Ukrainian Special Operations Forces successfully struck the Russian small missile ship “Grad” in Lake Onega, Republic of Karelia on October 4th. The strike targeted the right section of the ship’s engine compartment. The “Grad,” commissioned in December 2022, was en route from the Baltic Sea to the Caspian Sea and is equipped with the Kalibr-NK missile system. This operation followed other strikes on Russian facilities reported by the General Staff of Ukraine.
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On September 27, a Ukrainian intelligence operation in the North Caucasus resulted in the death of a Russian National Guard lieutenant colonel, his aide, and a driver near Tambukan, Stavropol Krai. The HUR released footage of the attack, targeting the commander of the Avangard unit. The operation was reportedly supported by the “Caucasus Liberation Movement,” according to HUR. The attack occurred far from the Ukrainian front lines in a historically volatile region of Russia.
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Ukraine has dismissed suggestions from Hungarian officials regarding territorial concessions for the sake of peace. According to a Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Ukraine does not require advice on relinquishing territory or sovereignty. This response came after Hungary’s Deputy Foreign Minister alluded to Hungary’s historical territorial losses and seemingly implied Ukraine should cede a portion of its land. The Ukrainian spokesperson firmly stated that Ukraine would not consider such actions.
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Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, which began in early August, have significantly impacted Russia’s fuel exports. From September 1st to 15th, fuel shipments dropped by 18% year-over-year, according to Kommersant, citing data from the Centre for Price Indices. The attacks, including damage to the port of Primorsk, led to temporary halts in shipments and unscheduled refinery repairs. Consequently, Russia’s refining output has declined, with analysts from JPMorgan noting a significant decrease in throughput.
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Ukrainian forces have reclaimed approximately 160 square kilometers of territory in eastern Donetsk Oblast during an ongoing counteroffensive operation. Over the past month, Ukrainian troops have pushed back Russian forces, regaining control of multiple villages in the Dobropillia and Pokrovsk sectors. Seven settlements have been retaken, alongside the capture of nearly 100 Russian soldiers. President Zelensky also reported significant Russian losses in the Pokrovsk direction and renewed calls for international military aid.
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Russians Eligible for Military Service Are Being Blocked From Traveling Abroad
Let’s get right into it: Russians who are eligible for military service are facing travel restrictions. The situation seems to be tightening, and it’s affecting a lot of people, especially men of a certain age. It’s a direct result of Russia’s ongoing involvement in the war in Ukraine, and it’s creating a complex set of challenges.
In Russia, like in many countries, there’s mandatory military service. Generally, if you’re a man, you’re expected to serve for a year or two after you turn 18, depending on the circumstances. Traditionally, there have been ways to avoid it: you could get a deferment by going to university, taking specific jobs, or even resorting to less savory means.… Continue reading
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy lauded the Armed Forces for halting Russia’s offensive in the Sumy region and making gains along the border. Zelenskyy specifically acknowledged the 225th Separate Assault Regiment and the 71st Jaeger Brigade for their contributions. He stated that Russia’s offensive in Sumy had been derailed due to sustained losses, with Ukrainian forces advancing toward the border. Furthermore, independent reports indicate that Ukrainian troops have broken through towards Konstiantynivka, and the national flag was raised over the village of Zarichne.
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On September 14th, Ukrainian special forces reportedly destroyed a Russian Buk-M3 anti-aircraft missile system in the occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast, according to Ukraine’s HUR. The Buk-M3, valued between $40-$50 million, is a key air defense asset used to target various airborne, ground, and water-based targets. This strike near Oleksandrivka marks another successful hit against a Buk system, a medium-range surface-to-air missile system, in the ongoing conflict. The Buk-M3 is the latest version of the system, capable of tracking and engaging numerous targets simultaneously and gained notoriety in 2014 with the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17.
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On September 14, Ukrainian forces launched an attack on the Kirishi oil refinery in Russia’s Leningrad Oblast, a major facility with a significant processing capacity. Russian authorities claimed to have intercepted drones, with debris from one causing a fire at the refinery site. The fire was reportedly extinguished with no casualties, though video footage suggests a large explosion. This attack follows a pattern of intensified Ukrainian strikes on Russia’s oil industry, including a recent attack on a major oil-loading port, aiming to disrupt operations and exacerbate fuel shortages.
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On September 13, Ukrainian forces regained control of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast village of Filia, which had been briefly occupied by Russian troops. The 425th Skelya Regiment conducted the operation, which involved capturing prisoners and securing the area. Russia had claimed to have seized Filia on August 24, Ukraine’s Independence Day. The region of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast has been a target of Russian offensives as part of the ongoing conflict, which is a focus of the creation of a “buffer zone” on Ukrainian territory.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood