The Russia-Ukraine war has reached its 604th day, with significant developments on both military and political fronts. This report provides a comprehensive update on the situation as of October 20, 2023.
Key Events
Military Actions
- Renewed Onslaught in Avdiivka: General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces, reported a renewed Russian assault in Avdiivka, involving assault units, armored equipment, aircraft, and artillery.
- Ukrainian Advances: Ukrainian troops advanced 400 meters southwest of the village of Verbove in the Zaporizhia region.
- Dnipro River Breakthrough: The Institute for the Study of War reported that Ukrainian forces appeared to have broken through on the eastern bank of the Dnipro River in the Kherson region.
- New Air Attacks: Russian forces carried out new air attacks using 17 different types of weapons, including ballistic and cruise missiles and drones.
- NATO Patrols: NATO increased patrols in the Baltic Sea, deploying four mine-hunters.
- 2024 Budget: Ukraine’s parliament gave initial approval for the 2024 budget, focusing on defense and security.
Political Developments
- US-Ukraine Relations: President Biden emphasized strong bipartisan support for Ukraine during a phone call with President Zelenskyy.
- North Korea-Russia Relations: North Korean leader Kim Jong Un expressed interest in building a “forward-looking” relationship with Russia.
- Ukrainian Orthodox Church: The Ukrainian parliament gave initial approval to a law that would ban the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, accused of collaborating with Moscow.
- Russian-American Journalist Arrested: Russian-American journalist Alsu Kurmasheva was arrested in Russia for failing to register as a “foreign agent.”
- IOC Accusations: Putin accused the International Olympic Committee of politicizing the Games and “racism.”
Weapons and Funding
- US Funding: Biden is expected to request $60 billion for Ukraine, with half going towards replacing and modernizing US weapons stocks.
- ATACMS Missiles: Ukraine confirmed the regular receipt of US-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles.
Updated Russian Casualties
Personnel
- Eliminated: 292,060 (+1,380 from Day 603)
Armored Units
- Tanks: 5,047 (+55)
- Armored Personnel Vehicles (APV): 9,557 (+120)
Artillery and Air Defense
- Artillery Systems: 7,012 (+29)
- Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS): 822 (+4)
- Anti-Aircraft Warfare Systems: 548 (no change)
Air Units
- Aircraft: 320 (no change)
- Helicopters: 324 (no change)
- Operational-Tactical Level UAVs: 5,326 (+8)
Naval and Other Units
- Cruise Missiles: 1,535 (+1)
- Boats/Warships: 20 (no change)
- Submarines: 1 (no change)
- Special Equipment: 985 (no change)
- Vehicles and Fuel Tanks: 9,370 (+33)
Conclusion
Day 604 of the Russia-Ukraine war brings new military actions, political developments, and updated casualty figures. The conflict continues to escalate, affecting not just Ukraine and Russia but also drawing in global powers and impacting international relations.
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