Russo-Ukrainian war, day 954: Russia’s elite units suffer heavy losses in Vuhledar battle
Russian elite naval infantry brigades have suffered devastating losses in their year-long battle for the Ukrainian town of Vuhledar.
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Military
Russia’s elite units suffer more losses in year-long battle for Vuhledar than in 10 years in Chechnya. Two elite Russian naval infantry brigades may have lost up to 40% of their pre-war strength in failed assaults on the Ukrainian town of Vuhledar, according to an analysis by BBC.
Ukrainian drone strikes Russian S-400 radar in Belgorod Oblast (video). Ukrainian drone attack disabled Russia’s 96L6 radar, part of the S-400 surface-to-air missile system.
Two Russian oil depots catch fire, Ukraine says it hit one. A drone attack set an oil depot ablaze in Russia’s Voronezh Oblast. Concurrently, a fire erupted at an oil storage facility in Perm Krai, about 1,500 km from Ukraine. Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed shooting down 18 Ukrainian drones overnight.
ISW: Russian offensive in Ukraine to culminate in coming months “if not weeks”. Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine produces gradual tactical gains but faces difficulties in achieving operationally significant objectives, ISW says.
As of 4 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: 657940 (+1230)
- Tanks: 8908 (+15)
- APV: 17627 (+31)
- Artillery systems: 18965 (+59)
- MLRS: 1212 (+8)
- Anti-aircraft systems: 965
- Aircraft: 368
- Helicopters: 328
- UAV: 16494 (+101)
- Cruise missiles: 2613
- Warships/boats: 28
- Submarines: 1
- Vehicles and fuel tanks: 25820 (+70)
Intelligence and technology
Latvia raises over $ 219 thousand in aid for Azov brigade. A Latvian aid package containing over 100 domestically produced FPV drones is set to be delivered to Ukrainian fighters in October.
Ukraine’s Intelligence Chief Budanov Calls for sanctions on components used in Russian missiles. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukrainian military intelligence, pointed out the widespread use of Western electronics in Russian weaponry and called for a crackdown on the sale of dual-use goods that continue to reach Russia in large quantities.
French-German defense manufacturer to supply 12 self-propelled artillery systems to Ukraine. KNDS, a major European arms manufacturer, is set to deliver a dozen advanced artillery systems to Ukraine following a contract signing in Kyiv.
International
FT: Stoltenberg regrets delayed military aid to Ukraine. Former NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg admitted that his greatest regret was the late delivery of weapons to Ukraine, which he believes could have strengthened its defenses and possibly deterred Russia’s invasion.
Estonian spy chief warns: Russia must be strategically defeated. Kaupo Rosin, Estonia’s top intelligence official, cautioned that even a partial Russian victory in its war would prolong the conflict, urging the West to ensure Ukraine has sufficient military support to decisively defeat Moscow.
Polish officials announce readiness to train Ukrainian Legion volunteers. Polish officials express readiness to train Ukrainian Legion volunteers despite slow initial recruitment.
Sweden pledges € 2.4 million to boost Ukraine’s war crime investigations. The fund will support the SMEREKA e-case management system in Ukraine, upgrading digital infrastructure for law enforcement and prosecutors.
Swiss ambassador denies Switzerland’s support for China-Brazil “peace plan” for Ukraine. He clarified that Switzerland attended the recent China-Brazil peace meeting only as an observer.
European institutions halt contacts with Georgia’s government. The EU has halted high-level contacts with “Georgian Dream” government over its anti-Western stance. EU envoy Herczyński stressed democratic values and urged high voter turnout in the October elections.
Ukraine to receive $23.6 million in Norwegian investments through Norfund. The initiative aims to reduce risks for investing companies, support reconstruction efforts.
Japan’s new PM Ishiba warns “today’s Ukraine could be tomorrow’s East Asia”. Shigeru Ishiba discussed deteriorating relations with China, regional security concerns, defense strategies, and Japan’s demographic crisis.
Bloomberg: EU prepares sanctions against Iran over ballistic missile shipments to Russia. A package of EU sanctions targeting Iran’s support for Russia’s military efforts in Ukraine is in development, focusing on engineering, metals, and aviation companies.
Pentagon rules out NATO air defense role in Ukraine to avoid war involvement. The Pentagon clarified that NATO will not intercept missiles over Ukraine as it does in Israel, citing distinct battlefield conditions and the risk of direct war involvement.
Humanitarian and social impact
Ukrainian rescue team seeks homes for 1,500 animals. In the wake of the ongoing war, approximately 20% of the 18,800 animals evacuated by Kharkiv volunteers have been reunited with their owners, while 1,500 pets still need loving homes.
Russia kills 177 Ukrainian POWs in captivity. Despite approximately 3,600 POWs and deported citizens being exchanged and returned, thousands still remain unaccounted for, with fears that the true death toll could be significantly higher due to the lack of international oversight.
Russians reportedly execute 16 Ukrainian POWs from two units in Donbas. In October, a video surfaced showing the execution of 16 Ukrainian prisoners of war by Russian soldiers in the Pokrovske direction, triggering a criminal investigation by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU).
Ukrainian prosecutors say Russians executed 93 Ukrainian POWs. Officials report that 80% of executions of Ukrainian POWs by Russian troops occurred in 2024, marking an alarming escalation in violations of war laws.
Political and legal developments
Ukraine calls for dismantling of Russia’s Crimean bridge in international tribunal. Ukraine urges The Hague tribunal to order Russia to dismantle Kerch bridge, restore free navigation in Kerch Strait, and conduct environmental impact assessments.
New developments
Russia’s security chief at occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant dies in car blast. Ukrainian intelligence shared video of a car explosion in Russian-occupied Enerhodar, reportedly killing collaborator Andrii Korotkyi, head of “physical security” at Zaporizhzhia NPP. Read our earlier daily review here.
Read our earlier daily review here.
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