Russo-Ukrainian war, day 984: Ukraine downs 1,100 Russian drones in October

Exclusives

Military

Heavy artillery and assault groups: Russian troops step up assaults in selidove area near Pokrovsk. The situation on the Pokrovske front remains complex, with Russian occupiers launching major assaults toward Selidove, according to Major Vitaliy Milovidov of the 15th National Guard Operational Brigade.

Ukrainian forces anticipate Russian attacks as tensions rise on Zaporizhzhia front. Military analyst and veteran Oleksii Hetman warns that Russian forces are likely preparing for a serious offensive in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, concentrating significant manpower and equipment toward Huliaypole and Orikhiv.

Ukrainian troops destroy six Russian tanks, nine infantry fighting vehicles in single attack. The 10th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade repelled a heavy assault involving 22 Russian armored vehicles and around 120 troops, due to coordinated efforts involving artillery, anti-tank units, reconnaissance, and drones.

ISW: Ukraine struck seven Russian air defense installations since Oct. 20. The strikes on 7 Russian radars and air defense systems could affect Russia’s ability to secure occupied territories, ISW says.

As of 3 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: 699090 (+1410)
• Tanks: 9182 (+12)
• APV: 18523 (+36)
• Artillery systems: 20086 (+10)
• MLRS: 1244
• Anti-aircraft systems: 994
• Aircraft: 369
• Helicopters: 329
• UAV: 18187 (+70)
• Cruise missiles: 2629 (+1)
• Warships/boats: 28
• Submarines: 1
• Vehicles and fuel tanks: 28160 (+46)

Intelligence and Technology

New Ukrainian VARTA 2 armored vehicle enters state testing phase. The vehicle, featuring an enhanced design and SICH heavy combat module, showcased stable performance in firing tests with its 30 mm automatic cannon.

Ukraine develops new AI drones to counter Iranian-made Shaheds. Military expert and former SBU officer Ivan Stupak has announced that Ukraine is trialing its AI-powered drones, which can track and intercept Russian ‘Shaheds’ moving at speeds over 150 km per hour.

Australia donates retired JDAM-ER precision bombs to Ukraine. Australia has referenced supplying “air-to-ground precision munitions” to Ukraine on two occasions, without specifically naming JDAM-ERs.

Second Russian Su-34 fighter-bomber downed by Ukrainian F-16, sources claim. Russian milbloggers report a mysterious aircraft downing, speculating Ukrainian F-16 involvement—potentially the second such incident since 12 October.

International

Poland begins building “Eastern Shield” on its border against threat of Russian aggression. In a move to strengthen its defenses, Poland has launched the construction of the “Eastern Shield,” a fortification initiative on its borders with Russia and Belarus. The project will feature modern detection systems and is expected to be completed by 2028 at a cost exceeding $2.5 billion.

North Korea, Russia strengthen ties with new digital cooperation deal. At the IT Products Exhibition-2024 in Pyongyang, Russian and North Korean officials signed an agreement to bolster collaboration in communications and digital technology.

Taiwan completely halts machine tool exports to Russia amid tighter controls, ministry says. Following investigations revealing Taiwanese machine tools reaching Russia via third countries, Taiwan has banned exports and increased penalties for sanctions violations

Stopping Ukraine aid would cost Berlin 10-20 times more than current support, think tank says. Kiel Institute’s research shows German economy would suffer 1-2% GDP loss annually, compared to current 0.1% GDP assistance, due to increased defense spending and refugees.

South Korea considers sending weapons to Ukraine amid North Korean deployment. “All possible scenarios are under consideration,” FM Cho Tae-yul stated.

Reuters: New German leftist BSW party threatens pro-Ukraine stance in eastern state coalitions. The party is leveraging its position in three German states to pressure mainstream parties into opposing military support for Ukraine.

Humanitarian and Social Impact

Ukraine expands demining job opportunities for veterans and disabled. Four Ukrainians who were injured by explosive devices have found employment with The HALO Trust, where they use satellite and drone data analysis to locate mined areas, according to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry.

Ukraine’s second Taiwanese volunteer fighter killed in Luhansk Oblast. Taiwan’s foreign ministry confirmed death of second volunteer fighter in Ukraine since 2022. Wu Chung-ta, 44, killed by Russian bombing.

Ukraine repels Russia’s massive 96-drone assault, other strikes kill one, injure at least 22 civilians. Air defenses successfully intercepted 66 Shaheds. Russia’s additional artillery and aerial strikes cause civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.

Political and Legal Developments

Moldova raises concerns over Russian threats aimed at disrupting EU polling stations. Moldova has notified EU nations that Russia plans to disrupt the second round of its presidential election by targeting expatriate voting abroad, potentially using bomb threats to halt polling.

CNN: Putin unlikely to negotiate regardless of US election outcome. Experts believe Putin will refuse peace talks with Ukraine, regardless of a Harris or Trump presidency, as Moscow plans to maintain offensives despite heavy losses.

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