Russia-Ukraine war at a glance: what we know on day 602 of the invasion
The Russia-Ukraine war has reached its 602nd day, with significant developments on both military and political fronts. This report provides a comprehensive update on the situation as of October 18, 2023.
Key Events
Military Actions
• Atacms Missiles: Ukrainian President Zelenskiy confirmed the first officially sanctioned use of US-provided Atacms missiles, which have a range of up to 190 miles.
• Strikes on Airfields: Ukrainian forces targeted airfields in Russian-held territories in eastern and southern Ukraine, destroying helicopters and damaging runways.
Political Developments
• International Relations: Chinese President Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin to Beijing for a forum on the Belt and Road Initiative.
• Legislation: The Russian parliament preliminarily approved a bill to revoke the ratification of a global nuclear test ban treaty.
• Sanctions: Canada imposed new sanctions targeting individuals and TV stations in Moldova associated with Russian disinformation.
• Diplomacy: UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps is set to visit the US for urgent talks on conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Other Developments
• Infrastructure: Damage to a telecommunication cable connecting Sweden and Estonia, along with a subsea gas pipeline and another telecom cable connecting Finland and Estonia.
• Humanitarian Aid: A convoy of British ambulances arrived in Lviv, Ukraine, and will be delivered to frontline hospitals.
Updated Russian Casualties
Personnel
• Eliminated: 290,050 (+620 from Day 600)
Armored Units
• Tanks: 4,981 (+2)
• Armored Personnel Vehicles (APV): 9,420 (+15)
Artillery and Air Defense
• Artillery Systems: 6,944 (+8)
• Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS): 814 (no change)
• Anti-Aircraft Warfare Systems: 547 (no change)
Air Units
• Aircraft: 319 (+1)
• Helicopters: 323 (+6)
• Operational-Tactical Level UAVs: 5,301 (+10)
Naval and Other Units
• Cruise Missiles: 1,534 (+1)
• Boats/Warships: 20 (no change)
• Submarines: 1 (no change)
• Special Equipment: 982 (no change)
• Vehicles and Fuel Tanks: 9,303 (+10)