Bob Homans October 25

20221025

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Ukraine – 10/25 Sitrep
Compiled by: Robert Homans
Twitter: @rhomansjr
October 25, 2022

The Letter to Pres. Biden From the Progressive Caucus of the U.S. House of Representatives

Here is yesterday’s letter from the Progressive Caucus to Pres. Biden, proposing that the United States enter into direct talks with Russia to end Russia’s war on Ukraine.   It seems like the Progressive Caucus, on the extreme Left of the political spectrum, is aligned with some elements of the Republican Party, on the extreme right.  

Many in Ukraine think that the possible takeover of the House of Representatives by Republicans presents a major threat to continued arms sales to Ukraine.  I don’t agree.  It is no more of a threat to that posed by the Progressive Caucus. 

According to polls, military aid to Ukraine is supported by around 85% of the U.S. Public.  The requirement that all members of the House of Representatives face voters every 2 years means that they are particularly attuned to voters.   As additional assurance, money for arming Ukraine for the Fiscal Year ending on Sept. 30, 2023, has already been appropriated.   There may be an additional appropriation approved by Congress in the “lame duck” session that takes place between the election on November 8 and the end of the year when the new Congress is sworn in.

Pramila Jayapal, the Leader of the Progressive Caucus, represents a District located in Seattle, in the State of Washington.  Prior to being elected to the House of Representatives, Jayapal served one term in the Washington State Legislature, as State Senator.

Here are some excerpts from the letter, with my comments in bold face:

·       “we urge you to pair the military and economic support the United States has provided to Ukraine with a proactive diplomatic push, redoubling efforts to seek a realistic framework for a ceasefire.” 

o   The use of the word “pair” is likely a code word for the United States offering an ultimatum to Ukraine, either agree to stop the war of lose U.S. military assistance.

·       “Vladimir Putin “doesn't have a way out right now, and I'm trying to figure out
what we do about that.” “

o   Here, they’re quoting President Biden.  “Doesn’t have a way out” seems to be another code word for the need to give Putin an “offramp,” that would likely include the suggestion by the Progressives that the U.S. force Ukraine to agree to territorial concessions.  The Progressives must understand that there is only one “offramp” available to Putin – get out of Ukraine, all of it.

·       “Such a framework would presumably include incentives (to Russia) to end hostilities, including some form of sanctions relief, and bring together the international community to establish security guarantees for a free and independent Ukraine that are acceptable for all parties, particularly Ukrainians.” 

o   This entire quote implies that Ukrainians could somehow be made to accept a “free and independent Ukraine” that would include Ukraine ceding territory to Russia.

·       “the consolidation of Russian control over roughly 20 percent of Ukraine’s
territory”

o   This statement is patently untrue.  Russia has not “consolidated control” over the 4 oblasts that Russia has “annexed.”  Quite the contrary.  However, if this statement was true, are the Progressives suggesting that Ukraine acknowledge Russian control as part of the settlement they are advocating, simply because of Russia’s claim of annexation?

·       “Economists believe that if the situation in Ukraine is stabilized, some of the speculative concerns driving higher fuel costs will subside and likely lead to a drop in world oil prices.”

o   “Stabilized” seems to be a code word for a ceasefire in place, and unless Ukraine agrees to “stabilize” then all the dislocations resulting from Russia’s latest invasion of Ukraine becomes the fault of Ukraine.

·       “as legislators responsible for the expenditure of tens of billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars in military assistance in the conflict…..”

o   Legislators should absolutely exercise their responsibility to review all expenditures, but in this context this statement appears to be a threat to withhold military assistance to Ukraine, unless Ukraine agrees to a negotiated settlement and ceasefire, in which the Progressive Caucus proposes that Ukraine not be included in the negotiations.

·       “In conclusion, we urge you to make vigorous diplomatic efforts in support of a negotiated settlement and ceasefire, engage in direct talks with Russia, explore prospects for a new European security arrangement acceptable to all parties that will allow for a sovereign and independent Ukraine, and, in coordination with our Ukrainian partners, seek a rapid end to the conflict and reiterate this goal as America’s chief priority.”

o   “Direct talks with Russia” goes against the stated policy of the Biden Administration, that negotiations proceed under Ukraine’s timetable, as does a “negotiated settlement and ceasefire” that doesn’t involve Ukraine as a Principal.    Nowhere do the Progressives who signed this letter clearly state that “prospects for a new European security arrangement” would include Ukraine. 

It appears that this letter was initiated by Head of the House Progressive Caucus, the former one-term State Senator from the State of Washington.  My late Cousin, while sitting in his dentist’s waiting room, once wrote a letter to Harvard’s Alumni magazine, picking apart an article by a distinguished Classics professor, about Homer’s “Odyssey,” proceeding to point out every error in the article.  We must share similar genes.

News From the Battlefield

“Reporting From Ukraine” describes a Ukrainian counteroffensive in front of Bakhmut, where the Russian opposition consists primarily of Wagner Group mercenaries.  This will be very significant if Ukraine can sustain this offensive.   An old friend of mine’s future son-in-law is part of an artillery platoon defending Bakhmut.

The Latest Denys describes a Ukrainian push to the north of Bakhmut, in Luhansk Oblast, that can almost be considered complementary to the counteroffensive in Bakhmut.   He also describes the so-called “Wagner Line,” the placement of which suggests that Russia may be conceding all the portion of Luhansk Oblast that they occupied since the start of their latest invasion.   There are also a couple of photos of Kyiv under blackout, including one taken of Independence Square.

10/25 Sitrep (my comments in bold face)

Russian Invasion of Ukraine 12:00 noon October 24 to 12:00 noon October 25, 2022

Abbreviations:

RMA = Regional Military Administration             SBU = Security Service of Ukraine

INTERNATIONAL

October 25

10:03 Reuters: The United States is considering the possibility of supplying HAWK air defense to Ukraine

08:40 Financial Times: Boris Johnson plans to spend more time in Washington to guarantee continued U.S. support for Ukraine.

08:00 RTL News: In the Netherlands, several ministries have issued 91 special permits for exemption from sanctions imposed by the European Union against Russia

08:00 Reuters: The World Bank announces the allocation of an additional $500 million to Ukraine to help the country meet its urgent spending needs caused by the Russian invasion and war

08:00 YTL: South Korea announced the possibility of the DPRK completing preparations for nuclear tests. North Korea continues dangerous provocations, including ballistic missile launches

07:37 ntv: German President Steinmeier arrives in Kyiv

·       According to German media, the President of Germany is scheduled to meet with Zelensky, and he also wants to see with his own eyes the destruction that occurred due to the hostilities.

00:45: Three dozen liberal Democrats from the lower house of the US Congress addressed a letter to Biden, urging him to strengthen diplomatic dialogue with Russia to agree with it on ending the war in Ukraine.

·       The lawmakers stressed that they had no illusions about Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine and Russia's illegitimate attempts to annex Ukrainian territory.

·       "However, if there is a way to end the war while preserving a free and independent Ukraine, America must use all diplomatic means to support such a decision that will be acceptable for of the Ukrainian people," the letter states.

00:23: The U.S. presidential administration reaffirms its continued commitment to supporting Ukraine and stands ready to address Congress for a new request for additional assistance.

·       This was stated by the Strategic Communications Coordinator of the National Security Council of the White House John Kirby.

·       " The President has made clear that we will support Ukraine as much as necessary. And that requires us to reach out to Congress again to discuss additional funding," a White House spokesman said.

00:29: Bellingcat, Der Spiegel, and The Inside journalists identified a group of Russian cruise missile targeters that directed attacks on facilities in Ukraine. According to investigators, they are part of the Main Computing Center of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces and have very different experience.

·       Some of them served all their careers in the army or navy and subsequently received military engineering, and some, mostly young people, were recruited from civilian professions, in particular related to IT.

October 24

23:24 TV2: Norwegian police detained two Russians in Nurlann province. They are suspected of illegally photographing military installations.

·       According to a police spokesman, Russian citizens were detained on October 22, and the 24th was imprisoned. The Russians themselves insist that they were in Norway as tourists. The PST police security service will investigate the case.

23:20 IRNA - Iranian Foreign Minister: Iran is ready to send a group of military experts to study together with their Ukrainian counterparts the situation related to allegations of the use of Iranian drones in Ukraine.

22:46 Belaruski Gayun: Belarus withdrew most of the military equipment from the border areas and returned it to the places of permanent deployment.

22:36 Deutsche Welle: A scientist from Germany said that he had confirmation of the laboratory origin of COVID-19.

·        "Our results show that this virus is 99.9% artificial, apparently manipulated copy of the natural virus," said immunologist Valentin Bruttel.

22:12: NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg discusses with the UK and US defense ministers Russia's accusations against Ukraine of provocation with a "dirty bomb".

·       "NATO Allies reject this accusation. The Russian Federation should not use it as a pretext for escalation. We remain steadfast in our support for Ukraine," Stoltenberg wrote.

21:50: U.S. support for Ukraine will continue even if Republicans win the upcoming House elections, Nancy Pelosi said.

·       "Both American parties are united in their desire to do everything to defeat Russia".

21:40 Sky News: Newly elected UK Conservative Party leader Rishi Sunak will be appointed prime minister tomorrow.

21:30 The Jerusalem Post: Israel will help Ukraine, but it will not provide air defense systems," said Prime Minister Yair Lapid.

·       Lapid explained the refusal to supply air defense systems with "operational restrictions."

·        Instead, Israel is ready to help create a civilian missile early warning system in Ukraine, provide humanitarian assistance and "lifesaving defense equipment."

20:10: The United States does not currently have information about Russia's readiness to use nuclear, biological or chemical weapons, writes Reuters.

·       At the same time, Washington's concerns are caused by "false warnings from Russia about Ukraine's preparation of a provocation with a "dirty bomb".

20:02 Romanian Defense Minister: Convoys with French equipment for a NATO battlegroup have arrived in Romania.

·        France also deployed an air defense unit at the National Air Defense Training Center in Capou-Midia.

20:50: Russia must answer for the war crimes and destruction its forces have caused Ukraine and pay between $750 billion and $1 trillion to rebuild Ukraine.

·       This was stated by former US Ambassador to Ukraine William Taylor on the sidelines of the first parliamentary summit of the international Crimean Platform.

19:10 DW – NATO Secretary General: NATO needs to increase the supply of everything Ukraine needs so that the Armed Forces can fight all winter.

·       "Winter is coming. And this was also the main message of the meeting of NATO Defence Ministers: we need to increase the supply of everything from winter clothes, generators, tents so that Ukrainians can continue military action all winter," Stoltenberg said.

18:59 Handelsblatt - Head of Naftogaz: The coming winter will be the worst in the history of Ukraine. Constant power outages and heating problems are expected.

·       According to him, about 40% of electricity facilities in Ukraine have already been destroyed: "We have to turn off the electricity again and again and try to restore everything as soon as possible. In addition, all oil refineries have been destroyed."

15:18: Croatia is ready to accept wounded Ukrainian defenders for treatment and rehabilitation.

·       This was announced by Vice Speaker Olena Kondratyuk after a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Veterans of the Republic of Croatia Tomo Medved on the sidelines of the First Parliamentary Summit of the International Crimean Platform.

·        She also noted that since the beginning of the invasion, Croatia has allocated more than 40 million US dollars in the form of humanitarian and military cargo for Ukraine's needs and sheltered more than 22 thousand Ukrainians.

14:36: Romanian Defence Minister Vasile Dincu resigns over 'impossibility' to continue working with President Klaus Iohannis following a controversial statement on peace in Ukraine

·        "I consider it necessary to resign from this position so as not to harm the decision-making processes and programs that require the smoothness of the entire chain of command in any way, and not to block a series of projects that are absolutely necessary for the optimal functioning of the Ministry," Dinku said.

14:06: Germany will soon transfer three more Iris-T air defense systems to Ukraine, says German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

14:31: Ukraine will be visited by experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency due to statements by the Russian side about Kyiv's alleged preparation of a "dirty bomb".

·       This was announced by Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Dmytro Kuleba.

·       He stated that he had held a conversation with the IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi and officially invited him to Ukraine.

13:48: Ukraine must decide for itself when it will be ready to negotiate with Russia, said the Chairman of the European Council Charles Michel on the air of the France Inter radio station

12:56 LTV - Latvian Foreign Minister Edgar Rinkiewicz: Russia has enough resources to wage a long war in Ukraine, so it is important that the West does not relax in providing assistance.

·       The Minister noted that now it is important to provide not only military, but also financial assistance to help Ukraine "overwinter" and restore the civil infrastructure largely destroyed by Russia. Meanwhile, Russia hopes for the "fatigue" of the West, trying to negatively influence public opinion.

NATIONAL

October 25

11:35: Civilian casualties as a result of Russia's armed aggression on 24.10.2022 according to regional military administrations.

·       Donetsk – 10 killed and 3 wounded

·       Zaporizhia – 2 wounded

·       Kharkiv -4 wounded

·       Kherson – 1 wounded

11:23 Press Service Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Ukraine receives a roadmap to officially become part of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism system

·       "The received document specifies specific steps that must be taken in Ukraine before gaining full membership in the system. The duration of the accession process depends on both sides - both Ukraine and the European Union," the message says.

11:11: Ukrainians consider Poland, Lithuania, Great Britain, the USA and Canada to be the friendliest countries, Hungary has become hostile - a poll by the sociological group "Rating".

·        Finland, Sweden, Denmark, France, Switzerland, Germany, and Japan are also considered friendly.

10:42 Energoatom: Russia's statements about the creation of a "dirty nuclear bomb" may indicate its preparation of an act of nuclear terrorism.

·       Over the past week, the Russian occupiers have been carrying out unauthorized construction work on the territory of a dry spent nuclear fuel storage facility (hereinafter referred to as DSFSF) at the Zaporizhzhia NPP.

·       These works are carried out by the Russian military on their own in a secret mode.

10:17 British Intelligence:

·       Since its invasion of Ukraine, Russia has lost at least 23 Ka-52 attack helicopters. This is almost half of the total losses of Russian helicopters in Ukraine and more than a quarter of all Russian Air Force Ka-52 that were in the park.

·        Russian attack helicopters have been hit hard by Ukraine's man-portable anti-aircraft missile systems (MANPADS), as they often operate with less permanent overhead cover of combat aircraft than they could expect in accordance with Russian military doctrine.

·       The Russian Federation, as before, fails to maintain sufficient air superiority to reliably carry out effective direct air support near the front line, and its artillery ammunition is running out.

·       Russian commanders are likely increasingly resorting to dangerous combat helicopter operations as one of the few options available to provide direct support to troops in battle.

10:09: To stabilize the operation of the power system, Ukrenergo was forced to apply restriction schedules for industrial and other categories of consumers in all regions of Ukraine.

·       This will reduce the load on the power grid and provide an opportunity to balance the operation of the power system.

09:12 Institute for the Study of War: Businessman, owner of Wagner's PMC, Yevgeny Prigozhin, has more and more influence in Russia. Analysts emphasize that the military structure, in the creation of which he involved Igor Girkin, in the future could threaten the Putin regime.

08:49 Institute for the Study of War: Russian troops are preparing to defend Kherson and are not leaving completely from the upper part of the Kherson region, despite reports of the withdrawal of some units from the upper part of Kherson

·       As of now, the terrorists of the Russian Federation have not completely left either the city or the region.

07:26: Operational information from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine:

·       Over the past day, the Defense Forces of Ukraine repulsed Russian attacks in the areas of the settlements of Bilohorivka, Luhansk region and Bakhmut, Bilohorivka, Verkhnekamenskoye, Ivangrad, Klishchiivka, Dispute, Soledar , Marinka and Nevelskoye, Donetsk region.

·       In total, over the previous day, the Russians inflicted 3 missile and 12 air strikes, carried out more than 60 shellings from the MLRS

·       Civilian infrastructure facilities in the settlements of Vuhledar and Neskuchne in the Donetsk region, Nova Kamyanka in the Kherson region and Mykolaiv were hit.

·       According to available information, the Russians are setting up defensive positions on the left bank of the Dnieper in the Kherson region.  It appears that this would contradict the rumors that Russia will blow the Nova Khahovka Dam, because the resulting flooding would put the area where Russia is setting up defensive positions underwater.

·       Thus, around the settlement of Gornostaevka, engineering and sapper units of the Russian troops are mining the coastline, leaving small passages for the potential retreat of their troops from the right bank.

·       From the right-bank part of the city to the settlements of Henichesk and Skadovsk, the equipment and personnel of all banks and the occupation administration were removed

·        Internet service providers' equipment was stolen. Representatives of operational services and medical personnel are subject to evacuation. Funding for schools and providing food for children in schools has been suspended. The number of robberies of residents and cases of looting has increased.

·       In the settlement of Lviv, to replace the evacuated collaborators, servicemen from among the mobilized persons are transferred.

·       The aviation of the Defense Forces, during the past day, inflicted more than 30 strikes. The defeat of 22 areas of concentration of weapons and military equipment of Russians, 5 ammunition depots and positions of 9 anti-aircraft missile systems of the Russian Federation was confirmed

·       In different directions, air defense units shot down 3 Ka-52 Alligator helicopters, a Su-24M bomber, 2 Orlan-10 UAV and Shahed-131 UAVs.

·       Over the past day, rocket troops and artillery hit 6 areas of concentration of manpower, weapons and military equipment, 2 ammunition depots, an anti-aircraft missile system, a radar station "Zoo" and 2 other important objects of the Russian Federation, - General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

07:13: During the day in the southern direction of the Armed Forces of Ukraine destroyed 3 helicopters and 3 ammunition depots of Russian troops

·       Confirmed losses of the Russians:

o   40 soldiers

o   3 tanks

o   anti-aircraft missile system "Osa"

o   6 units of auto-armored vehicles

o   3 ammunition depots in Beryslav and Kakhovka raions

·       "6 enemy tanks were significantly damaged, the captured Rashist Ural was symbolically displayed.

October 24

23:51: Police in Izyum seized secret documentation of the Russian army

·       They discovered a "find" on the territory of the lyceum in the basement. Police seized 13 bags of documents.

·       Among the identified material evidence - a secret combat order of the Russian military to invade the territory of Ukraine, a topographic map of the Kharkiv region with a route of movement, lists of personnel of servicemen of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation tank brigades, documents of structural units of the VGA of the Izyum district, educational institutions, medical institutions, entrepreneurs, and communal enterprises.

23:45: The IAEA is preparing to inspect two nuclear facilities in Ukraine in the coming days amid Russia's statements about Ukraine's development of a "dirty bomb", said Director General Grossi. According to him, a month ago, one of these places had already been inspected and no undisclosed nuclear activity was found there.

22:00 ABC News: Commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Alexander Syrsky said in an interview that the threat of a second offensive of Russian troops in the northern direction exists, but this will only lead to negative consequences for the Russian army.

·       "Of course, they are preparing to escalate and transfer the conflict to other war zones. They are preparing for actions aimed at weakening our groups, and in my opinion the possible purpose of this would be to cut or degrade our lines of communication and supply," he said.

20:41 Ministry of Infrastructure: Today, 6 vessels with 227 thousand tons of agricultural products left the ports of Greater Odessa for Africa, Asia, and Europe.

·       As noted, among them is the MBC DAISY bulk carrier, which has 14 thousand tons of wheat for Algeria.

19:48 Center for Military and Legal Studies: Iran can give Russia Arash-2 drones capable of hitting not only stationary objects like Shahed-136, but also air defense systems.

·       According to him, today it is very important to prevent the growth of cooperation between Iran and Russia. Musienko noted that "today the level of escalation by Iran is noticeable."

19:20 NOS: A group of forensic experts from the Netherlands is heading to Ukraine for the second time to help investigate war crimes committed by Russians on its territory.

·       The results of their research are transferred to the criminal court to then use them in any lawsuits.

18:31 Operational information from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine as of 18:00 on October 24:

·       During the current day, the Russians launched three missile and seven air strikes, carried out three attacks from multiple launch rocket systems.

·       Civilian infrastructure facilities in Kupyansk, Kharkiv region, Vuhledar and Soledar of the Donetsk region and the city of Mykolaiv were hit by enemy strikes.

·       The aviation of the Defense Forces, during the current day, inflicted seventeen strikes.

·       The defeat of thirteen areas of concentration of weapons and military equipment of the enemy and four positions of anti-aircraft missile systems was confirmed . In addition, air defense units in different directions shot down two helicopters.

·       During the current day, Ukrainian missile forces and artillery hit four control points, ten areas of concentration of manpower, weapons and military equipment, six ammunition depots, anti-aircraft missile system, area of artillery firing positions and three other important enemy objects.

·       During the current day, the Defense Forces of Ukraine repulsed enemy attacks in the areas of the settlements of Dispute, Soledar, Bakhmut, Andriivka, Marinka and Pervomaiske.

·       Thanks to successful actions, our troops ousted the enemy from the settlements of Karmazinovka, Myasozharivka and Nevsky, Luhansk region, and Novosadovo in the Donetsk region.

·       To slow down the counterattack of our units, the occupiers continue to mine bridges and crossings on the retreat routes in the Mykolaiv and Kherson regions.

·        To replenish the current losses, the Russian occupation forces continue to actively recruit prisoners both in Russia and in the temporarily occupied territories.

·       Thus, most of the criminals were released from correctional colony No. 90 in the city of Kherson, after the so-called conversations with representatives of the FSB of the Russian Federation.

18:22: Ukrainians do not believe in Russia's nuclear strike, confidence has increased since April, according to the Rating poll.

·       Even more respondents do not believe in the possibility of a nuclear strike on NATO member countries (84%).

18:12 Verkhovna Rada Committee on Digital Transformation: In the temporarily occupied Kherson, Russians turned off mobile communications and the Internet.

·       The invaders dismantle equipment and take it across the Dnieper, as well as tear down wires to make it difficult to restore communication to Ukrainian troops after the liberation of Kherson.

17:12: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy appointed a new head of the Kyiv City Military Administration.

·       Mykola Zhirnova will be replaced by Serhiy Popko, ex-commander of the Ground Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (in 2016-2019).

16:56 p.m. Operational Command South: Russian submarine missile carriers, which could hit critical Ukrainian targets, have retreated to their bases, likely to be replenished with missiles.

·       Currently in the Black Sea there are 2 ships that can carry "Caliber" cruise missiles.

16:35 Radio Svoboda: The director of Motor Sich, detained yesterday, has Russian citizenship.

·       17:24 Grata: The Shevchenkivskyi District Court of Kyiv has placed Oleg Dziuba, the head of the department of foreign economic activity of the Motor Sich company, under arrest for two months.

·       19:30: At the request of the Security Service of Ukraine and the Office of the Prosecutor General, the Shevchenkivskyi District Court chose a measure of restraint for the President of Motor Sich JSC in the form of detention.

·       Over the next 60 days, while the SBU investigators carry out the pre-trial investigation, he will not be able to leave the detention center.

17:05: Over the past day, the police have opened 12 criminal proceedings on the facts of war crimes of the Russian army in the Kherson region.

·        From Kherson there are reports of missing people. They do not get in touch with relatives, and after a while from their phone’s relatives receive messages with suspicious content.

·        The fixation of the facts of looting by the Russian military in the de-occupied territories also continues.

15:49: SSU eliminates new channels for "evaders" to travel abroad under the guise of humanitarian aid carriers

·       As a result of a special operation in the Kyiv region, three residents were detained who masked foreign "trips" of evaders, allegedly for their participation in volunteer activities. The cost of such "services" ranged from 1.5 to 5.5 thousand USD. from one client.

·       In addition, another channel of illegal departure of conscripts to foreign countries who used fake "permits" of volunteers was exposed in Cherkasy region.

14:17 EBRD press release: The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development plans to allocate up to EUR 3 billion during 2022-2023 to help Ukrainian businesses and the economy continue to function.

·       "Since the beginning of the invasion in February, the EBRD has allocated more than 1 billion euros and aims to triple this figure by the end of 2023. Its focus will be on supporting the "real" economy – maintaining energy and food security, restoring the railway. infrastructure and support for the pharmaceutical industry".

14:00: Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a regular meeting of the Headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.

·       They also considered the formation of protection of the country's energy network from air attacks by the Russian army, the restoration of energy facilities that were damaged because of recent hits by Russian missiles and kamikaze drones and alternative ways to temporarily provide the population and enterprises with electricity and communications while restoration work continues.

13:40 p.m.: According to a recent survey, 86% of Ukrainians believe that it is necessary to continue the armed struggle, even if Russia does not stop shelling Ukrainian cities, and not move to negotiations.

·       This became known from the results of a KIIS survey conducted on October 21-23

13:11: National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine has put on the wanted list the ex-head of the National Bank Kyrylo Shevchenko, as well as two other officials involved in the embezzlement of more than UAH 200 million.

·        Also, two more officials of Ukrgasbank were put on the wanted list.

·       This is one of the deputy heads of Ukrgasbank and deputy director of the department of work with corporate VIP clients of this state institution.

·       They are accused of illegally withdrawing more than UAH 200 million from Ukrgasbank.

12:49 Ukrenergo: Ukraine can start importing electricity from Europe, if necessary.

·       However, the problem of imports is that European electricity prices are much higher than domestic ones.

12:36: The Ministry of Digital Transformation is engaged in a secret project – they want to introduce English in Ukraine as a full-fledged second language, but not the state language, but for business communication. This is a task from the president.

·       This was told to journalists by the Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov. Fedorov does not disclose the details of the project, but the project is planned to be launched next year.

12 :30 p.m.: The Center for Countering Disinformation warns that

·       Kremlin spreads fakes that Ukraine has produced a "dirty bomb"

o    Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said: "Russia's lies about Ukraine's alleged plans to use a "dirty bomb" are absurd. Ukraine is a committed party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons: we do not have "dirty bombs" and do not plan to have them. Secondly, Russia often accuses others of what it plans for itself."

12:08: Ukrenergo said that Combined Heat and Power should switch from coal to gas. This was told by the Chairman of the Board of NPC Ukrenergo Volodymyr Kudrytsky

·       "No, we did not start replacing coal with gas. At coal-fired power plants, we still do not burn gas, but at gas CHPs we have been using gas for quite some time to maintain generation in certain energy centers," he said.

12:01: The Armed Forces of Ukraine appealed to Russian troops

·       "You are thrown into slaughter house, you are consumables, no one counts losses. Ukraine has never threatened the Russian Federation. Think about families. You are needed at home. Lay down your arms and surrender."

·       Ukraine guarantees respect for the rights of all those who surrendered. For voluntary surrender with equipment, you can get a monetary reward.

MORDOR (Russia)

October 25

11:42: Russian Lieutenant Colonel Grigory Khudik was liquidated," said Ukrainian Armed Forces officer Anatoly Shtefan.

11:27: The Kremlin has requested statistics on the movement of grain through the "grain corridor" to the UN. Russia believes that the recipients of grain are supposedly "countries that are not among the poorest," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said .

11:16: Sergei Mardan, a Russian propagandist of Komsomolskaya Pravda, said that he "doesn't care what to call Iranian drones, if only they would fall on the heads of Ukrainians."

00:15 Bloomberg: KFC sells its business in the Russian Federation to a local company Smart Service Ltd and still leaves the country.

·       Smart Service Ltd and before that worked in Russia from the KFC franchise

00:03: Russia requested a meeting of the UN Security Council on October 25 to discuss Kyiv's alleged preparation of a "provocation" with a "dirty nuclear bomb.”

October 24

23:10: An unknown explosive device was triggered between the settlements of Novozybkiv and Zlinka. The railway track was damaged, says the governor of the Bryansk region.  This will affect military logistics for a very brief period.

22:55 Defense Intelligence of Ukraine: The plane of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation, which fell on a residential building in Irkutsk, crashed due to the poor quality of the repair work carried out.

·       "The crash of the Russian aircraft is associated with a low level of repair work. As a result, during the flight, the cabin was depressurized. The crew was unable to eject, resulting in the deaths of both pilots.”.

20:20 Defence Intelligence: Due to the inability to provide a new wave of mobilized with the necessary ammunition of its own production, the RF Armed Forces begin to use Iranian-made equipment.

·       Also, new groups of "advisers" on the use of drones are arriving from Iran to the Russian Federation.

17:55 Russian Media: Under the guise of mobilization, a covert genocide of indigenous peoples takes place in Russia.

·       Thus , in the Altai Republic, local residents are outraged that 90% of conscripts are ethnic Altaians.

17:34 General Intelligence Directorate: "partial mobilization" continues in Moscow, but local media have been banned from covering the topic.

·       According to the Intelligence Directorate, in the capital of the Russian Federation, the delivery of summonses to military servicemen at the place of residence and work continues. Currently, the authorities have stopped the work of so-called "mobile mobilization points" and suspended the practice of "raiding" military servicemen in public places.

·       It also confirms the number of "first wave" mobilized to the ranks of the RF Armed Forces – at least 200 thousand people. Further mobilization will continue in the "classic" version of the Second World War.

14:54 Social Networks: In Izhevsk, on "Watermelon Day", the authorities decided to distribute 10 tons of watermelons to residents. People in pursuit of free food crushed one another.

KHARKIV

October 25

09:30 Kharkiv RMA: During the past day, Russians continued to terrorize the civilian population of Kharkiv region. They shelled the cities of Kupyansk and Vovchansk, as well as the settlements of Kupyansk, Chuhuiv, Kharkiv, Bohodukhiv and Izyum districts

·       In Kupyansk, as a result of a missile strike, previously with S-300 missiles, an administrative building was damaged. In the Dvorychanska community, a residential building was damaged and a fire broke out. No casualties.

00:54: This is what the cemetery of ammunition that the Russians tried to destroy Kharkiv looks like

·       There are more than a few thousand of them here — from "Grads", "Hurricanes", "Tornadoes" and "Tornadoes". All of them are already safe.

LUHANSK

October 25

09:45 Luhansk RMA: regarding the liberation of the region

·       the Russian army prepared a tight defense in the Luhansk region;

·       the Russians sent about 2,000 zeks from St. Petersburg prisons to the Svatovsky and Bakhmut directions alone;

·       in the liberated settlements, as soon as the security situation allows, we will go in and help the remaining population;

·       with rocket artillery, the Russians cover the villages from where they were expelled by the Armed Forces of Ukraine;

·       the so-called "Wagner Line" will not stop the Armed Forces – it will become a "Shame on Wagner".

October 24

23:30 Social Networks: There is a large-scale fire in the temporarily occupied Luhansk. Initial reports are that a coal mine is burning.

20:59 Luhansk RMA: Spoke about the situation in the region as of tonight:

·       The Russians continue to shell the liberated settlements;

·       Ukrzaliznytsia will deliver humanitarian cargoes to Kharkiv region, after which they will be distributed by car;

·       They are waiting for permission from the military to resume crossings and critical infrastructure.

DONETSK

October 25

08:20 Donetsk RMA: On October 24, it became known about 7 civilians of Donetsk region killed by Russians in Bakhmut

·       In addition, law enforcement officers found the bodies of 3 civilians who died during the occupation: 2 in Drobyshevo and 1 in Stavki.

·        Another 3 people were injured yesterday.

October 24

20:24 Social Networks: Explosions are heard in Kramatorsk, Donetsk region.

15:08: The Ukrainian military reported that Bakhmut remains a Ukrainian city. There are no Russian soldiers there.

ZAPORIZHIA

October 25

09:24 Melitopol Mayor: In the temporarily occupied Melitopol, a car exploded near the FSB branch, which is in the building of the so-called "head" of the Zaporozhye region Yevhen Balytsky.

09:05 Russian Media: Reports that the explosion occurred near the office of a Zaporizhia television company in the temporarily occupied Melitopol.

08:58 Melitopol Mayor: Russians continue to hold hostage the population of Zaporizhia, Kherson, Luhansk and Donetsk regions

·       Yesterday, from the occupied parts of 4 regions of Ukraine, Russians released only 139 people to Zaporizhia. Of these, 18 are residents of Melitopol and the district.

·       On Sunday, they generally arranged a day off and did not release a single person.

08:46 Social Networks: An explosion sounded in the temporarily occupied Melitopol district.

October 24

20:31: Activists of the "Yellow Ribbon" movement continue to distribute leaflets in the temporarily occupied Energodar.

DNIPRO

October 25

08:32 Dnipro RMA: Russians attacked the Nikopol district with Grads, heavy artillery and kamikaze drones

·        Three communities came under fire - Nikopolska, Marganetska and Myrovska. Previously, people were not injured.

·       Damaged houses, cars, food processing and water supply.

October 24

16:00 Social Networks: In Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk region, the sounds of explosions are heard.

KHERSON

October 25

October 24

23:37: There was information on social networks that the Armed Forces of Ukraine launched a missile strike on the base of Kadyrovites in the Kherson region.

·       23:39: According to preliminary data, several dozen Kadyrovites were killed and many wounded. We are waiting for official information

22:18 Air Force Command: The Armed Forces of Ukraine in the Beryslav district of the Kherson region shot down the third attack helicopter Ka-52 in a day.

21:19 Kherson RMA: Russians in Kherson need to create chaos and hysteria to cover themselves with the civilian population during the crossing of their equipment.

·       "Thus, they will once again try to accuse the Armed Forces of shelling. The occupiers plan to take out all valuables from Ukrainian museums in the Kherson region. Among other things, even the remains of Prince Potemkin," he said.

19:38 Operational command "South.” The Russians are preparing defensive positions in the Kherson region, but they will no longer be able to stay on the right bank.

·        It is noted that the Russian military needs new lines of defense, and they are likely to prepare provocations in the regional center, which may delay or somehow divert the direction of actions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

·       Russian commanders had requested to Putin to authorize a full withdrawal from Kherson, which was denied.   Instead, Russian preparations of defensive positions around Kherson gives Ukraine more opportunity to cut off the Russian retreat from the Right Bank.

16:25 Air Force Command: In half an hour in the Kherson region, fighters of the Air Command "South" shot down two Ka-52 attack helicopters.

14: 43: The Russian-appointed "deputy head of administration" of the Kherson region, Kirill Stremousov, confirmed that the monuments to Suvorov and Ushakov had been taken from Kherson by order of the "authorities."

14:24 Operational Command South: The Armed Forces of Ukraine liberated more than 90 settlements in the Kherson region.

·       Stabilization measures are taking place in the liberated territories. About 12 thousand people live in de-occupied settlements.

14:12 Social Networks: Photos - Empty shelves in the shops of the temporarily occupied Kherson.

12:02 Social Networks: Explosions are heard in the temporarily occupied Kherson.

MYKOLAIV

October 25

09:55: SBU neutralizes Russian agents in Mykolaiv who positioned themselves as pro-Russian " underground"

·       The perpetrators were engaged in the covert preparation of customized plots for the Kremlin's information resources. In their materials, they called for the seizure of the southern region and the physical elimination of the leadership of the regional military administration.

RIVNO -  October 24/25

12:16: The SBU detained a man who was pointing enemy missiles at Rivne. He transmitted to the enemy information about the locations and movements of units of the Defense Forces in the region.

·       According to the investigation, the detainee is a local resident who, after the start of a full-scale invasion, created his own Telegram channel, where he published posts in support of the invaders and justified their crimes.

·        He has now been taken into custody and notified of suspicion under three articles of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

KYIV -  October 24/25

13:54: Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko responded to a petition to create free toilets at Kyiv metro stations.

·        A petition calling for toilets to be equipped at all stations received the necessary six thousand votes in ten days. The author believes that each station should have at least three booths, and the use cost should be included in the price of the ticket for travel.

·       Klitschko instructed the Director of the Department of Transport Infrastructure and several Kyiv City Council commissions to consider this requirement.

Comparing Soviet invasion of Afghanistan to Russian invasion of Ukraine using Wikipedia and Ukraine Ministry of Defense Daily Bulletins. Soviet and Russian military losses not including captured equipment.

SOURCES

https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/

https://euromaidanpress.com/

https://invite.viber.com/?g2=AQBD3wxTrZ6XUU7IdXeHUfjVCydekezQCCGuwYnT6qPd1r7n1aVbFIewa6ng6Lis

www.ubn.news