Photo : Kremlin.ru
Photo : Kremlin.ru
War in Ukraine: Day 609
By Rishika Yadav
War on Ground
On 25 October, The Kyiv Independent reported on the expansion in Ukraine’s its drone production. Oleksandr Kamyshin, Ukraine’s Minister for Strategic Industries confirmed the same on increased defence capabilities of Ukraine along with the domestic drone industry. According to the report the “Army of Drones” initiative, launched in July 2022 by Ukraine government, has contributed to this surge, achieving notable success in military operations.
On 25 October, Ukrainska Pravda reported on Ukraine’s Ministry for Development of Economy and Trade statement on rebound in economy. According to the report, economy jumped back by 9.1 per cent in September 2023. The GDP growth rate for January-September 2023 is estimated at 5.3 per cent compared to 2022. Positive results were observed across sectors, driven by business adaptability, government support, and international assistance. Key contributors include manufacturing, the service sector, food processing, machine building, and construction materials industries. However, security concerns over production facility damage, and logistical constraints remain a barrier to economic growth.
On 25 October, Ukrainska Pravda reported on a drone attack on Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s President, confirmed a drone attack on Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant, and launch of a damage assessment. According to the report, the strike damaged local buildings and alert was raised for air defence.
On 25 October, Anthony Albanese, Australia’s Prime Minister announced military support package to Ukraine worth USD 12.8 million. This will include 3D metal printer, and anti-drone systems.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 25 October, The Moscow Times and Kremlin reported on remote observation of Vladimir Putin, Russia’s President of Russia’s "training with the forces and means of the land, sea and air components of the nuclear deterrence forces" and ballistic missile drills. The exercises included launches of ballistic and cruise missiles from ground, sea, and air components of nuclear deterrent forces such as long range Tu-96MS planes. Shoigu mentioned the practice of a “massive” retaliatory nuclear strike. This comes amid ongoing concerns about the Ukraine conflict and Russia’s withdrawal from a key nuclear arms control treaty. In a statement released by Kremlin: “Under the leadership of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian armed forces, Vladimir Putin, a training exercise was conducted with the forces and equipment of ground, sea and air components of nuclear deterrent forces.”
On 25 October, The Moscow Times reported on recruitment of 385,000 troops by Russia in midst of Ukraine offensive. According to the report, the reason behind the recruitment was to address a manpower shortage. This has been carried out attractive salaries and welfare offers. Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s Security Council’s Deputy Chair, reported a notable increase in contracted military service sign-ups.
On 25 October, The Moscow Times reported that Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s Defence Minister visit to frontline in eastern Ukraine. During his visit, he met the senior officers at the “Vostok” command post to assess the frontline situation, drone operator training, and winter combat preparations. The visit follows the increased Russia’s attacks on Avdiivka in eastern Ukraine.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 25 October, Moldova’s Intelligence and Security Services published a decree blocking 22 news sources of Russia. The list includes Russia Today, NTV, Ren TV, and state media VGTRK. On the same Russia’s foreign ministry called it as “hostile move” to block Moldovans from view alternative news.
On 25 October, Svenja Schulze, Germany’s Development Minister announced the allocation of EUR 195 million to bolster Ukraine’s energy infrastructure. The Ministry of Development of Germany announced that half of the funds will be utilized to safeguard the energy sector, repair war damage, and promote energy-efficient technologies and renewables. It further assured support to Ukraine’s companies through enhanced access to financial services, including a microfinance fund for MSMEs.
References
Nate Ostiller, “Minister: Ukraine to produce tens of thousands of drones per month by year's end,” The Kyiv Independent, 25 October 2023
“Ukraine's GDP increases by 9.1% in September,” Ukrainska Pravda, 25 October 2023
Tetyana Oliynk, “Russian drones on night of 24-25 October likely targeted Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant – Zelenskyy,” Ukrainska Pravda, 25 October 2023
“Russia says recruited 385k soldiers this year,” The Moscow Times, 25 October 2023
“Russian defense minister orders winter readiness in visit to frontlineiness in visit to Ukraine war zone,” The Moscow Times, 25 October 2023
“Putin Oversees Test Firing Of Ballistic Missiles: Kremlin,” The Moscow Times, 25 October 2023
“Schulze: Protect Ukraine's critical energy infrastructure in winter,” Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung, 25 October 2023
“Russia-Ukraine war at a glance: what we know on day 609,” The Guardian, 25 October 2023