Sunday, October 20

Russia’s war against Ukraine

The French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha pay tribute at the memory wall of fallen defenders of Ukraine in the Russian-Ukrainian War on Oct. 19, 2024 in Kyiv. The French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot arrived in Ukraine for a two-day visit. This is his first visit to Ukraine in this position. (Eduard Kryzhanivskyi / Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine / Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images)

Russian victory would bring ’chaos,’ French FM says. “A Russian victory would consecrate the law of the strongest and precipitate the international order towards chaos,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said in Kyiv on Oct. 19.

Romania says drone breached its airspace during Russia’s attack on Ukraine. It is the second time this week that Romanian airspace has been violated.

Russian major killed by car bomb in occupied Luhansk, Ukraine’s intelligence claims. Russian Major Dmitriy Pervukha, allegedly involved in war crimes against Ukraine, was killed in the center of Russian-occupied Luhansk after his car exploded, Ukraine’s military intelligence said on Oct. 19.

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Russian electronics plant reportedly on fire after drone strike in Bryansk. “Kremniy EL” is one of the largest microelectronics plants in Russia that produces components widely used in Russian defense production, including for Pantsir air defense systems and Iskander missile systems.

Human cost of war

At least 102 Ukrainian POWs executed by Russia, ombudsman says. According to Dmytro Lubinets, the actual number of such cases is likely much higher since it is difficult to document Russian war crimes without supporting evidence such as videos of the executions.

Russian attacks kill 4 people over the past day, cause power outages in 3 Ukrainian regions. Ukraine’s Energy Ministry reported on the morning of Oct. 19 that over 73,000 consumers in three oblasts were left without electricity due to Russia’s recent attacks.

Russia’s attack on Sumy Oblast’s town kills 1, injures 11. Russian forces launched an attack on Shostka, a town in Sumy Oblast, overnight on Oct. 19 using guided bombs and drones, regional authorities reported. One civilian was killed, and 11 others were injured in the attack, according to Mykola Noha, mayor of Shostka.

Russia strikes Zaporizhzhia, injuring 10. The National Police confirmed that Russian forces carried out three air strikes on Zaporizhzhia in southeastern Ukraine using unguided high-explosive bombs.

Read our exclusives

With US elections looming, Biden’s Berlin swan song was all talk, no action on Ukraine

Joe Biden’s likely last European visit as president was billed as a final chance before the upcoming U.S. presidential election to meet with key world leaders, solidify long-term support for Ukraine, and work towards ending Russia’s full-scale invasion.

Photo: Maja Hitij/Getty Images

Investigation: Russians carry out systemic terror in occupied part of Kherson Oblast

Russia has terrorized the local population in torture chambers across the occupied territories, with previous reports indicating the use of this tactic in Kharkiv and Zaporizhzhia oblasts, as well as the previously occupied areas of Kherson Oblast.

Photo: The Kyiv Independent

Puzzle company Frisson helps Ukrainians escape wartime reality

Kseniya Morozenko now has a queue of artists wanting to work with her company but she only selects those who are involved with charity projects. So far, Frisson has worked with 15 artists on 22 designs. Many of the artists have a notable following in Ukraine, including the globally-known artist and muralist Waone, and the designs often sell out quickly as they are limited to a run of 200.

Photo: Maryna Khmarka / Frisson

International response

Ukraine’s NATO membership on ‘irreversible path,’ G7 defense ministers reaffirm. Defense ministers of the G7 countries reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Ukraine’s integration into NATO, according to the joint statement following their meeting in Naples on Oct. 19.

US Intelligence Chairman urges immediate action on North Korean troop movements in Ukraine. “U.S. Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Michael R. Turner appealed to President Joseph Biden on Oct. 18 to respond immediately to reports of North Korea’s troops preparing to join Russia’s army fighting in Ukraine.

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Today’s Ukraine Daily was brought to you by Toma Istomina, Natalia Yermak, Sonya Bandouil, and Olena Goncharova.

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