On 14 October, the United States announced its 23rd military aid package for Ukraine valued at $725 million. The package included additional ammunition for HIMARS missile systems, 23,000 155mm artillery ammunition shells, 500 Excalibur precision missiles, 5,000 RAAM missiles, 5,000 anti-tank weapons, AGM-88 HARM anti-radar missiles, and over 200 HMMWV vehicles.

It was designed to replenish ammunition supplies and provide equipment for Ukraine’s defence against Russian aggression. The package also included small arms, over 2 million rounds of ammunition, and medical supplies.

The US announcement followed a meeting of defence ministers in Brussels, where several countries committed to increasing military support for Ukraine. For example, Germany delivered the first of four promised IRIS-T air defence systems, and Spain announced that it had delivered four HAWK missile launchers.

On 15 October, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported that Russia was conducting forced deportations of Ukrainians as part of an ethnic cleansing campaign, violating the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Deported Ukrainians were being replaced by Russian citizens, who were to gradually repopulate the occupied areas of Ukraine. The Russian Deputy Prime Minister, Marat Khusnullin, acknowledged that “several thousand children from the Kherson region were staying in care homes and children’s camps in other regions of Russia.” The ISW also reported that Russia was planning to rebuild Mariupol and resettle tens of thousands of Russian citizens there. This strategy forms part of a broader demographic policy involving forced deportations of Ukrainians and systematic repopulation of occupied territories with Russians.

In addition, Russia reportedly signed a contract with Iran for the supply of Arash-2 drones as part of its military strategy. These Iranian drones were confirmed to have been used in attacks just two days later. In a 24-hour period (17 October), Russian troops carried out 10 missile attacks, 58 air raids and about 60 shellings from rocket launchers, attacking 35–40 towns, including: Kiev, Zaporizhzhia, Kozacha Lopan, Soledar, Marinka, Bilohirka and Odessa, as well as positions along the front line. Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces successfully repelled attacks in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, and conducted 22 strikes on Russian positions, destroying 18 military equipment hubs and 3 anti-aircraft sites. 

Ukrainian officials reported finding debris from multiple HESA Shahed-136 drones that had hit Kyiv, causing 3–4 explosions and killing at least 4 people. Another 4 fatalities were reported in Sumy. These attacks occurred shortly after President Vladimir Putin stated that there was no need for further “large-scale” strikes. A Reuters journalist reported that some of the drones bore the inscription “For Belgorod.” 

According to the ISW, Russia’s attacks on civilian infrastructure were primarily aimed at inflicting psychological harm, which was more important than progress on the battlefield. Additionally, Russia was using its ties with Iran to acquire more drones and ballistic missiles, seeking to replenish its missile stockpile. Russian authorities continued efforts to gain full control of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant.

The Council of the European Union decided to increase funding through the European Peace Facility (EPF) to support Ukrainian armed forces. This includes two assistance measures designed to enhance the capabilities and resilience of Ukraine’s military and to protect civilians from ongoing Russian aggression.

With this sixth tranche of €500 million, the EU assistance to Ukraine under the EPF will reach a total of €3.1 billion. This amount includes contributions from three Member States that have opted not to supply lethal equipment.

The Council of the European Union approved the establishment of a military assistance mission to support Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). This mission aims to strengthen the capacity of the Ukrainian Armed Forces to effectively conduct military operations and defend Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. It also aims to strengthen Ukraine’s ability to exercise sovereignty and protect civilians.

The EUMAM Ukraine mission covers a wide range of activities, including individual, collective and specialized training programmes for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. These training sessions are hosted by EU Member States, with 24 nations contributing training modules and personnel. In addition, the mission provides both lethal and non-lethal equipment, funded through the European Peace Facility.

This initiative will boost Ukraine’s defensive capabilities against Russian aggression, aiding its efforts to regain full territorial control and protect its civilian population from the impact of military operations.

Photo: Iranian drone. Author: Tasnim News Agency, CC BY 4.0.