Russo-Ukrainian War, day 968: Former Ukrainian general warns of growing authoritarian threat to global democracy

Exclusives

Military

Ukrainian special forces liberate Kruhliakivka, paving way for enhanced defense of Kupiansk. Ukrainian special forces successfully liberated the village of Kruhliakivka in Kharkiv Oblast from Russian invaders, bolstering defenses near the critical city of Kupiansk during a decisive operation from October 7 to 14, as reported by the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Defense Ministry.

Frontline report: Looming onset of winter forces Ukraine and Russia towards violent showdown in Kursk Oblast. Both sides are racing against deteriorating weather conditions, resulting in high-intensity clashes as time becomes of the essence.

Russia launches 135 explosive drones, Ukraine downs 80 UAVs, 44 more crash. There were no reports of civilian casualties from the drone attack.

Russian drivers killed in Kursk Oblast by “mystery concrete pyramids”. Russian drivers in Kursk Oblast are falling victim to mysterious concrete pyramids strategically placed on roads, causing fatal accidents and raising questions about possible internal sabotage.

Unconventional tactics and possible internal sabotage are creating additional hazards for Russian troops beyond direct engagement with Ukrainian forces.

Ukrainian Shark drone guides HIMARS strike on Russian troops training ground in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. Black Forest drone group utilizes Shark UAVs to guide HIMARS strikes from 30+ km away.

ISW: Ukrainians advance near Toretsk, Pokrovsk; Russians gain ground near Chasiv Yar, Kurakhove. Russians also advanced near Pokrovsk and in Kursk Oblast.

As of 18 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: 675800 (+1530)
• Tanks: 9027 (+13)
• APV: 18053 (+51)
• Artillery systems: 19533 (+23)
• MLRS: 1232
• Anti-aircraft systems: 978
• Aircraft: 369
• Helicopters: 329
• UAV: 17152 (+48)
• Cruise missiles: 2620
• Warships/boats: 28
• Submarines: 1
• Vehicles and fuel tanks: 26908 (+93)

Intelligence and technology

Canada to send ammunition for Ukraine in new $ 47 million military aid package. In a bid to bolster Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression, Canadian Defense Minister Bill Blair announced a new military aid package.

TWZ: Aevex unveils secretive Phoenix Ghost kamikaze drones, supplied to Ukraine. This family of drones features advanced navigation systems, can operate in GPS-denied environments.

China condemns US sanctions on drone makers, claims it’s not arming Russia. China claims non-involvement in what it calls the “Ukrainian crisis” and its strict control over dual-use goods exports.

International

Estonia urges allies to boost military aid to Ukraine and consider NATO membership. Estonia has called on its NATO allies to significantly increase military support for Ukraine and to seriously consider offering the war-torn country NATO membership.

Estonian PM: EU must help Ukraine to survive upcoming winter as Russian prepares attacks on power systems. Estonia commits to providing Ukraine with long-term financial aid as the country braces for another winter of Russian attacks on its energy grid, with Prime Minister Mihal calling for Europe’s urgent support to bridge the widening gap between Ukraine’s energy supply and demand.

Biden, Scholz discuss increased Ukraine aid. The US President met with the German Chancellor, pledging sustained support for Ukraine, as the US election looms. No NATO consensus yet on Ukraine invitation, White House official says. The official emphasized continued US support for Ukraine, including ongoing military aid and diplomatic efforts.

Georgia’s EU path “de facto halted” as European Council calls for democratic reforms. The Council emphasized the importance of free and fair parliamentary elections with unhindered access for observers.

UK sanctions Russia’s shadow fleet of tankers. The UK government has imposed sanctions on 22 Russian vessels, including oil tankers and LNG carriers, as part of its efforts to hinder Putin’s war machine.

Humanitarian and social impact

Ukrainian Ombudsman Lubinets: International organizations remain silent on Russian executions of Ukrainian POWS. Despite mounting evidence, international organizations remain silent, and no legal actions have been taken against the perpetrators.

Political and legal developments

Ukraine accuses former defense officials of embezzling over $ 48 million. Ukraine’s Prosecutor General has launched a significant case against former Defense Ministry officials, accusing them of embezzling nearly $48.5 million in procurement for low-quality military equipment.

Ukraine’s spy chief: 11,000 North Korean soldiers will be ready to fight against Ukraine starting from November. North Korean troops participating militarily in the Russo-Ukrainian War would mark North Korea’s first direct military intervention in a European war, and may prompt a reconsideration of military support policies among other countries, notably South Korea.

Media: Investigation uncovers Russia’s potential sanctions evasion through transit manipulation. The scheme redirects goods meant for Central Asia and the Caucasus to Russia by manipulating shipping documents.

New developments

Ukrainian companies MHP and Avangardco top Europe’s 2024 poultry and egg production rankings. MHP ranked 8th globally in poultry production, and Avangardco reached 15th place among global egg producers, per WATTPoultry International’s ratings.

Read our earlier daily review here.