Russo-Ukrainian war, day 943: Zelenskyy warns of prolonged war without US support as Russia bombs Zaporizhzhia, injuring 16 civilians
Ukrainian President will present a new "victory plan" to US President Joe Biden, warning of a protracted conflict if it's not supported. Meanwhile, a Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia injured 16 civilians, including a 15-year-old, with strikes damaging residential buildings, educational institutions, and public infrastructure.
Exclusive
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Military
ISW: Ukrainian forces made gains near Svatove in Luhansk Oblast, while Russian forces advanced in Donetsk. The Institute for the Study of War reports ongoing offensive operations by both Ukrainian and Russian forces along the Kupiansk-Svatove-Kreminna line.
Ukrainian forces claim another successful breach of Russian border in Kursk Oblast (video). Video shows Ukrainian forces approaching the border, clearing obstacles, and advancing into Russian territory.
Frontline report: Russians forced to withdraw from Vovchansk as Ukrainians capture Aggregate Plant. Ukrainian forces have captured the strategic aggregate plant in Vovchansk after months of intense fighting. This victory gives them fire control over northern Vovchansk, forcing Russian troops to withdraw and marking a significant shift in the battle.
As of 23 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: 643750 (+1330)
- Tanks: 8784 (+16)
- APV: 17252 (+30)
- Artillery systems: 18414 (+81)
- MLRS: 1197 (+2)
- Anti-aircraft systems: 949
- Aircraft: 369
- Helicopters: 328
- UAV: 15699 (+71)
- Cruise missiles : 2595
- Warships/boats: 28
- Submarines: 1
- Vehicles and fuel tanks: 25102 (+79)
Intelligence and technology
Dutch defense minister confirms Patriot radar delivery to Ukraine. The Netherlands has supplied Ukraine with a radar system for the Patriot air defense complex and plans to deliver three launchers soon, according to Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Breekelmans.
Satellite images: 58 buildings of arsenal, along with railway and train, were destroyed in Russia’s Tver Oblast. Satellite imagery analysis exposes the vulnerability of Russian military installations, with a recent attack in Tver Oblast destroying dozens of buildings and disrupting railway operations.
International
Iranian president seeks Ukraine peace talks, denies missile shipments to Russia. This stance contradicts US intelligence reports claiming Iran has supplied both drones and ballistic missiles to Russian forces.
Zelenskyy receives American Academy of Achievement award. The Golden Plate Award has also been presented to US Presidents Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama, as well as Nobel and Pulitzer Prize laureates.
FIDE General Assembly refused to lift sanctions on Russia and Belarus. FIDE’s leadership will approach the Olympic Committee about potentially relaxing sanctions for Russian and Belarusian chess players under 12 and those with disabilities, following a vote at its General Assembly
The New Yorker: Zelenskyy warns of “very long war” if Biden doesn’t support his victory plan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to present a new “victory plan” to US President Joe Biden, warning of a protracted conflict if it’s not supported, The New Yorker reports.
Frederiksen: Let’s end the red lines discussion, Russia crossed most important one, entering Ukraine. Danish PM says discussions about self-imposed limitations have been a mistake, giving Russia “too good a card in their hands.”
Japan fires warning flares first time in history after Russia breaches its airspace. Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force deployed a new deterrent measure against airspace violations, firing warning flares at a Russian IL-38 patrol plane that intruded Japanese airspace over Rebun Island three times.
Humanitarian and social impact
Russia bombs Zaporizhzhia, injuring 16 civilians, including a 15-year-old. Multiple strikes damaged residential buildings, educational institutions, and public infrastructure.
Political and legal developments
Ukraine’s anti-corruption bureau catches top deputy prosecutor for $ 40,000 bribery. A deputy regional prosecutor was caught accepting a $40,000 bribe in exchange for manipulating criminal proceedings and obstructing justice.
Hague tribunal begins hearings on Ukraine’s Black and Azov seas dispute with Russia. The case, brought by Ukraine in 2016, challenges Russia’s actions in the Black Sea, Sea of Azov, and Kerch Strait since the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Kremlin willing to study Zelenskyy’s victory plan only if published from “official sources”. Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said that now “there is a lot of different contradictory and unreliable information” surrounding Zelenskyy’s peace plan.
New developments
Zelenskyy: Next few months decisive in war against Russia, allies must define outcome. Speaking to the American Academy of Achievement, Ukrainian President underscored the war’s significance beyond Ukraine’s borders, positioning it as a pivotal moment for democratic values worldwide.
The WP: Putin under pressure to respond as West repeatedly crosses “red lines”. Despite warnings against providing advanced weaponry to Ukraine, Western allies have still supplied Kyiv with F-16 fighter jets, tanks, and missiles.
- Read our earlier daily review here
