Russo-Ukrainian war, day 971: US announces new $ 400 million military aid, Russians execute two Ukrainian POWs

Exclusives

Meet “Russian disease,” the centuries-old corruption plaguing Ukraine invasion. From expired rations to sunken flagships, it echoes historical defeats, transforming Putin’s “three-day” campaign into a prolonged struggle against not just Ukraine, but Russia’s own systemic rot.

Russia’s “Azerbaijani gas” ploy threatens to unravel EU sanctions on Moscow. Energy expert Mykhailo Gonchar exposes Russia’s audacious plan to rebrand its gas as “Azerbaijani” for transit through Ukraine, revealing how Kyiv faces mounting pressure from Moscow’s European proxies to accept a deal that could shatter Western sanctions.

Sandu claims 300,000 votes bought in “fraud of unprecedented scale” at first round of Moldova’s presidential election. Moldova’s referendum on EU membership passed by a razor-thin margin, with 50.08% voting in favor. Incumbent President Maia Sandu won the first round of presidential elections with 41% of the vote but will face pro-Russian candidate Aleksandr Stoianoglo in a runoff on 3 November.

Blood-stained past looms over Ukraine-Poland stance against Russia. The old grievances threatens Ukraine’s vital alliance as Russia’s advance keeps its defense hanging by a thread

Military

Russia occupies Zhelanne in Donetsk Oblast, advances in Kharkiv Oblast – DeepState. Russian troops also advanced in the Hirnyk, Donetsk Oblast, in Vyshneve in the Kharkiv Oblast, near Olhivka and Lyubymivka in the Kursk Oblast.

As of 21 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: 680230 (+1710)
• Tanks: 9071 (+24)
• APV: 18175 (+64)
• Artillery systems: 19589 (+24)
• MLRS: 1232
• Anti-aircraft systems: 979
• Aircraft: 369
• Helicopters: 329
• UAV: 17333 (+46)
• Cruise missiles : 2624
• Warships/boats: 28
• Submarines: 1
• Vehicles and fuel tanks: 27034 (+47)

Intelligence and Technology

Key Russian military factory of microelectronics halts work after Ukrainian drone attack. Kremniy EL factory in Bryansk produced components for Russian systems like the Pantsir air defense and Iskander missiles used for the war in Ukraine.

New Ukrainian-made Varan buggy gets fielding approval from Defense Ministry. The Varan can carry 500 kg of cargo or tow a 300 kg trailer, with a range of 200 km on rough terrain.

Ukrainian DELTA combat system coordinated 50+ drones in NATO maritime exercise. Ukraine’s Defense Ministry says the DELTA situation awareness system coordinated aerial, maritime, and land drones, and integrated with allied technologies.

Ukrainian troops seize Russia’s most advanced Verba MANPADS. The seized 9M336 missile features multi-spectral optical seekers for improved target detection and engagement.

International

India secures release of 85 citizens from Russian Army, 20 still await discharge. India announced the release of its nationals allegedly deceptively recruited into Russia’s army, with ongoing efforts for the discharge of 20 more.

South Korea considers sending personnel to Ukraine as North deploys troops to Russia. Seoul may also consider supplying lethal weapons to Ukrainian forces.

South Korea summons Russian ambassador over alleged North Korean troop deployment to Ukraine. Russia responded saying that cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang was in line with international law and not directed against South Korea’s security interests.

UN chief’s potential visit to BRICS summit in Russia challenges narrative of Russia’s diplomatic isolation. António Guterres’ decision to attend a BRICS summit in Kazan appears to contradict the UN’s condemnation of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Politico: EU eyes new Russia sanctions push as Hungary’s presidency nears end. EU sanctions against Russia stalled under Hungary’s leadership, Poland aims to revive discussions when it assumes the EU presidency in January.

Pentagon chief announces $ 400 mn aid package during Kyiv visit. The United States allocated a new $400 million aid package to Ukraine, focusing on ammunition, military equipment, and weapons.

Austin makes unannounced trip to Kyiv, affirming US support. US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s surprise visit to Kyiv on 21 Oct. comes as questions arise about the long-term sustainability of Western support for Ukraine’s war effort.

Humanitarian and Social Impact

Death toll in Russian missile strike on Zaporizhzhia city center raises to 2. Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia injured 15 people, damaged about 30 residential buildings.

Russia did not return the body of Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna in a prisoner swap.. Ukraine has reclassified the case of missing journalist Viktoria Roshchyna as a war crime investigation following reports of her death in Russian captivity.

Russian forces execute two unarmed Ukrainian soldiers at close range in Donetsk Oblast . The killing of prisoners of war is considered a grave breach of the Geneva Conventions, which Russia has violated multiple times before.

Ukraine’s demining efforts could stretch to a century, sapper warns. Ukraine faces a significant challenge in demining territories reclaimed from Russian forces, as chaotic and undocumented mining practices severely hinder clearance efforts.

Political and Legal Developments

Poland to request access to secret annexes of Zelenskyy’s “Victory Plan”. Polish Deputy FM Bartoszewski argues Poland should access them, citing Warsaw’s crucial military aid and future role in Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Minors among seven suspects detained for arson attacks on military and railway targets in Ukraine. The suspects in Odesa, Dnipropetrovsk, and Cherkasy oblasts reportedly recorded their arson attacks for Russian handlers, expecting payment.

UN nuclear agency funded Russian research in occupied Crimea, investigation reveals. The UN’s nuclear watchdog, IAEA, signed two contracts after Russia occupied Crimea, potentially legitimizing occupation and contradicting UN resolutions on Ukraine’s territorial integrity.

FT: $ 20 bn US pledge boosts G7’s $ 50 bn loan package for Ukraine. The US aims to contribute up to $20 billion to a G7 loan for Ukraine, with repayment from profits on frozen Russian assets, as negotiations accelerate ahead of potential shifts in US aid policy post-election, FT says.

New Developments

WSJ: Clan of Chechen warlord Kadyrov plunders, profits from captured Ukrainian steel plant in Mariupol. A son of Kadyrov’s trusted lieutenant now oversees operations at the steel plant in occupied Mariupol, exporting steel and scrap metal to Russia, while also looting millions-worth equipment.

Retired logistics general takes helm of Ukrainian defense conglomerate. Oleh Huliak’s military background is seen as crucial for understanding the needs of Ukraine’s defense forces.

Russian bomber pilot linked to missile strikes on civilians killed with hammer in Russia. Dmitry Golenkov served as chief of staff of an aviation squadron, and was found dead with head injuries likely “caused by hammer,” per HUR.

Former president Trump claims he warned Putin over Moscow strike in case of invasion of Ukraine. In a meeting with the Wall Street Journal’s editorial board, Donald Trump claimed he warned Vladimir Putin of severe consequences for invading Ukraine.