Exclusives
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Operation “Doppelganger”: what the FBI knows about Russia’s latest fake news assault on Ukraine. Fake Fox News and Washington Post, crypto, AI, and 2,800 influencers to cause “nuclear psychosis”: meet Russia’s fresh strategy to undermine support for Ukraine |
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Volker: Biden, Trump set to greenlight strikes deep in Russia. The ex-US Ambassador to NATO slammed the West for a timid response to Russian threats, arguing that only fear, not restraint, can keep Putin in check. |
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Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Court is breaking the cycle of impunity. In the five years since its inception, the High Anti-Corruption Court has done the impossible: sent Ukraine’s top-corrupts behind bars. It is also confiscating their money for the army’s benefit |
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$ 19 billion for Ukraine: US races October deadline on Russian assets. By 20 October, the Biden administration must unveil a comprehensive report on Russian assets within US jurisdiction—a sum now revealed to be a staggering $19 billion, not the previously reported $5 billion. This dramatic increase could significantly bolster potential aid to Ukraine. |
As of 3 October 2024, the approximate losses of weapons and military equipment of the Russian Armed Forces from the beginning of the invasion to the present day:
Military
Zelenskyy: Withdrawal from Vuhledar necessary to save lifes of Ukrainian soldiers. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy justified the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ withdrawal from Vuhledar as a necessary step to preserve soldiers’ lives during a press conference in Kyiv.
Frontline report: Chechen Akhmat units return to Kharkiv front as blocking forces. Ukrainian drone operators from the 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade eliminated approximately 100 Russian personnel and destroyed 17 armored vehicles during a failed counterattack in Vovchansk.
Ukrainian brigade says it minimized losses through strategic retreat from Vuhledar. The 72nd Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine withdrew from Donetsk’s Vuhledar, facing Russian flank pressure and logistical difficulties.
Ukraine targets Russia’s guided bomb warehouses and aircraft in Voronezh Oblast airfield attack. Ukrainian forces reportedly launched a drone attack on Borisoglebsk airfield in Russia’s Voronezh Oblast, targeting bomb warehouses, Su-35 and Su-34 jets, and fuel storage to disrupt operations.
Ukraine repels massive Russian drone attack, shoots down 78 Shaheds. Russia launched 105 Shahed drones against Ukraine overnight on 3 October. Ukrainian air defenses intercepted 78 drones across 15 oblasts. Reports suggest three drones could have reached targets.
Intelligence and technology
Over one-third of ammo planned under Czech initiative delivered to Ukraine, says envoy. Ukrainian Ambassador hopes the initiative would extend into 2025, also supporting Ukraine’s domestic ammunition production.
UK intel: Russia’s September missile strike on grain ship likely due to poor targeting. On 11 September 2024, Russia’s missile strike on the grain ship MV Aya was likely unintentional, caused by poor targeting procedures and outdated munitions, per UK intelligence.
ISW: Ukraine ramps up weapons production, but Western aid still crucial. ISW assesses that substantial Western support remains crucial for Ukraine’s defense and liberation of occupied territories in the coming years.
Ukraine prepares to deploy US-supplied Hawkeye howitzers against Russian forces. Ukraine’s military showcases newly acquired American 2-CT Hawkeye 105mm self-propelled howitzers, mounted on HMMWV chassis, in preparation for their first combat use against Russian forces.
Ukraine says it struck Russian Nebo-M radar with ATACMS, potentially enhancing cruise missile effectiveness. The Ukrainian military says the destruction of the costly radar, with only 10 reportedly remaining operational, could improve conditions for Ukrainian air attacks.
International
Switzerland to provide Ukraine with about $ 1.7 bn for reconstruction projects over four years. A major Swiss financial aid program for Ukraine will include dedicated funding for humanitarian demining and support for mine-affected communities.
Romania delivers Patriot missile-defense system to Ukraine. Both Bucharest and Kyiv confirmed the delivery, boosting Ukraine’s air defense against Russian attacks.
NATO Secretary affirms Alliance’s commitment to Ukraine in first official visit. Mark Rutte’s first act as NATO chief was to visit Ukraine, signaling the country’s priority status for the alliance.
Rutte makes first official visit to Kyiv as new NATO chief. Meeting with President Zelenskyy, they discussed Ukraine’s NATO membership prospects, current battlefield situation, and urgent defense needs, particularly air defense systems ahead of winter.
Western weapon use restrictions for Ukraine are “militarily silly and strategically stupid,” Mike Pompeo says. The ex-CIA director and former US State Secretary condemns limitations on Ukraine’s use of long-range Western weapons and dismisses escalation concerns.
Luxembourg to join international drone coalition supporting Ukraine. Luxembourg signed a declaration to join the Latvia and UK-led drone coalition for Ukraine, which focuses on developing new drone technologies and boosting supplies. Luxembourg will become the coalition’s 17th member state.
Romania backs marine training center for Ukraine. This initiative, proposed through the Ukraine Defense Contact Group’s “Ramstein” format, will be funded by international contributions, with the UK providing initial financing.
Political and legal developments
Kremlin denies receiving Scholz’s request to speak with Putin. The Kremlin has not received any requests for a call between Putin and Scholz, despite reports of the German chancellor considering such a conversation.
SBU detains suspected deserter accused of aiding Russian air strikes. Ukraine’s Security Service says it detained a 23-year-old military deserter suspected of aiding Russian attacks on Vinnytsia and Sumy oblasts.
Read our earlier daily review here.
