On Friday, October 31st, multiple Russian cities experienced explosions as drones targeted critical energy infrastructure. Explosions were reported in Vladimir, where an electrical substation caught fire, and in Yaroslavl near an oil refinery, with both incidents confirmed by regional authorities. A more significant strike occurred in Orel, where a thermal power plant was damaged, leading to disruptions in heat and hot water services for parts of the city.
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Two North Korean prisoners of war, captured while fighting for Russia in Ukraine, have pleaded with a documentary producer to be brought to South Korea. The captives, in their 20s, expressed this desire during a meeting at a Ukrainian prisoner camp, a shift from an earlier meeting where only one expressed a wish to defect. The soldiers requested various items and conveyed psychological instability and past attempts of self-harm, according to officials. South Korea has notified Ukraine of its intention to receive them if their wishes are confirmed, as North Korea has deployed significant troops to fight alongside Russia.
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A British citizen, allegedly working as an FSB agent, has been detained in Kyiv by Ukraine’s Security Service. The individual arrived in early 2024 to train Ukrainian troops but later collaborated with Russian intelligence, offering sensitive information and preparing for terrorist attacks. The SBU claims the suspect was instructed to build an explosive device and was found in possession of a pistol before being apprehended. Now in custody, the British citizen faces up to 12 years in prison, with the investigation ongoing to determine further charges.
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According to a recent report by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, Russian drone strikes along the Dnieper River have been classified as war crimes. The report, based on hundreds of videos and interviews, details attacks targeting Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure with a variety of drones. These attacks are alleged to be deliberately coordinated to instill terror, with evidence including the forced deportation of civilians. While Russia denies these accusations, the U.N. commission was unable to investigate Russian claims of Ukrainian attacks due to lack of access and safety concerns.
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On October 29-30, Russia launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine, employing 653 loitering munitions and 52 missiles of various types. The attacks targeted critical infrastructure, with launches originating from several locations in Russia and occupied Crimea. Ukrainian defense forces responded, destroying 623 aerial assets, including loitering munitions, cruise missiles, and air-to-surface missiles. While direct hits were recorded in 20 locations, with debris found in 19 oblasts, information is still being gathered on three missing missiles and their impact sites.
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A new investigation by Verstka reveals a disturbing pattern of internal violence within the Russian army, with evidence of commanders executing or deliberately sending soldiers to their deaths. The outlet documented 101 servicemen accused of murdering, torturing, or fatally punishing their own comrades, with at least 150 confirmed deaths and the true number believed to be higher. Methods used to enforce obedience include “execution shooters,” drone strikes on retreating soldiers, torture, and forced gladiator-style battles. Despite nearly 29,000 complaints received by the military prosecutor’s office, few, if any, perpetrators have been held accountable due to an informal ban on investigating cases against commanders in combat zones, resulting in widespread impunity.
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Ukrainian Defense Intelligence reported the assassination of Veniamin Mazzherin, a Russian officer, with a car bomb inside Russia, alleging his involvement in war crimes during the 2022 invasion. Mazzherin’s death marks another instance in a series of targeted killings of Russian figures on their own territory, following similar attacks in recent months. Simultaneously, the war continues, as a children’s hospital in Kherson was attacked by Russian forces, resulting in injuries, and Russian forces have infiltrated Pokrovsk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the hospital shelling as a deliberate attack.
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A recent U.S. intelligence assessment reveals that Vladimir Putin remains resolute in his pursuit of victory in Ukraine, with no indication of readiness to compromise. Despite facing significant losses and economic challenges, Putin is committed to expanding Russia’s control over Ukrainian territory. This assessment aligns with previous intelligence evaluations of the Russian regime’s stance since the invasion began. While President Trump has vowed to broker peace, his efforts to date have been unsuccessful, and he has recently implemented sanctions against Russian oil companies.
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Russian forces are reportedly aiming to encircle the city of Pokrovsk in Donetsk Oblast, deploying approximately 11,000 troops for this operation, according to Ukraine’s 7th Rapid Response Corps. These Russian forces are attempting to advance northwest and north of Pokrovsk, with reported enemy groups already infiltrating the city. Within the 7th Corps’ area, Russia has amassed significant military assets, including around 27,000 personnel, 100 tanks, and 260 armored vehicles. Ukrainian defenders have been actively engaging the enemy, inflicting casualties and destroying equipment while continuing their defensive operations.
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On October 28th, President Zelensky announced Ukraine’s first combat use of domestically produced Flamingo and Ruta long-range missiles, though details on their deployment were not provided. Concerns arise as Ukraine’s remaining supply of European long-range missiles is dwindling, and the maker of the Flamingo missile, Fire Point, is under investigation for potential corruption. Elsewhere, Russian forces heavily outnumber Ukrainian troops in the Pokrovsk sector. Furthermore, a German newspaper team was targeted by a Russian drone strike, and the death toll from a recent Kyiv attack rose to three.
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John Q. Hosedrinker