Russo-Ukrainian war, day 952: Ukraine successfully tests domestically produced ballistic missile

Exclusives

Ukraine’s Anti-Corruption Court is breaking the cycle of impunity. In the five years since its inception, the High Anti-Corruption Court has done the impossible: sent Ukraine’s top-corrupts behind bars. It is also confiscating their money for the army’s benefit

$ 19 billion for Ukraine: US races October deadline on Russian assets. By 20 October, the Biden administration must unveil a comprehensive report on Russian assets within US jurisdiction—a sum now revealed to be a staggering $19 billion, not the previously reported $5 billion. This dramatic increase could significantly bolster potential aid to Ukraine.

Mariupol Defender reclaims voice and spirit after 2.5 years in Russian captivity. Ukrainian Marine Yura Hulchuk captured hearts nationwide after his release from Russian captivity, arriving home unable to speak or respond emotionally to his mother’s tearful embrace. Now, Yura has finally broken his silence and is making significant progress in his recovery.

Military

Frontline report: Russian forces race against time in Pokrovsk offensive as mud season looms. Russian commanders ordered repeated assaults on Selydove’s northern flank, racing to achieve their objectives before autumn rains turn Ukrainian fields into impassable mud.

The Telegraph: Russia secures control of key Ukrainian stronghold in eastern Donbas, securing biggest victory since February. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reportedly ordered the withdrawal of troops from Vuhledar as Russian forces raise their national flag over the ruined town, The Telegraph reports.

Air defense shoots down 11 drones in three oblasts at night. The attack injured two truck drivers in the port city of Odesa.

ISW: Russian forces likely seize Vuhledar after years of failed attempts. Ukrainian forces conducted a planned withdrawal from Vuhledar to avoid encirclement, allowing Russian forces to move in and claim control of the settlement, as reported by the Institute for the Study of War.

As of 2 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: 655560 (+1130)
• Tanks: 8887 (+4)
• APV: 17579 (+32)
• Artillery systems: 18869 (+14)
• MLRS: 1204
• Anti-aircraft systems: 963
• Aircraft: 369
• Helicopters: 328
• UAV: 16348 (+26)
• Cruise missiles: 2613
• Warships/boats: 28
• Submarines: 1
• Vehicles and fuel tanks: 25692 (+71)

Intelligence and technology

US D&M Holding Company signs ammo production deal with Ukraine. D&M Holding and Ukroboronprom have signed an agreement to bolster ammunition and special chemical production in Ukraine.

Russian claims of ODAB-9000 super bomb use in Vovchansk refuted by Ukrainian military. Russian propagandists claimed the use of the ODAB-9000 thermobaric bomb in Vovchansk, Ukrainian military and experts refute this, suggesting a smaller munition was used.

Spain’s UROVESA supplies Ukraine with VAMTACs armored vehicles. Spain’s Defense Minister, Margarita Robles, announced the delivery of VAMTAC armored vehicles to the Ukrainian Armed Forces during her visit to the UROVESA manufacturing facility.

Zelenskyy confirms successful flight tests of domestically produced ballistic missile. “We are focusing on missile and drone programs recently,” Ukraine Defense Minister Umierov noted.

International

Ukrainian deputy defense minister in Poland: World’s security architecture is impossible without Ukraine. Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum, Oleksandr Balanutsa emphasized Ukraine’s central position in ensuring long-term peace and security in Europe.

Europe unprepared for real war with Russia, warns former US army commander. Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, former commander of the US Army in Europe, warned that Europe remains unprepared for a real conflict with Russia due to gaps in air and missile defense systems.

USAID pledges $ 825 million for Ukraine’s energy system. A new five-year rehabilitation program funded by USAID aims to help over 250,000 Ukrainians recover from injuries and adapt to new limitations.

Russia seeks to intimidate West to halt military support for Ukraine, says German foreign policy expert. Russia is attempting to pressure Western countries into ending military aid to Ukraine through aggressive tactics and disregard for “red lines,” according to Rolf Nikel, Vice President of the German Council on Foreign Relations. Scholz reportedly plans to speak with Putin in November. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is reportedly planning a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin in November, potentially becoming the first Western leader to speak directly with Putin since 2022.

Humanitarian and social impact

Ukraine probes execution of 16 POWs by Russian troops in Pokrovsk sector. Video evidence shows Russian troops committing a war crime by executing 16 Ukrainian prisoners of war in Donetsk Oblast.

Political and legal developments

HUR: Ukrainian judge who collaborated with Russian occupiers found dead in Berdiansk. Vitalii Lomeiko, a judge who defected to collaborate with Russian occupiers in Berdiansk, was found dead after a car explosion near the city’s port.

Ukrainian Foreign Ministry protests Russian conscription in occupied territories. The Ukrainian government is urging its citizens in Russian-held areas to resist conscription attempts by Russian occupying forces.

New developments

Russian Rutube app removed from Google Play. Rutube, the Russian alternative to YouTube, is now only available for download in the United States, according to the company’s press service.

Read our earlier daily review here.