Russo-Ukrainian war, day 955: Poland fortifies borders amid rising tensions with Russia and Belarus

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An entrepreneur's journey to leading one of Ukraine's deadliest drone units. Heorhii Volkov never imagined his marketing skills would be used to outwit Russian forces, yet his business background proved crucial to make a UAV unit that now defends the most dire of directions

As of 5 OCT 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

Russia aims to disrupt Ukrainian supply lines in Zaporizhzhia, says military spokesperson. Russia is preparing new assault groups and conducting reconnaissance near Orikhiv and Robotyne, with intensified attacks expected within days, according to Ukrainian military intelligence. Frontline report: outnumbered Ukrainian elite brigade repels Russian assault through superior tactics. Despite being outnumbered two to one, elements of Ukraine's elite Third Assault Brigade successfully defended the positions north of Makiivka by integrating drone warfare, precision artillery, armored assaults, and infantry sweeps. British intel: Zaporizhzhia front faces increased pressure after Russia captures Vuhledar. British intelligence has pinpointed two likely objectives for Russia's next offensive after capturing Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast: Velyka Novosilka to the west and Bohoiavlenka to the north. Russia severely damages critical infrastructure in Pokrovsk, key Ukrainian logistics hub. Russian forces are now just 7 kilometers (4 miles) from the town, which has seen its population plummet from 48,000 to 13,050 in six weeks. Ukrainian drones allegedly hit Russian distilleries in Voronezh and Belgorod oblasts. Despite claims by the Russian Ministry of Defense that it intercepted ten allegedly Ukrainian UAVs, reports and videos indicate that some drones reached their targets.

Intelligence and technology

Modern Russian Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik stealth drone shot down above Ukraine. The loss of this drone could provide Ukraine and its Western allies with invaluable intelligence on Russian stealth technology and autonomous combat systems. Ukraine releases footage of covert operations aimed at capturing gas platforms near Zmiinyi Island. The combat footage released by Ukraine shows commandos approaching the platforms by sea and engaging in firefights to secure these assets. Russian Armed Forces increasingly deploy unidentified drones alongside Shaheds. Despite the vulnerabilities of these drones to electronic warfare, Russia is attempting to overwhelm Ukrainian air defenses and conduct widespread reconnaissance.

International

Five Republican senators criticize Orban for friendship with Russia and China. US lawmakers have expressed worry about Hungary's diplomatic course, citing closer relations with Russia and China as key issues. Fico to convince Ukraine to keep gas transit after 2024. Ukraine has categorically rejected extending the contract with Gazprom for transit through its gas transportation system, which expires at the end of 2024. Zelenskyy to present "victory plan" at Ramstein meeting in October. President Zelenskyy's victory plan, previously discussed with US officials, will be formally presented to over 50 allied nations in October. Poland to start fortifying borders with Russia and Belarus by end of 2024. This initiative, part of a broader $2.5 billion border fortification plan, will include advanced surveillance and anti-drone systems to bolster national security.

Political and legal developments

Ukraine's ex-military chief Zaluzhnyi opposes drafting young adults despite shortage of soldiers. Former Commander-in-Chief emphasized the need to preserve the 18-25 age group for Ukraine's future, while acknowledging their potential necessity if the state's existence is threatened. Ukraine's law agency arrests medical official for $ 6 million corruption, forged medical documents. The State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) uncovered nearly $6 million in undeclared assets from a high-ranking medical official, exposing a scheme involving fraudulent disability certifications for military service evasion.

New developments

Ukrainian missile strike kills six North Korean officers in Russian-occupied Donetsk, intelligence sources say. A Ukrainian deadly strike on a Russian training ground near Donetsk has uncovered the presence of North Korean military personnel in occupied Ukraine, which Russian sources described as an "exchange of experience." Read our earlier daily review here.