It has been the 970th day of the Ukrainian resistance to the russian military aggression.
What happened in Ukraine today:
Here is operational information of the General Staff as of 4 pm:
On 20 October, the total number of combat engagements along the entire frontline made 95. The occupiers continue to use aviation, in particular, drop UAVs, and attack in all directions of the east and south of Ukraine, especially in Pokrovsk and Kurakhove. Ukraine’s defence forces are holding their lines and taking the necessary measures to prevent a breakthrough in the defence.
The occupiers continued to use artillery in Chernihiv and Sumy oblasts. Pavlivka, Khodyno, Kniazhychi, Basivka, Zhuravka, Romashkove, Vodolahy, Moshchenka, Velyka Pysarivka, Hremiach, and Zhovid came under enemy fire. Enemy aircraft attacked Zhovid and Novenke.
According to the available information, the enemy conducted 7 air strikes on the territory of Kursk region of the russian federation, using 17 combat aircraft.
There were three combat engagements towards Kharkiv. Ukrainian troops repelled two russian attacks in the vicinity of Vovchansk. Another firefight is still ongoing.
Towards Kupiansk, Ukrainian troops repelled two enemy assault attacks near Holubivka and Novoosynove. Three more battles are taking place near Kolisnykivka and Lozova.
Towards Lyman, the enemy is attacking Hrekivka, Novomykhailivka, Yampolivka, Novosadove and Zarichne. In total, there were 15 combat engagements in this area on 20 October, two of which are still ongoing.
Towards Kramatorsk, the enemy tried once to advance on the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the vicinity of Stupochki, but the attack was repelled.
Towards Toretsk, the enemy, with the support of aviation, unsuccessfully attacked the positions of Ukrainian troops in the vicinity of Toretsk twice. The enemy also dropped a bomb near Leonidivka.
Towards Pokrovsk, nine firefights continue in the vicinity of Selydove, Promin, Sukhyi Yar and Mykhailivka. Ukrainian troops repelled 15 enemy attacks in the vicinity of Vozdvyzhenka, Mirolyubivka, Novotroitske, Promin, Selydove and Mykhailivka.
The situation is the hottest towards Kurakhove, with 13 firefights occurring in the vicinity of Hirnyk, Novodmitrivka, Maksymilianivka, Antonivka, Kurakhove and Vodiane. Thirteen more enemy attacks were repelled.
Towards Vremivka, two enemy assaults near Bohoiavlenka were repelled, and another attack is ongoing. The enemy launched an airstrike with NARs at Novodarivka.
Towards Orikhiv, two enemy attacks were repelled near Robotyno, and another is ongoing.
Towards Kherson, Ukrainian troops repelled three russian attacks on their positions.
Petro Yatsenko, representative of the Coordination Headquarters for the Treatment of Prisoners of War, says that the body of journalist Viktoria Roshchina, who died in russian captivity, has not yet been returned by russia. He also stressed that the russian side may be delaying repatriation to hide the traces of the alleged crime.
Ivan Fedorov, Head of Zaporizhzhia Regional Military Administration, informs that over the past week, russia launched more than 2,000 attacks on Zaporizhzhia, using missiles, drones and artillery.
The National Resistance Centre informs that 95 children from Yasynuvata, Makiivka and Amvrosiivka, Donetsk oblast, temporarily occupied by the russian army, were sent to the russian city of Naberezhnyie Chelny for propaganda training as part of the strategy of russification of Ukrainian children.
Recent war events in the east of Ukraine
Kharkiv oblast
The National Guard reported that the Akhiles shock battalion of the 92nd OSHbr along with fighters of the Burevii brigade, border guards of the Pomsta unit and paratroopers of the 77th OAeMBr repelled the attack of russian troops towards Kupiansk when russians tried to capture the crossing over the Oskil River.
Kharkiv RMA reported that the body of a 71-year-old man was found under the rubble of a damaged residential building in Novoplatonivka, Borova community, as well as the body of a dead 72-year-old woman. russian troops shelled the village at approximately 3:15pm, previously with anti-aircraft guns. Relevant services continue to work at the scene.
At 23:54 the day before, as a result of an enemy anti-aircraft missile strike in the city of Kharkiv, a private house, a car and partial glazing in two high-rise buildings in Novobavarskyi disstrict were damaged. There was no information about the victims.
At 05:20, an enemy air defense missile strike took place in Derhachi. A private house and three multi-story buildings were damaged. No casualties.
At 06:33 Kharkiv region, Solonytsivska community was fired upon. Hitting the enemy KAB into the ground. Two houses and a fence were partially damaged. There was no information about the victims.
Towards Kharkiv, the enemy attacked the vicinity of Starytsia and Vovchansk six times.
Towards Kupyiansk, the enemy carried out 16 assaults in the vicinity of Kucherivka, Kolisnikivka, Kruhliakivka, and Lozova. Ukrainian defenders repelled all enemy attacks.
As a result of intensifying evacuation measures, 273 people (among them 1 child) were evacuated from Kupiansk and Borova.
Donetsk oblast
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that russians are putting pressure on Selidove. Towards Pokrovsk, the occupiers conducted 27 attacks over the past day, most of them towards Selidove.
The occupying army continues to increase the number of assaults towards Kurakhove. On this part of the front, russian troops conducted 60 attacks in the previous day near Zoriane, Novodmytrivka, and Hirnyk.
Towards Lyman, there were 11 russian assaults near Terny, Novomykhailivka, Hrekivka, and Serebrianka.
Ivan Buryak, chief sergeant of the 93rd brigade “Kholodny Yar”, and Anastasia Bobovnikova, spokeswoman of the Luhansk military training center, say that russian soldiers cross the canal in Chasiv Yar, and also change into civilian clothes in order to get behind Ukrainian defenders. Also, the occupiers let newly mobilized russians attack, to whom they lie that they are going to their positions.
Fighters of 150 separate mechanized brigade destroyed the russian DRG on the outskirts of Toretsk. A group of occupiers was discovered in one of the high-rise buildings. Ukrainian fighters destroyed them with an FPV drone.
Vadym Lyakh, Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, says that the russian army shelled Slovyansk. He added that at approximately 4:30 pm, three explosions rang out, there was a hit in the industrial zone and the Tsehliany microdistrict, and private houses were damaged.
The RMA reports that on October 19, the russian army shelled Yasna Poliana of Velyka Novosilka community. A 46-year-old woman was killed. Houses in the village were damaged.
Operational situation in the region as of the morning of October 20:
Pokrovsk region. High-rise buildings and private houses were damaged in Kurakhove; a house was damaged in Hirnyk, and an administrative building in Dachne. A house was damaged in Pokrovsk; also in the community, an administrative building and a shop were damaged in Shevchenkove village, 2 administrative buildings in Novotroitske.
Kramatorsk region. A recreation center was damaged in Prishyb of Sviatohirsk community. 17 private houses and 2 educational institutions were damaged in Kostiantynivka; 3 houses were damaged in Stinhy.
Bakhmut region. In Chasiv Yar community, 8 private houses and 2 high-rise buildings were damaged.
In just one day, russians shelled settlements of Donetsk oblast 8 times. 156 people, including 26 children, were evacuated from the front line.
Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk RMA, reports that in Donetsk oblast, russians killed 1 resident of Yasna Polyana. 1 more person was injured.
Luhansk oblast
The occupiers carried out offensive operations with air support and launched an airstrike on Novoiehorivka. They tried to storm near Hrekivka. Artillery installations were used in the vicinity of Balka Zhuravka. There were 24 drone attacks.
Luhansk RMA reported that russians allowed the residents of Rubizhne to call an “ambulance” doctor with the help of four payphones, because there is no mobile communication in the city. But in the evening and at night there is a curfew in the settlement. Those detained at this time face at least a fine and detention. You have to either take a risk or wait for emergency medical assistance until morning.
Artem Lysohor, Head of Luhansk RMA, said that in 2024, the so-called “lpr” has held more than 1,200 events promoting the increase in birth rates and education of obedience. The program covers schools, extracurricular institutions, and universities. From September 1, this topic is discussed, in particular, in “family studies” lessons. Since the beginning of the 2024-2025 academic year, the number of such events is only increasing as each school was ordered to organize 218 propaganda meetings and conversations with students.
What is happening now in the north of Ukraine
Kyiv oblast
Ruslan Kravchenko, Head of Kyiv Regional Military Administration, reported that the outer wall of a multi-storey building was damaged by the fall of debris from russian attack drones in Kyiv oblast. There were no civilian casualties. According to KCMA, overnight in Kyiv and on the outskirts of the capital, the Defence Forces neutralised about a dozen attack drones launched by russian aggressors.
Jean-Noel Barrot, French Minister for European and Foreign Affairs, arrived in Kyiv on 19 October for a two-day visit. He began his first visit to Ukraine by paying tribute to the fallen defenders of Ukraine at the Wall of Remembrance on Mykhailivska Square. During his meeting with Jean-Noël Barrot, Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed gratitude for France’s support for the Victory Plan.
The regional military administration reported that a modern administrative building with a post office, an ASC and a medical outpatient clinic was opened in the village of Synyak in Kyiv oblast. The new inclusive facility was built in a year and a half. It will be able to serve 3,500 people. The Hungarian Ecumenical Aid Service helped to implement the project.
Kyiv City Military Administration reported that the capital will provide up to UAH 25,000 of financial assistance for tuition fees to students of Kyiv defenders in 2024-2025. Annual one-time financial assistance for tuition fees at higher education institutions of choice, regardless of ownership, is provided for full-time students.
From 25 October to 17 November, the World Press Photo exhibition will be held at the Oleksandr Dovzhenko National Centre in Kyiv. The exhibition will feature 129 photographs documenting the war, protests, migration and climate crises, and other important events of 2023. The exhibition in Ukraine is supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Ukraine.
Zhytomyr oblast
Chudniv City Council informed that on 18 October, a Mariupol defender, Ivan Yaroshchuk from Chudniv, was released from russian captivity during a prisoner exchange. He took part in the battles for Mariupol and was sentenced to 22 years in prison by the so-called ‘dpr court’. ‘His family had been waiting for him for over two years.
In Zhytomyr, a social hostel for internally displaced persons was set up with grant funds from the German government. Several large families of internally displaced persons who have moved from the occupied territories or areas of active hostilities are now living in the equipped premises, which can accommodate 21 people.
Sumy oblast
Sumy Regional Military Administration reported that on the morning of 20 October, the russian army shelled energy infrastructure facilities in Romny region of Sumy oblast. More than 37,000 people were left without electricity, and several houses were damaged. Fortunately, there were no fatalities. A fire broke out at the site of the strike. Romny community was attacked by Geran-2 kamikaze drones, with three explosions reported.
Sumy Regional Prosecutor’s Office reported that on 20 October, starting at 08:30a.m., the russian army shelled civilian infrastructure in Shalyhyne community of Shostka region for four hours. The attack resulted in the death of a 62-year-old man on his own property, and several local residents’ homes were damaged.
During night and morning, russians carried out 15 shelling attacks on border areas and settlements in Sumy oblast, resulting in 18 explosions. The attacks targeted Sumy, Khotin, Yunakiv, Bilopillia, Romny, Krasnopillia, and Shalyhyne communities.
There were 41 shelling attacks on border areas and settlements in Sumy oblast, resulting in 71 explosions. The attacks targeted Khotin, Yunakiv, Myropilia, Bilopillia, Nova Slabidka, Shalyhyne, Esman, Svesa, Druzhbivka, and Seredyna-Buda communities.
Yunakivka community: airstrikes by GABs (6 explosions), artillery shelling (6 explosions).
Myropilia community: hits by FPV-drones (2 explosions).
Druzhbivka community: strikes by FPV-drones (8 explosions), artillery shelling (2 explosions).
Esman community: FPV-drone strikes (3 explosions), mortar fire (7 explosions).
Bilopillia community: the enemy hit by artillery (1 explosion), mortars (5 explosions), FPV-drones (2 explosions).
Svesa community: 4 mines dropped on the territory of the community.
Nova Slobidka community: the enemy hit by mortars (5 explosions), FPV-drone (1 explosion).
Shalyhyne community: russians dropped 9 mines on the territory of the community. Explosive devices were also dropped from UAVs (2 explosions), strikes by FPV-drones (2 explosions).
Khotin community: an airstrike by GABs (1 explosion).
Seredyna-Buda community: the enemy dropped 4 mines on the territory of the community.
According to Sumyoblenergo, As a result of the shelling on 20 October, more than 37,000 consumers in Romny region were temporarily left without power, affecting 104 settlements. Over 14,000 consumers in the border areas of the oblast were left without electricity due to ongoing hostilities.
On 20 October, Jean-Noël Barrot, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, visited Sumy oblast. He inspected the destroyed centre of Trostianets, visited Sumy Art Museum, and paid tribute to fallen defenders at the Alley of Glory in the Central Cemetery. Minister Barrot also visited Sumy Oblast Art Museum, where he viewed the exhibition and the bomb shelter. According to Volodymyr Artiukh, Head of Sumy Regional Military Administration, the shelter was renovated using both regional budget funds and a program from the French Ambassador to Ukraine. It now provides a safe space for preserving cultural treasures.
Chernihiv oblast
It is reported that russian forces targeted three border communities in Chernihiv oblast: Semenivka, and Snovsk, and Horodnia.
Semenivska community:
– 2 explosions (hits, probably by FPV-drone) towards Yanzhulivka,
– 4 explosions (hits, probably drops of explosive devices from unmanned aerial vehicles) towards Yanzhulivka,
– 6 explosions (hits, probably by a tank) towards Yanzhulivka,
– 5 explosions (hits, probably drops of explosive devices from unmanned aerial vehicles) in the area of Mykolaivka,
– 4 explosions (hits, probably drops of explosive devices from unmanned aerial vehicles) in the area of Karpovychi,
– 3 explosions (hits, probably by a 120mm mortar) in the vicinity of Leonivka.
Snovsk community:
– 2 explosions (hits, probably by FPV – drone) in the area of Huta Studenetska.
Horodnya community:
– 16 explosions (hits, probably by a 120mm mortar) in the vicinity of Senkivka,
– 6 explosions (hits, probably by FPV-drone) in the area Senkivka,
– 1 explosion (hits, probably by FPV-drone) in the area Hasychivka.
No casualties or injuries among the local population were reported as a result of the shelling.
Aliona Asmaa, border guard from the 105th unit in Chernihiv Oblast, became the vice-champion in boxing under the ICO 2024 version at the World Martial Arts Championship in Frankfurt am Main. As part of Ukraine’s national team, she won two silver and one bronze medal.
Chernihiv Regional Territorial Recruitment and Social Support Center informed that on 20 October, in Chernihiv oblast, a farewell ceremony was held for three Ukrainian Armed Forces soldiers — Oleksandr Otkydach, Serhii Rudyk, and Viktor Us — who were killed on the front lines.
Recent events in the central regions of Ukraine
Dnipropetrovsk oblast
Mykola Lukashuk, Head of Dnipropetrovsk City Council, reported that at night, russian troops attacked Kryvyi Rih twice. 17 people were injured, eight hospitalised. All of them are in moderate condition. A hotel, a shop, an administrative building, an educational institution and seven apartment blocks were damaged. About fifteen cars were damaged. Among them were three fire trucks, some police cars and an ambulance. Also at night, the occupiers shelled Marhanets, Nikopol region, with artillery, and in the morning – the regional centre.
On 20 October the enemy attacked Nikopol region more than a dozen times. They fired with artillery and kamikaze drones at the regional centre, Marhanets, Chervonohryhorivka and Pokrov communities. A private house and 2 outbuildings were damaged.
An exhibition “Modern Dialogues: History in the Wreckage” featured works by Italian artist Paolo Coya dedicated to the unity of Ukraine and Italy, as well as symbolising the tragedy of war and hope.
Vinnytsia oblast
From 7 to 14 October, it became known that 23 defenders from Vinnytsia oblast had been killed.
Medical captain Volodymyr Ipatov from Vinnytsia was posthumously awarded with the Order of Bohdan Khmelnytsky, III class. The father of three, a lecturer at a medical university, was killed on 23 March 2023 near Bakhmut on his way to evacuate the injured.
Kirovohrad oblast
On 18 October, soldier Andrii Yehorov from Oleksandrivska community of Kirovohrad oblast was returned from russian captivity during an exchange. He is a senior lieutenant with the 36th separate marine brigade of the Armed Forces. The so-called ‘dpr’ court sentenced him to 26 years in prison. He spent two and a half years in captivity.
Cherkasy oblast
Ihor Taburets, Head of Cherkasy Regional Military Administration, said that in Cherkasy oblast, defenders destroyed two Shached drones at night.
Mykyta Petryk, defender of Mariupol from Cherkasy oblast, returned from russian captivity during the exchange. On the day of the exchange, he celebrated his birthday and turned 33.
Latest news from the front of the southern regions of Ukraine
Zaporizhzhia oblast
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Defence Forces repelled 2 russian attacks near Robotyne in Orikhiv axis. As of 4:30pm, another battle is still ongoing.
Ivan Fedorov, Head of the RMA, reported that currently, 3 people are hospitalised after being injured in the russian shelling of Zaporizhzhia on 19 October. A 55-year-old man is in moderate condition. 2 girls, aged 9 and 13, will remain under doctors’ care for a few more days. 7 more people are receiving treatment at home.
On 19 October, the russian military launched 247 strikes on 9 towns and villages in Zaporizhzhia oblast. These included 95 artillery attacks on Lobkove, Huliaipole, Mala Tokmachka, Novoandriivka, Robotyne, Malynivka and Levadne.
Mykolaiv oblast
According to the RMA, during the night of 20 October, air defence forces in Mykolaiv oblast destroyed a Shahed-136/131 drone.
At 1:36am, the russian military conducted mortar shelling in the coastal area of Ochakiv community. There were no casualties reported.
Odesa oblast
As reported by the Air Force, on the night of 20 October, enemy drones were spotted near Biliaivka in Odesa oblast.
Kherson oblast
According to the RMA, at around 4:30pm, russian forces shelled Zmiivka in Kherson oblast, destroying 1 residential building and damaging another. There were no casualties reported.
Roman Mrochko, Head of the CMA, informed that during the night of 20 October, the russian military shelled Korabelnyi district of Kherson.
According to Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of the RMA, among the 95 military personnel recently freed from russian captivity, 3 are from Kherson oblast. They will undergo medical treatment and rehabilitation.
On 19 October, russian forces shelled 11 settlements in Kherson oblast, killing 1 person and injuring 7.
As reported by the Southern Defence Forces, Ukrainian forces repelled 7 russian assaults in Kherson oblast on 19 October. They also destroyed 9 pieces of russian weaponry and equipment and eliminated 55 enemy soldiers.
Aftermath of russian shelling in Kherson oblast
Latest news for today in the western regions of Ukraine
Volyn oblast
Da Vinci, the 1st Separate Mountain Assault Brigade, received a DJI Mavic 3 quadcopter and 2 DJI Mavic 3T quadcopters from Lutsk community.
2 divisions of pyrotechnicians from Volyn oblast continue to carry out their assigned tasks in Donetsk oblast, demining forest plantations and agricultural lands. In just one day, Ukrainian pyrotechnicians of the State Emergency Service, including those from Volyn, surveyed the territory of 132.99 hectares, discovered, removed and neutralised 215 explosive objects, one of which was an aerial bomb. In total, since the beginning of the large-scale invasion, over 536,000 ordnance have been defused with over 150,000 hectares examined.
Zakarpattia oblast
The 2nd West Carpathian Marathon was held in the oblast. This is a race that united over 700 people from 15 oblasts of Ukraine. Traditionally, the event was a charity event. Thanks to the support of Zakarpattia RMA, patrons and initial contributions of participants, it was possible to purchase almost 90 drones. Immediately after the end of the race, part of the drones was sent to the 3st Separate Assault Brigades. The rest will be sent to the Birds of Magiar unit.
Ivano-Frankivsk oblast
Andrii Cheredarchuk, military medic from Prykarpattia, was awarded an Honorary Certificate of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine. For 2 years, he saves soldiers in advanced positions. Today, Andrii heads the medical service of the 8th Separate Battalion of the 10th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade.
Lviv oblast
In the Centers of National and Patriotic Education of Lviv, the first training on the basics of civil protection and first aid took place for all willing residents. Classes were free, so everyone could choose a location convenient for them, register and take the My Personal Safety introductory course.
A mural in honour of Taras Bobanych ‘Hammer’ was opened in Strii. During the event, his parents were awarded with the Corps Combat Cross for raising an indomitable patriot of his native land. Taras was killed on 8 April, 2022, covering his comrades during a combat mission in Izium region.
Rivne oblast
In Rivne oblast, there is a significant increase in the number of Sustainability Centers. 8 new communities of the oblast have joined the mental health support project and will open Sustainability Centers for their residents. Currently, there are 10 Sustainability Centers operating in Rivne oblast. These are friendly barrier-free spaces where every resident of the community can turn to. Among those who come to the Centers are displaced persons, military relatives, parents with children, veterans and anyone who needs help.
Ternopil oblast
The RMA held a meeting with the families of killed, captured and missing soldiers of the 105th Separate Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, as well as wounded servicemen. They discussed issues of concern to the families of servicemen, namely, social assistance, medical care, psychological support, etc.
Khmelnytskyi oblast
At night, during an air alarm signal, the Air Defense Forces destroyed 2 UAVs. There were no casualties or property damage.
Khmelnytskyi City Council reports that in the city, 105 participants in the russian-Ukrainian war receive 50% compensation for their tuition fees in local higher education institutions.
Khmelnytskyi City Council has allocated UAH 10m for the purchase of UAVs, quadcopters, EW, REP and FPV drones. This year, it will already be almost UAH 200m, for which the community purchased important things for the front.
Chernivtsi oblast
In the village of Voloka, a charity fair was held in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. A delegation from Romania visited the event. Almost UAH 250,000 was raised at the fair. The funds will be donated to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
International support of Ukraine in the russian-Ukrainian war (russia’s invasion of Ukraine)
Rustem Umerov, Minister of Defense of Ukraine, announced that Ukraine and Germany signed an agreement to strengthen Ukraine’s air defence.
Ukraine and Great Britain held the 3rd round of negotiations on the conclusion of a bilateral agreement on transition to a stronger and deeper partnership. Parties discussed changes to the draft document, agreed on its structure and noted significant progress in agreeing key sections.
Andrii Yermak, Head of the President’s Office, took part in the thematic conference dedicated to the 8th point of the Peace Formula, Environmental Security. The event in Helsinki was attended online and offline by representatives of 60 countries and organisations. After the conferences, proposals for the second Peace Summit will be formulated based on all ten points of the Peace Formula.
Viktor Mykyta and Ihor Zhovkva, Deputy Heads of the Office of the President, met with Levente Modyor, Deputy Minister of Foreign Economy and Foreign Affairs of Hungary, Parliamentary State Secretary. They discussed cooperation between Hungarian and Ukrainian regions, as well as the implementation of joint infrastructure and educational projects.
A bipartisan coalition in the US Congress called on the Biden administration to strengthen sanctions against the russian oil service industry. Lawmakers believe that the current measures allow the American company SLB to support putin’s war machine.
Jean-Noel Barro, Minister of Foreign Affairs of France, announced that 2 rehabilitation centres for children will appear in Ukraine. They will be created with the support of the country.
Ukraine posthumously awarded the Order of Courage III degree to Karel Kuchera, Czech volunteer, who was killed in the battle for Bakhmut. The award was presented to the hero’s parents.
Materials compiled by Tetiana Kliuchnyk-Horobets, Tetyana Pidgorna, Olena Reka, Yana Hushchyna, Tamara Moshkovska, Sofia Ratynska, Ioanna Kryvenko, Helena Albahachiieva, Kristina Maknynia
Translated by Tetyana Pidgorna, Yana Hushchyna, Alla Litrovnyk, Liudmyla Stadnykova, Ilona Korolevska, Tetiana Moiseienko, Marharyta Koval, Tetiana Kurbatova
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