Zelensky unveils bold ‘Victory Plan’ for Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has unveiled an ambitious “Victory Plan” for Ukraine, featuring five key points and three classified annexes. He asserted that the path to peace hinges on the support of Ukraine’s international partners rather than on Russia, noting that Vladimir Putin is resolutely committed to prolonging the war. Central to the plan is a focus on bolstering Ukraine’s defence capabilities and actively turning the tide against Russia. A particularly intriguing aspect of the plan involves deterrence measures, including a confidential non-nuclear deterrence package accessible only to essential allies like the U.S. and the U.K. Zelensky’s vision also emphasises Ukraine’s strategic and economic potential, proposing that Ukrainian forces could eventually fill the void left by U.S. military personnel in Europe after the war.
While the plan outlines a forward-looking strategy, some details remain shrouded in secrecy, as the annexes were kept confidential during Zelensky’s presentation to the Ukrainian parliament. However, he assured that the complete plan would soon be shared with key international leaders, signalling Ukraine’s commitment to a collaborative approach in its ongoing struggle for sovereignty.
The White House commented on Ukraine’s Victory Plan, specifically the first point about inviting Ukraine to NATO, assuring that it would “continue to provide military support to Ukraine.”
Ukraine seems to be preparing for intensified strikes in Crimea. Ukraine is gearing up for intensified strikes against Russian positions in Crimea, with a focus on crucial targets like the Kerch Bridge and other military infrastructure. Military experts believe these operations aim to undermine Russia’s air defences, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of future missions. As part of a larger strategy, the Ukrainian military is amassing resources for a significant counteroffensive planned for 2025, which will rely heavily on robust air support, including F-16 fighter jets. This offensive seeks to diminish Russian defensive capabilities in Crimea, creating the conditions necessary for the liberation of occupied territories. With these ambitious operations on the horizon, targeted strikes on Russian military assets in Crimea are expected to ramp up, as noted by a Defence Express expert on air with NV radio.
On the night of October 16, 2024, Ukrainian forces successfully shot down 68 out of 136 enemy drones, while 64 others were lost from radar, and two returned to Russia. These drones were part of another large-scale Russian drone attack. Ukrainian defence systems are working hard to minimise the impact of these strikes, focusing on intercepting and destroying drones before they reach critical targets. Although some drones managed to hit their targets, the majority were successfully neutralised, highlighting Ukraine’s improving air defence capabilities, as noted by the Ukrainian Air Force.
Zelensky reveals North Korea’s military support for Russia. In his address to the Verkhovna Rada on October 16, President Zelensky unveiled alarming developments regarding North Korea’s involvement in Russia’s war efforts. He disclosed that North Korea is not only supplying weapons but is also sending workers and soldiers to support Russian operations. Ukrainian intelligence has confirmed that North Korean labourers are filling the gaps left by Russian factory workers killed in combat, contributing to military production, while North Korean soldiers are being integrated into Russian military units.
Intelligence reports indicate that some of these North Korean soldiers have already deserted their posts near the Russian-Ukrainian border. This troubling trend coincides with the formalisation of a military partnership between Russia and North Korea, which includes provisions for mutual military aid, effectively creating a military alliance. Zelensky cautioned that this expanding alliance, alongside support from Iran and China, significantly shifts the dynamics of the war. He urged Ukraine’s allies to enhance their support, stressing that without immediate international action, Putin could strengthen his position in the coming year, rendering diplomacy ineffective.
Russian soldiers reportedly ordered to ‘self-destruct’ to evade capture. Nazar Voytenkov announced on Suspilne. Studio that military personnel in the Russian occupation army have received orders to detonate grenades to avoid capture by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. This alarming trend has been observed in the Kurakhiv defensive sector. Earlier, on October 13, the 33rd Separate Mechanised Brigade revealed on its Facebook page that its soldiers had captured a 20-year-old Russian soldier during an unsuccessful assault carried out by the Russian army. According to Voytenkov, Russian troops have been instructed to self-destruct with grenades. “They have orders to destroy themselves,” he explained. “They usually carry grenades to detonate if necessary, but some of them dare to surrender. Right now, they [Russian POWs – ed.] are either held in good condition or may have already been exchanged. Elsewhere, perhaps, at home in Russia, their fate unknown to me.”
