There isn’t much to report that is new on the war in Ukraine—Russia continues to launch attacks against civilians, the UN and NATO do nothing except make statements condemning the acts, and Ukraine uses the limited donated weapons to disable Russian military bases. Ukrainians and Russians are dying while these ‘war games’ are being played out, and the focus is on the Middle East.
The world has been distracted as Jewish people are being attacked due to the war in the Middle East that the media are calling the Israel and Gaza conflict because they don’t wish say Palestine.
The illegally deported children from occupied regions to Russia have been used as bargaining chips, and some have been returned, while sham trials are held in occupied parts of Ukraine where people have been given prison sentences for defending Ukraine (but are called Nazis).
The F-16 training is taking place, but there will be many deaths until the aircraft are used to defend Ukraine. The Black Sea Grain Initiative is still being discussed as grain is transported via Croatia and Romania while Russia digs its heels in and won’t play until they get what hey want. Countries have offered more humanitarian and military aid, but it is in drips here and there, and some weapons have arrived damaged. In some ways, Ukraine is similar to a goodwill shop that is reliant on donations and they have to make do with what they are given and when. That is no way to win a war, and it is not enough to help Ukraine defend itself, but they need to be in a position to end the war by defeating Russia. They are not in that position as they don’t have the weapons they need, and they don’t have sufficient quantities either. Therefore, this war will linger on until they do have the above.
Day 604 (20 Oct)
Put visited the HQ in Rostov-on-Don where he received updates on the progress of the war.
The EU has granted Ukrainian refugees extended temporary protection until 4 March 2024. This means they have access to education, benefits, medical care and can work and reside in the EU. Some countries (such as Ireland) have said they have to restrict the number of refugees as the do not have the infrastructure to cope with the excess numbers of refugees.
The US has agreed to supply further ATACMS on a permanent basis in greater quantities but has not said what range the missiles will be capable of. Currently, those that have been supplied can reach up to 165 km away.
Romania has increased the border security around the border it shares with Ukraine in light of the recent drone activity and wreckage found in the country. More anti-drone systems will be in place to protect the country.
Croatia has provided all of its Mi-8 helicopters to Ukraine as part of a military aid package.
Germany has supplied 3 further Gepard anti-aircraft guns, reconnaissance drones, border protection vehicles, and ammunition as part of the latest military aid package.
North Korea has stated that it looks forward to their partnership with Russia. They didn't say in what respect, but we can deduce it would be weapons based under the guise of security.
Russia claims it intercepted 2 RAF Typhoon fighter jets and an RC-135 reconnaissance jet over the Black Sea on 19 October 2023. The RAF has made no comment.
Day 605 (21 Oct)
UEFA has fined the Lithuanian Football Federation €10k as fans chanted anti-Putin slogans during a football match. Lithuania is appealing the fine.
Ukraine has increased the number of landmines( to half a million) to be laid on the Belarusian border to prevent any invasion from Belarus or Russia.
The Ukraine Peace Formula meeting will take place on 28-29 October in Malta, where 50 countries are reported to be attending.
Ukraine has said it has spent $27 billion on defence this year so far. This gives you an indication of how much this war is costing the world.
The EU is discussing the 12th round of sanctions it intend to impose against Russia and its allies. This is to include restrictions on third party countries who assist Russia in receiving imported goods that can double up and be used as components for weapons.
The damage to the Kahkovka Dam is estimated to cost $4 billion and is classed as an act of ecocide.
Claims that Russia is interfering in western elections is not a surprise, but reports claim that Russia is targeting democratic elections to discredit them.
Day 606 (22 Oct)
Russians targeted a postal sorting office in Korotych, Kharkiv, where 7 workers have died. A S-300 rocket hit the building just before 22:30 on 21 October 2023. The workers weer handling parcels of medicine and humanitarian aid before they were killed. The post office is to increase the numbers of shelters available in postal offices for the safety of the workers. The Nova Posit logistics company was another civilian target, and another war crime.
Qatar helped to broker a deal with Moscow to return some of the kidnapped children back to Ukraine. Four children had been returned, but what was Moscow offered in return? While Ukraine may thank Qatar for this act, what was in it for Qatar as there is always a catch.
Day 607 (23 Oct)
Reports state that 20,000 people are mobilised each month to join the Russian army. However, the reports claim most are through coercive means by using prisoners, threats, and people who might be migrant workers.
Russia accuses a joint collaboration between the CIA and MI6 (and SBU) of attacking the Kerch Bridge with naval drones. This is propaganda to try and turn people against the West, and there is no evidence to support the claims.
Ukraine joins NATO naval exercises ‘Joint Warrior -23-II’ to gain experience in UK waters. The ‘Cherkasy’ and Chernihiv’ joined the exercises this week and have been mentored by the Royal Navy.
Hungary blocks €500 million military aid package from the EU again even though the OTP bank was removed as a sponsor of war list. Orban of Hungary compares the EU membership to Soviet Russia occupation, complaining that he is restricted while Hungary can leave the EU if it wishes, but will lose funding and the freedom of movement across the EU. Hungary got what it wanted but apparently want further assurances! Basically, they don’t keep to their word like the Russians.
Today, things pop up that reminds us of the Soviet times. Yes, it happens at history repeats itself. (Orban)
Day 608 (24 Oct)
In Avdiivka, Ukraine is still trying to hold off the Russians as the entire city is destroyed. Ukraine lost positions in Terrikon as the Russians are using small groups to try and retake the area. The last shop that served as a lifeline to those left was destroyed and those who choose to remain are dependent on aid workers bringing in supplies who risk their lives for these people. This is one reason I do not understand, when you need to evacuate and refuse to do so, you put the lives at others at risk who bring you aid and who come to rescue you. While I realise some elderly say they don’t want to go, there is an element of selfishness as they know aid workers will deliver supplies and that soldiers will rescue them too. Those people are more likely to die trying to help someone who doesn’t want to help themselves.
The Second Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimea platform was held. This is to reinforce the fact that Crimea is Ukrainian and that Ukraine will not concede Crimea as a bargaining chip for peace.
Ukraine will carry a mandatory evacuations for children from 23 Kherson settlements. This means that children with their guardians or parents will be evacuated for free and housing and other essentials will be provided.