Russo-Ukrainian war, day 941: Ukraine warns of Russian plans to target nuclear facilities

Meanwhile, the US is considering sending medium-range missiles to Ukraine for its F-16 fighter jets.

Sep 22, 2024 - 03:00

Russo-Ukrainian war, day 941: Ukraine warns of Russian plans to target nuclear facilities

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Military

Frontline report: Russian troops resume offensive near Bakhmut, but their advance halted. Russian forces are attempting to seize control of a coal mine complex north of Chasiv Yar, which sits at a higher elevation and would provide critical fire control over the entire area. Ukrainian defenders are racing to reinforce the site as Russians struggle to make headway.

Massive drone assault targets Russian ammo depot and arsenal across multiple regions. Ukrainian forces have allegedly targeted a critical Russian military facility in Tver Oblast, home to the 23rd Main Missile and Artillery Directorate arsenal.

As of 21 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: 640920 (+1440)
Tanks: 8746 (+21)
APV: 17170 (+38)
Artillery systems: 18270 (+58)
MLRS: 1193 (+4)
Anti-aircraft systems: 949
Aircraft: 369
Helicopters: 328
UAV: 15561 (+92)
Cruise missiles: 2593
Warships/boats: 28
Submarines: 1
Vehicles and fuel tanks: 24966 (+68)

Intelligence and technology

Reuters: Iran delivers crucial missiles to Russia without launchers, sources say. A former UN nuclear inspector, proposes that Iran might be withholding launchers to create space for diplomatic talks at the upcoming UN General Assembly.

US prepares $ 375 million in military aid for Ukraine amid Russian energy grid attacks – Reuters. The package includes patrol boats, HIMARS ammunition, and artillery supplies.

Politico: US considers sending medium-range missiles to Ukraine for F-16s. The Joint Standoff Weapon, with a range exceeding 70 miles, may soon be part of Ukraine’s arsenal as the US considers including it in a new aid package.

International

Lack support for Ukraine to have dire consequences for Europe, says Germany’s defense minister. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius warned that while supporting Ukraine in its war against Russia is costly, the price of a Ukrainian defeat due to halted Western aid would be far greater, potentially leading to a massive refugee crisis and further aggression toward countries like Georgia and Moldova.

Kamala Harris to meet Zelenskyy, discuss Ukraine’s Victory Plan. President Zelenskyy will meet with Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump next week in the US to discuss Ukraine’s Victory Plan. Zelenskyy emphasized there is no alternative to peace or delaying Russian aggression, with the plan’s details yet to be publicly disclosed.

Japanese PM Kishida and Zelenskyy to hold talks during US visit. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is preparing to present a five-point victory plan to American leadership during his upcoming visit to the United States.

Zelenskyy: Biden can make “historic” decisions before term ends. Ukrainian President framed Biden’s ability to strengthen Ukraine and protect its independence as a “historic mission” from the Ukrainian perspective.

Norway boosts security measures with drones and army along Russian border. The Norwegian government plans to fully form a dedicated military brigade by 2036 to guard its 200-kilometer border with Russia.

Humanitarian and social impact

Russian grain theft causes billions in losses, may cause food crisis in Africa and Asia. Ukrainian officials report 726 million in damages from Russian grain theft and destruction, labeling it a crime against humanity aimed at erasing Ukraine’s economic survival.

Ukraine warns IAEA of Russian intentions to target nuclear facilities ahead of winter. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha has warned that Russia is planning strikes on critical nuclear facilities, which could trigger a catastrophic nuclear incident.

Ukraine builds war crime case in wake of Red Cross convoy tragedy in Donetsk Oblast. Forensic evidence points to the use of 152mm artillery shells and a “Lancet” loitering munition, weapons reportedly exclusive to Russian armed forces.

Deadly Russian missile strike kills 3 civilians, including child, in Ukraine’s Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. Head of the Dnipro Military Administration confirmed that a 12-year-old boy and two elderly women were among the fatalities.

Political and legal developments

Russian oil product exports rebound in September. Russian oil product exports surged by nearly 10% in the first half of September, hitting 2.2 million barrels daily.

Ship with 20 thousand tons of dangerous Russian cargo to sail past Denmark. Multiple countries have refused entry to a ship carrying a large quantity of Russian fertilizer that could be used to manufacture explosives.

Ukraine exposes a major illegal arms and drugs market . The Office of the Prosecutor General reported the seizure of 187 grenade launchers, 85 automatic weapons, and thousands of rounds of ammunition, alongside narcotics valued at $363,495.

Russian authorities failed to act on warnings before Ukrainian attack, documents show. Seized Russian documents reveal a pattern of ignored warnings and inadequate preparations in the months leading up to Ukraine’s incursion into Kursk Oblast.

Read our earlier daily review here

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