Russo-Ukrainian war, day 990: Russians execute Ukrainian POW, strike civilians in Kharkiv, Odesa as Europe’s air defense systems “stand idle”

Exclusives

German luxury cars keep flowing to Putin’s elite. How BMW, Mercedes, and Audi “left” Russia. German luxury cars were once the crown jewel of Russia’s premium market, with over 100,000 vehicles sold annually. Almost three years after condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and promising to leave, each brand found a different way to define “exit.”

“No greater joy for warrior than dying in battle.” Ukrainian combat medic’s poignant farewell letter. Russian drone kills medic Oleksandra “Mike” Mulkevych, one day before her rotation’s end.

“Nothing but a windbag.” Zelenskyy dismisses Orbán’s ceasefire calls at Budapest summit. In his first visit to Hungary since Russia’s invasion, President Zelenskyy rejected Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s push for an immediate ceasefire, while warning of North Korea’s direct involvement in the war.

Military

Ukrainian drones hit over 52,000 Russian targets only in October, military chief says. Ukrainian drone operators conducted over 7,000 combat missions in October, despite challenging weather conditions, demonstrating the growing role of unmanned systems in modern warfare.

Ukrainian drones hit chemical plant in Russia’s Tula Oblast. A major Russian defense contractor’s facility came under attack from Ukrainian drones, resulting in emergency response at the strategic site in Tula Oblast.

Frontline report: Ukrainian combined arms operation retakes northern Druzhba. Ukrainian drone operators modified hexacopters to deliver TM62 anti-tank mines onto Russian-occupied buildings in Druzhba, demolishing fortified positions before ground forces moved in.

As of 9 NOV 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: 707540 (+1660)
• Tanks: 9238 (+5)
• APV: 18697 (+36)
• Artillery systems: 20249 (+23)
• MLRS: 1245
• Anti-aircraft systems: 996
• Aircraft: 369
• Helicopters: 329
• UAV: 18575 (+49)
• Cruise missiles : 2634 (+3)
• Warships/boats: 28
• Submarines: 1
• Vehicles and fuel tanks: 28561 (+66)

Intelligence and Technology

Ukrainian drone pilots kill Russian major general known for torture of his own. Russian Major General Pavel Klimenko, known for tormenting and extorting soldiers under his command, has been reportedly killed on the Ukrainian battlefield, according to OSINT investigators.

Pentagon to send 500 interceptor missiles to Ukraine for NASAMS, Patriot air defense systems. US officials are working to transfer billions in military aid to Ukraine before January, facing both logistical hurdles and concerns over depleting American stockpiles.

Ukraine develops unjammable fiber optic FPV attack drone, catching up to Russia’s innovation. Russians started using a similar technology in August.

International

Zelenskyy claims Europe’s air defense systems “just standing there” instead of helping Ukraine from Russian attacks. Ukrainian President revealed that European partners possess adequate air defense systems to provide Ukraine with “truly reliable protection” against Russian “terror,” yet these resources remain unutilized.

Ukraine foreign minister: Zelenskyy, Trump teams prepare leaders’ meeting after election call. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that a swift post-election phone conversation between Zelenskyy and Trump demonstrates an established communication channel between Kyiv and the likely incoming US administration.

Telegraph: Ukraine defense support at risk as German government dissolves. The collapse of Germany’s governing coalition highlights the need for broader European support as Russian forces advance.

Humanitarian and Social Impact

Russians execute unarmed, wounded Ukrainian POW on camera as international bodies struggle to respond. Ukrainian authorities have documented over hundred cases of soldiers killed while attempting to surrender, with the latest footage showing Russian forces shooting an unidentified man at point-blank range.

Russian KAB-1500 bomb strike on Kharkiv Oblast kills two civilians as power lines fall . The Russian attack also injured one man and caused significant infrastructure damage.

Russian attack on Kharkiv with KABs hit one of city’s busiest highways. Russian forces struck Kharkiv with guided aerial bombs overnight, hitting a major highway intersection and damaging civilian infrastructure including gas stations and a hypermarket.

Fire breaks out in residential complex in Odesa after Russian drone attack. Odesa authorities report one death and 13 injuries, along with damage to residential complexes, warehouses, and administrative buildings after the third consecutive Russian drone strike on the city.

Political and Legal Developments

CNN: US approves military contractors to operate in Ukraine for first time since 2022. The Biden administration has lifted restrictions on American defense contractors working in Ukraine, allowing faster repairs of US-supplied military equipment.

Ukraine to receive about $ 1.37 billion grant from World Bank. The World Bank grant will support social and humanitarian expenditures in Ukraine

Other developments

BBC: Trump advisor demands “realistic vision for peace” from Ukraine, says “Crimea is gone”. Senior Trump adviser Bryan Lanza stated that the incoming administration will prioritize ending the war over helping Ukraine restore its pre-2014 borders.

Reuters: Trump team disavows advisor’s stance on Ukraine territorial concessions for peace. Trump’s presidential transition team stated that Bryan Lanza “does not work for Trump and does not speak for him.” Lanza sparked controversy by suggesting in a BBC program that Ukraine should have a “realistic vision for peace” and abandon claims to return Crimea.

Read our earlier daily review here