Russo-Ukrainian war, day 991: Russia launches record 145-drone assault on Ukraine

Military

Russians launch three-way pincer to encircle Ukraine’s key hub Kurakhove. Moscow’s forces are advancing on Kurakhove in Donetsk Oblast from three directions: south from captured Selydove, north from Bohoiavlenka, and along the eastern axis.

Ukraine braces for Russian assaults on frontline positions, Vremivka and Huliaipole at risk. The Armed Forces of Ukraine anticipate imminent Russian attacks on the Vremivka and Hulyaipole fronts, as Russian forces concentrate troops and ammunition for targeted assaults.

Ukrainian strike reportedly targets Russian air defenses in occupied Mariupol. At least four explosions were reported near Mariupol Airport overnight, with a Russian air defense unit reportedly damaged, according to local officials.

Ukrainian mines destroy modern Russian tanks in Kursk Oblast. Ukrainian defenders stopped a Russian mechanized assaults in Kursk Oblast and Donbas with minefield traps, leading to the destruction of modern Russian tanks and halting a key offensive line.

Russia lost record 1,500 troops daily in October eastern Ukraine push, UK chief of defense staff says. Moscow’s military suffered over 46,000 casualties in October while gaining minimal territory in eastern Ukraine.

NYT: Russia, North Korea set to launch Kursk counteroffensive within days. North Korean soldiers, wearing Russian uniforms and using Moscow-supplied equipment, will operate as independent units alongside Russian forces.

Ukrainian drones hit Russian arsenal in Bryansk, 8 blasts reported. Ukraine struck a Russian military depot in Bryansk overnight, triggering multiple explosions at the ammunition storage facility.

As of 10 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: 708890 (+1350)
• Tanks: 9249 (+11)
• APV: 18726 (+29)
• Artillery systems: 20280 (+31)
• MLRS: 1245
• Anti-aircraft systems: 996
• Aircraft: 369
• Helicopters: 329
• UAV: 18619 (+44)
• Cruise missiles: 2634
• Warships/boats: 28
• Submarines: 1
• Vehicles and fuel tanks: 28683 (+122)

Intelligence and Technology

Russia ramps up Shahed drone strikes, raising concerns over future mass missile attacks during cold season in Ukraine. Russian troops have significantly increased their use of Shahed drones, signaling that they have ramped up domestic production of these drones. National security expert Ivan Varchenko suggests that this shift could indicate the buildup of missile reserves for a future mass strike, with Russian forces intensifying daily attacks and testing Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.

France to send Ukraine new batch of SCALP and Mistral missiles. Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu authorized a new package of long-range and air defense missiles for Ukraine.

Russia shifts to drone attacks amid missile production challenges, says Ukrainian military expert. Facing production limits, Russia increasingly relies on drones over costly cruise missiles, targeting Ukrainian cities with more destructive payloads, according to a Ukrainian electronic warfare expert.

Zelenskyy: Ukraine produced first 100 missile weapons. More than 800 Ukrainian companies are now engaged in weapons production for the country’s defense forces, President Zelenskyy revealed on 9 Nov.

International

Son of Donald Trump warns Ukraine to lose US aid within month. The statement, made in a recent Instagram post, highlights concerns over future US support as the Trump administration prepares to take office in January 2025.

CBS News: Biden to urge Trump administration to maintain aid for Ukraine. US President Joe Biden is set to press the incoming Trump administration to continue backing Ukraine, stressing that a pullback of support could lead to greater instability in Europe.

Victory for Russia in Ukraine would threaten US global interests, says NATO official. NATO Military Committee Chair Rob Bauer cautions that a peace deal favoring Russia in Ukraine could embolden other autocratic states, endangering US influence abroad.

British Defense Minister says Ukraine inspired his son to join British army. Britain’s “NATO First” strategy positions Estonia’s border with Russia as the UK’s front line of defense, Defense Secretary John Healey said in an interview exploring Europe’s security challenges.

Poland leads Ukraine support effort with 4.91% GDP contribution. Poland has contributed military aid worth $3,5 billion to Ukraine, including over 350 tanks, marking the largest transfer of heavy equipment among allied nations.

Trump rules out Pompeo and his $ 500 billion Ukraine peace plan from new cabinet. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo proposed a $500 billion lend-lease for Ukraine with NATO and EU membership support but excluded the return of occupied territories.

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.

Humanitarian and Social Impact

Two Russian drones crash in Moldova as Moscow launches massive Ukraine attack. Ten Russian drones strayed into neighboring countries during record 145-drone attack on Ukraine.

Largest-ever drone assault hits Moscow: Airports close, homes ablaze. Fire crews battled blazes in suburban Moscow, a woman suffered injuries from falling debris.

Russia launches record 145 drones in overnight attack on Ukraine: Odesa hit, Kyiv downs 15. Civilian infrastructure bore the brunt in Odesa as five-hour air raid alerts gripped Kyiv.

Political and Legal Developments

Ukraine, US boost collaboration to identify war victims and hold Russia accountable for its crimes. In response to the mounting number of missing and unidentified bodies, Ukraine and the US Embassy commit to advancing DNA analysis capabilities. Over 70,000 DNA profiles have been cataloged, with efforts now underway to build five additional labs across Ukraine.

The Telegraph: Trump eyes 1,000-km buffer zone in Ukraine, guarded by EU and British forces. A sweeping peacekeeping operation – without US troops – is reportedly central to Trump’s emerging plan to halt the war.

EU prepares new sanctions package against Russia targeting foreign-made components. Brussels is preparing new measures to block Russia’s access to imported components critical for its manufacturing sector, EU High Representative Josep Borrell announced on 9 Nov.

New Developments

Ukrainian embassy in Canada launches project to combat Russian propaganda. The Ukrainian Embassy in Canada is launching events to shed light on Russian disinformation tactics. Ukrainian Consul General in Toronto, Oleh Nikolenko, emphasizes the need for heightened awareness to counteract Russian influence on Canadian society.

Read our earlier daily review here