Ukraine Destroys $10 Million Weapon System with a $100 Drone – Day 956 (October 6, 2024)

This is a shorter version as I was unable to receive information on the events at the battle fronts. Hopefully, tomorrow, this will be restored.

Picture of the Day:

Ukrainian servicemen from the 15th Operational Brigade covered up a 152 mm Howitzer 2A65 Msta-B after firing it towards Russian positions near the front line in the Pokrovsk area in Donetsk Oblast. (Maciek Musialek/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Beyond Ukraine – The March Towards World War

NATO has been advised to significantly strengthen its defense capabilities, according to a report in Die Welt. Recommendations include increasing combat brigades from 82 to 131, creating new corps and divisions, and expanding air and transport capabilities. These suggestions, approved by NATO’s top commanders, reflect the need for stronger collective security. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has warned allies to prepare for a potential decade-long war in Ukraine and urged increased defense spending to maintain alliance unity and support for Ukraine.

Thousands protested in Budapest on Oct. 5, demanding press freedom and criticizing Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s government-controlled media. Led by opposition figure Peter Magyar, demonstrators gathered outside the state-owned MTVA media company. Magyar accused the government of running a “propaganda factory” and called for reforms to restore public media integrity. The protest comes amid international concerns over media freedom in Hungary, with organizations like Reporters Without Borders criticizing government control over media outlets. The demonstration also highlighted Hungary’s strained relations with the EU over media freedom and support for Ukraine.

Situation On The Land, Sea, and Air in Ukraine

Ukraine’s military intelligence reported that its unit “Kryla” destroyed a Russian Osa air defense system using a low-cost FPV drone. The $10 million Soviet-era system, still used by several countries including Russia and Ukraine, was taken out by a drone worth only hundreds of dollars. A video released by the intelligence agency shows the drone strike and the resulting fire. This incident highlights the ongoing drone warfare in the conflict, with Russia having lost 970 air defense systems since the invasion began, according to Ukraine’s General Staff.

Ukrainian forces attacked a major oil depot in Russian-occupied Feodosia, Crimea, on Oct. 7. The strike caused a large fire at the Marine Oil Terminal, the largest facility of its kind in Crimea. Residents reported explosions around 4:30 a.m., with additional attacks reported at Belbek and Saky airfields. The Ukrainian General Staff confirmed targeting the depot, which was used to supply Russian forces. This attack is part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to damage Russia’s oil industry and hinder its war efforts. The extent of the damage is still being assessed.

Ukrainian Operations in the Russian Federation – Initiative None

President Zelensky highlighted the significance of Ukraine’s two-month military operation in Russia’s Kursk Oblast, which began on Aug. 6. The offensive, involving 15,000 Ukrainian troops, has reportedly captured about 100 settlements and 1,200 square kilometers of Russian territory. Zelensky emphasized that this operation has greatly contributed to Ukraine’s prisoner exchange efforts. He stated that Ukraine has proven its ability to push the war into Russian territory, suggesting that with sufficient support from allies, Ukraine could pressure Russia to reconsider the war. The Kursk region borders Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast, which has faced daily attacks since April 2022.

Kharkiv Front – Initiative Russia

Russian opposition activist Ildar Dadin, who joined Ukraine’s armed forces, was reportedly killed in battle in the Kharkiv region. Dadin was the first person convicted under Russia’s “repeatedly violating protest rules” law, which became known as the “Dadin Article.” After serving time and experiencing torture in prison, he joined Ukraine’s forces in 2023. Ukraine’s military intelligence spokesman stated that Russian citizen militias fighting for Ukraine act autonomously within Russia, pursuing their own objectives without Kyiv’s direct orders.

Zaporizhia Front – Initiative Russia

Zaporizhia Line

Russian forces are reportedly massing for a potential breakthrough near Orikhiv and Mala Tokmachka in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukraine. Southern Defense Forces spokesperson Vladyslav Voloshyn warns that Russia may launch new offensive operations in the coming days, aiming to cut off Ukrainian logistics routes. This area was the focus of Ukraine’s 2023 southern counteroffensive, which liberated Robotyne, though Russia has recently intensified attacks and claims to have recaptured it (which Ukraine denies). Meanwhile, Ukraine’s military intelligence destroyed a Russian Osa air defense system using a small drone. NATO is considering more concrete steps regarding Ukraine’s membership at an upcoming summit. Additionally, Lithuania has confiscated military goods from trains traveling between Kaliningrad and Moscow, planning to send these items to Ukraine as aid.

Ukraine News

Ukraine’s Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin reported that some historical artifacts stolen by Russia from occupied Ukrainian territories have appeared on global black markets. Russia’s invasion has led to widespread looting of cultural heritage, with hundreds of items stolen. Ukraine is working with U.S. authorities to gather evidence and has launched a new unit to investigate the destruction and illegal selling of cultural artifacts. The Culture Ministry reports that nearly 2,100 cultural establishments have been damaged or destroyed since the war began, including 120 museums and galleries. Ukraine recently recovered the “Scythian gold” artifacts from Crimea after a long legal battle.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly sought advice from Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2017 regarding sending arms to Ukraine, according to the New York Times. Trump entered office with a negative view of Ukraine, which Putin allegedly exploited to influence U.S. support for Kyiv. Despite this, Trump approved the first sale of Javelin anti-tank launchers to Ukraine during his presidency. His relationship with Ukraine became further complicated during his 2019 impeachment trial. Trump’s stance on Ukraine is causing concern among Kyiv’s supporters as he seeks re-election in 2024, with fears of reduced military support if he wins. Trump has claimed he could end the Russia-Ukraine war quickly if elected but hasn’t provided details on his plan.

Innocent Victims Of War

The casualty count of civilians in the past 24 hours: (Russian War Crimes)

DEATHS: 4 INJURIES: 30

Overnight, Russia launched drone attacks on Kyiv Oblast, with all drones intercepted over the capital. In Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, two people were injured by rocket attacks. Donetsk Oblast reported two deaths and eight injuries from various attacks. In Kharkiv Oblast, one man was killed by a drone strike, and another injured in an airstrike. Russian attacks on Kherson Oblast killed one person and injured 15 others. Odesa faced drone and missile attacks, resulting in one injury and damage to infrastructure. In Sumy Oblast, three civilians were injured in a drone attack on a bus.

A firefighter putting out a fire in Odesa, Odesa Oblast, Ukraine, after a Russian drone attack. (State Emergency Service in Odesa Oblast)

Ukraine’s Allies

Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Breckelmans made surprise visits to Kharkiv and Kyiv, Ukraine. In Kharkiv, he observed the destruction caused by Russian shelling, including damaged apartments and power outages, emphasizing Ukraine’s need to keep Russia at a distance for protection. The Netherlands announced a 400-million-euro investment in a joint drone development project with Ukraine, focusing on surveillance, defensive, and offensive types. Breckelmans confirmed the arrival of the first Dutch F-16s in Ukraine, with more to follow. The Netherlands has provided Ukraine with a Patriot radar system and plans to send three launchers.

The upcoming Ramstein summit on Oct. 12 may offer Ukraine “more concrete steps” towards NATO membership, according to an unnamed diplomat cited by the Washington Post. This meeting, the last before the U.S. presidential election, is crucial for Ukraine to secure additional aid pledges. There are concerns that a potential Trump presidency could reduce support for Ukraine. While NATO has declared Ukraine’s membership path “irreversible,” a definitive invitation is still pending. President Zelensky will present his victory plan, which includes NATO membership, to allies at the summit. Ukraine may also receive some form of support regarding strikes inside Russia, though no decision has been made yet.

Lithuanian customs officers intercepted military uniforms and camouflage nets on passenger trains from Kaliningrad to Moscow between Sept. 27 and Oct. 2. The items, found at Kybartai train station, are believed to be intended for Russian forces in Ukraine and will be sent to Ukraine as military aid. Kaliningrad, a Russian exclave between Poland and Lithuania, is connected to Russia by rail through Lithuania. A separate incident involved pro-Russian symbols on a train at the Lithuanian-Belarusian border. Lithuania, a former Soviet republic, has been a strong supporter of Ukraine since Russia’s invasion.

Russian War Losses (Today/Total)

Russian Mobilization and Defense Industrial Base

The Russian government plans to allocate 90 billion rubles ($948 million) from 2025 to 2027 for one-time payments to individuals signing military contracts. This “crypto-mobilization” aims to recruit an estimated 225,000 personnel for the war in Ukraine. Current signing bonuses range from 400,000 to over one million rubles. The Kremlin is increasing financial incentives due to concerns about maintaining sufficient forces in Ukraine. However, experts believe there are limitations to this recruitment strategy’s long-term effectiveness. Putin may consider another partial mobilization if the situation in Ukraine worsens, though he prefers to avoid a full-scale mobilization due to its unpopularity.

Source Material

The Kyiv Independent – kyivindependent.com
Kyiv Post – kyivpost.com