Russo-Ukrainian War, day 961: Russia redeploys 50,000 troops to Kursk Oblast
Meanwhile, Ukraine has destroyed a Russian Mi-8 helicopter in Kharkiv Oblast.
Military
Russia sends 50,000 troops to Kursk Oblast from other fronts in Ukraine. The redeployment of the Russian troops to the Kursk Oblast weakened Russian forces in other areas, notably the Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, and Kramatorsk directions.
Frontline report: Russian offensive near Nevske backfires as Ukraine counters. Geographical constraints make Nevske’s lowland position unsuitable for massing forces, forcing Russia to shift focus to highlands near Torske.
Ukraine destroys Russian Mi-8 helicopter in Kharkiv Oblast. Ukrainian forces shot down a Russian Mi-8 helicopter and inflicted significant losses on Russian troops in the Kharkiv direction, according to a General Staff report.
As of 11 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: 666340 (+1140)
- Tanks: 8953 (+8)
- APV: 17800 (+35)
- Artillery systems: 19322 (+59)
- MLRS: 1229 (+4)
- Anti-aircraft systems: 976
- Aircraft: 369
- Helicopters: 329 (+1)
- UAV: 16837 (+70)
- Cruise missiles: 2619
- Warships/boats: 28
- Submarines: 1
- Vehicles and fuel tanks: 26398 (+84)
Intelligence and technology
Ukraine’s HUR launches cyber attack on Russian university training drone operators. A cyber operation by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence hit the North Caucasus Federal University, crippling its network and deleting crucial data.
France to transfer up to 20 Mirage 2000 jets to Ukraine in 2025, media says. The aircraft are being upgraded from air-policing to multi-role combat capabilities.
Germany pledges €1.4 billion military aid package to Ukraine by year-end. The package, supported by Belgium, Denmark, and Norway, includes air defense systems, armored vehicles, and ammunition.
Satellite imagery backs Ukrainian claims of successful strike on Russian drone facility. The imagery shows burn marks on the ground and damage to warehouses.
Lithuania to send its domestically produced combat drones to Ukraine by end of year. The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense has announced the delivery of nearly 5,000 combat drones to Ukraine, marking a significant step in defense collaboration between the two countries.
International
EU proposes voluntary contributions to bypass Hungary’s veto on Ukraine aid. €6.6 billion in military assistance for Ukraine has been blocked by Budapest since May 2023.
Zelenskyy seeks Pope’s help to free Ukrainian prisoners held in Russia. The President reportedly presented his “victory plan” and invited Vatican participation in a POW conference.
NATO defense ministers to begin talks on new Russia strategy. NATO is preparing to reshape its strategy towards Russia, recognizing the obsolescence of previous cooperation agreements, Politico says.
Olympic champion from Ukraine Mahuchikh demands exclusion of Russian athletes from international competitions. Olympic champion Yaroslava Mahuchikh, speaking at the 18th Council of Europe Sports Ministers Conference, urged Europe to ban Russian athletes from international competitions. She highlighted the tragic loss of over 487 Ukrainian athletes and coaches in the war and called attention to the destruction of over 500 sports facilities as a result of Russian aggression.
Humanitarian and social impact
Ukrainian top media, human right organizations demand investigation into death of journalist Viktoria Roshchyna. In light of the tragic death of journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, Ukrainian media leaders have called on international institutions to investigate her death and to ensure the safety of journalists in captivity.
Ukraine pushes for accountability after journalist Viktoria Roshchyna’s death in Russian captivity. Ukrainian authorities are working to return the body of journalist Viktoria Roshchyna, who died in Russian captivity.
EU condemns death of Ukrainian journalist Roshchyna in Russian captivity. EU officials have called for swift justice after the confirmed death of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriya Roshchyna, who was illegally detained by Russia. Her death, reported during a transfer between Russian detention centers, is being investigated as a war crime by the Security Service of Ukraine.
Russia kills 5 in night ballistic missile strike on Odesa. Ukrainian air defenses also worked to repel a barrage of Russian drones targeting Kyiv in the capital’s fifth aerial attack this month.
Political and legal developments
Zelenskyy: Ukraine’s victory plan must create conditions where Russia cannot continue war. During a press conference with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined the core objective of Ukraine’s strategy to end the war.
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