Russo-Ukrainian war, day 945: Biden announces $ 7.9 billion aid package for Ukraine, which includes JSOW long-range bombs

Exclusive

Zelenskyy’s ammo plant visit leaves Ukraine caught in US political inferno. Ukraine has no easy options as Republicans call to fire ambassador Markarova. Yet, says the expert Oleksandr Kraiev, the political firestorm is rather Trump’s act of desperation.

Ambassador: Japan’s support for Ukraine will remain steadfast, but non-lethal. In an exclusive interview, Matsuda Kuninori unveils Japan’s dramatic policy shift on Russia, exposing a paradox at the heart of the nation’s foreign policy: supporting allies in wartime without crossing the line into military assistance.

Trump, Vance, Johnson claim Zelenskyy favors Democrats. House Speaker Mike Johnson alleges that President Zelenskyy interfered in US elections during his Pennsylvania visit, “designed to help Democrats,” despite a similar Republican meeting in Utah earlier.

Military

Ukrainian Intelligence: Russian military gears up for assaults on Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Ukrainian intelligence reveals an expected rise in assaults by Russian troops in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Ukraine’s 72nd Mechanized Brigade holds Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast despite Russian assaults. The city, a key strategic location, has been under intense Russian offensives as Moscow seeks to advance further.

ISW: Russian troops gain ground in Vuhledar while Ukraine regains positions in Vovchansk. Russian forces advanced in Donetsk Oblast around Vuhledar, Pokrovsk, and Siversk, while Ukrainians counterattacked in Kharkiv and Kursk Oblasts.

As of 26 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: 647800 (+1400)
• Tanks: 8825 (+10)
• APV: 17348 (+44)
• Artillery systems: 18620 (+71)
• MLRS: 1199
• Anti-aircraft systems: 959
• Aircraft: 369
• Helicopters: 328
• UAV: 15946 (+67)
• Cruise missiles: 2599 (+4)
• Warships/boats: 28
• Submarines: 1
• Vehicles and fuel tanks: 25353 (+105)

Intelligence and technology

NBC News: White House rejects phosphorus munitions to Ukraine over potential harm to civilians. Despite the Pentagon’s recommendation to provide Ukraine with white phosphorus artillery shells for use in creating smoke screens, the Biden administration has repeatedly declined, worried about the potential civilian impact and negative international perceptions, according to US officials. Meanwhile, Ukrainian leaders continue to accuse Russia of deploying the weapon against civilians.

UK to speed up self-propelled howitzer deliveries to Ukraine. The British government says it will exceed its commitment to supply Kyiv with 12 AS90 artillery guns within 100 days of taking office, with 16 units now set for delivery.

Ukraine invites Nordic countries to train and arm Ukrainian battalions. Ukraine proposes Nordic Brigade project, seeking Scandinavian support in training and arming battalions, emphasizing the need for increased defense assistance.

International

Freeland says Ukraine to receive funds from frozen Russian assets loan soon. Canada’s Finance Minister, Chrystia Freeland, has expressed optimism that the global initiative to finance Ukraine’s military efforts through frozen Russian assets will soon be implemented.

Germany pledges more military and energy aid for Ukraine at UN Assembly. Nearly €170 million will be allocated for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure recovery.

EU’s representative says Moscow’s nuclear threats won’t stop bloc from supporting Ukraine. EU spokesperson Peter Stano emphasized that the updated Russian nuclear doctrine will not sway Europe’s resolve in standing with Ukraine against Moscow’s aggression.

Biden announces $ 7.9 billion defense aid for Ukraine, new Russia sanctions. The package includes air defense systems, long-range munitions, and F-16 pilot training. Additionally, new sanctions target Russia’s defense industry and cryptocurrency networks.

UK imposes new sanctions on Russian LNG sector. The UK has imposed sanctions on 5 vessels and 2 entities involved in Russian LNG shipping, including from the Arctic LNG 2 project, aiming to constrain Russia’s plans to expand its global LNG market share.

Politico: Ukraine bets on India to help get peace deal with Putin. Ukraine is pinning its hopes on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to broker a peace deal with Russia that doesn’t involve territorial concessions, Politico reports.

G7 and allies pledge support for Ukraine’s reconstruction. Over 30 countries and the EU adopted a Joint Declaration on supporting Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction during a G7+ meeting in New York.

US to announce $ 8 billion military aid package for Ukraine during Zelenskyy’s visit, Reuters sources say. This includes a $5.6 billion weapons drawdown, $2.4 billion for purchasing weapons in the US, and additional packages, including precision-guided munitions and various equipment.

Ukraine to receive fully equipped brigade from France. During the meeting, the leaders discussed bolstering air defense, military training, and advancing the peace formula.

US “unimpressed” with Zelenskyy’s “Victory Plan,” WSJ sources say. WSJ says US officials are skeptical of Ukraine’s victory plan as Zelenskyy prepares to brief Biden amid growing tensions and battlefield challenges.

Pentagon announces $ 375 million military aid package for Ukraine. The 66th tranche of equipment amid Russia’s all-out war includes air-to-ground missiles, HIMARS ammunition, artillery shells, anti-tank systems, and armored vehicles.

Pentagon: Ukraine will receive the rest of Congress-approved $60 billion aid package before Biden’s presidential term ends. The Pentagon pledges to expedite the distribution of $60 billion in US aid to Ukraine, aiming to complete deliveries before President Biden’s term ends, according to Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh.

Humanitarian and social impact

Russian troops target railway station in Sumy Oblast with FPV drones, injuring three. Following a drone attack on the Druzhba railway station that injured three workers, Ukrainian authorities have opened an investigation.

Massive Russian air assault kills civilian, damages power grid; other attacks kill at least seven more. At least three Russian drones penetrated Ukraine’s air defenses.

Political and legal developments

ISW: Putin’s nuclear threats aim to influence Western support for Ukraine. Putin announces changes to Russia’s nuclear doctrine, specifying conditions for nuclear weapon use against non-nuclear states. ISW sees this move as an attempt to sway Western policymaking regarding Ukraine’s ability to use Western-provided weapons inside Russia.

Read our earlier daily review here