The US house of representatives has passed the 2025 defence budget which allocates $883.7 billion to defence spending. Notably, none of this money has been allocated to aid to Ukraine.

Part of this budget will be allocated to create a separate fund for Taiwan, modelled after the initiative for aid to Ukraine. This fund allows the US to send weapons by modifying procurement practices to work directly with private manufacturers.

A Ukrainian source reported that Russian forces are preparing a new offensive in the direction of the village of Pishchane in the Pokrovsk direction.

Heavy strikes by artillery, anti-aircraft missiles and drones were reported in the area, and now Russia has apparently transferred "strong battalions" here in order to further push the defence in the direction of Pishchane and Chunyshyne. The source noted that if Russia succeeds here, the defences south of Pokrovsk may collapse.

Russian forces have reportedly advanced again in Kurakhove, and captured the city council building after a battle with Ukrainian soldiers stationed there. Additionally, they reportedly captured a few other buildings in the city centre.

A local Ukrainian source also reported that there are around 400 civilians still in the city and that bringing aid to them is almost impossible.

Ukrainian forces reportedly launched a counterattack in the direction of building number 5 in Vovchansk. A battle broke out, but it is unknown if they were able to take any new positions.

The first Russian DRGs are reportedly trying to break into the southern part of Pokrovsk. If true, they are likely trying to attack along the treeline indicated on the map, which would suggest that Ukrainian forces have retreated into the city putting that treeline into the grey zone.

If these reports are true, then it would mark the first time that the frontline is officially "at" Pokrovsk.

Unconfirmed reports of Russian DRGs active inside Pokrovsk.

Russian Geran-2 drones are active in the airspace of Ukraine for the first time in four days. There were launches from Khalino airbase in Kursk Oblast. The first Geran drone has already entered Sumy Oblast and is flying near the city of Hlukhiv.

🇵🇸🇮🇱 - A recent study on children living through the ongoing genocide in Gaza has revealed alarming psychological impacts. The research, conducted by a Gaza-based NGO and sponsored by the War Child Alliance charity, found that 96% of the children surveyed feel that their death is imminent. Almost half of the children expressed a desire to die as a result of the trauma they have endured. The needs assessment also highlighted that 92% of the children were "not accepting of reality," 79% suffer from nightmares, and 73% display symptoms of aggression.

Helen Pattinson, the chief executive of War Child UK, condemned the situation, stating, “This report lays bare that Gaza is one of the most horrifying places in the world to be a child.” She emphasized the compounded psychological damage caused by the destruction of hospitals, schools, and homes. Pattinson stressed that while these physical devastations are visible, the mental and emotional scars are equally destructive, particularly for children who bear no responsibility for the ongoing conflict.

The survey, conducted in June of this year, questioned 504 parents or caregivers of children from families with at least one child who is disabled, injured, or unaccompanied. The sample was divided between southern and northern Gaza, with additional in-depth interviews conducted. Given the continued escalation of violence, particularly Israel’s sustained assault on Gaza for over 14 months, the findings are likely to understate the full extent of the psychological toll on children in the region today.

That's incredibly alarming...

An Israeli airstrike targeted multiple residential buildings in the Nuseirat refugee camp in Central Gaza. Palestinian sources reported that 34 people were killed and that 84 others are wounded or still missing.

A short while ago, 4 Tu-95ms aircraft took off from Olenya airbase in Murmansk Oblast.

Missile of an unknown type towards Kharkiv

Disappeared from the radar. It either struck an open area, was shot down or was a false alarm.

All 4 Tu-95s are flying south towards the launch lines in the Engels area of Saratov oblast.

The Tu-95s are currently over Vologda Oblast, keeping the same course towards the launch lines in the Engels Area. They will probably arrive at the launch lines in around an hour.

In my opinion, this is just a redeployment. 4 Tu-95s isn't many, and Ukrainian monitoring channels reported that the radio activity observed before the departure from Olenya Airbase was consistent with preparations for redeployment.

However, they are taking off at a very common time for combat sorties to take place, so my guess is that while they are redeploying, they will also conduct a simulated launch maneuver, although that would require them to fly further south before returning to Engels-2 Airbase as they always launch over Engels.

Unconfirmed reports of 2 more Tu-95ms aircraft taking off from Olenya Airbase in Murmansk Oblast.

The Pokrovsk Coking mine is ceasing it's operations. The closure of the plant could diminish Ukrainian steel production to only 2-3 million metric tons, down from a projected 7.5 million by the end of 2024

4-6 Tu-95s have all entered Penza Oblast. They will be at the launch lines in the next 15-20 minutes.

A launch maneuver was carried out

As many as 8 Tu-95s are in the air, all of them conducted a launch maneuver.