Russian Army manpower losses as of September 16: 634, 860
Children killed (according to the Prosecutor General Office of Ukraine): 575
Putin signs decree increasing number of military personnel, staff to 2.38 million
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree on September 16 increasing the number of the Russian Armed Forces from roughly 2.2 million to 2,389,130 people, including 1.5 million military personnel. The decree will take effect on December 1, 2024, and will increase the total number of Russian military personnel and staff by 180,000. The last time the staffing level was increased was in December 2023. It amounted to 2,209,130 people, including 1,320,000 military personnel.
Russia receives at least $1 bn in profits from grain stolen in occupied Ukraine
Russia profited at least $1 billion from selling grain stolen from occupied Ukrainian territories, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. This scheme of selling Ukrainian grain involves a complex network of actors benefiting from Moscow’s wartime patronage system. Ukraine is one of the world’s largest grain exporters, particularly wheat and corn. Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, grain exports from Ukraine have been significantly disrupted, causing concerns about global food security. The theft and illegal sale of grain from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories has further complicated the situation, with reports indicating Russia has profited substantially from this illicit trade.
Ukraine's Foreign Ministry calls on Red Cross and UN to join civilian protection efforts in Russia's Kursk Oblast
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has appealed to the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to join humanitarian response efforts in the areas of Russia's Kursk Oblast currently under the control of Ukrainian forces. The ministry emphasized that Ukraine adheres to all norms and principles of international humanitarian law and human rights while effectively controlling certain areas of Russia's Kursk Oblast. This includes protecting civilians during combat operations.
Denmark to deliver batch of F-16 aircraft to Ukraine by end of 2024 – Defense Minister
Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced that Ukraine will receive another batch of F-16 fighter jets from Denmark by the end of 2024, reports the Ritzau news agency. F-16 fighters are vital for modernizing Ukraine’s air force amid intensified Russian attacks across Ukraine. These jets also challenge Russian air superiority and better support ground operations.
Toronto Film Festival resumes ‘Russians at War’ screening, ignoring widespread criticism
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) will proceed with screenings of Russians at War, a documentary about Russian soldiers in Ukraine, after initially pausing the showings due to security concerns. This film first appeared at the Venice Film Festival and sparked outrage among the Ukrainian community and officials who claimed it to be “pure propaganda” rather than art, which downplays Russia’s war crimes and manipulates sympathy for the aggressors.
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