Russians hit Odesa with Iskander missiles

Russian forces launched a missile attack on the city of Odesa on 20 September, causing damage to port infrastructure and a civilian vessel. According to Oleh Kiper, Head of the Odesa Oblast Military Administration, the wreckage from an Iskander-M missile struck the area, damaging a civilian vessel flying the Antiguan flag.

Four civilians were injured in the attack and are currently receiving medical assistance. Emergency response teams are addressing the aftermath of the strike.

Zelenskyy reveals new detail of "victory plan" which he will show to Biden

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has disclosed new details about a "victory plan" he intends to present to U.S. President Joe Biden during their upcoming meeting. Speaking at a joint press conference with the President of the European Commission in Kyiv, Zelenskyy emphasized that he would not reveal specifics before discussing the plan with Biden.

Zelenskyy highlighted that while many aspects of the plan depend on various international allies, key decisions rest with President Biden. He expressed optimism that Biden would support the plan, which would require rapid decisions from Ukraine’s partners. Zelenskyy outlined that the plan is designed to be implemented between October and December.

The "victory plan" reportedly consists of four points focused on strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities, with an additional component to be addressed after the war. When asked about alternatives if the plan is not supported, Zelenskyy remarked that Ukraine is already living in "plan B," referencing the ongoing struggle against the full-scale Russian invasion, and Ukraine's reliance on military aid and sanctions against Russia.

Zelenskyy is expected to visit the U.S. next week to present this plan to Biden, as well as U.S. presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

Russians drop glide bombs on Kharkiv, three people injured

Russian forces have launched two aerial attacks on the city of Kharkiv using guided bombs, causing several casualties and damage to civilian areas.

According to Oleh Syniehubov, Head of Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, and Ihor Terekhov, Mayor of Kharkiv, three civilians were injured in the city's Osnovianskyi district during the strikes. Syniehubov also reported ongoing Russian attacks across Kharkiv Oblast, particularly targeting civilian populations.

Earlier, around 14:00, the town of Ivashky in the Zolochiv hromada was hit by Russian forces, resulting in moderate injuries to a man and a woman, while another man suffered minor injuries. Seven strikes damaged a private house and a car.

Later, after 15:00, the settlement of Kivsharivka in the Kupiansk district was struck. As of 17:00, two civilians, a 43-year-old man and a 53-year-old woman, were confirmed dead, and at least two other women were injured.

Emergency services are currently working at the scene, and further details are being confirmed.

Russians advance in Toretsk and near New-York in Donetsk Oblast

Analysts from the DeepState project updated the map on the night of 19-20 September, indicating that the Russians had advanced near three settlements in Donetsk Oblast and in the town of Toretsk.

Kremlin increases drone production to showcase efforts to offset war losses

Analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) have noted that the Kremlin is intensifying efforts to boost drone production as part of a strategy to mitigate the social and economic strains caused by the protracted war in Ukraine.

On 19 September, President Vladimir Putin met with Russia's Military-Industrial Commission to discuss expanding the country's drone production capabilities. He highlighted the growing role of drones in modern warfare, particularly evident in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Putin reported that Russian companies had delivered approximately 140,000 drones to Russian forces in 2023 and outlined a plan to increase production to 1.4 million drones by 2024.

Putin emphasized the need to improve both the scale and quality of drone production, praising private companies for producing drones that he claimed were on par with those from state defence manufacturers. He also pointed out that all drones are rigorously tested by the Russian Defence Ministry before being sent to the frontlines.

However, a Deutsche Welle (DW) investigation suggested that some Russian irregular forces might be using newly-developed drones in attacks on Ukrainian civilians, potentially to fast-track testing. Russian military bloggers have frequently criticized the poor quality of state-manufactured drones while commending private producers for delivering more effective models.