Russia-Ukraine war at a glance: what we know on day 602 of the invasion

The Russia-Ukraine war has reached its 602nd day, with significant developments on both military and political fronts. This report provides a comprehensive update on the situation as of October 18, 2023.

Key Events

Military Actions

•	Atacms Missiles: Ukrainian President Zelenskiy confirmed the first officially sanctioned use of US-provided Atacms missiles, which have a range of up to 190 miles.•	Strikes on Airfields: Ukrainian forces targeted airfields in Russian-held territories in eastern and southern Ukraine, destroying helicopters and damaging runways.

Political Developments

•	International Relations: Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to Beijing for a forum on the Belt and Road Initiative.•	Legislation: The Russian parliament preliminarily approved a bill to revoke the ratification of a global nuclear test ban treaty.•	Sanctions: Canada imposed new sanctions targeting individuals and TV stations in Moldova associated with Russian disinformation.•	Diplomacy: UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is set to visit the US for urgent talks on conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Other Developments

•	Infrastructure: Damage to a telecommunication cable connecting Sweden and Estonia, along with a subsea gas pipeline and another telecom cable connecting Finland and Estonia.•	Humanitarian Aid: A convoy of British ambulances arrived in Lviv, Ukraine, and will be delivered to frontline hospitals.

Updated Russian Casualties

Personnel

•	Eliminated: 290,050 (+620 from Day 600)

Armored Units

•	Tanks: 4,981 (+2)•	Armored Personnel Vehicles (APV): 9,420 (+15)

Artillery and Air Defense

•	Artillery Systems: 6,944 (+8)•	Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS): 814 (no change)•	Anti-Aircraft Warfare Systems: 547 (no change)

Air Units

•	Aircraft: 319 (+1)•	Helicopters: 323 (+6)•	Operational-Tactical Level UAVs: 5,301 (+10)

Naval and Other Units

•	Cruise Missiles: 1,534 (+1)•	Boats/Warships: 20 (no change)•	Submarines: 1 (no change)•	Special Equipment: 982 (no change)•	Vehicles and Fuel Tanks: 9,303 (+10)