Russia’s defence ministry has released footage of Russian Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu inspecting a tactical missile plant in the Moscow region.
The visit showcased an assessment of the plant’s production processes as captured in footage released today (27th September).
Minister Shoigu, accompanied by Moscow region Governor Andrei Vorobyov, undertook a thorough examination of the plant’s production facilities and observed the intricate assembly of high-precision weapons of mass destruction.
During the visit, Minister Shoigu expressed optimism about the corporation’s performance, highlighting: “Tactical Missile Corporation occupies the first and advanced positions.
“We very much hope that the gained rates will not only be maintained in 2024 but increased in certain areas.
“Our joint work has yielded tangible results, with a substantial increase in production volume, particularly vital in the context of special military operations”.
He also emphasised the importance of supporting the plant, including addressing financial matters related to the state defence order, and acknowledged the recruitment of specialists from various regions to tackle critical tasks.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) of the Russian Federation also indicated a significant upsurge in high-precision weapon production over the past six months, with volumes allegedly doubling and even increasing by 3.5 to five times in certain product ranges.
This growth, they claimed, can be attributed to enhanced labour productivity, modernisation efforts, and a transition to a continuous 24/7 work schedule. Additional personnel have been enlisted, including specialists from other enterprises.
The Russian MoD said that Minister Shoigu’s visit underscored Russia’s commitment to enhancing its armed forces. He cited improved military training and the supply of modern weapons as pivotal factors.
He projected that by 2025, the defence department would achieve its goals in terms of weapons production, marking a significant milestone in Russia’s military capabilities.
Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February 2022 in what the Kremlin is still calling a “special military operation”. Today marks the 581st day of the full-scale war.
The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February 2022 and 27th September 2023, Russia had lost about 276,990 personnel, 4,675 tanks, 8,950 armoured combat vehicles, 6,337 artillery units, 792 multiple launch rocket systems, 534 air defence systems, 315 warplanes, 316 helicopters, 4,948 drones, 1,529 cruise missiles, 20 warships, 1 submarine, 8,792 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 927 units of special equipment.
Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.
Spokesman of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Pavlo Kovalchuk said that on 26th September, Russia launched yet another strike at Ukraine using 38x Iranian Shahed-136/131 combat UAVs.
The strike reportedly caused significant damage to the port infrastructure of Odesa oblast.
Kovalchuk added that the Ukrainian Defence Forces continue to fight to the east and to the south of Ukraine.
Ukrainian defence forces reported they continue their offensive operation near Melitopol and offensive operations near Bakhmut, inflicting losses in manpower and equipment on the occupation forces.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with the President of the National Council of Austria Wolfgang Sobotka on 26th September.
During the meeting, Zelenskyy thanked Austria for supporting his country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and for its significant assistance in overcoming the consequences of the Russian war against Ukraine.
Zelenskyy also reiterated the importance of adopting a positive decision on the opening of negotiations on Ukraine’s EU membership’ adding: “Support for Ukraine’s European aspirations is very important.
“It is one of the factors that motivate Ukrainians defending the state and the nation’s future.”
Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal thanked Austria for comprehensive humanitarian, economic and financial assistance, in particular for the prompt restoration of critical infrastructure facilities.
He said: “Humanitarian demining is one of the fundamental elements of reconstruction. We appreciate the help in the amount of EUR 2 million for this direction.
“We must give a decisive joint response to any blackmail by Russia. In this regard, it is important to further strengthen sanctions.”
Andriy Yermak, the head of Ukrainian President’s office, said on 26th September that the United States had announced additional sanctions against several companies involved in the production of war drones being supplied to Russia.
Yermak added: “This is good news. It is nice that our partners take the suggestions into account and respond to the relevant information.”
