Russo-Ukrainian War, day 957: Slovak Prime Minister pledges electricity to Ukraine amid blackouts, Russia strikes two civilian ships in Odesa

Slovakia will provide emergency power to Ukraine amid blackouts caused by Russian attacks on energy infrastructure, however Ukraine will not renew its gas transit agreement with Russia despite Slovakia’s dependence on it. This week, Russia has already struck civilian ships carrying grain two times in Odesa port, threatening global food security.

Oct 8, 2024 - 01:00

Russo-Ukrainian War day 957

Military

Russia occupies Kasnohorivka, Donetsk Oblast – DeepState. Russian forces also advanced in Tsukuryno, near Hirnyk and Lyubymivka.

ISW: Russian forces lose five divisions’ worth of equipment near Pokrovsk. Russian forces have lost over 1,800 pieces of heavy equipment near Pokrovsk since October 2023, according to an analysis cited by the Institute for the Study of War.

Frontline report: Russian bridgehead operation foiled near Chasiv Yar. A destroyed commander’s unit and a severed supply line brought a swift end to Russia’s attempt to outflank Chasiv Yar from the south.

Russia launches missile on Kyiv, Khmelnytskyi Oblast. The Ukrainian Air Force reported high-speed targets, including a Kinzhal missile, heading towards Kyiv and the Khmelnytskyi Oblast.

Ukrainian military confirmed attack on the Feodosia oil depot overnight. A major oil facility in Russian-held Crimea was targeted by Ukrainian forces, with local reports of explosions and fire.

As of 7 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: 661630 (+1160)
Tanks: 8933 (+14)
APV: 17710 (+31)
Artillery systems: 19156 (+64)
MLRS: 1223 (+7)
Anti-aircraft systems: 972
Aircraft: 368
Helicopters: 328
UAV: 16643 (+65)
Cruise missiles : 2615 (+2)
Warships/boats: 28
Submarines: 1
Vehicles and fuel tanks: 26102 (+96)

International

Ukraine and Slovakia agree on East European energy hub. The new agreement, East European energy hub, focused on gas storage and nuclear cooperation.

Ukraine to end Russian gas transit deal despite Slovak Prime Minister’s plea. Minister Robert Fico’s attempts to persuade Ukraine to maintain Russian oil and gas transit have been unsuccessful, as Ukraine reaffirms its commitment to ending the agreement with Russia.

Slovakia pledges emergency power to Ukraine amid blackouts due to Russian attacks. Slovak Prime Minister has expressed support for Ukraine’s integration into the European Union’s unified energy system.

Ukraine and Slovakia PMs meet in Uzhhorod to discuss energy and infrastructure. Ukraine and Slovakia’s heads of government met to discuss a range of issues, including support for President Zelenskyy’s peace plan and the cooperation in infrastructure projects, the economy, and energy security, according to Shmyhal

Humanitarian and social impact

Surge in executions of Ukrainian POWs potentially link to changed Russian policy. Ukrainian prosecutor suggested that the recent surge in prisoner of war (POW) killings by the Russians is difficult to view as isolated events, given their frequent occurrence across various Russian units and regions.

Russian guided bombs target school in Kherson, injuring 18 civilians. Russian forces deployed precision-guided munitions against a Kherson school, where an underground anti-radiation shelter was being built.

Russian missile strikes civilian ship in Odesa second time this week, raising global food security concerns. A Russian ballistic missile claimed the life of a local port employee and wounded five foreigners when it hit the OPTIMA ship in Odesa, which is a second attack on a civilian vessel in Ukraine’s Black Sea port this week.

Russian missile strike damages grain ship in Ukraine, threatening global food security. Despite ongoing Russian strikes on port infrastructure, Ukraine has managed to export over 70 million tons of cargo through its Maritime Food Corridor in the past year, according to The Ministry of Infrastructure.

Political and legal developments

Ukraine opens criminal case against Russians at War filmmaker accused of propaganda. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) alleges Trofimova illegally entered Ukraine with Russian forces to film, potentially violating national security laws, and she faces criticism for a sympathetic portrayal of Russian soldiers.

Russia to spend $ 118 million per month on state propaganda in 2025. The Kremlin’s 2025 budget includes a $72 million provision for propaganda efforts in occupied Ukrainian territories.

New developments

Pope appoints Ukrainian Greek Catholic bishop to College of Cardinals. Bishop Mykola Bychok, head of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Australia, has been named as Ukraine’s sole cardinal in Pope Francis’ latest appointments.

Read our earlier daily review here.

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