Russo-Ukrainian war, day 940: EU commits €39 billion to Ukraine’s recovery amid ongoing Russian attacks
Meanwhile, Ukrainian pilots have completed training on Alphajet aircraft in France.
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Military
Frontline report: Russians lose grip on Vovchansk as Ukraine merges two bridgeheads. Ukrainian forces disrupt Russian objectives in Kharkiv Oblast, advancing near Vovchansk and targeting enemy logistics through enhanced aerial operations and precision strikes.
Putin’s fear of societal backlash prevents new mobilization wave, ISW says. ISW reports Russia unlikely to mobilize in near term due to Putin’s concerns about regime stability. Despite Ukrainian incursion into Kursk Oblast and military needs, Putin favors volunteer recruitment over mobilization, fearing societal backlash.
ISW: Ukraine regains territory near Pokrovsk, Russians make marginal gains in several regions. Ukrainian forces advance in Russia’s Kursk Oblast and near Donetsk Oblast’s Pokrovsk, while Russian forces make marginal gains in Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, per ISW.
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 receives €40.7 million from Denmark for domestic howitzers production. Denmark has transferred €40.7 million to Ukraine for the production of Bohdana artillery systems, a crucial step in strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
First group of Ukrainian pilots completes Alphajet aircraft training in France. In an undisclosed airbase in southwestern France, a group of Ukrainian pilots has completed their training on Alphajet trainer aircraft. The program, cut down to six months, is part of France’s ongoing support for Ukraine’s military aviation needs.
EU sends thermal imaging systems to Ukrainian border guards. In a ceremony attended by EU Ambassador Katarína Mathernová and Ukrainian officials, mobile thermal imaging systems were handed over to Ukraine’s border guards to enhance defense capabilities amid ongoing war.
Ukraine joins NATO’s counter-drone drills for first time. In its first active participation in NATO’s counter-drone exercises, Ukraine joined Allies and partners in the Netherlands to test over 60 counter-drone systems, marking a key step in defense collaboration.
EU funds Ukrainian defense industry with €400 million from frozen Russian asset proceeds. Denmark facilitated joint EU-Danish funding for Bohdana artillery production, as per EU Ambassador Mathernová.
International
Norway to increase support program for Ukraine to $ 13 billion. Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre announced plans to set a minimum annual aid of $1.4 billion for Ukraine until 2030.
Expert warns populist surge in Germany boosts anti-Ukraine sentiment. Russian disinformation and opposition to military support for Ukraine are finding traction in Germany, fueled by insufficient explanations from the German authorities why suport for the country is important, warns a foreign policy expert.
EU pledges $39 billion loan to Ukraine for economic and infrastructure recovery. In Kyiv, von der Leyen announced a $39 billion loan package for Ukraine’s reconstruction and power grid repairs, backed by frozen Russian assets.
US Congress nears deal to extend expiring $6 billion Ukraine aid package, Reuters sources say. US Congress and Biden administration are close to agreeing on one-year extension of $6 billion Ukraine aid, Reuters says. Pentagon intends to use “every dollar and cent” of the expiring funds.
Stoltenberg urges increased weapons support for Ukraine in NATO farewell speech. Outgoing NATO chief emphasized the importance of supporting Ukraine, maintaining transatlantic unity, and learning from past experiences. He outlined key lessons from his tenure and warned against isolationism and over-dependence on China.
“Crimea is Ukraine,” Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry says after Sikorski’s Crimean UN control, referendum suggestion. Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry says territorial integrity non-negotiable. The statement comes after Polish FM’s proposal for UN-mandated Crimea and future referendum in 20 years.
Humanitarian and social impact
Russian attack on Odesa injures 4, damages port infrastructure and civilian vessel. A Russian missile strike on Odesa has damaged critical infrastructure and a foreign-flagged vessel, injuring four civilians.
Ukraine neutralizes all 70 Russian Shaheds in nighttime attack; other strikes kill at least 2, injure 22 civilians. Ukraine’s air defenses downed 61 of Russia’s Shahed drones, with 9 others crashing. Multiple regions were targeted, including areas near a nuclear plant. Casualties were reported from other attacks in Kharkiv and Kherson oblasts, and infrastructure damage occurred in several areas.
Ukraine sends AN-32P aircraft to fight wildfires in Portugal. Ukraine is sending a firefighting aircraft and crew to aid Portugal as it battles extensive wildfires. Thousands of firefighters are already deployed as the country faces extreme heat and wind, worsening the crisis.
Babbel extends free courses in three languages for Ukrainians. Babbel continues providing free language courses to Ukrainians, with 750,000 users learning English, German, and Polish since 2022.
Political and legal developments
Five arrested in Ukraine for helping Russia restore drone-damaged refineries. SBU arrested five officials from a Kyiv-based oil research institute for collaborating with Russia, who allegedly provided project documentation and remote support to restore Russian oil refineries, damaged by Ukrainian drones.
New developments
Yaroslava Mahuchikh nominated for European athlete of the year after record-reaking 2024 season. Yaroslava Mahuchikh, who set a world record and claimed Olympic gold in 2024, is nominated for Europe’s best female athlete. The decision now lies with the fans as voting continues.
Read our earlier daily review here.
