Russia-Ukraine Reports - 2023-10-24
The US Air Force has transferred B-1B Lancer bombers from a base in Texas to a base in Fairford in the UK.
The bomber’s range allows it to reach from Fairford to Lebanon and Iran.
https://t.me/infantmilitario/110832
Yesterday’s emails only went out to paid subscribers. It was supposed to go out to everyone. Here is the link to yesterday’s report.
Israeli PM Netanyahu: If Hezbollah decides to go to war, it will lead to a Second Lebanon War. "Hezbollah will make the mistake of a lifetime. This cannot even be imagined, and the consequences for Hezbollah and for the Lebanese state will be catastrophic, but we are prepared for any scenario.
Note: I've never seen anyone looking for trouble on their ass like this before.... except for the Khokhls.
@Slavyangrad
FAB-500 guided glide bombs in flight. The most detailed view yet.
#Source
(https://t.me/fighter_bomber/14473)
General panorama and a selection of shots of the destruction of Ukrainian Armed Forces armored vehicles in the fire pocket between Rabotino and Verbov during the summer counter-offensive.
In attempts to break into the defensive positions of the Russian Armed Forces and advance further, the enemy lost more than 150 units of its equipment in the fields and roads between these settlements, which were only visually confirmed. Video: @lost_armour
#source (https://t.me/milinfolive/109184?single)
@Slavyangrad
For the first time during the current escalation, rockets were launched from southern Lebanon in the direction of Israeli Haifa.
#source (https://t.me/new_militarycolumnist/120252)
@Slavyangrad
Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (23 October 2023)
Part I (see Part II (https://t.me/mod_russia_en/10447))
▫️ In Kupyansk direction, units of the Zapad Group of Forces exploiting results of aviation strikes, artillery and heavy flamethrower systems fire repelled nine attacks of assault groups of 32nd, 41st mechanised, 57th Infantry, and the 68th Jaeger brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Sinkovka, Ivanovka (Kharkov region), and Novoyegorovka (Lugansk People's Republic).
◽️ In addition, actions of one sabotage and reconnaissance group of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have been thwarted near Olshana (Kharkov region).
▫️ Up to 195 servicemen, three armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, one Grad MLRS vehicle, along with one D-20 howitzer have been neutralised during the day.
▫️ An ammunition depot was annihilated close to Stepovaya Novosyolovka (Kharkov region).
▫️ In Krasny Liman direction, the Tsentr Group of Forces, as well as air strikes and artillery fire, repelled 12 attacks launched by the enemy close to Grigorovka, Kirovo (Donetsk People's Republic) and Chervonaya Dibrova (Lugansk People's Republic).
▫️Operational-Tactical and Army aviation inflicted fire damage on the manpower and hardware of the 63rd Mechanised Brigade close to Torskoye (Donetsk People's Republic) and the 15th National Guard Regiment close to Serebryanka (Donetsk People's Republic).
▫️ The losses of the enemy in the past 24 hours include up to 480 servicemen killed and injured, four armoured fighting vehicles, three motor vehicles, and one D-30 howitzer.
▫️ In Donetsk direction, units of the Yug Group of Forces supported by aviation, artillery, and heavy flamethrower systems, successfully repelled one attack launched by units of AFU 77th Air Assault Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine close to Bogdanovka (Donetsk People's Republic).
▫️ In addition, strikes were delivered at enemy manpower and hardware of the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Usmanskoye, Semenovka, and Orlovka (Donetsk People's Republic).
▫️ During the day, a total of 165 servicemen, two armoured fighting vehicles, four motor vehicles, one Msta-B howitzer, and one D-30 gun have been neutralised.
▫️ An ammunition depot of the Ukrainian Armed Forces was destroyed near Novomikhailovka (Donetsk People's Republic).
Russian Defence Ministry (https://t.me/mod_russia_en)
Russian Defence Ministry report on the progress of the special military operation (23 october 2023)
Part II (see Part I (https://t.me/mod_russia_en/10446))
▫️ In South Donetsk direction, units of the Vostok Group of Forces, ground-attack aircraft, helicopters, and artillery inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of the AFU 65th, 72nd mechanised, and 58th Motorised Infantry brigades, as well as 128th Territorial Defence Brigade, near Ugledar, Staromayorskoye, and Urozhaynoye (Donetsk People's Republic).
▫️ Up to 160 servicemen, three motor vehicles have been neutralised in this direction during the day.
▫️ In Zaporozhye direction, seven attacks launched by assault groups of the AFU 82nd Air Assault Brigade near Rabotino (Zaporozhye region) were successfully repelled by skillful actions of the Russian Group of Forces supported by air strikes and artillery fire.
▫️ Clusters of AFU manpower and hardware were engaged close to Novodanilovka and Malaya Tokmachka (Zaporozhye region).
▫️ Up to 80 servicemen, one tank, and three armoured fighting vehicles were eliminated.
▫️ In Kherson direction, up to 90 servicemen, three motor vehicles, one Grad MLRS launcher, and two D-30 howitzers have been neutralised by fire.
▫️ Operational-Tactical and Army aviation, unmanned aerial vehicles, and Missile Troops and Artillery of the Russian Groups of Forces have engaged AFU manpower and hardware in 153 areas during the day.
▫️ Moreover, three AFU command posts (53rd Mechanised Brigade, 15th National Guard Regiment, and 38th Air Defence Artillery Regiment) were annihilated close to Usmanskoye, Serebryanka (Donetsk People's Republic), and Ingulets (Kherson region).
▫️ Nineteen UAVs were shot down by Russian air defence systems and small arms close to Verkhnekamenka, Kremennaya, Zolotarevka (Lugansk People's Republic), Kirillovka, Berestovoye, Spornoye (Donetsk People's Republic), and Krynki (Kherson region).
Russian Defence Ministry (https://t.me/mod_russia_en)
❗️The Russian Armed Forces knock out the Ukrainian Armed Forces from the left bank of the Dnieper
According to Come and See, fighting is currently taking place on the left bank of the Dnieper in the Kherson region.
“The Russian army is pushing the enemy to the river. The fighting is taking place in the area of the village of Krynki,” a channel source said.
Previously, the Ukrainian Armed Forces tried to create a bridgehead there and gain a foothold on it. The Russian Armed Forces knock out the enemy.
In turn, the Ukrainian command is concentrating new reserves on the right bank of the Dnieper and the islands. Russian artillery is firing at the enemy.
#source (https://t.me/smotri_z/21581)
❗️AFU is building fortifications in the north of the Kharkov region
According to “Come and See” , the Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to create fortified areas in the north of the Kharkov region.
“Along the highway from Volchansk to Kharkov, trenches continue to be dug and firing points are strengthened,” the channel’s source said.
According to him, in Stary Saltov and Khotomlya there is a branch of the Zhilstroy-2 company, which is engaged in the restoration of housing and the construction of fortifications.
Local residents report an increase in the number of dummies in this direction.
“The dummies imitate not only equipment, but also infantry. They are mainly located along roads. There are few operational checkpoints, since these areas are now sparsely populated,” they note.
At the same time, the city of Volchansk has long become one large fortification, which most of the inhabitants left. The Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to keep a significant contingent there inside the residential area, occupying houses.
#source:
https://t.me/smotri_z/21584
️Russian paratroopers entered the village of Vasyukovka.
The village is located north of Soledar towards the city of Seversk.
Soldiers of the 106th Airborne Division regained some of our positions lost in the summer, took up positions in the forest regiment, as well as at the stele and stop at the entrance to the village.
#source (https://t.me/beardtim/13843)
#UkraineRussiaWar
🌐 Place: #Novomykhailivka
🕰 Date: ~22.10.2023
📌 Coordinates: 47.8535545, 37.4879627
📝 Description: Russian FPV drones operate at positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Novomykhailivka.
🖥 id: 22102023.1846
✉️source: https://t.me/sudoplatov_official/665
#UkraineRussiaWar
🌐 Place: #RobotyneVerbove
🕰 Date: ~22.10.2023
📌 Coordinates: 47.458771, 35.873418
📝 Description: Russian FABs bomb positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Robotyne-Verbove area.
🖥 id: 22102023.1244
✉️source: https://t.me/swodki/314337
#UkraineRussiaWar
🌐 Place: #Dalnie
🕰 Date: ~23.10.2023
📌 Coordinates: 47.9424159, 37.3297268
📝 Description: Russian military destroyed an Ukrainian Armed Forces howitzer in the Dalnie area.
🖥 id: 23102023.1312
✉️source: https://t.me/esttakaiaprofessia/1402
#UkraineRussiaWar
🌐 Place: #Pidstepne
🕰 Date: ~23.10.2023
📌 Coordinates: 46.687300, 32.87770
📝 Description: Russian drones destroy sabotage groups of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Pidstepne.
🖥 id: 23102023.1253
✉️source: https://t.me/vysokygovorit/13228
#UkraineRussiaWar
🌐 Place: #Sadove
🕰 Date: ~23.10.2023
📌 Coordinates: 46.689073, 32.847383
📝 Description:The russian artillery shelled d-day groups of Ukrainian Armed Forces infantry near Sadove.
🖥 id: 231022023.1314
✉️source: https://t.me/wargonzo/15978
@lost_armour guys made great job identifying and geolocating all armoured losses for september/october in Rabotino-Verbove area. You can see how Ukrainian assault progressed, and ended. @lost_armour
Hamas is set to release 50 hostages to the Red Cross within a few hours as negotiations approach their conclusion
With Qatar's participation, negotiations for the repatriation of prisoners are nearing their end. Hamas is prepared to transfer approximately 50 foreign hostages to the Red Cross within the next few hours, according to i24news reports (https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel-at-war/1698079156-sources-to-i24news-details-finalizing-in-the-last-hour-for-the-potential-releasing-of-hostages). The designated location for delivering the prisoners is the southern city of Khan Yunis which the IDF has ceased shelling to facilitate the operation for returning the captured individuals. Media reports suggest that Hamas expect to receive fuel (https://t.me/Slavyangrad/69994) in exchange for these individuals.
The number of Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip slightly exceeds 200 individuals, including Russian citizens. Hamas has already released five people which includes two American women for 'humanitarian reasons' and an Israeli woman with two young children. On the eve of a large-scale offensive IDF strikes on Gaza have resulted in the loss of approximately 20 hostages' lives.
@Slavyangrad
Under the video from Russian fighters we will put a comment taken from the text on one leading Ukrainian military channel:
“The enemy, surprisingly successfully, continues the Avdeevka noose operation, while maximizing air and artillery strikes.”
@polk105
#source:
https://t.me/polk105/12159?single
Khokhol accidentally filmed the downing of a ukrainian fighter jet, similar to the Mig-29.
🇷🇺 Sofa General Staff
#source (https://t.me/jnb_news/36965)
[ Album ]
The Russian Armed Forces used long-range kamikaze drones “Italmas” for the first time in the special military operation zone.
It is noted that the new devices are lighter than the Geranium-2 drones used, and their engine makes a different sound. For this reason, the new device is more difficult to recognize and intercept. The code name of the UAV in production is “Product 54”
🇷🇺 Sofa General Staff
#source (https://t.me/jnb_news/36970?single)
🔴 URGENTLY
Pro-Iranian militias say they have carried out missile and drone strikes on three major US military bases in eastern Syria in the past few minutes.
#source (https://t.me/rezervsvo/34692)
Along Avdeevka.
In the south, slowly but surely ours are advancing in the area of the quarry northwest of Opytny.
In the north there are battles for the railway. There are successes, there is movement, but it’s not right to write about any breakthroughs. Squeeze out systematically.
After the first days of the offensive, the troops changed tactics and act differently.
🇷🇺 Sofa General Staff
#source (https://t.me/jnb_news/36971)
⚡️US President Joe Biden urgently went to the White House situation center.
According to Biden, "there is a problem that needs to be dealt with."
#source (https://t.me/new_militarycolumnist/120283)
⚡️🇺🇸 Biden, hearing news of attacks on US bases in the region (Syria); He left the meeting
@Slavyangrad
So far, only 2 bases have been claimed to be attacked presently:
🔺A statement issued by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq:
In the name of God, the most gracious, the most merciful
Permission has been given to those who fight because they have been wronged, and indeed, God is Able to grant them victory.
Believe God Almighty
The Mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq targeted two American occupation bases in Syria, “Haql al-Omar” and “Al-Shaddadi,” with drones, and directly hit their targets.
Islamic resistance in Iraq
Monday 7 - Rabi’ Al-Akhir - 1445 AH
#source (https://t.me/SabrenNews22/88294)
Cannes Hebrew channel:
Senior military official: based on the talks between the United States and Qatar, Hamas may release about 50 prisoners of dual nationality, without any exchange.
https://t.me/hamas/16200
Lavrov on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s forecasts regarding the intervention of third forces in the Palestinian-Israeli conflict:
“The United States is at the forefront of those already intervening. This is sending two aircraft carrier groups and several thousand combat soldiers to the conflict zone - as I understand it, with all the necessary weapons, including heavy weapons.
The more such proactive steps there are on the part of, by and large, any state, the higher the risk, the higher the danger that the conflict will escalate.”
t.me/rt_russian/177048
Footage currently flying around the media of another Israeli Air Force airstrike on a residential building in the central Gaza Strip region of Deir el-Balah.
The footage shows a child playing next to the house, passers-by walking along the street, and peaceful people standing near the house. After which a controlled air bomb arrives.
Victor vicktop55
Captured members of the 32nd brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Kupyansk direction
Sprinter99800
Rounding Up the Cannon Fodder Ukraine Style!!! SE08 E100
100th PEREMOGA PARTY MIX episode 🤩🤩🤩
Analyst Intel
Rounding Up the Cannon Fodder Ukraine Style!!! SE08 E97
"I'll be honest with you, we're running out of soldiers. Those who think they can sit it out and when the war is over tell eveybody they were helping financially all along, well that ain't gonna cut it. There's not enough people... We got a full-scale war going on and only partial mobilization for some reason. This goes for anyone calling themselves a Ukrainian citizen, male or female, There's no law that says women can't serve in the military. Sooner or later the people in the government and Mod will get the message. I personally have no problem with people getting rounded up in the streets. I just don't want my men to be protecting those refuseniks..."
Vladyslav Shevchuk, company commander of the 80th Separate Air Assault Brigade.
Analyst Intel
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Front #Summary for 23 Oct 2023 by 19:03⚡️
🔹In #Kherson Direction, our forces expulsed the AFU from #Krynki. The enemy reinforced the left bank positions at the railway bridge near #Pridneprovskoye. Ours clear the landings, pushing the enemy back to the #Dnieper. We also noted the arrival of AFU reserves on the #Melky, #Frolova and #Alyoshkinsky islands. On the other bank, the evacuation of all coastal settlements is announced.
🔹In #Zaporozhye Direction, our army counterattacked near #Verbovoye, several Poles were taken prisoner. The enemy is accumulating serious forces, new columns of armoured vehicles have been spotted. Our artillery hits the AFU positions and reserves from #Pyatikhatki to #Orekhov and Malaya Tokmachka without ceasing. The AFU respond with own strikes.
🔹In #Donetsk Direction, near #Avdeyevka, the AFU rotated at the #Slagheap, and we repulsed their counterattack. #Slagheap itself has not been completely cleared (!), but our forces extended their zone of control to the railway line, which remains under AFU control. To the south, at #Pervomayskoye and #Severnoye, ours have advanced and improved their positions.
🔹In #Bakhmut Direction, our army advanced on the northern flank in the area of the #Berkhovskoye Reservoir. Our paratroopers successfully operated near #Khromovo and captured three AFUshniks. On the southern flank, with reduced combat intensity, the AFU attempted again unsuccessfully to break through to the railway line.
🔹In #Svatovo Direction, the AFU has transferred reserves, as they say, from the #Zaporozhye direction. The equipment and militants are placed on the outskirts of #Izyum. AFU activity is observed near #Sinkovka, the enemy has managed to restore the crossing at the railway bridge and is transferring reinforcements to the front. Having received fresh forces, the enemy is trying to counterattack on the #Sinkovka - #Petropavlovka line.
t.me/sitreports /@olegtsarov (https://t.me/olegtsarov/9132)/#smo/
The one of answer to why Israel is not launching a ground operation in the Gaza Strip. The video speaks for itself.
Sprinter99800
Romanian journalist in Israel ducking for cover from Hamas attacks.... while people casually walk in the background.
DD_Geopolitics
https://twitter.com/TuckerCarlson/status/1716574971206500570
The situation on the fronts in the evening of October 23
The AFU initiated a shelling campaign against civilians in Donetsk early in the morning. The enemy carried out inhumane attacks using mortars, artillery, and cluster munitions supplied by the West. The most densely populated areas were targeted, including high-rise buildings, a grocery market, and the residential sector. Consequently, a local resident was killed in the Kuibyshev district, and at least three more people were injured.
The situation on the fronts over the past day:
Bakhmut (Artemovsk) direction:
There is evidence that Russian paratroopers advanced north of Soledar to the village of Vasyukovka. Heavy fighting continues to the south of Bakhmut (Artemovsk). Our fighters are holding the defense at the railway in Kleshcheyevka.
Donetsk direction:
In the Avdeevka area, our fighters launched attacks near Stepnoye, south of Avdeevka, and in the Severny area. They also expanded their control zone to the west of the landfill. Additionally, the Russian army advanced at Nevelsky. In Marinka, there have been no changes, and fighting continues on the western outskirts.
Zaporozhye direction:
In the Orekhov sector, the Russian army launched a counterattack northwest of Rabotino and at Verbovoye. On the Vremyevsky ledge, our troops initiated attacks in the Novodonetsky and Novomayorsky areas.
Russian "geraniums" have been actively operating in the Odessa region. Explosions were heard in the Chernomorsky and Belgorod-Dniester. It is likely that our drones were heading towards the Shkolny airfield.
The Russian army, using artillery and aviation, forced the Ukrainian AFU out of Crinki, pushing the enemy to the banks of the Dnepr. Additionally, our artillery units were active during the night, targeting critical infrastructure in the part of Kherson region, which is under Kiev's control.
#source (https://t.me/readovkanews/68264)
[ Album ]
❗🇸🇾🇮🇱 Yesterday, the Israeli Air Force carried out another strike on the runway in Aleppo. Satellite footage shows damage.
Coordinates: 36°10'52.6"N 37°13'04.7"E.
#source (https://t.me/vorposte/48527?single)
#BREAKING
Full electricity cut off #now in the Indonesian Hospital due to the lack of fuel, which has been denied access by Israel. Over 100 incubator babies in #Gaza are at risk as all hospitals are expected to plunge in darkness in the next 48 hrs.
Massacre on the “road of death” Slavyansk-Artemovsk: special forces destroyed the advancing enemy forces
New personnel, like the Ukrainian Armed Forces, tried to break through to the positions of the Lynx special forces detachment, using tanks and infantry fighting vehicles with troops. Special forces and the 1st Airborne Shrub Brigade "Wolves" allowed the enemy to approach the positions - and attacked their equipment.
Another infantry fighting vehicle arrived to evacuate the “three hundredths,” but it was burned almost immediately.
As a result of the battle, out of 20 militants, only one survived.
About an hour ago, pro-Iranian groups in Syria and Iraq attacked three American military bases with drones almost simultaneously. Facilities in al-Tanf, al-Shaddadi and al-Omar were hit.
The extent of the damage remains in question. The photographs distributed on the Internet date back to past years, and in some cases are not even connected (https://t.me/belarusian_silovik/24444) with Syria.
🔻Nevertheless, US President Joe Biden interrupted his press conference and went to the situation room, where he is currently holding a meeting with the Secretary of Defense and National Security Advisor.
Given the growing escalation, symbolic strikes by the US Armed Forces against the positions of pro-Iranian forces in Syria and Iraq are quite possible, as was the case in 2017 and 2018, when the Americans used Tomahawk sea-launched cruise missiles.
Moreover, five Tomahawk carriers with a total number of more than 100 missiles on board are concentrated off the coast of the Syrian Arab Republic.
Cyberspec News
The Ukrainians installed the Amulet combat module with the Stugna ATGM on the Humvee instead of the original TOW
Cyberspec News
Have we mentioned yet that escalating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will ignite other areas? Well, it seems that it has started to burn in Iraq.
It all began about three days ago when the Central Headquarters of the People's Defense Command announced that, as per the decision of the co-chairman of the KCK Executive Council (Barzanists), the Kurdish defense units had completed their withdrawal from Makhmur. Subsequently, the local Kurds seemed to be left without any strength.
Speaking of Makhmur, it is actually a county in Ninewa Province. The nearby Karachog Mountains have been chosen by different groups, including the "Islamic State", in the past. However, a couple of years ago, Kurdish Peshmerga troops expelled them from the area and maintained security. While various units were deployed there, formal control still remained with the Kurds.
As a result of the Kurdish units' withdrawal, a conflict erupted as both the Iraqi army and the Kurdistan Democratic Party rushed to fill the resulting vacuum.
Three Iraqi soldiers and five Peshmerga fighters were wounded in the clashes. Both sides are now amassing forces in the region, and tensions are rising.
Interestingly, there is already a version circulating in Arab media suggesting that the pro-American Kurdish Barzanists decided to distract pro-Iranian troops in Iraq from their training for the war in Palestine. They can come up with all sorts of theories, just to divert attention from the fact that one of the main roads passes through Makhmur and that the local refugee camp is a hub for smuggling and other illicit activities.
#Iraq
(https://t.me/rybar/53512)
Clearing a fortified point of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the Avdeevka direction.
Noteworthy is the huge number of wormholes dug in trenches, each of which has to be cleared separately by throwing grenades.
@negumanitarnaya_pomosch_Z
Russia Accuses US Of Stoking "Escalation" By Mideast Force Build-Up As Pentagon Blames Iran
BY TYLER DURDEN
MONDAY, OCT 23, 2023 - 03:45 PM
Update(1845ET): Russia has weighed in strongly against the additional US warships recently sent by the Pentagon to the Middle East region, saying this heightened US presence only serves as a risk of "escalation" of the conflict in Gaza.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Monday during a meeting Tehran that "the more a state takes this kind of proactive measures, the greater the risk and the danger of an escalation of the conflict". He called out Washington as "already among the countries intervening the most" since the October 7 Hamas terror attack.
The same day, the Pentagon said it believes Iran-backed groups in the region are planning to ramp up attacks on US forces in the region. This came amid continuing sporadic drone and missile strikes against US bases in Syria and Iraq. According to a fresh CNN report:
There are “red lights flashing everywhere,” a US official in the region told CNN.
Officials said that at this point, Iran appears to be encouraging the groups rather than explicitly directing them. One official said Iran is providing guidance to the militia groups that they will not be punished – by not getting resupplied with weaponry, for example – if they continue to attack US or Israeli targets.
On Monday, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said there is “a very direct connection between these groups” and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, and he said the US is “deeply concerned about the potential of any significant escalation of these attacks in the days ahead.”
Kirby added in his comments, “Iran’s goal is to maintain some plausible deniability here, but we are not going to allow them to do that.”
Meanwhile, yet more confusing statement and mixed signals from the US Commander-in-Chief at these crucial and dangerous moments...
And there was this strange moment during a press briefing Monday:
China also weighed in Monday, offering that it is willing to "do anything" to restore peace, but emphasized that "prospects are worrying" - according to China's Middle East special envoy Zhai Jun.
Below: Hamas released video of the two elderly women released from captivity today. The Israeli government has confirmed the handover, and they are now undergoing evaluation in a Tel Aviv hospital:
* * *
Update(0350ET): Hamas has announced the release of two more hostages, bringing the total numbered free since they were kidnapped Oct.7 to four. Al Jazeera is reporting, "The latest release of two Israeli captives from Gaza – both women – follows the release late last week of two US citizens."
The newly freed women have been identified as 79-year old Nurit Cooper and 85-year old Yocheved Lifshitz.
Hamas has reportedly demanded fuel in release for more hostages, given electricity has been out across the strip, and fuel is needed to generate power locally. Israel has reportedly countered that all hostages must be freed for deliveries to be allowed into Gaza. This has predictably led to a breakdown in negotiations, which have been mediated by Qatar:
* * *
Update(1235ET): It has become clear at this point that Israel is stalling its 'imminent' ground invasion of Gaza in order to buy more time to negotiate for the release of hostages, now numbered at 222 in Hamas/PIJ captivity. As we detailed below, the White House is putting pressure on Tel Aviv to delay, also no doubt on fears that a full assault will trigger a war with Hezbollah in the north. From there, things could spin out of control, also with Russian, Iranian, and Chinese military assets positioned in the region in addition to an American carrier strike group.
The New York Times is reporting Monday morning that Hamas could be preparing to release 50 hostages with dual citizenship, amid negotiations mediated by Qatar:
The U.S. wants more time for hostage negotiations. On Friday, the U.S. secured the release of two American hostages, with Qatar’s help. Israel believes Hamas may release about 50 hostages who are citizens of another country as well as Israel, but a ground invasion could make hostage releases less likely.
According to more from the NY Times:
A senior Israeli military official said that based on conversations between the United States and Qatar, Hamas could possibly release about 50 dual nationals separate from any broader deal.
The repeated delays also reflect a growing tension between Mr. Netanyahu and Mr. Gallant, his defense minister, who supports a broad military operation that would also include Hezbollah, the powerful militia in Lebanon.
Al-Arabiya has separately issued a headline saying that the hostages will be released "within hours".
If this major hostage release does materialize, it is likely to create conditions that stall an IDF ground invasion further.
* * *
The United Nations has revised its grim figure of the rising death toll from Israel's bombardment of Gaza, saying that it has surpassed 5,000 as of Monday. It stands at 5,087. Separately, over 90 Palestinians have been killed in escalating West Bank violence, which over the weekend included Israel launching a rare airstrike on Jenin. Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) are still holding at least 222 Israeli and foreign captives - a number which has again been revised upward.
European Union foreign ministers are meanwhile gathered in Brussels for an urgent meeting to take up the contentious issue of a ceasefire. UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres has been calling on world bodies to back a ceasefire. In response, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said, "Personally, I think that a humanitarian pause is needed in order to allow the humanitarian support to come in and be distributed, seeing that half of the population of Gaza has been moving from their houses."
Bloomberg is reporting Monday morning that EU leaders are set to endorse a call for a "humanitarian pause". "The European Council supports the call of UNSG (U.N. Secretary-General Antonio) Guterres for a humanitarian pause in order to allow for safe humanitarian access and aid to reach those in need," a draft statement of the summit reads.
But Washington, Israel's staunchest supporter, is not expected to back a ceasefire - despite reports President Biden has sought for Israel's military delay the expected imminent ground invasion, in order to buy more time to negotiate the freedom of more hostages.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken in the Sunday news shows made this clear. Margaret Brennan, the host of CBS News’s "Face the Nation," asked him, "UNICEF says 1,524 children have been killed in the Gaza Strip during these bombings. Why isn’t the US calling for at least a temporary ceasefire?"
Blinken then claimed that children dying on either side has hit him "right in the heart" - but he stopped short of directing any criticism at Israel's indiscriminate and unrelenting bombing campaign. Instead, he defended it:
"Israel has to do everything it can to make sure this doesn’t happen again," Blinken said in reference to October 7 Hamas cross-border attack. "Freezing things in place where they are now would allow Hamas to remain where it is and to repeat what it’s done some time in the future. No country could accept that."
He then cited unverified reports that Hamas has actively blocked Palestinians who are also American citizens from leaving the Gaza Strip. "We’ve had people come to Rafah, the crossing with Egypt. And to date, at least, Hamas has blocked them from leaving, showing once again, its total disregard for civilians of any kind who are — who are stuck in Gaza," Blinken said. "So really, the ball is in Hamas’ court, in terms of letting people who want to leave, civilians from third countries, including Americans get out of Gaza."
There are a reported up to 600 Americans stuck in Gaza, with one Palestinian-American telling NBC that "America’s not helping us, Biden’s not helping us, the embassy is not helping us."
The United States is still bolstering its military presence in Middle East waters, readying for any contingency, even as it's said to be pressing for furthering back-channel negotiations and delaying an all-out Israeli assault:
It was becoming increasingly clear Monday that the U.S. wants Israel to not only allow more humanitarian assistance into Gaza, but for the country to let ongoing negotiations over the release of hostages held by Hamas to continue before it launches a ground invasion of the Palestinian territory. Israel said Monday that Hamas was still holding 222 people captive.
Two sources told CBS News the U.S. has sought to slow Israel's plans for a ground invasion in order to prioritize the release of hostages and the distribution of aid, a message Washington is said to have been conveying primarily through defense channels.
The Pentagon is calling its moving two aircraft carrier strike groups into regional waters an act of "deterrence".
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had announced Saturday, "Following detailed discussions with President Biden on recent escalations by Iran and its proxy forces across the Middle East Region, today I directed a series of additional steps to further strengthen the Department of Defense posture in the region." He added: "These steps will bolster regional deterrence efforts, increase force protection for U.S. forces in the region, and assist in the defense of Israel."
The White House has Iran in mind, and its proxies Hezbollah and Shia Houthi rebels in Yemen, the latter who days ago tried to fire missiles on Israel, but which were intercepted by a US warship off Yemen's coast. US THAAD and Patriot missile batteries have been sent to Israel.
"This is not what we want, not what we’re looking for. We don’t want escalation," Blinken said. "We don’t want to see our forces or our personnel come under fire. But if that happens, we’re ready for it." And Austin simultaneously affirmed the statements, saying "what we’re seeing is a prospect of a significant escalation of attacks on our troops and our people throughout the region."
It's clear Hezbollah has held off committing itself to a major war with Israel, which could very well happen the moment the IDF mounts a major ground assault into Gaza. Hezbollah's arsenal, with the help of Iran, is far superior to that of Hamas', and is said to include tens of thousands of rockets of varying sizes.
There's still been regular exchange of rocket and mortar fire, with Israeli sources reporting Monday that the Iron Dome intercepted an inbound drone from Lebanon via the sea. It was intercepted over Ein Hamifratz, south of Acre. At this point, several dozens of Israeli towns and communities have been evacuated from near the northern border.
ZeroHedge is highly recommended
Col. Douglas MacGregor joins redacted and warns we are watching Armageddon unfolding before our eyes.
#UkraineRussiaWar
🌐 Place: #Tomaryne
🕰 Date: ~23.10.2023
📌 Coordinates: 46.856708, 33.277236
📝 Description: Russian Lancet with the ability to recognize targets attacked positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Tomaryne.
🖥 id: 23102023.1937
✉️source: https://t.me/voenacher/54936
#UkraineRussiaWar
🌐 Place: #Avdiivka
🕰 Date: ~23.10.2023
📌 Coordinates: 48.1233676, 37.8007291
📝 Description: The Russian military is bombing the positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on the outskirts of Avdiivka.
🖥 id: 23102023.1431
✉️source: https://t.me/ttambyl/3571
#UkraineRussiaWar
🌐 Place: #Krasnohorivka
🕰 Date: ~23.10.2023
📌 Coordinates: 48.20236, 37.68989
📝 Description: Russian FPV drones destroy Ukrainian Armed Forces tanks near Krasnohorivka.
🖥 id: 24102023.0646
✉️source: https://t.me/creamy_caprice/2780
#UkraineRussiaWar
🌐 Place: #Zaliznianske
🕰 Date: ~10.2023
📌 Coordinates: 48.693750, 37.899667
📝 Description: The Russian military stopped the evacuation of Ukrainian Armed Forces units near Zaliznianske.
🖥 id: 24102023.0652
✉️source: https://t.me/warhistoryalconafter/128404
#UkraineRussiaWar
🌐 Place: #Kurdiumivka
🕰 Date: ~23.10.2023
📌 Coordinates: 48.4777452, 37.9529414
📝 Description: The Russian military destroyed three Ukrainian Armed Forces tanks near Kurdiumivka.
🖥 id: 24102023.0828
✉️source: https://t.me/warhistoryalconafter/128396
#UkraineRussiaWar
🌐 Place: #Pryiutne
🕰 Date: ~23.10.2023
📌 Coordinates: 47.74869, 36.66266
47.74858, 36.6667
📝 Description: The Russian military is conducting active military operations, shelling positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Pryiutne.
🖥 id: 24102023.0618
✉️source: https://t.me/creamy_caprice/2784
#UkraineRussiaWar
🌐 Place: #Vasiukivka
🕰 Date: ~23.10.2023
📌 Coordinates: 48.7425, 38.00697
📝 Description: Russian military attack positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Vasiukivka.
🖥 id: 24102023.0624
✉️source: https://t.me/creamy_caprice/2786
Offensive near Avdeevka: the Russian army attacks from the flank, pushing through the enemy’s defenses
▪️Enemy resources are publishing maps and reports about the difficult situation for the Ukrainian Armed Forces at the front near Donetsk, where Russian troops have been advancing for a couple of weeks.
▪️ “It’s hell in Avdeevka. They have put everything on encircling the city. They are making progress,” reported well-known militants of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
▪️The Russians have partial success southwest of Krasnohorivka in the direction of the Avdeevsky waste heap and the railway, says the evening report of Ukrainian military analysts.
▪️Earlier, a drone filmed how a Russian assault unit was moving towards the enemy’s trenches in the Krasnogorovka area on the flank of the Avdeevsky fortified area, where many of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ defenders had already been taken during our latest attacks.
▪️The Russian Aerospace Forces support the offensive, striking both at the enemy’s defense lines and at the nearest rear. Ours and the enemy are actively using artillery. Heavy fighting continues.
#source (https://t.me/RVvoenkor/55459?single)
Explosions have been heard (https://t.me/readovkanews/68271) this morning in the Sinelnikovsky district of the Dnepropetrovsk region of Ukraine where various industrial enterprises are situated.
It is still unclear which specific facilities were affected. Several media outlets have also reported explosions in Krivoy Rog and the Pavlograd area, which house machinery, chemical plants, and several other factories.
Recently, an explosion was reported (https://t.me/smotri_z/21610) in Kiev by the mass media.
The cause remains unknown, as there have been no reports of Russian missile launches or UAV activities.
There have also been reports (https://t.me/smotri_z/21611) of explosions in Zaporozhye, as indicated by the mass media.
No information is available regarding their cause. The air alert system was activated following the explosions.
@Slavyangrad
⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️ It appears that the IDF continues to en masse install "barbecues" on its heavy armored vehicles to protect against "drops" and kamikaze drones. I remember that at the beginning of the Northern Military District, the entire enlightened world (including the Israeli media) was in awe of the Russian tank “visors”. Now, when Hamas militants burned several Merkava tanks with cheap drones, the IDF decided to take advantage of our experience. But the “barbecues” will not save you if the Israeli Defense Forces storm Gaza in such ceremonial columns.
Corporal⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️ for @sashakots
#source (https://t.me/sashakots/42925)
[ Album ]
The Steel Guards of the 71st Motorized Rifle Regiment gave a good hand to the enemy armored group in the Rabotino area this morning. The fighters chalked up 2 tanks, one armored fighting vehicle, and possibly an armored personnel carrier-70 (the burnt-out shell in the second photo).
@voin_dv
🇷🇺 Sofa General Staff
#source (https://t.me/jnb_news/37005?single)
❗️ 🇷🇺🇺🇦 Battle for Avdiivka : losses of the Ukrainian Armed Forces near Avdeevka
situation as of 13.00 October 24, 2023
Fighting continues around the Avdeevsky fortified area . After clearing the waste heap, Russian soldiers went on the defensive and consolidated in the occupied areas, while the enemy, on the contrary, pulled in reinforcements for a counterattack.
🔻Due to heavy losses, at least one battalion of the 47th mechanized brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine was transferred to Ocheretino and Novobakhmutovka from the Orekhovsky site . Their forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces tried to strike positions near the waste heap, but to no avail.
▪️Similar enemy counterattacks came from the coke plant in Avdeevka , as well as on Opytnoe and Pervomaisky . Ukrainian formations intended to occupy the gray zone, but by artillery strikes of the Russian Armed Forces they were forced back to their starting positions.
❗️Russian aviation and artillery continue to work on enemy lines. The losses of the Armed Forces of Ukraine are growing: according to sources, during a week of active fighting, the number of killed members of the Armed Forces of Ukraine alone exceeded 1 thousand people and 60 pieces of equipment.
There are losses on our side, too, but thanks to the chosen tactics of total destruction of the fortified area and subsequent clearing of the area, our command managed to reduce their number to a minimum.
#source (https://t.me/rybar/53565)
Kiev has no goal: US senator opposed a single aid package for Ukraine and Israel - Vanity Fair
US Senator James David Vance wrote a report, which he distributed to other parliamentarians, where he opposes combining aid to Israel and Ukraine in one package, Vanity Fair writes. According to him, “Israel has an achievable goal, Ukraine does not.”
“Israel's operations will help secure the Gaza Strip; The war in Ukraine has threatened the European security architecture and threatens global disorder,” the report says. He calls for containing and resolving the crisis in Ukraine. It also serves as a reminder that corruption is deeply entrenched in Ukraine .
Earlier in his speech, Vance said it was "absolutely disgraceful" for Biden to link the "Ukrainian escalation of tensions" to Israel's war against Hamas.
#source (https://t.me/ukraina_ru/174315)
🔴 Statements by Dmitry Peskov:
⏺ The Russian Federation did not “steal” a “super-duper missile” from the United States; the Russian Federation has its own excellent hypersonic missile, and more than one - Peskov on Trump’s words;
⏺ The potential of the collective West for the production of ammunition is limited; it requires a lot of time to replenish resources;
⏺ The Russian Federation is using all opportunities for contacts for the release of Russian citizens held captive by Hamas and will continue these efforts;
⏺ The Kremlin does not provide accurate data on the number of Russians held hostage by Hamas; contacts with all parties to the conflict continue;
⏺ The Russian Federation calls on Hamas for the immediate release of all hostages.
#source (https://t.me/rezervsvo/34750)
❗️The strength of the Israeli army and the strength of the Palestinian group Hamas today
#source (https://t.me/smotri_z/21618)
Footage of the battles for the Avdeevka waste heap.
@Slavyangrad
A new Russian anti-drone gun is capable of suppressing up to 90% of the AFU's drones
Russian engineers have developed (https://rg.ru/2023/10/24/novoe-rossijskoe-protivodronovoe-ruzhe-sposobno-podavit-do-90-dronov-vsu.html) a new anti-drone gun. It has already passed official formal tests that have taken place recently.
According to the developer’s representative, the antidrone gun operates in seven frequency ranges and is capable of suppressing and wrenching off course most of the drones used by the AFU, including commercial drones, aircraft-type drones and FPV-type ones.
The representative has also noted that there is no antidrone gun capable of suppressing 100 per cent of objects to date, so the developer deals with a reasonable maximum of seven wave bands. Incidentally, Russian drones use the same frequency ranges. Although Chinese drones are able to operate in a wider range. A special equipment to suppress such vehicles working on shifted frequencies is being developed, but is absent yet.
Weight: 5.5 kg;
Suppression range: up to 1.5 km;
Operating time: 1.5 hours.
#source (https://t.me/rgsila/6176)
Ukrainian channel Strana:
Russian telegram channels publish videos of the Russian and red flags over the Avdeevka waste heap, which they claim was installed there by the Russian military.
Ukrainian military publics today confirmed that this height in the northern part of Avdiivka is most likely captured by the enemy.
This waste heap is a height that dominates the industrial zone of the coke plant, which is one of the main fortified areas of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in Avdiivka.
From there, all communication routes of the Avdeevka garrison leading to the west can be shot through (in a straight line to Orlovka, through which there is a major road, from there a little more than five kilometers).
Another question is whether the Russians will install stationary artillery positions there. Ukrainian troops will likely work hard towards this goal. At the same time, the Russians can install posts on the waste heap to adjust fire, as well as place military personnel with ATGMs for targeted shooting at armored vehicles of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
But in any case, the loss of control over an important height is a problem for the defending Ukrainian troops - similar events in Bakhmut led to a significant complication of the logistics of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in the city and on its outskirts.
Let us recall that the plan of the Russian troops is to take the main supply routes of the Avdeevka garrison of the Armed Forces of Ukraine under close fire control, and then try to encircle the city, or force the Ukrainian troops to retreat from it under the threat of encirclement.
Earlier, ex-adviser of the OP Alexey Arestovich spoke about the threatening situation for the Armed Forces of Ukraine near Avdeevka.
#source (https://t.me/stranaua/128499?single)
Ukrainian channel Strana:
In Kharkov, the heads of the military registration and enlistment office and the military medical commission were detained for issuing fake certificates to draft dodgers.
The medic prescribed serious diagnoses to those liable for military service, and the military commissar assured them.
This opened the way for draft dodgers to go abroad.
#source (https://t.me/stranaua/128506)
#Ukraine continues to rip away its men from their families and drag them to a near certain death.
How long do you think it will take before they start to rebel? If #Ukranians themselves have had enough fighting why #Biden wants to keep paying #Zelensky?
https://twitter.com/ArthurM40330824/status/1716344801266680296
Our next update is being constructed. As a thank you to our paid subscribers, you can read it as it is written.
Russia-Ukraine Reports - 2023-10-25 (in progress)
🔴 The shortage of ammunition is now felt not only in Ukraine, but throughout the world: its level is enormous, since warehouses are empty, - Financial Times, citing the Prime Minister of Ukraine. #source: https://t.me/rezervsvo/34757
