Newsletter 23/10/2024
Daily news digest
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Pentagon chief confirms North Korean troops inside Russia
"There is evidence that there are DPRK troops in Russia," Austin told reporters, using North Korea's formal name – the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.
At the same time, Austin noted that it is currently unclear what exactly North Korean soldiers are doing in Russia.
"What exactly they are doing? Left to be seen. These are things that we need to sort out," the Pentagon chief added.
EU finally approves EUR 35B macro-financial loan for Ukraine
On October 23, the EU Council finally approved, under a written procedure, a macro-financial loan of 35 billion euros to Ukraine, which will be paid and serviced from the extraordinary proceeds of Russian assets frozen in the EU.
Estonia criticizes UN Sec Gen for attending BRICS summit
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna criticized UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his decision to travel to the Russian city of Kazan for the BRICS summit.
"There should be no going back to business with an aggressor that is waging a bloody war in Ukraine and blatantly violating the UN Charter," stated the Estonian Foreign Minister.
UK, Germany sign landmark defense agreement committing to support Ukraine
On Wednesday, the UK and Germany have signed a landmark defense agreement, the Trinity House Agreement, which strengthens bilateral defense cooperation across all sectors.
"The signing of the Trinity House Agreement marks a fundamental shift in the UK’s relations with Germany and for European security. This agreement between Europe’s two biggest defense spenders will strengthen national security and economic growth in the face of growing Russian aggression and increasing threats," the UK Ministry of Defense stated.
The deal will see the UK and Germany work together systemically for years to come on a range of ground-breaking defense projects and across all domains (air, land, sea, space and cyber). This includes working jointly to rapidly develop “brand-new extended deep strike weapons that can travel further with more precision than current systems, including Storm Shadow.”
The agreement also includes the opening of a new large caliber gun manufacturing facility in the UK, continued cooperation in producing Boxer armored vehicles, and new partnerships in unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). Moreover, it aims to increase joint efforts to enhance NATO’s eastern flank and protect critical underwater infrastructure.
Ukraine to receive first three Mirage jets in early 2025
In addition to Mica air-to-air missiles, these three Mirage 2000-5 jets will be equipped, at Ukraine's request, with AASM bombs (Safran) for airstrikes and Scalp cruise missiles.
The aircraft will also be fitted with two 30 mm cannons and electronic warfare systems, according to the report.
UK to allocate about USD 155M for maritime coalition for Ukraine
The United Kingdom will allocate an additional 120 million pounds (about USD 155 million) to support the Coalition of Maritime Forces and Capabilities for Ukraine.
The funding is being allocated against the backdrop of increased Russian attacks on Ukrainian port infrastructure in the Black Sea.
War
Russia launches record number of drones at Ukraine in September - British intel
During September 2024 Russia launched over 1,300 One Way Attack Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (OWA-UAVs) into Ukraine. This represents the highest number of OWA-UAVs launched in a month since the start of the conflict. Based on current rates it is almost certain that Russia will surpass that number in October 2024.
As a result of Russian shelling, the office of the Red Cross of Ukraine in the city of Kurakhove in Donetsk region was destroyed.
According to the organization, its employees and volunteers were not injured during the attack.
"We categorically condemn the violation of the norms of international humanitarian law, the shelling of civilian objects and humanitarian organizations," the Red Cross said.
Border guards shot down three enemy UAVs in the sky over Sumy Region
Tractor driver explodes on mine in Kharkiv region
General Staff update: 79 combat clashes reported on frontlines since start of day
Russian strike targets another apartment block in Ukraine’s Lyman
Russians shelling crossings on Oskil River, evacuation is complicated - Kharkiv RMA
Arrival, flash, explosion - the "Firebird" GUR unit works
Politics
By engaging in Russia’s war, N.Korean troops seek to gain experience - watchdog
"For the DPRK, military aid to Russia, in addition to profiting off of it, is also a ‘live test’ of its soldiers in the conditions of a modern warfare for further confrontation with South Korea. Participation in the battles within Kursk region will be the first stage of this run-in," said the head of the Center for Countering Disinformation, Andrii Kovalenko.
He also noted that Russia could utilize North Korean military in the regions bordering Ukraine "for war action and the construction of fortifications in order to relieve the Russian infantry."
Explaining: N.Korean troops at Putin’s service, fighting abuse in medical commissions, Moscow’s willingness to pursue war
Economy
Lithuania allocates EUR 1M in aid for Ukraine's integration into EU
The Lithuanian government has approved the allocation of 1 million euros to support Ukraine's European integration processes under the EU Integration Support Instrument for Ukraine project funded by the European Commission.
Ukraine receives nearly $1.1B from IMF - PM Shmyhal
FM Sybiha at SAHA EXPO 2024 calls on Turkish companies to invest in Ukraine’s defense industry
Society
Enterprises to be checked for compliance with ‘critically important’ criteria – Cabinet of Ministers
Enterprises, institutions, and organizations will undergo a re-evaluation to determine their compliance with the criteria for reserving employees from mobilization.
The document stipulates amendments to the previously approved criteria and procedures for identifying enterprises, institutions, and organizations that are critically important for the functioning of the economy and ensuring the livelihoods of the population during a special period, as well as for meeting the needs of the Armed Forces and other military formations.