CDS Daily brief (25.10.22) | CDS comments on key events

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Humanitarian aspect:

The Minister of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories, Iryna Vereshchuk, called on Ukrainians who have gone abroad after the beginning of the full-scale war not to return to Ukraine for the winter if possible. “We have to survive the winter. Unfortunately, the electrical grids will not withstand… we understand that the situation will only get worse, and we have to survive this winter,” she emphasized.

As of the morning of October 25, 2022, more than 1,250 Ukrainian children are victims of full- scale armed aggression by the Russian Federation. According to the official information of juvenile prosecutors, 430 children died, and more than 821 sustained injuries of various degrees of severity. However, the data is not conclusive since data collection continues in the areas of active hostilities, temporarily occupied areas, and liberated territories.

Another operation to exchange the bodies of fallen soldiers was held on October 25. As a result, Ukraine has returned another 25 of its heroes, the Ministry of Reintegration of the Temporarily Occupied Territories of Ukraine reported.

The Russian forces were attacking the Nikopol district of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast throughout the night, the head of the Dnipropetrovsk OMA, Valentyn Reznichenko, said. They used Grad MLRS, heavy artillery, and kamikaze drones. Three communities, namely Nikopol, Marhanets, and Myrove, came under enemy fire. According to preliminary information, people were not injured. Houses, cars, a food company, and a water supply pipeline were damaged.

In Dnipro, as a result of today’s evening missile attack on a gas station, at least two civilians were killed, and three were injured, the head of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast military administration, Valentin Reznichenko, said.

In Kherson Oblast, the Russian forces shell the front-line and de-occupied villages in the Beryslav district with mortars and artillery. There are victims among the civilian population, the Kherson City Council said. Over the past day, the police launched 12 criminal investigations into the facts of war crimes committed by the Russian army in Kherson Oblast.

During the 8 months of the full-scale Russian invasion, Mykolaiv was not shelled for only 41 days. On average, the Russian military fires eight missiles daily at the city. However, there is a case when 38 missiles were fired in one day, the Mykolayiv City Council reported, with reference to the city mayor Oleksandr Sienkevych. 148 civilians have died in the city so far, including two children. About 800 people were seriously injured and had to be treated in medical institutions.

On October 24, 7 civilians were killed by the Russian forces in Bakhmut of Donetsk Oblast. In addition, law enforcement officers discovered the bodies of 3 civilians who died during the

occupation: 2 in Drobysheve and 1 in Stavky, the head of the Oblast Military Administration, Pavlo Kyrylenko, reported.

Russia uses phosphorous shells prohibited by international documents in the village of Velyka Novosilka, Donetsk Oblast, the press service of the National Guard of Ukraine informed.

According to Zhytomyr Oblast police, as of October 24, law enforcement officers have initiated 1,193 criminal investigations into the facts of war crimes by the Russian aggressor on the territory of Zhytomyr Oblast.

Occupied territories:

Occupying Russian forces fired at a car with residents of Oleshky, Kherson Oblast, because it did not stop on time. As a result, two people were killed, and a 5-year-old child was injured, the mayor of Oleshky, Yevhen Ryschuk, said.

In the captured territories of Luhansk Oblast, recruitment announcements for mercenaries for the private military company “Wagner” became more frequent, the head of the Luhansk Military Oblast Administration, Serhii Gaidai, said. Construction of the “Wagner line” continues rather a long way away from the frontline, and they are looking for bulldozer drivers, manipulator drivers, excavator drivers, etc. Requirements: age 24-50 years and experience working on similar equipment.

The first parliamentary summit of the international Crimean Platform took place in Zagreb, Croatia. The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, said that the participants of the Crimean Platform parliamentary summit would discuss, in addition to Crimea itself, issues of world security, the future reconstruction of Ukraine and further pressure on Russia.

The Governor of the Russian Krasnodar Krai, Veniamin Kondratyev, has decided to restrict the movement of trucks through the region to Crimea via the Kerch ferry crossing starting October

27. An exception for vehicles transporting military or special-purpose cargo, pharmaceutical products, and equipment needed to restore infrastructure will be made. In addition, trucks with perishable goods and certain types of “socially significant food and non-food essential goods” will be able to move through the Krasnodar Krai. Everyone else is invited to use an alternative overland route from Taganrog to Dzhankoy.

The Nizhneangarsktransstroy company was appointed the sole contractor hired by the Crimean Railway for the restoration of the railway tracks on the Kerch Strait Bridge. The work must be completed before December 1, 2023, the Russian government said in a decree.

Operational situation

It is the 244th day of the strategic air-ground offensive operation of the Russian Armed Forces against Ukraine (in the official terminology of the Russian Federation – “operation to defend Donbas”). The enemy tries to maintain control over the temporarily captured territories and

improve its tactical position. It concentrates its efforts on disrupting the counteroffensive actions of the Ukrainian troops and, at the same time, does not give up attempts to conduct the offensive in the Bakhmut and Avdiivka directions.

The Russian military shells the positions of the Ukrainian troops along the entire contact line and conducts aerial reconnaissance. In violation of the norms of international humanitarian law, the laws and customs of war, during the past day, the Russian forces launched missile and air strikes on the infrastructure. In total, over the past day, the Russian forces have launched 3 missile and 12 air strikes and fired over 60 MLRS rounds. Civilian infrastructure objects of Vuhledar and Neskuchne of Donetsk Oblast, Nova Kamianka of Kherson Oblast, and the city of Mykolaiv were hit by Russian attacks. In addition, the border villages Senkivka of Chernihiv Oblast, Rozhkovichi, Sosnivka, Velyka Pisarivka of Sumy Oblast, Veterynarne, Vilkhuvatka, Vovchansk, Dvorichna, Kamianka, Krasne, Starytsya, Strilecha, Khatnye and Chuhunivka of Kharkiv Oblast were shelled from mortars and barrel artillery.

The threat of missile and air strikes against critical infrastructure of Ukraine from the territory of the Republic of Belarus persists, including the use of attack UAVs.

The aviation of the Ukrainian Defense Forces made more than 30 strikes over the past day. Impact on 22 enemy weapons and military equipment concentration areas, 5 ammunition depots, and 9 anti-aircraft missile systems positions is confirmed. In addition, Ukrainian air defense units shot down 3 Ka-52 “Alligator” helicopters, one Su-24m bomber, 2 “Orlan-10” UAVs, and “Shahed-136” UAVs.

Over the past day, Ukraine’s missile forces and artillery hit 6 areas of manpower, weapons and equipment concentration, 2 ammunition depots, an air defense complex, “Zoopark” radar, and 2 other important Russian objects.

Being unable to provide the new wave of mobilized personnel with the necessary ammunition produced domestically, the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation began to use Iranian-made equipment. Soon, the transfer of 3,000 units of ballistic protection, namely 1,500 body armor and 1,500 helmets manufactured by “Milad” (Iran), is planned. Currently, Iranian ammunition is stored in the warehouse of the 1061 logistics center of the 3rd motorized rifle division (Soloty/Valuyka, Belgorod Oblast).

The Iranian authorities plan to send a new group of advisers to assist the Russian Armed Forces in the combat operation of a new type of UAV – “Arash-2” and Iranian surface-to-surface missiles. Their deliveries are planned to start in the near future.

A group of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps advisers has departed Iran for Dzankoy in the occupied Crimea to assist in the combat use and improvement of Shahed-136 and Mohajer-6 UAVs.

The morale and psychological state of the personnel of the invasion forces remain low.

Kharkiv direction

• Zolochiv-Balakleya section: approximate length of combat line – 147 km, number of BTGs of the RF Armed Forces – 10-12, the average width of the combat area of one BTG – 13.3 km;
• Deployed enemy BTGs: 26th, 153rd, and 197th tank regiments, 245th motorized rifle regiment of the 47th tank division, 6th and 239th tank regiments, 228th motorized rifle regiment of the 90th tank division, 1st motorized rifle regiment, 1st tank regiment of the 2nd motorized rifle division, 25th and 138th separate motorized rifle brigades of the 6th Combined Arms Army, 27th separate motorized rifle brigade of the 1st Tank Army, 275th and 280th motorized rifle regiments, 11th tank regiment of the 18th motorized rifle division of the 11 Army Corps, 7th motorized rifle regiment of the 11th Army Corps, 80th separate motorized rifle brigade of the 14th Army Corps, 2nd and 45th separate SOF brigades of the Airborne Forces, 1st Army Corps of so-called DPR, PMCs.

The Russian military fired at the positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces with tanks and artillery in the area around Kyselivka.

The Russian command formed the “West” troop grouping, which mainly included detachments and units of the Western Military District, reinforced by a small number of units from the Central Military District. The advanced control point of the grouping is located at the northeastern outskirts of the village of Pokrovske, Luhansk Oblast. In particular, it includes the forces and equipment of the 1st tank army, 20th Army, 2nd Army (three BTGs from the 15th, 21st, and 30th separate motorized rifle brigades), 41st Army (one BTG from the 35th separate motorized rifle brigade) and 11th Army Corps. In total, this is up to 10-11 BTGs, of which at least 4-5 are in the reserve of the first and second line and are in the process of restoring combat capability. The positions between the regular units of the Russian Armed Forces are covered by formations of the BARS type, units of the 1st and 2nd Army Corps and their “mobilization reserve,” and various “assault units” of the “Wagner” PMC (approximately up to six units).

The main task of the grouping is to hold the northern part of the Luhansk region of Ukraine and prevent the Defense Forces from reaching the state border of Ukraine in Kharkiv and Luhansk Oblasts in the Pisky – Novokyivka section.

During the past day, the Russian forces of the 423rd motorized rifle company of the 4th tank division of the 1st tank army, with the support of four tanks, and the fire of two batteries, tried to attack the advanced positions of the Ukrainian Joint Forces in the direction of Novoselivske – Berestove. However, during the 40-minute battle, they suffered losses and retreated to the starting position in the area of Novoselivske. Units of the enemy’s 4th tank division were forced to go on the defensive in the area of Krokhmalne and Novoselivske villages.

In the area of Nevske village, the Russian military continued to hold advanced positions for the last two days, with the forces of the motorized rifle unit, disregarding the threat of encirclement. It suffered significant losses due to the fire of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and, this morning, was forced to leave its positions in and near the village. South-west of Svatove (Kovalivka village area),

the Russian forces are intensively preparing to conduct defensive operations. For this purpose, they are creating a battalion defense area of the BTGs from the 30th separate motorized rifle brigade of the 2nd Army. A reinforced motorized rifle company (up to 22 units of armored vehicles and more than 100 servicemen) was transferred to the left flank of this defense area from Miluvatka village.

During the last two days, the Russian military conducted unsuccessful defensive battles on the eastern outskirts of the village of Makiivka (Luhansk Oblast), employing the forces of the BTGs formed from the remnants of the 15th and 21st separate motorized rifle brigade units of the 2nd Army. They were unable to complete the task and were forced to withdraw in two separate groups to the village of Kovalivka and in the direction of Novomykilske – Miluvatka.

After the Ukrainian Armed Forces advanced units advanced towards Svatove in the Stelmakhivka area, the enemy was forced to leave the Myasozharivka village area. Two motorized rifle companies (probably from the 15th or 21st separate motorized rifle brigade) suffered significant losses and retreated to the area further south of Kolomiychykha.

Kramatorsk direction

• Balakleya – Siversk section: approximate length of the combat line – 184 km, the number of BTGs of the RF Armed Forces – 17-20, the average width of the combat area of one BTG – 9.6 km;
• 252nd and 752nd motorized rifle regiments of the 3rd motorized rifle division, 1st, 13th, and 12th tank regiments, 423rd motorized rifle regiment of the 4th tank division, 201st military base, 15th, 21st, 30th separate motorized rifle brigades of the 2nd Combined Arms Army, 35th, 55th and 74th separate motorized rifle brigades of the 41st Combined Arms Army, 3rd and 14th separate SOF brigades, 2nd and 4th separate motorized rifle brigades of the 2nd Army Corps, 7th separate motorized rifle brigade of the 1st Army Corps, PMCs.

The Russian military fired tanks, mortars, barrel and jet artillery at Nevske and Stelmakhivka, Berestove, Zarichne, Terny, Torske, and Yampolivka.

The Ukrainian defense forces repelled Russian attacks in the areas of Bilohorivka, Verkhnokamyanske, Klishchiivka, and Spirne.

Donetsk direction

• Siversk – Maryinka section: approximate length of the combat line – 235 km, the number of BTGs of the RF Armed Forces – 13-15, the average width of the combat area of one BTG – 17 km;
• Deployed BTGs: 68th and 163rd tank regiments, 102nd and 103rd motorized rifle regiments of the 150 motorized rifle division, 80th tank regiment of the 90th tank division, 35th, 55th, and 74th separate motorized rifle brigades of the 41st Combined Arms Army, 31st separate airborne assault brigade, 61st separate marines brigade of the Joint Strategic Command “Northern Fleet,” 336th separate marines brigade, 24th separate SOF brigade, 1st, 3rd, 5th, 15th, and 100th separate motorized rifle brigades, 9th and 11th separate motorized rifle regiment of the 1st Army Corps of the so-called DPR, 6th motorized rifle regiment of the 2nd Army Corps of the so-called LPR, PMCs.

The Russian military shelled the populated areas with tanks, mortars, barrel and jet artillery in the areas of Andriivka, Bakhmutske, Bakhmut, Bilohorivka, Vesele, Ivanhrad, Kurdyumivka, Mayorsk, Opytne, Soledar and Yakovlivka, Vodyane, Krasnohorivka, Maryinka and Pervomaiske.

The Ukrainian defense forces repelled Russian attacks in the areas of Bakhmut, Ivanhrad, Klishchiivka, Soledar, Maryinka, and Nevelske.

Zaporizhzhia direction

• Maryinka – Vasylivka section: approximate length of the line of combat – 200 km, the number of BTGs of the RF Armed Forces – 17, the average width of the combat area of one BTG – 11.7 km;
• Deployed BTGs: 36th separate motorized rifle brigade of the 29th Combined Arms Army, 38th and 64th separate motorized rifle brigades, 69th separate cover brigade of the 35th Combined Arms Army, 5th separate tank brigade, 37 separate motorized rifle brigade of the 36th Combined Arms Army, 135th, 429th, 503rd and 693rd motorized rifle regiments of the 19th motorized rifle division of the 58th Combined Arms Army, 70th, 71st and 291st motorized rifle regiments of the 42nd motorized rifle division of the 58th Combined Arms Army, 136th separate motorized rifle brigade of the 58 Combined Arms Army, 46th and 49th machine gun artillery regiments of the 18th machine gun artillery division of the 68th Army Corps, 39th separate motorized rifle brigade of the 68th Army Corps, 83th separate airborne assault brigade, 40th and 155th separate marines brigades, 22nd separate SOF brigade, 1st Army Corps of the so-called DPR, and 2nd Army Corps of the so-called LPR, PMCs.

The Russian forces shelled the positions of the Ukrainian Defense Forces with tanks, mortars, barrel and jet artillery in the areas of Vremivka, Vuhledar, Neskuchne, Novosilka, Pavlivka, Zeleny Hai, Novoandriivka, Olhivske, Stepove, Chervone, and Shcherbaky.

In recent days, the destruction of five units of weapons and military equipment and up to 110 servicemen of the occupation forces was confirmed.

Tavriysk direction

• Vasylivka – Stanislav section: approximate length of the battle line – 296 km, the number of BTGs of the RF Armed Forces – 42, the average width of the combat area of one BTG – 7 km;
• Deployed BTGs: 114th, 143rd, and 394th motorized rifle regiments, 218th tank regiment of the 127th motorized rifle division, 57th and 60th separate motorized rifle brigades of the 5th Combined Arms Army, 37th separate motorized rifle brigade of the 36th Combined Arms Army, 429th motorized rifle regiment of the 19th motorized rifle division, 33rd and 255th motorized rifle regiments of the 20th motorized rifle division, 34th and 205th separate motorized rifle brigades of the 49th Combined Arms Army, 70th, 71st and 291st motorized rifle regiments of the 42nd motorized rifle division, 10th, 16th, 346th separate SOF brigades, 239th air assault regiment of the 76th Air assault division, 217th and 331st parachute airborne regiments of the 98th airborne division, 108 air assault regiment, 171st separate airborne assault battalion of the 7th Air assault division, 11th and 83rd separate airborne assault brigade, 4th military base of the 58 Combined

Arms Army, 7 military base 49 Combined Arms Army, 224th, 237th and 126th separate coastal defence brigades, 127th separate ranger brigade, 1st and 3rd Army Corps, PMCs.

The Russian fire affected more than 20 towns and villages, including Bilohirka, Davydiv Brid, Myrne, Sukhy Stavok, and Ternovi Pody.

The Russian military is setting up defensive positions on the left bank of the Dnipro River. So, in the area around Hornostaivka, Russian engineering and sapper units plant mines along the river bank, leaving small passages for a potential retreat of their troops from the right bank.

Evacuation of the local residents from the temporarily occupied Kherson is underway. All banking employees, equipment, and the occupation administration were taken from the right-bank part of the city to the towns of Henichesk and Skadovsk. The equipment of Internet providers was stolen. Emergency services and medical personnel are subject to evacuation. Funding of schools and provision of food for children in schools has been stopped. The number of robberies of local residents and cases of looting has increased. To replace the evacuated collaborators, servicemen from among the mobilized persons are transferred to the village of Lvove.

Azov-Black Sea Maritime Operational Area:

The forces of the Russian Black Sea Fleet continue to project force on the coast and the continental part of Ukraine and control the northwestern part of the Black Sea. The ultimate goal is to deprive Ukraine of access to the Black Sea and to maintain control over the captured territories.

The Russian naval group at sea is comprised of 11 ships and boats. They are located along the southwestern coast of Crimea. The number of Kalibr missile carriers is 3, 20 Kalibr missiles are ready for use at sea.

In the Sea of Azov waters, 6 patrol ships and boats are located on the approaches to the Mariupol and Berdyansk seaports to block the Azov coast.

Russian aviation continues to fly from the Crimean airfields of Belbek and Hvardiyske over the northwestern part of the Black Sea. Over the past day, 10 combat aircraft from Belbek and Saki airfields were involved.

“The Grain initiative.” On October 25, 4 ships with 107.2 thousand tons of agricultural products left the ports of Greater Odessa. Ships are sent to European countries. In particular, the bulk carrier REGIUS left the Odesa port, and the CAPTAIN J. NEOFOTISTOS, SANIN 1, ZUMRUT ANA left the “Pivdenny” port. Since the departure of the first ship with Ukrainian food, 8.9 million tons of agricultural products have been exported. A total of 390 ships with food for the countries of Asia, Europe, and Africa left Ukrainian ports.

Russian operational losses from 24.02 to 25.10

Personnel – almost 68,420 people (+480);

Tanks – 2,611 (+21)

Armored combat vehicles – 5,321 (+26);

Artillery systems – 1,674 (+1);

Multiple rocket launchers (MLRS) – 377 (+2); Anti-aircraft warfare systems – 190 (+1); Vehicles and fuel tanks – 4,054 (+10); Aircraft – 271 (+1);

Helicopters – 248 (+3);

UAV operational and tactical level – 1,372 (+2); Intercepted cruise missiles – 350 (0);

Boats / ships – 16 (0).

Ukraine, general news

60% of the Ukrainian budget goes to defense; another 16% goes to social needs. Medicine and education also require significant allocations. However, the Ukrainian government also recently managed to allocate 125 million euros for quick recovery. This is not enough, as it covers only 5% of the objects that have been destroyed, Prime Minister of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal said during a panel discussion at the International Conference on Reconstruction of Ukraine in Berlin.

761 Ukrainian enterprises have moved to safer areas from the regions where active hostilities are underway. 588 of them have already resumed their operation, and another 274 are looking for a location or means of transportation, Deputy Minister of Economy Tetyana Berezhna said.

International diplomatic aspect

“Because of the timing, our message is being conflated by some as being equivalent to the recent statement by Republican Leader McCarthy threatening an end to aid to Ukraine if Republicans take over,” Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) explained the withdrawal of the letter to the POTUS from the House Congressional Progressive Caucus she chairs. The document, overall, backed the Biden Administration policy of supporting “Ukraine’s legitimate struggle against Russia’s war of aggression.” But referring to “the destruction created by this war for Ukraine and the world, as well as the risk of catastrophic [nuclear] escalation,” and believing that “it is in the interests of Ukraine, the United States, and the world to avoid a prolonged conflict,” the caucus called on Joe Biden for “a proactive diplomatic push, redoubling efforts to seek a realistic framework for a ceasefire.”

Without sharing insights into how it could be achieved, the progressive Representatives drew the red lines, which are “preserving a free and independent Ukraine” and “establishing security guarantees for a free and independent Ukraine.” The caucus adhered to the principle that there should be “nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” In return, Moscow might have been granted “some form of sanctions relief.” Yet, the wording of the letter allowed to read it as a proposal for a territorial “concession” though the “outrageous and illegal invasion of Ukraine and its [Russia’s] decision to make additional illegal annexations of Ukrainian territory” was condemned.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal made an excuse, explaining that the draft was prepared in the summer and was published by staffers without vetting. She refuted any different readings of democrats in Congress of the Biden Administration policy.

“Everything started with it [Crimea]. Its return will mean the revival of true peace. The Russian potential for aggression will be destroyed to the core when the Ukrainian flag is back in its rightful place in the cities and villages of Crimea. Crimea must be freed from Russia’s use as a springboard,” the Ukrainian President addressed the participants of the Parliamentary dimension meeting of the Crimean Platform, an international forum composed of governmental, parliamentarian, and civil society representatives, launched by Ukraine in 2021.

Any proposals to cede territories as a “compromise” for a “peaceful” settlement are wrong for several reasons. Russia’s illegal annexation of the peninsula, the first since the Nazis and the Bolsheviks did it in 1939, should not set a precedent and ensure impunity. It would demolish the UN Charter and the CSCE Helsinki Final Act of 1975, two pillars of global and European order, and unleash forces that might bring the world into more chaos and destruction. Even more than a humanitarian issue, as Crimea was turned into lawless land with repressions against Ukrainian citizens, including Crimean Tatars, it’s a security issue. Heavily militarized Crimea is an existential threat to Ukraine, a grave danger for other Black Sea nations, and is a bridgehead of Russia’s aggressive policies in the Mediterranean, Middle East, and Northern Africa. Russia’s grip on Crimea means missile and nuclear threat to the whole of Europe. Therefore, it’s in the interest of Ukraine, Europe, and beyond, as well as the United States, to have Crimea liberated from illegal occupation and returned to its rightful owner – the Ukrainian nation.

Though the turbulent British politics resulted in the consequent change of three heads of the

H.M. Government within seven weeks, Ukraine remains among the priorities. However, Rishi Sunak’s first speech as Prime Minister was entirely focused on domestic affairs, though for a good reason, while his predecessors also kept a global perspective. Boris Johnson mentioned “ensuring that Britain is once again standing tall in the world.” At the same time, Liz Truss touched upon the struggle between democracies and autocratic regimes, pointing out that “now more than ever, we must support Ukraine in their brave fight against Putin’s aggression. Ukraine must prevail”. Anyway, the good news is that the new Prime Minister’s view on Ukraine doesn’t diverge from both predecessors, and he keeps Rt Hon Ben Wallace and Rt Hon James Cleverly as secretaries of State for Defence and for Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Affairs.

“It was important to me in this phase of air attacks with drones, cruise missiles, and rockets to send a signal of solidarity to Ukrainians,” the German President said upon his arrival to Kyiv. It might be even more important that he spent several hours in a bomb shelter on the outskirts of Chernihiv, hiding from the routine Russian missile attack, and saw the level of destruction Russia brought to Ukraine. He could have experienced these feelings in April, but at that time, Ukrainians didn’t think his presence was appropriate. It sparked a diplomatic row that the Chancellor used as a justification not to visit Kyiv, though the UK, Poland, Baltic, the EU leaders, and German’s foreign minister paid several visits to the capital of fighting Ukraine. Leaving that in the past,

Frank-Walter Steinmeier is welcomed in Ukraine. And he is welcomed even more for he brought the good news of delivering two more MARS MLRS and four Panzerhaubitze 2000 howitzers.

In the meantime, German and European Union leaders kicked off what Germany’s Chancellor described as “a new Marshall Plan for the 21st century.” The World Bank puts the cost of damage to Ukraine so far at €350 billion, so Europeans expressed their readiness to “ensure and sustain the financing of the recovery, reconstruction, and modernization of Ukraine for years and decades to come.”

Along with longer-term help and short-term assistance with its regular budget, “Ukraine needs fast rehabilitation right now as we speak,” as Russia commits “pure acts of terror,” as described by the European Commission President, referring to Moscow’s deliberate destruction of civilian and critical infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy estimates $17 billion the need for a “fast recovery” plan to repair damage to hospitals, schools, transportation, and energy infrastructure.

Russia, relevant news

Estonia will stop importing Russian oil products before the end of the transition period established by the EU. Also, starting December 5, it will introduce a ban on the transit of Russian oil, Foreign Minister Urmas Reinsalu told the Postimees newspaper.

Aiyl-Bank is the first Kyrgyz state-owned bank to suspend the service of Russian Mir [payment] cards, Russian publication Kommersant reported.

IKEA confirmed that the decision to sell all four factories in Russia remains in force. IKEA Industry will not resume furniture production in any of the production units in the Russian Federation.

The Spanish fashion group Inditex, which owns Zara, Massimo Dutti, Pull & Bear, Oysho, Bershka, and Stradivarius clothing brands, has agreed to sell its Russian business to the Daher Emirati group (the owner of the Dubai Mall), the company announced on its website.

Russian nationals with a valid Schengen visa issued by any EU member state traveling for the purpose of tourism, sports, or culture cannot enter the Czech Republic from Tuesday, October 25.

Journalists Bellingcat, The Insider, and Der Spiegel, as part of a joint investigation, identified members of the Main Computing Center (GTC) unit of the Russian Armed Forces, who are working on guiding Kalibr, Iskander, and Kh-101 missiles to targets in Ukraine.

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