Russo-Ukrainian war, day 951: New NATO’s Chief Rutte pledges unwavering support for Ukraine’s membership path
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces repelled a large-scale Russian offensive in Donetsk Oblast, halting an assault involving 19 military vehicles.
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Military
Frontline report: Russians lost 60+ armored units in single attack near Kupiansk. Russian forces launched their largest mechanized assault in months near Kupiansk, aiming to reach the Oskil River. Ukrainians decimated two Russian armor columns with drones, destroying or damaging over 60 tanks and armored vehicles. Russian offensive crushed by Ukrainian defense troops in Donetsk Oblast. The 79th Separate Air Assault Brigade halted a Russian assault involving 19 military vehicles.
UK intel: Ukraine’s Vovchansk plant control may aid further northern counteroffensive. In late September, Ukraine captured a key stronghold in northern Vovchansk, Kharkiv Oblast, limiting Russian opportunities to advance in the region.
Vuhledar’s fall likely imminent as Russian forces approach city center. Russians also made tactical advances elsewhere in Donetsk Oblast, in northeastern Kharkiv Oblast, and in Kursk Oblast.
As of 01 OCT 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: 654430 (+1370)
- Tanks: 8874 (+9)
- APV: 17503 (+44)
- Artillery systems: 18822 (+33)
- MLRS: 1204
- Anti-aircraft systems: 963
- Aircraft: 369
- Helicopters: 328
- UAV: 16224 (+98)
- Cruise missiles: 2610 (+3)
- Warships/boats: 28
- Submarines: 1
- Vehicles and fuel tanks: 25548 (+73)
Intelligence and technology
Ukraine boosts production of artillery and armored vehicles, says Ukrainian PM Shmyhal. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced Ukraine’s increased output of artillery and armored vehicles, alongside efforts to digitalize processes and streamline services for veterans.
Franco-German defense giant KNDS opens facility in Ukraine. KNDS, the Franco-German defense leader, has officially begun operations in Ukraine, opening a local branch in Kyiv. The company will support Ukraine’s defense industry by maintaining and repairing key weapons systems, including Leopard tanks and CAESAR artillery, while also collaborating on joint production of 155-mm shells.
US orders GBU-39/B bombs for Ukraine and allies in $6.9 billion deal. These precision-guided munitions, proven resistant to Russian electronic warfare, will bolster Ukraine’s strike capabilities as its forces adapt Soviet-era aircraft to deploy the bombs against Russian targets.
Russian artillery superiority decreases from 8:1 to 3:1, Ukrainian defense official says. The official stressed the importance of foreign support and collaborative ventures to boost Ukraine’s military production capabilities, acknowledging the industrial capacity disparity with Russia.
International
Estonia plans to restructure aid for Ukraine, focuses on domestic defense production. Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur emphasized that this new approach will both strengthen Ukraine’s military capabilities and stimulate Estonia’s economy.
Lithuania denounces three economic agreements with Russia and Belarus. Lithuania’s Seimas denounced investment and taxation treaties with Russia and Belarus, citing security concerns.
New NATO Chief Rutte: Ukraine’s struggle persists amid tough battlefield conditions. Rutte highlighted the steep cost of the war for Russia, which has seen up to 1,000 daily casualties.
New NATO Chief Mark Rutte vows support for Ukraine’s path to membership in Alliance. Mark Rutte, the newly appointed Secretary General of NATO, has pledged to uphold the Alliance’s commitments to Ukraine, ensuring that its journey towards NATO membership remains irreversible.
New NATO chief Rutte ready to work with either Trump or Harris after US election, Ukraine support among priorities. Mark Rutte takes office as NATO Secretary General, outlining priorities: enhancing capabilities, supporting Ukraine, and addressing global challenges.
US: Ukraine free to strike Russia with own weapons without permissions. Instead of repeating the same unchanged US policy of restricting Ukraine from deep strikes inside Russia with US weapons, a State Dept spokesman suggested Ukraine can use own weapons for that.
From “salesman” to “piece of steel”: Trump now praises Zelenskyy, says he likes him. The former US President, who previously called Zelenskyy the “greatest salesman,” now says he likes the Ukrainian leader, and praises Zelenskyy’s handling of Trump’s impeachment.
Humanitarian and social impact
Russian airstrike in Zaporizhzhia leaves one dead, 32 injured. Russian forces targeted residential areas and infrastructure in Zaporizhzhia with six aerial bombs, resulting in multiple casualties, Ukrainian authorities report.
Russian strikes on Kherson market and Zaporizhzhia high-rise kill seven civilians. Russia’s bombing of a residential area in Zaporizhzhia and artillery shelling of a marketplace in Kherson killed at least seven Ukrainians and injured nine others.
Political and legal developments
Trap Aggressor: Russian defense supplier enjoys luxury life in US, dodging sanctions. Oleg Volkov, owner of Armalit, a key supplier to Russia’s navy, lives a lavish lifestyle in the US while his company aids Russia’s military.
Media: Russia plans to recruit tens of thousands of prisoners to war against Ukraine. A source in Russia’s Ministry of Defense claims that 40% of current defendants could be recruited for the war in Ukraine.
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