Russo-Ukrainian War, day 942: Zelenskyy heads to US with “Victory Plan” as Ukraine boosts drone and missile production
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy begins his crucial visit to the United States to present his "Victory Plan," which includes lifting bans on long-range weapons. Meanwhile, Ukraine's Defense Minister reveals the country's capability to produce millions of drones annually, though funding remains insufficient.
Military
Russian forces shelled Kramatorsk: 16-year-old girl in serious condition, five wounded. The recent shelling in Kramatorsk serves as a stark reminder of the human cost which result from Russian attacks on civilian areas.
Russian aircraft carrier crew sent to frontline in Ukraine. This move not only raises questions about the future of Russia’s naval capabilities, but also reveals the extent of its manpower shortages.
WSJ: Ukrainian special forces who liberated Zmiinyi (Snake) Island were lost at sea on a rubber boat for more than a day. A Ukrainian intelligence officer said: “”Whoever controls Zmiinyi Island controls the sea.””
UK intel: Ukraine’s attack on munitions depot highly likely to disrupt Russian ground operations in Kursk Oblast. Despite claims of intercepting Ukrainian drones, the attack’s success highlights ongoing struggles in Russian air defense against Ukrainian long-range strikes.
ISW: Russia centralizes volunteer recruitment amid manpower struggles for Ukraine war. Russia forms a commission to centralize volunteer recruitment, signaling manpower struggles for the Ukraine war and Putin’s reluctance toward further mobilization, per ISW.
Estonia spymaster: Russia loses 2-3 month worth of shells in Toropets strike. Estonia’s intelligence chief says Ukrainian strike on Russia’s Toropets depot destroyed 750,000 shells, equivalent to 2-3 months’ supply.
Ukraine repels massive Russian explosive drone assault, destroying 71/80 Shaheds. Last night, Ukraine’s air defense intercepted 71 of 80 drones, while several more crashed. The rest damaged infrastructure in Poltava and Khmelnytskyi, no one was hurt.
As of 22 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: 642420 (+1500)
- Tanks: 8768 (+22)
- APV: 17222 (+52)
- Artillery systems: 18333 (+63)
- MLRS: 1195 (+2)
- Anti-aircraft systems: 949
- Aircraft: 369
- Helicopters: 328
- UAV: 15628 (+67)
- Cruise missiles : 2595 (+2)
- Warships/boats: 28
- Submarines: 1
- Vehicles and fuel tanks: 25023 (+57)
Intelligence and technology
Ukrainian company rolls out ground drone that carries machine gun, grenade launchers, and lays mines. Temerland developed Gnome, a multifunctional ground drone, equipped with the PKT machine gun, RPG-7s, and mine-laying system.
UK Foreign Secretary on allowing Ukraine to use Western weapons in Russia: “”Time for nerve and guts””. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy has hinted at ongoing negotiations with the White House regarding Ukraine’s use of Storm Shadow missiles inside Russia.
Umierov: Ukraine capable of producing several millions of drones annually, but funding insufficient. Ukraine’s Defense Minister stressed the need for greater partner investment to fully utilize this potential, meet frontline demands, and eventually supply allies after the war.
Ukraine aims to match drone production scale with new missile program. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry is advancing a missile program, having secured verbal commitments of funding support from international partners. Minister Umierov expects written confirmations soon and aims to scale missile production to match that of drones.
Ukraine in talks for Gripen and Eurofighter jets, Defense Minister says. Ukraine’s Defense Minister Umierov reveals negotiations for Gripen and Eurofighter jets, in addition to secured F-16 and Mirage-2000 commitments.
International
Zelenskyy begins his visit to United States to present Ukraine’s “”Victory Plan””. His “”Victory Plan,”” shrouded in anticipation, promises to outline a path forward in the Russo-Ukrainian War.
CNN: Zelenskyy says long-range weapons ban lift key part of his “”Victory Plan””. Ukrainian President prepares to present his “”victory plan”” to US officials, highlighting the need for the approval of deep strikes inside Russia.
Germany secures € 1 billion from allies for Ukraine’s military aid. Germany announced a new €1.4 billion aid package for Ukraine, with €1 billion secured from partner countries and nearly €400 million to come from Germany’s defense budget, enhancing air defense capabilities ahead of winter.
Ukraine, Canada strengthen cultural ties to combat Russian propaganda in film industry. Ukrainian Minister Mykola Tochytskyi met with Canadian Deputy Minister Isabelle Mondou to discuss strategies for countering Russian propaganda in the film industry and strengthening cultural cooperation.
Humanitarian and social impact
Russian drone hits car in Nikopol, killing twelve-year old girl and severely injuring a four-year-old. In addition, a four-year-old girl is in the hospital fighting for her life in the aftermath of the Russian attack on the city.
Kharkiv residential area hit by FAB-250 bomb, 21 locals injured. Russian forces struck a residential building in Kharkiv with a FAB-250 bomb, injuring 21 civilians, including three minors. Two victims are in serious condition, as per local authorities.
Political and legal developments
Zelenskyy seeks promotion of national Orthodox Church from metropolitanate to patriarchate. President Zelenskyy says he advocated for elevating the Orthodox Church of Ukraine to patriarchate status during a recent meeting with Constantinople exarchs, while stressing state non-interference in church affairs.
Russia declines invitation to Ukraine’s peace summit. Russia declines participation in Ukraine’s peace summit, rejecting Zelenskyy’s peace plan as allegedly unviable, and demanding Ukraine relinquish territories that Russia claims to have annexed.
Read our earlier daily review here.
