Russo-Ukrainian war, day 939: Russian troll army produces 10,000 propaganda pieces per month

Exclusive

3 million words to redefine Ukraine: global scholars take on “unprecedented” history project. Timothy Snyder, a Yale professor known for his piercing insights into Eastern European history, had a radical idea: What if Ukraine’s past could help us understand humanity’s biggest questions? Now, that idea is becoming a reality.

From Putin’s office to your timeline: hack exposes new Russian troll army. Meet the SDA, Russia’s newest weapon in the information war: a Kremlin-linked agency churning out 40,000 propaganda pieces in just four months, with content reaching as far as Elon Musk’s Twitter feed.

“I’m fortunate to have been born in Ukraine,” says young Kyiv resident.

Military

WSJ: Russian Defense Ministry pressures Putin for a new wave of mobilization. The number of Russian war casualties has increased amid the inability to allocate enough troops for the Kursk frontline.

ISW: Ukrainian drone attack on Russian ammo depot in Tver proves value of long-range strikes. Ukraine’s drone strike on a Russian missile storage facility in Tver Oblast proves the value of long-range attacks on Russian territory and may impact its offensive capabilities in Ukraine.

UK intel: Russian recruitment ambitions hampered by challenges, including heavy losses. With mounting casualties and recruitment hurdles, analysts wonder if Russia’s military ambitions can match its battlefield reality.

Ukraine intercepts all 42 Russian drones; other Russian attacks kill four, injure 20 civilians in four regions. Russians killed a woman, 74, in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and three more elderly Ukrainians in Sumy Oblast, including a 73-year-old man and his 72-year-old wife.

As of 20 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: 639480 (+1340)
    • Tanks: 8725 (+20)
    • APV: 17132 (+39)
    • Artillery systems: 18212 (+35)
    • MLRS: 1189
    • Anti-aircraft systems: 949
    • Aircraft: 369
    • Helicopters: 328
    • UAV: 15469 (+52)
    • Cruise missiles : 2593 (+1)
    • Warships/boats: 28
    • Submarines: 1
    • Vehicles and fuel tanks: 24898 (+59)

Intelligence and technology

Ukraine’s military tech ingenuity sparks US defense debate in Congress. The ability of Ukraine to quickly adapt to the challenges of modern warfare has raised questions about the US Army and its capability to do so as well.

Germany’s new military aid package to Ukraine includes 22 tanks and 61,000 artillery shells. The new extensive aid package includes 23 items in total, such as Leopard 1A5 tanks, shells, radars, trucks, guns.

Lithuania to provide Ukraine with extra €40-50 mn military aid this year. Lithuania’s aid package prioritizes drone production, radars, mine-clearing equipment, and air defense systems, aiming to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses while boosting Lithuania’s defense industry.

International

US imposes new sanctions related to Russia, North Korea. This action sheds light on the deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, a relationship that has raised alarm bells in Washington and among its allies.

European Parliament urges member states to allow Ukraine to hit military targets in Russia. Additionally, the EU Parliament advocates for expanding sanctions against Russia, Iran and China.

Reuters: India faces Russian pressure over shells used in Ukraine. This tacit support for Ukraine’s defense efforts underscores India’s delicate diplomatic balance and its growing aspirations in the international weapons market.

EU allocates part of the proceeds from frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s humanitarian needs. Ursula von der Leyen said that EUR 160 million from the revenue generated by Russian frozen assets will be directed toward Ukraine’s energy sector this winter.

New Council of Europe chief says Ukraine support is “number one priority”. Alain Berset, newly appointed Council of Europe Secretary General, prioritizes support for Ukraine against Russian aggression, has a call with Ukraine’s new Foreign Minister.

EU defense chief warns of potential Russian confrontation within decade. New EU defense commissioner Kubilius warns of a potential Russian confrontation within 6-8 years, urging swift defense upgrades and joint arms procurement.

Polish FM suggests 20-year UN control of Crimea and subsequent “referendum”. Polish Foreign Minister Sikorski proposes transferring Crimea under UN mandate to prepare for an allegedly “fair referendum” after 20 years.

Zelenskyy says Ukraine’s “Victory Plan” ready, will present it to Biden, Trump, Harris next week. The plan, focusing on lasting security and rejecting frozen conflicts, seeks NATO and EU membership and continued advanced weapons supply amid Russian aggression, sources say.

Humanitarian and social impact

Russian airstrike hits elderly care home in Sumy, leaving dead and injured. The guided bomb strike demolished part of the building, causing 13 casualties and the evacuation of numerous bedridden patients.

Ukraine’s electricity production plummets by 70% due to war. Pre-war, Ukraine’s more than 1,500 power plants could supply 59 gigawatts of electricity, far exceeding the country’s 22-gigawatt demand. Russian attacks and occupation resulted in a loss of 42 gigawatts, leaving only 17 gigawatts of production capacity.

Russia carried out more than 1,000 strikes on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure since October 2022. Despite daily shelling from Russian forces, Ukraine pushes forward with repairs, racing to prepare its battered power system for the challenges of the coming winter.

Political and legal developments

Ukrainian Parliament renames 327 towns to break away from the Soviet heritage. Old settlements will have their original names returned instead of Soviet or Russian imperial names. For some newer settlements, citizens proposed new names.

New developments

Norway detects radioactive cesium-137 near Russian border, launches investigation. Norway detected elevated Cesium-137 near the Russian border, higher than normal but posing no risk to humans or the environment. Possible sources include nuclear reactors, forest fires, or weapons testing at Russian sites in the area.

Read our earlier daily review here.