Russo-Ukrainian war, day 981: Kyiv reveals only 10% of US aid reached Ukraine

Exclusive

Georgia erupts as president slams Russia's grip on disputed vote. Thousands flood Tbilisi as the president exposes alleged vote theft by the pro-Kremlin party's shock win, morphing from state head to rebel leader overnight.

Military

Russian special forces suffer catastrophic losses in war against Ukraine. Russian special forces, initially tasked with eliminating Ukraine's leadership, have suffered devastating losses, according to The National Interest. The high-risk missions, including the failed attempt on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left Russia's elite units severely depleted, with losses reaching critical levels. Russian Osa air defense system destroyed by Ukrainian FPV in Kherson Oblast (video). Ukraine's military intelligence drone operators spotted the SHORAD launcher near Radensk. FPV UAV strikes completely destroyed the Osa, triggering the explosion of its ammunition. Ukraine destroys 3 helicopters and 146 Russian drones during Kursk operation. Ukrainian paratroopers eliminated two Ka-52 combat helicopters and 97 reconnaissance drones. Ukrainian military says relentless shelling hits Toretsk despite fewer Russian assaults. Russian forces continue to bombard Toretsk with artillery and airstrikes, though advances remain stalled. Ukrainian drones target Berdiansk port occupied by Russians in intense morning assault. Ukrainian drones struck Berdiansk port early today, igniting fires and leading to visible smoke clouds, power outages, and casualties, as occupation authorities scramble to assess the impact. The attack has prompted Russian officials to halt social services in the city. Russian forces pay deadly price for rushed October offensive in Ukraine. Close-range encounters, occurring with alarming frequency across the 700-mile front, reveal how hasty planning and poor leadership are exposing Russian troops to extreme risk. Ukrainian drones strike Berdiansk port under Russian occupation. Allegedly Ukrainian UAVs attacked the port, as per the occupation authorities. There are no reports on the attack's consequences.

Intelligence and Technology

Britain and Germany to equip helicopters for Ukraine with modern weapons. A new British-German defense initiative aims to provide Ukraine with upgraded Sea King helicopters equipped with modern weapons systems. Ukrainian HUR reports Russia blocks districts in occupied settlements to track internet users. In occupied territories, Russian forces are intensifying surveillance, blocking entire districts to identify residents accessing restricted internet sites, according to Ukraine's military intelligence. Ukraine's monthly production of Bohdana howitzers increased to about 20, Zelenskyy announces. This marks a doubling in Ukraine's monthly production of the self-propelled howitzers since April, when output first reached ten units. European arms manufacturers lack funds despite record global military spending. European defense companies face a critical financing gap of up to 2 billion euros ($2.1 bn), threatening innovation in the arms industry. Reuters: Ukraine rolls out dozens of AI systems to help its drones hit targets. As Russian jamming equipment creates an invisible shield that has rendered traditional drones increasingly ineffective, Ukraine's AI-enabled drones are learning to find gaps in the electronic defenses that human operators can no longer penetrate. Germany, UK enhance Ukraine's Sea King helicopters with missile systems. Britain previously announced "supporting fitting German donated Sea King Helicopters with modern missile systems."

International

Ukraine has received only 10% of latest US aid package, Zelenskyy reveals. He also blasted the US media leak of confidential information on requests for specific weapons like Tomahawks., indicating it undermines trust. US says 8,000 North Korean troops positioned in Russia's Kursk Oblast. North Korean soldiers in Russian uniforms are preparing for frontline combat operations in Ukraine, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. US announces new military aid to Ukraine "in the coming days". A new US military assistance package for Ukraine will be announced within days, following the recent $400 million allocation on 21 October Canadian Foreign Minister Joly says Canada backs Ukraine's path to NATO membership. Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly reaffirmed Canada's support for Ukraine's integration into NATO, emphasizing the alliance's long-term goal of full membership for Kyiv. South Korea says it plans to send analysts to Ukraine to study modern warfare trends. South Korean Defense Minister Kim Yong Hyun announced plans to send a team of military analysts to Ukraine to observe modern warfare tactics. Lithuania's military aid to Ukraine tops $ 765 mn with new package. The military aid package to Ukraine includes mortars and generators, as part of winter preparation efforts, the country's defense ministry announced on 31 Oct.. Norway's € 500 million military aid package to Ukraine to include NASAMS, not only F-16s. The package reportedly includes F-16 fighters, NASAMS air defense systems, and defense industry investment. Ukraine seeks bilateral agreement with pro-Russian Hungary to advance NATO membership. Ukraine is negotiating a comprehensive document with Hungary to address challenges, seek backing for NATO membership, and prevent potential blockades to Zelenskyy's victory strategy. Zelenskyy: Poland has not handed over MiGs, which were previously agreed upon. Zelenskyy also criticizes NATO allies' hesitation in missile interception, calling it a "war of double standards." Politico: Hungary flirts with Putin and snubs NATO meeting, situation reaching boiling point. Hungary's balancing act between east and west is raising alarm among NATO allies, with the situation reaching boiling point.

Humanitarian and Social Impact

WP: Russian drones targeting Kherson civilians in ongoing "human safari". Russian forces systematically terrorize Kherson's residents using small drones and mines, with 133 killed and 1,350 injured between July and October 2024. Ukrainian residents in occupied regions face heating blackmail without Russian passport. The Center for National Resistance warns of a new strategy to pressure Ukrainian citizens through basic utility access. Russian missiles and drones target Odesa and Kramatorsk in nighttime aerial assault. Ukraine reportedly downed 2/12 missiles, 17/43 drones, with 23 UAVs crashing, and three more returning to Russia.

New Developments

Russia's "comprehensive" treaty with Iran will include defense, Lavrov says. Russia's similar "comprehensive" agreement with North Korea, which included mutual defense provisions, offers a blueprint for what this new partnership might entail. Time names Ukrainian online marriage service one of best inventions in world. Over 1.1 million proposals and 435 marriages later, Ukraine's digital marriage platform enabled couples to wed remotely during wartime. Read our earlier daily review here.