Russo-Ukrainian war, day 950: Russia escalates drone attacks on Ukrainian cities

Russia launched Shahed drones every day in September, with Ukrainian forces intercepting 1,107 drones.

Oct 1, 2024 - 05:00

Russo-Ukrainian war, day 950: Russia escalates drone attacks on Ukrainian cities

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Military

Ukrainian brigade thwarts Russian motorcycle assault in Bakhmut sector (video). The 30th Mechanized effectively countered a Russian motorcycle assault near Orikhovo-Vasylivka, destroying 8 out of 14 attacking vehicles.

Ukrainian troops crush Russian assault units using captured defensive lines in Kursk Oblast. Ukrainian Territorial Defense repelled a Russian mechanized attack in Kursk Oblast, using fortified enemy positions to break the offensive.

Russia used Shahed drones against Ukraine every day in September. In an unprecedented escalation, Russian forces launched Shahed drones daily over Ukraine throughout September, with 1,107 drones intercepted by air defense systems.

Frontline report: Russian offensive in Toretsk stalls as Ukraine regains initiative. Amidst intense floor-by-floor fighting in Toretsk’s high-rises, a Russian soldier fell to his death from the sixth floor while attempting to escape via balconies.

Russia launches 76 air threats, Ukraine downs 67 UAVs and one guided missile. Russian forces deployed a mix of ballistic missiles, guided aircraft missiles, and attack drones against 11 oblasts of Ukraine, with the Ukrainian Air Force intercepting most of them and resulting in no casualties.

As of 30 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: 653060 (+1250)
Tanks: 8874 (+5)
APV: 17503 (+27)
Artillery systems: 18822 (+27)
MLRS: 1204
Anti-aircraft systems: 963
Aircraft: 369
Helicopters: 328
UAV: 16224 (+38)
Cruise missiles: 2610
Warships/boats: 28
Submarines: 1
Vehicles and fuel tanks: 25548 (+53)

Intelligence and technology

European parts still reaching Russian ships despite sanctions, BBC finds. BBC investigation exposes shipments of parts for anti-sabotage boats and border patrol ships used by Russian military and security forces.

Ukraine moves to shield Rivne nuclear plant from potential Russian attacks. Energoatom has contracted a $12 million project to build protective structures at the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant against potential Russian drone and missile attacks.

Ukraine tests advanced auto-targeting system for FPV drones. Ukrainian company The Fourth Law develops an auto-targeting system for FPV drones, enhancing autonomous attacks on moving targets and resisting electronic warfare.

International

Stoltenberg: NATO states should support Ukraine’s peace plan, not China’s. A new Chinese-led peace initiative for Ukraine attracted support from 17 countries, including NATO member Türkiye, prompting concern from outgoing NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg.

Stoltenberg: NATO allies to decide on Ukraine’s membership status amid occupied territories by Russia. Jens Stoltenberg warns against giving Russia incentives to prolong the war by making full territorial control a condition for Ukraine’s NATO membership.

Lithuania to hand over camouflage nets found in parcels to Russia to Ukraine. Lithuania’s customs service has intercepted multiple shipments of camouflage nets on trains from Kaliningrad, raising suspicions about their intended use in Ukraine.

G7 ministers renew pledge to reject Russian annexation of four Ukrainian oblasts. On the second anniversary of Russia’s attempted annexation, G7 nations reiterated their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Stoltenberg says Russia’s nuclear threats should not deter military aid to Ukraine. Outgoing NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has urged member countries not to be swayed by Vladimir Putin’s “reckless nuclear rhetoric,” adding that increased military support for Ukraine remains crucial in the face of Russia’s escalating threats.

EU to continue support Moldova amid rising threat of Russian interference. The EU recognizes the significant risk of Russian interference in Moldova’s internal and political processes ahead of elections.

WP: Ukraine aid funds fuel job growth in American defense sector. US aid to Ukraine boosts defense production in Pennsylvania, Alabama, and Texas, increasing artillery, armored carrier, and rocket system output while creating jobs and revitalizing local industries.

Poroshenko urges West to overcome “fear of Putin” and support Ukraine’s victory. “Putin uses your fears as a weapon, and the recent changes in Russia’s nuclear doctrine are a clear confirmation of this,” Ukraine’s ex-President said.

Officials expect NATO’s new chief Rutte to maintain Stoltenberg’s priorities . NATO officials expect Rutte to focus on rallying support for Ukraine, ensuring unity within the alliance, addressing Eastern European allies’ demands for increased security.

White House defies congressional mandate on Ukraine aid disclosure. The Biden administration has classified its Ukraine aid strategy document, contrary to congressional requirements for public disclosure, raising GOP lawmakers’ concerns about the administration’s transparency.

Germany FM supports supplying Kyiv with long-range missiles. Despite Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s reluctance, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has emphasized the strategic importance of supplying Ukraine with long-range missiles to overcome eastern defensive barriers.

Humanitarian and social impact

Ukrainian police arrests charity chief for $ 850K humanitarian vehicle scam. Ihor Panchenko, director of the “Unbreakable Poltavshchyna” charity foundation, stands accused of profiteering from humanitarian aid vehicles and illegal weapons possession.

Russian aggression devastates 1,000 Ukrainian libraries and 200 million books. Ukrainian government launched an initiative to restore Ukraine’s decimated library system by creating a project that collects Ukrainian books across the country to replenish libraries in seven heavily affected oblasts.

Political and legal developments

Russia boosts defense spending by 25% for 2025, hitting Cold War levels. In 2025, Russia’s defense spending will soar to $145 billion, equating to 6.3% of GDP, marking a 25% increase from the previous year, as the Kremlin prioritizes its war against Ukraine.

Ukrainians forced to obtain Russian passports won’t face legal consequences, says Ukraine’s Justice Ministry. The Ukrainian Ministry of Justice has assured that citizens coerced into obtaining Russian passports in occupied territories will not be held accountable. This decision aims to protect those who faced threats of repression from the occupying authorities.

Kremlin: Recent massive drone strikes not grounds for nuclear response . Following a wave of 125 drone attacks on Russian territory, for which Russia blames Ukraine, the spokesperson Peskov emphasized that recent events should not be misconstrued as meeting the threshold for nuclear retaliation, despite the updates in Russia’s nuclear policy.

German MPs move to ban pro-Russian AfD party through constitutional court. Lawmakers from various German parties are preparing a case to ban the AfD, arguing that the party violates constitutional principles and human dignity.

President’s Office Head: Ukraine to reveal victory plan, keeping crucial details confidential. Ukraine’s leadership plans to disclose its strategy for victory while maintaining secrecy around sensitive details, says top official Andriy Yermak.

ISW: Russian officials emphasize social spending but increase 2025 defense budget to $ 140 billion. Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin emphasized the fulfillment of “all social obligations to citizens,” even as defense spending is set to consume 40% of the federal budget.

Read our earlier daily review here.

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