Russo-Ukrainian War, day 962: North Korean troops train in Russia for potential Ukraine deployment

Military

UK intel: Russian forces set conditions for an attack on Pokrovsk. While Pokrovsk remains the main effort, renewed activity by Russian forces has been observed in Zaporizhzhia as well.

Russian troops advance in Toretsk, gaining foothold on two streets. As heavy combat rages on in Toretsk, Russian occupation forces have made significant gains, with military analysts warning that control of the town could facilitate further advances into eastern Ukraine.

Ukrainian strike on Feodosia oil terminal triggers fuel shortage for Russian troops in occupied Crimea. The attack disrupted the largest oil transshipment hub on the peninsula, leading Russian forces to hastily set up mobile refueling stations to evade further strikes, according to reports from the partisan movement “”ATESH.””

Relentless Russian bombardments push Kyiv forces in eastern Ukraine. Russian occupiers continue capturing more Ukrainian towns in Donetsk Oblast, including Vuhledar.

Frontline report: Toretsk becomes kill zone as Ukraine launches counterattacks in high-rises. The ongoing battles in Toretsk has highlighted the growing importance of FPV (First Person View) drones in urban combat. Ukrainian operators are using these agile devices to strike Russian soldiers with unprecedented precision, even as they attempt to seek cover inside buildings.

ISW: Russia intensifies efforts in Kursk to oust Ukrainian forces before winter. The Institute for the Study of War assesses that Moscow fears the onset of poor weather will lead to entrenched positional warfare, giving Ukraine time to fortify its positions. By committing significant resources to Kursk Oblast, Moscow risks exhausting operational reserves crucial for its ongoing offensive in Donetsk Oblast.

Ukraine strikes key oil depot in occupied Luhansk Oblast to disrupt Russian military logistics. This marks the fifth recorded strike on the facility since 2022, underscoring its strategic importance.

As of 12 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: 667630 (+1290)
• Tanks: 8962 (+9)
• APV: 17827 (+27)
• Artillery systems: 19381 (+59)
• MLRS: 1230 (+1)
• Anti-aircraft systems: 976
• Aircraft: 369
• Helicopters: 329
• UAV: 16947 (+110)
• Cruise missiles : 2619
• Warships/boats: 28
• Submarines: 1
• Vehicles and fuel tanks: 26513 (+115)

Intelligence and technology

Belgium strengthens security measures due to possible sabotage and espionage. Recent incidents, including cyberattacks and sabotage attempts linked to pro-Russian actors, highlight the increasing complexity of security challenges facing Europe.

Russian forces enhance reconnaissance UAVs with electronic warfare against anti-aircraft drones. While the extent of this technology’s deployment remains unclear, Ukrainian forces are already working on countermeasures, highlighting the ongoing technological cat-and-mouse race in the skies over Ukraine.

Bloomberg: India emerges as second-largest supplier of critical tech to Russia amid sanctions. India has become a key node in Russia’s efforts to bypass Western tech sanctions, exporting sensitive technologies to Russia, including microchips, circuits, and machine tools.

Estonian Intelligence chief says Ukrainian strikes on ammo depots worsen Russia’s munitions crisis. Russia’s mounting ammunition crisis worsened after Ukrainian forces launched precision drone strikes on key depots, killing six North Korean officers stationed with Russian troops, according to Estonian intelligence. The attacks highlight Ukraine’s expanding long-range capabilities and Russia’s growing dependence on North Korean supplies.

Ukraine’s “”Viking”” maritime intelligence center receives high-speed combat boats from Sweden. The newly unveiled “”Viking”” maritime center of Ukraine’s military intelligence has been equipped with Stridsbåt 90 boats, advancing operational capabilities for sea-based missions and fire support.

International

Presidential Office: Ukraine continues to work on approval for strikes inside Russian territory. Andriy Yermak, head of Ukraine’s Presidential Office, confirmed ongoing efforts to secure a Western approval to target Russian military infrastructure.

FM Syhiba and EU counterpart talk about progress on €35bn loan at expense of Russian assets. This financial assistance package, agreed upon by the EU Council, forms part of a larger loan initiative by the G7 nations.

WSJ: Key US states favor Trump in resolving Russo-Ukrainian War. Voters in the so-called ”swing states” could ultimately decide the election’s outcome, potentially reshaping the US’ role on the global stage for years to come.

WP: thousands of North Korean troops train in Russia for potential Ukraine deployment. Ukrainian officials claim North Korean military engineers are already present in occupied territories, overseeing the use of Pyongyang-supplied weapons. Some of these personnel have reportedly been killed in action, underlining the direct involvement of North Korean forces.

“”No appetite for further Ukraine funding”” House Speaker Johnson expresses fatigue over war in Ukraine . Mike Johnson suggested that the resolution of the Ukraine-Russia war could hinge on the 2024 US presidential election. Johnson suggested that former President Trump could swiftly end the Ukraine-Russia war if re-elected, contrasting this with his view that under a Harris administration, the war would likely continue.

Humanitarian and social impact

Russian strikes target infrastructure and homes in Zaporizhzhia, injure civilians. Zaporizhzhia Oblast faced 425 attacks in 24-hour period, with the Zaporizhzhia city suffering three precision strikes while surrounding towns endured air raids, rocket attacks, and artillery bombardment. An 11-year-old girl was among those injured, receiving hospital treatment before returning home.

Political and legal developments

Presidential office of Ukraine: Zelenskyy to present “”Victory Plan”” in coming days. The plan should detail political, military, and diplomatic measures aimed at securing Ukraine’s position and pushing Russia toward a forced peace.

$ 6 million undeclared wealth unravels careers of mother-son top officials in Ukraine’s fight against corruption. The State Bureau of Investigation exposed a son, the head of the Pension Fund Office in Khmelnytskyi Oblast and a mother, the head of Khmelnytskyi’s Medical and Social Expertise Center, involved in a scheme of creating fraudulent disability certifications for military service evasion and illegally earning $6 million.

Read our earlier daily review here.