Newsletter 14/10/2024
Daily news digest
TOP
Tu-134 aircraft destroyed at Russian airfield – HUR
On the night of October 13, a Tu-134 aircraft belonging to the 117th military transport aviation regiment of the Russian Armed Forces burned down in Russia.
Such Soviet-era aircraft are used, among other things, to transport senior officials of Russia's Ministry of Defense.
Oil depot in Feodosia nearly completely destroyed – social media/Photos
In Feodosia, in temporarily occupied Crimea, an oil depot that was struck by the Ukrainian Defense Forces on October 7 has been nearly completely destroyed. Firefighting efforts lasted nearly a week.
It is noted that, in addition to the tanks, the infrastructure of the storage facility was severely damaged. In total, the fire affected 12 tanks, of which eight were destroyed. Buildings on the premises of the facility also burned down.
Biden: U.S. ready for talks with Russia, China, North Korea to reduce nuclear threat
U.S. President Joe Biden stated that his country is ready for talks with Russia, China, and North Korea “without preconditions” to reduce the nuclear threat worldwide.
He stressed that these nuclear risks undermine the norms and agreements “we have worked collectively to put in place,” and they run counter to the vital work of today’s Nobel Laureates.
European Parliament Committee supports EUR 35B loan to Ukraine backed by Russian assets
On October 14, MEPs in the Trade Committee voted by a majority to approve financial support to Ukraine in the form of a EUR 35 billion loan, backed by frozen Russian assets.
The repayment of this exceptional MFA loan, along with other loans from G7 countries, will be made from extraordinary revenues made from immobilized Russian Central Bank assets and will be enabled by the Ukraine Loan Cooperation Mechanism, recently established at the suggestion of the European Commission.
The future revenues from frozen Russian assets, along with possible contributions from EU member states and other countries, will be available to Ukraine through this mechanism to assist the country in repaying the exceptional MFA loan, as well as loans from other G7 partners considered as eligible by the Commission. These emergency funds will be used exclusively for servicing and repaying eligible loans, including the MFA loan.
Zelensky’s Victory Plan to be made public this week
"This week, we will present to all our partners in Europe our strategy for compelling Russia to bring this war to a just end. Of course, the Victory Plan will be made public. Moreover, along with the initial response we have received from our partners, " Zelensky stated.
War
Russian forces occupy new areas in Toretsk – Defense Forces
“The situation is changing very quickly. Unfortunately, the enemy continues to assault our positions, and Toretsk has no remaining intact buildings. The city now resembles an abandoned wasteland, with no shelters for civilians or military personnel, which regrettably allows the enemy to occupy new areas, though it is burned land,” Anastasia Bobovnikova, spokesperson for the Luhansk Operational Tactical Group explained.
Russia trying to break through defense of AFU in Kursk region for 5 days - Zelensky held meeting
President Volodymyr Zelensky held a meeting of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief's Staff, the key topics were the battles in the Pokrovske and Kurakhove directions, attempts to break through the defense of the Armed Forces in the Kursk region.
“I held a regular meeting. There was a report by Chief Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi on the operational situation. Active actions are taking place along the entire length of the front, but the fighting is particularly fierce in the Pokrovske and Kurakhove directions. Russians have been trying to break through our defense in the Kursk region for five days. The guys are holding on and counterattacking,” Zelensky said.
In the Kharkiv axis, fighters with the Spartan Brigade of Ukraine’s National Guard destroyed a Russian tank and four armored infantry vehicles, thus thwarting an assault
For first time in 48 days, Russians did not launch any Shahed UAV at Ukraine at night - Air Force
Ukraine’s 79th Air Assault Brigade repels Russian assault in Kurakhove sector
Four civilians killed, three others injured in Donetsk region over past day
Enemy fired upon eight localities in Kherson region over last day - one killed, four wounded
Estonia considers purchasing defense products from Ukraine
Defense
Zelensky visits production facilities of defense industry
“One of the production facilities of our defense industry, which plays an important role in Ukraine’s fight. Today, it is crucial that our nation’s strength continues to grow. Everyone working toward this goal is also a defender of Ukraine, making a significant contribution to our nation’s survival,” Zelensky noted.
He thanked everyone dedicated to strengthen the state and to all Ukraine’s partners for the joint agreements and projects that enhance our ability to protect people’s lives.
Politics
Latvia launches probe of Russian oligarchs after The Insider investigation
Latvian Prime Minister Evika Silina initiated a review of information from The Insider about Russian oligarchs and other Russian figures who are under sanctions but do business in Latvia through proxies and have real estate here.
For example, Vladimir Putin's friends are brothers Arkady and Boris Rotenberg, who were martial arts practitioners in Leningrad together with Putin. Arkady Rotenberg, whom the media call “Putin's wallet,” registered some of his assets with Latvian citizen Maria Borodunova, according to an investigation by The Insider. (The media previously reported that Borodunova has a relationship with Rotenberg and acts as a cover for the oligarch to have access to property in Europe: in particular, villas on the Cote d'Azur and apartments in Monaco.)
Russia may attack NATO by 2030 - German intel
Germany is in direct confrontation with Russia and may become a target of Moscow's aggression. According to German intelligence, the Russian army could attack NATO countries by 2030.
EU extends sanctions against Iran for supplying missiles to Russia
Lithuanian FM: "Peace plans" which do not meet Ukraine’s demands are requests for capitulation
EU to respond to Russian attacks on Ukraine by increasing support – Borrell
NATO launches large-scale nuclear exercises