg reported on October 25, citing South Korean intelligence documents, that a second group of North Korean soldiers will soon deploy to Russia.

German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall announced preparations to open additional defense industrial plants in Ukraine.

Russian forces recently advanced in Glushkovsky Raion, Kursk Oblast and near Pokrovsk and Vuhledar.

Russian military command is reportedly continuing to commit military specialists to assault operations and incurring unnecessary losses, likely in an effort to centralize control over Russian forces and maintain the tempo of Russian offensive operations throughout the theater.

Kyiv Independent Telegram highlights

⚡️Polling station closed ( kyivindependent.com/polling-station-closed-in-southern-georgia-during-election-following-reported-ballot-stuffing/ ) in southern Georgia during election following reported ballot stuffing. Footage surfaced earlier on Oct. 26 of an individual stuffing the ballot box at the polling station in the southern Georgian city of Marnueli.

⚡️ Georgia's government will be approved ( kyivindependent.com/georgian-government-elections/ ) despite opposition's protests, PM says after elections. The Georgian parliament will approve the government despite protests by the opposition, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze said on Oct. 27 as his party declared victory in the elections.

Former Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, the chair of the opposition Gakharia For Georgia party, said that the announced results "do not reflect the will of the Georgian people" and called for "reasonable forms of protest" to "defend the European future" of the country.

⚡️Explosions reported in Odesa and Kyiv. Ukraine’s Air Force earlier warned of the threat of ballistic missile attacks on the region.

⚡️Ukrainian-Canadian filmmakers pull out ( kyivindependent.com/ukrainian-canadian-filmmakers-pull-out-from-film-festival-after-being-featured-alongside-russians-at-war/ ) from film festival after being featured alongside 'Russians at War.'

⚡️Ukraine, India discuss ( kyivindependent.com/ukraine-india-discuss-defense-industry/ ) strengthening defense industry cooperation.

⚡️ Russia claims downing 51 Ukrainian drones, fire reported ( kyivindependent.com/russia-claims-downing-51-ukrainian-drones-fire-reported-at-oil-facility/ ) at oil facility in the Michurinsky district of Russia's Tambov Oblast causing a fire that was quickly extinguished, Governor Maxim Egorov claimed.

⚡️ Germany, France skeptical ( kyivindependent.com/germany-france-hungary-veto/ ) about bypassing Hungary's veto on EU aid for Ukraine, Bloomberg reports.

⚡️ Russian soldiers suspected of murdering 2, injuring 1 ( kyivindependent.com/russian-soldiers-shooting-civilians-selydove/ ) civilian in embattled Selydove. Russian soldiers in the Donetsk Oblast town of Selydove have likely opened fire against civilians on separate occasions, killing at least two women and injuring one person, the regional prosecutor's office said on Oct. 27.

⚡️ Ukraine holds key positions at Levadne ( kyivindependent.com/ukraine-holds-key-positions-at-levadne-military-says/ ), military says after reports of Russia capturing the settlement.

Final pre-election push to boost ‘heartland’ US support for Ukraine proves difficult.

Once a swing state, Ohio has reliably voted Republican since 2016. It is also home to the Republican party’s Ukraine-skeptical vice presidential nominee JD Vance and nearly 12 million voters, offering a ripe electorate to expand conservative support of Ukraine.

With the U.S. presidential election days away and 40% of Trump supporters saying Washington should “reconsider” its level of backing for Ukraine, conversations with Ohio voters highlight the difficulties in changing narratives on Ukraine aid.

https://kyivindependent.com/in-ohio-final-push-to-increase-us-support-of-ukraine-proves-difficult-as-election-nears/

I have family in Ohio. She says the calls to vote and who to vote for have reached such a feverish pitch the likes of which she has not seen before in any other election year.

I cannot see any downside to there being fewer ballistic missiles from Iran.

The good news is not only did Israel do a surgical strike of Iranian missile facilities, it also destroyed several of Iran's Russian-made S-300 batteries, leaving Iran even more exposed to further air attacks by Israel.

How Israel Pulled Off Its Largest-Ever Strike on Iran

Attack unfolded in waves and struck missile-manufacturing and surface-to-air missile-defense sites across Iran

https://archive.is/y87cL

Satellite image of the military complex in Parchin, Iran, in 2022