Exclusives
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Ukraine’s Tver ammo depot attack featuring jet drones lowers Russian threat to Baltics. Ukraine’s destruction of a large Russian ammunition depot in Tver Oblast using jet-propelled drones may decrease the likelihood of a potential Russian invasion of the Baltic States and Poland. |
Military
AFP: Ukraine halts Russian counteroffensive in Kursk Oblast, says Ukrainian colonel. Ukraine began the Kursk incursion on 6 September, 2024.
Rapid Response: Ukrainian troops repel Russian offensive in Luhansk Oblast. An attempted Russian assault on the eastern front was swiftly countered by Ukrainian troops from the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade, who used advanced drone technology to obliterate enemy tanks and armored personnel carriers.
Frontline report: Ukraine’s MANPADS takes down Russian fighter jet. In a dramatic turn of events off the Crimean coast, Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian Su-30 fighter jet using a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) during a daring amphibious raid on occupied oil rigs.
Kursk operation has been more challenging than reported, Ukrainian soldier says. Ukrainian soldier Ihor Sholtys reveals that the surprise Kursk operation not only exposed Russian vulnerabilities but also uplifted the spirit of troops, as Ukraine secures new ground near Sumy Oblast.
17 “earthquakes” shake Russian Tver Oblast, Ukraine claims strike on huge missile depot. An ammunition depot in Toropets, Tver Oblast, Russia, reportedly stores Iskander ballistic missiles.
Frontline report: Russia’s Kursk counter-offensive at risk as Ukraine pushes forward in Hlushkovo area. Ukrainian forces have captured the border settlements of Volfino and Krasnooktyabr’skiy, continuing their westward push in the Glushkovo salient.
DeepState: Russian forces advanced near Pokrovsk. The Russian troops moved forward in Hrodivka and Ukrainske, both located near Pokrovsk in the Donetsk Oblast.
Ammunition depot in Russia’s Tver Oblast is burning after drone strike. An ammo depot was hit, sparking a fierce fire. Locals fled as Ukraine claimed a strike on high-tech missiles.
As of 19 SEP 2024, the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:
- Personnel: 638140 (+1130)
- Tanks: 8705 (+14)
- APV: 17093 (+13)
- Artillery systems: 18177 (+23)
- MLRS: 1189 (+1)
- Anti-aircraft systems: 947
- Aircraft: 369
- Helicopters: 328
- UAV: 15417 (+63)
- Cruise missiles: 2592
- Warships/boats: 28
- Submarines: 1
- Vehicles and fuel tanks: 24839 (+55)
Intelligence and technology
Poland, Latvia and Romania call for immediate air defense reinforcement in NATO’s east. The Bucharest Nine defense ministers have issued a joint appeal for urgent measures to strengthen NATO’s ability to detect and neutralize low-flying objects in its airspace.
Ukraine works to improve its drones to counter Russian threats. In response to daily drone strikes from Russia, Ukraine is ramping up production and modification of drones. Brigadier General Vadym Hladkov highlighted key upgrades aimed at improving the resilience of Ukrainian drones against Russian defenses.
France to upgrade its Mirage 2000-5F jets for Ukraine’s needs. Originally designed solely as air superiority fighter jets, these jets will now be modified to engage both air and ground targets.
Ukraine to implement new defense planning system by 2025 for NATO interoperability. The Ministry of Defense of Ukraine has introduced a new Planning, Programming, Budgeting & Execution (PPBE) model aimed at enhancing decision-making in the defense sector. The system will guide the development of the Armed Forces’ capabilities over the next 5-10 years, aligning with NATO standards.
International
Switzerland to provide $ 68 mn for digitalization in Ukraine – Ministry of Digital Transformation. A $68.1 million agreement with Switzerland will fuel Ukraine’s digital ambitions in areas ranging from e-notary services to humanitarian demining technology.
Germany pledges additional € 50 million for treatment of wounded Ukrainian soldiers. The funds will be managed by the Federal Office for Administrative Services, ensuring swift, bureaucracy-free access to medical care.
IMF mission to Russia postponed indefinitely after the outrage in Europe. This postponement follows the recent IMF Managing Director’s decision to resume annual economic reviews with Moscow.
New EU defense commissioner: “Peace can be achieved only if Ukraine wins and restores its territorial sovereignty”. EU appointed its first-ever Defense Commissioner, Andrius Kubilius, on 17 September 2024.
Estonian defense company to launch anti-drone missile system production in Ukraine. The move highlights increasing European defense industry interest in establishing production facilities on Ukrainian soil despite security concerns.
UN says it won’t send a monitoring mission to Ukraine-controlled areas in Russia until Russian permission. Answering the Ukrainian request to send a humanitarian and monitoring mission to the Ukraine-controlled areas in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, the UN said such action would require permission from Russia.
Mexican President-elect declines Zelenskyy’s invitation to visit Ukraine. Mexico’s President-elect explained her decision, citing her focus on domestic responsibilities: “Our responsibility is here.” Meanwhile, Mexico invited the Russian president to the upcoming presidential inauguration despite his ICC arrest warrant.
US lawmakers push for expedited LNG exports to Ukraine and Central Europe. To bolster energy security in Europe, a group of Democratic lawmakers has called on President Biden to expedite approvals for liquefied natural gas exports.
Czech defense company supplying arms to NATO countries opens office in Ukraine. The company plans to localize arms and ammunition production in Ukraine.
Humanitarian and social impact
Kharkiv printing house, destroyed by Russian shelling, resumes work. A Kharkiv printing house partially resumed operations after a devastating Russian missile strike, focusing on textbook production despite significant challenges.
Demographic toll of Russia-Ukraine war threatens future, WSJ reports. Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine may be partly motivated by demographic concerns. “He wants to use Ukraine and its people to consolidate the Slavic core of Russia,” the report says.
Ukrainian official says WSJ report on 80,000 Ukrainian soldiers killed inflated. MP and Committee on National Security member Roman Kostenko say the plausible number is up to 50,000, while he didn’t name precise data due to some personnel missing.
Russian authorities conceal whereabouts of Crimean Tatar activist Aziz Akhtemov. Akhtemov, along with his cousin, was convicted in 2021 on politically motivated charges and sentenced to 13 years.
Political and legal developments
Ukraine boosts 2024 defense budget by $12 billion amid ongoing war. Tax increases and internal borrowing will cover this previously unfunded deficit to sustain defense spending until the end of the year.
Ukraine auctions iconic hotel in Kyiv’s center, other Soviet-times state properties to raise more money for army. The government sold the hotel “Ukraine” for $61 million. Other yet bigger auctions are scheduled as part of “Big Privatization”.
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