Russo-Ukrainian war, day 985: North Koreans enter fight in Kursk, as Russian losses exceed 700,000

Military

Ukrainian drone unit strikes another Russian Buk-M2 air defense system in Luhansk Oblast (video). Ukraine’s 77th Separate Airmobile Brigade used reconnaissance drones for targeting and FPV drones for the attack.

Forbes: outnumbered Ukrainian brigade destroys 206 heavy Russian vehicles in critical Pokrovsk direction. The Russian 20th Motor Rifle Division is attempting to encircle Ukrainian defenders near Illinka, north from Vuhledar, utilizing 10,000 troops to pressure the significantly smaller Ukrainian brigade.

Frontline report: Ukrainians demolish Russian firing posts with repurposed anti-tank mines, reclaim Toretsk high-rises. Russian forces lost critical observation posts in Toretsk, Donetsk Oblast, where they recently intensified the offensive, as Ukrainian sappers bundled anti-tank mines with C-4 charges to destroy Russian-held high-rises.

ISW: Russians advance in Svatove, Kreminna, Siversk, and Vuhledar. A battalion-sized Russian mechanized assault involving over 100 troops and multiple armored vehicles resulted in territorial gains southeast of Siversk despite significant losses.

Ukrainian General Staff: Russian war losses in Ukraine reach 700,000. Ukrainian military officials report Russian forces are sustaining approximately 1,300 casualties per day.

Ukraine downs 50 out of 80 Russian drones overnight. Eleven civilians and four ministry employees were injured in Kharkiv following Russian guided bomb strikes that damaged multiple commercial buildings and vehicles.

As of 4 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: 700390 (+1300)
• Tanks: 9193 (+11)
• APV: 18538 (+15)
• Artillery systems: 20121 (+35)
• MLRS: 1245 (+1)
• Anti-aircraft systems: 994
• Aircraft: 369
• Helicopters: 329
• UAV: 18280 (+93)
• Cruise missiles : 2629
• Warships/boats: 28
• Submarines: 1
• Vehicles and fuel tanks: 28237 (+77)

Intelligence and Technology

Ukraine to receive first Canada-ordered NASAMS system by year-end. Zelenskyy announced this after a call with Trudeau, where they discussed the Montreal Peace Formula conference, Victory Plan, and North Korea’s involvement in the war.

Google maps reveal sensitive Ukrainian military positions on its maps. Google representatives have initiated discussions with Ukrainian authorities after military positions appeared on their mapping service.

Zelenskyy: Russia increases Shahed drone deployment tenfold since last autumn.

International

Slovak president Pellegrini denies all requests for citizens willing to join Ukrainian forces. The Slovak President’s Office reaffirmed that citizens face criminal prosecution for joining foreign military forces without presidential authorization, as President Pellegrini rejected all pending applications, marking a departure from his predecessor’s policy.

Lithuania delivers major 470-piece demining package to Ukraine. Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas delivered 230 pickup trucks and 240 mine detectors to Kyiv this week, as a part of the international Demining Coalition effort.

“If you need nukes, maybe, you should eye Belarus?” Israeli politician tells Ukraine. Belarus-based Russian nuclear weapons could provide Ukraine with creative deterrence options, says Amir Weitmann, chairman of the liberals in the Israeli-governing Likud Party.

Finland hosts major NATO artillery drills near Russian border. More than 5,000 troops from 29 countries will deploy 130 weapons systems in NATO’s artillery drill spanning five European nations.

UN chief Guterres expresses concern over North Korean troops in Ukraine amid criticism for meeting Putin. After shaking hands with Russian president on the BRICS summit in Russia, António Guterres warned of “dangerous escalation” amid news that Russia deployed North Korean troops to fight in Ukraine.

EU foreign policy chief urges South Korea to increase support for Ukraine. Rising concerns over North Korean military deployment to Russia prompted EU diplomat Josep Borrell to seek expanded South Korean assistance for Ukraine during his visit to Seoul on 4 Nov.

“We captured a lot of Russian weapons from HAMAS, may send them to Ukraine,” says Israeli politician. Weapons seized in Gaza should go to Kyiv since Ukraine and Israel face the same enemies, says Amir Weitmann, chairman of the liberals in the Israeli-governing Likud Party.

Humanitarian and Social Impact

Politico: Ukraine faces up to 20 hours without electricity a day in winter. Ukraine’s unprotected nuclear power plants, which provide 60% of the country’s electricity, face critical risks as winter approaches amid continued Russian attacks

Germany allocates $217 million for Ukraine’s humanitarian winter aid amid Russian energy strikes. As Ukraine faces potential 20-hour daily power outages, Germany will deliver €200 million in humanitarian assistance to Ukraine’s most vulnerable communities on the frontlines, providing fuel, insulation, and winter gear as Russian attacks continue to cripple the country’s power grid.

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.

New Developments

RFE/RL: Document reveals Russia’s initial capitulation terms for Ukraine, dated 11 days into full-scale invasion. Russia demands Ukraine slash its army, declare neutrality, recognize occupied regions, lift sanctions, and make Russian an official language.

Kremlin distributes 20-page manual for handling mass graves to soldiers. It includes specific calculations for manpower and equipment needed for large-scale burials, amid Russia’s mounting casualties in Ukraine

North Korea gets $200 mn, rice, space tech for joining Russia’s war in Ukraine. North Korea’s troop support to Russia may be based on expectations that a Trump US election win would end Ukraine aid, as per South Korean intelligence.

Both Kyiv and Moscow deny FT report on talks about halting energy strikes . Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak emphasized that recent international conferences on energy security have proceeded without Russian participation, contrary to claims of direct bilateral negotiations.

Poll shows declining Ukrainian resolve for prolonged war effort. A comprehensive poll of 989 Ukrainians indicates that 69% are prepared for a relatively long-term war, combining those ready for indefinite duration with those expecting a one-year timeline.

North Korean troops face first combat in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, Ukrainian official says. Various sources indicate between 8,000-12,000 North Korean soldiers are supporting Russia’s war effort.

Zelenskyy urged allies to provide “long-range capabilities” and permission for deep strikes on Russian territory. President Zelenskyy revealed Russia launched approximately 900 guided bombs and 500 drones at Ukraine in the past week alone, calling for lofting restriction on long-range missiles.

Read our earlier daily review here