Russia’s tank losses estimated at over 9,000 amid reliance on outdated equipment. According to Economic Pravda, the Ukrainian General Staff reports that since the onset of the large-scale invasion, Russia has lost over 9,000 tanks and 18,000 armoured vehicles. However, the open-source intelligence site Oryx, which relies on visual evidence, estimates losses at 3,400 tanks and 6,400 armoured vehicles. Many of these vehicles have been sourced from storage depots, necessitating lengthy refurbishments due to their poor condition and often being used for parts. To replenish its equipment losses, Russia has turned to Soviet-era reserves as it struggles to produce new equipment at scale. Analysts using satellite imagery predict that, at the current rate of depletion, Russia’s reserves could be exhausted within a few years, assuming linear consumption. Furthermore, the limited production of new tanks, such as the T-90M, highlights ongoing difficulties, with many units being refurbished older models rather than newly manufactured ones, underscoring Russia’s dependence on outdated Soviet equipment.
Authorities will close parts of Pokrovsk as residents are urged to evacuate. Serhiy Dobriak, head of the Pokrovsk City Military Administration, announced during a national news telethon that the city will be completely closed for entry and exit for defensive purposes. He urged residents to evacuate before the blockade takes effect, as the Defence Forces are already sealing off the outskirts. Currently, Russians are positioned just 6.7 km from one of these outskirts, and the city has approximately 11,900 residents remaining, including 55 children. Dobriak stressed the importance of leaving, particularly before winter arrives, as the cold will create very challenging conditions without a heating season, although there will be heating points available. Earlier this morning, Deep State reported that Russians had occupied the villages of Bohoyavlenka and Novoukrainka in the Donetsk region.
Dobriak later clarified during a phone interview with Suspilne Donbas on October 30 that his comments during the national news telethon do not indicate a complete closure of the entire city for entry and exit. “Fortifications are being built in Pokrovsk, and we are already entering the city. While certain areas will be blocked, we ask residents to leave those specific areas rather than the entire city. Several barricades have been constructed to partially close streets and neighbourhoods,” Dobriak explained.
Zelensky says Ukraine has received only 10% of the U.S. aid package due to delays. At a press conference with several Nordic media, President Volodymyr Zelensky disclosed that Ukraine received only 10% of the aid package approved by the U.S. Congress in April 2024. While Congress sanctioned $61.4 billion in aid, Zelensky pointed out that only a small portion has been delivered, primarily due to logistical and bureaucratic challenges. These delays hinder Ukraine’s ability to respond effectively to Russian advances. Zelensky emphasized the non-financial obstacles in the aid process, including bureaucratic complexities, restrictions on certain weapons, and concerns among some U.S. officials about crossing “red lines” with Russia. He called for quicker and more comprehensive support from Ukraine’s Western allies to bolster defence efforts.
Zelensky also addressed the leak to the press regarding Ukraine’s confidential request to the U.S. for long-range Tomahawk missiles, which he described as a necessary defensive measure. Zelensky criticised the media for publicising this request, calling it a preemptive measure due to North Korean troops’ involvement in Russia. He argued that some Western allies’ concerns about escalation ignore the reality that Russia and its allies have already heightened tensions, which limits Ukraine’s defence options until direct hostilities occur on its territory. While The New York Times reported that some U.S. officials view the request as unrealistic, Zelensky emphasised that his ambitious plan is essential for Ukraine’s security and is intended to bolster domestic morale.
