Russia gains more advantage in the East, France supports Ukraine's victory plan
Russia takes control of more villages in Donetsk, continues to push back Ukraine in Kursk. France declares support for Kiev's "victory plan".
According to TASS, on October 19, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that its army had taken control of the village of Zoryanoye in the Donetsk region, thereby opening up access to the strategic city of Kurakhove.
In the Kursk region, Russian troops repelled Ukrainian attacks in the Leonidovo district, causing the enemy to lose 720 soldiers in 24 hours. Since the beginning of August, Ukraine has lost 24,000 soldiers and 167 tanks in the fighting in Kursk.
On the same day, the British Ministry of Defense's intelligence agency revealed that Russia had gained more advantages in Kharkiv. "Moscow forces are now about 20 km south of the city of Kupiansk. Russian pressure could hinder Ukraine's military operations on the east bank of the Oskil River in the coming weeks," the British side said.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainian Air Force accused Russia of deploying more than 100 missiles and UAVs to attack at night. Ukraine later confirmed that it had intercepted 42 UAVs and 4 missiles of the opponent.
France supports Ukraine's victory plan
According to Pravda, on October 19, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot visited Kiev and met with President Volodymyr Zelensky. There, Mr. Barrot voiced his support for Kiev's "victory plan" and called on his partners to do the same.
"If Russia wins, the international order will fall into chaos. That is why we should focus on achieving the goals of President Zelensky's plan," Mr. Barrot said.
On the Ukrainian side, President Zelensky thanked the French Government and called on Western partners to cooperate to ensure lasting peace.
