Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced new strides in the months-long counteroffensive across eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region. He strongly suggested that Ukrainian forces are inflicting heavy casualties on Russian troops. Their kamikaze drone attacks have inflicted enormous losses for the Russian side. This analysis is informed by the most recent intelligence and analysis released by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW). They pointed out on October 7 that, despite Russia’s limited tactical advances, Ukrainian counteraggression has devastated their forces.
During the recent overnight operation, Ukraine’s air force demonstrated exceptional talent. They shot down or jammed 154 of 183 Russian strike and decoy drones. These milestones are a testament to the success of Ukraine’s defensive tactics to counter aerial attacks. The ongoing conflict has seen Russia attempt to cripple Ukraine’s power grid in anticipation of the harsh winter months, with January and February expected to bring the coldest temperatures.
Ukrainian authorities later confirmed that a pre-Christmas Russian attack caused widespread damage to one of Ukraine’s thermal power plants. This incident adds urgency to concerns about possible energy shortages with winter fast approaching. As Ukrainian forces continue to defend various fronts, including Kupiansk—a town heavily affected by the conflict—Zelenskyy emphasized their commitment to maintaining defensive operations.
Russia’s Defense Ministry says it has seized the village of Novohryhorivka in southern Zaporizhzhia oblast. Things on the ground is still highly fluid. Disaster in Russia, one person was killed when a missile hit the village of Maslova Pristan in Russia’s Belgorod region. This shocking act of violence took the lives of three first responders. In Ukraine’s southern city of Kherson, local authorities said Russian shelling claimed the lives of three people Wednesday. The northeastern Sumy Oblast was hit by drone strikes that killed three civilians in various districts.
In response to the escalating conflict, Ukraine has ramped up domestic production of military equipment, particularly drones, claiming to manufacture 40% of its required weaponry. Zelenskyy has articulated the urgent need for international support, stating that Ukraine requires $1 billion worth of weapons each month to sustain its defense efforts.
Ukraine’s ambassador to NATO recently urged European allies to do more to ensure their home defense purchases are funneled into Kyiv’s hands as well. This appeal follows a very promising pilot program that started in July. European nations have united to finance $2 billion in arms for Ukraine.
“It’s not that we prefer American weapons over French or German or some other European weapons – the issue is that we are asking the US for weapons which European countries can’t provide.” – Alyona Getmanchuk
The Swiss federal government has been wading deeper into the refugee assistance waters. As a result, they have issued long-term protection status for these people through at least March 4, 2027. This step represents a continuation of international expressions of solidarity with those displaced by the aggression of the war.
Russian officials have been openly admitting their fears about the threat of Ukrainian drones. Andrei Kartapolov stated, “We know these missiles very well, how they fly, how to shoot them down, we worked on them in Syria, so there is nothing new. Only those who supply them and those who use them will have problems … We will find ways to hurt those who cause us trouble.”
Tempers are flaring, and body counts are climbing on both sides. To this end, in response, leaders from the aforementioned countries have been calling for a strong and united international response to these aggressive acts. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called the most recent actions part of a “coherent and escalating campaign.” She called on Europe to take bold action.
“This is not random harassment. It is a coherent and escalating campaign.” – Ursula von der Leyen
As the war enters the second year, both Ukraine and Russia are still set in their ways. As winter sets in and humanitarian needs continue to rise, the international community looks on, holding its breath as things take shape on the ground.