Ukraine denies Russia breached Chasiv Yar defense line following conflicting reports

Russian troops were unable to establish a foothold in Ukrainian defense lines in the city of Chasiv Yar, Donetsk Oblast, according to Andrii Polukhin, a spokesperson for the 24th Mechanized Brigade, in an Oct. 22 interview with Free Radio.

Hours earlier, Ivan Petrychak, from the same brigade, had reported that Russian forces breached the defense but emphasized that there was no imminent threat of the city’s loss.

Polukhin clarified that small Russian infantry groups managed to enter Ukrainian defenses but were blocked by Ukrainian drones, preventing them from consolidating their positions. "It cannot be called a consolidation or wedging," he added.

Petrychak described the situation as "difficult but controlled," noting that Russian forces have been attempting daily assaults for the past month. They used heavy fog to cross a canal toward Chasiv Yar, but the area has since been blocked.

Despite being outnumbered, Ukrainian forces continue to hold their defense, enduring heavy Russian shelling, missile strikes, and air bombardments. Chasiv Yar, located on higher ground, remains a key target for Russian troops due to its strategic advantage for future attacks in Donetsk Oblast.

The city has been partially under Russian control since July, when Ukrainian forces withdrew from the eastern Kanal neighborhood, with the Siverskyi Donets–Donbas Canal becoming the new front line.

Prior to the invasion, Chasiv Yar had a population of 12,000, which had dwindled to around 700 by April 2024. Russian forces have made slow advances in eastern Ukraine in recent months, capturing territory but sustaining significant losses.

SBU foiled terror attack in Kyiv, detained suspects

Ukrainian law enforcement detained two individuals in Kyiv who were allegedly preparing a terror attack under the coordination of Russian intelligence, the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) reported on Oct. 23.

The suspects planned to detonate improvised explosives in a crowded area of the capital, aiming to cause mass civilian casualties and incite panic, according to the SBU.

The agency stated that a 20-year-old resident of Zaporizhzhia was recruited via Telegram by Russian intelligence and trained in bomb-making. She allegedly involved her 26-year-old partner in the plot. The suspect was reportedly in contact with a Russian military intelligence officer from the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Oblast and used two cell phones to connect a detonator to plastic explosives, which she had retrieved from a hidden cache.

Before the planned attack, the two were tasked with setting fire to several Ukrainian military vehicles as a test. They were apprehended while attempting to ignite an infantry fighting vehicle in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

If convicted, they face life imprisonment with confiscation of property.

Zelensky preparing action plan for Ukraine to withstand war

A source close to the Presidential Office shared this information: President Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed Ukrainian authorities to develop an internal action plan to help the country endure the ongoing war.

The plan will cover military, political, economic, and law enforcement areas, aiming to maintain national unity and drive progress in various sectors. According to the source, the document is expected to be presented by the end of 2024, although it may take several more weeks to finalize.

This internal plan is separate from Zelensky's recently unveiled five-point victory plan, prioritizing Ukraine’s invitation to NATO and including defense, economic growth, and post-war security measures. Zelensky's victory plan also contains three classified addenda shared with international partners.

The action plan is intended to complement ongoing efforts and bridge the gap toward a successful peace summit.