Victory Chronicles-DAY 1001

The Pentagon has stated that it was not surprised by Russia’s recent update to its nuclear doctrine. However, the Pentagon has also indicated that it does not see any indication that Russia is preparing to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. 

Deputy Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh mentioned that Russia had signaled its intention to update its nuclear doctrine over the past few weeks. Still, the Pentagon views this as the same kind of rhetoric seen in the past. Singh emphasized that the Pentagon will continue to monitor the situation, but it does not believe any changes need to be made to its own nuclear posture.

According to The Times, Ukraine currently possesses only around 50 ATACMS tactical missiles from the United States. The report explains that these missiles are highly sought after globally, with countries like Australia, South Korea, Romania, Greece, Turkey, Poland, and Morocco receiving them. As a result, Ukraine finds itself at the bottom of the delivery list. While the publication notes that the Pentagon has not provided specific details, it is estimated that the Ukrainian government currently has approximately 50 ATACMS missiles. Although Ukraine possesses enough HIMARS and MLRS missile launchers to utilize these missiles, the limited supply means that the Ukrainian military command will have to select targets in Russia to attack carefully.

Multiple buildings, including a kindergarten, a school, three office buildings, two shops, and agricultural machinery, were damaged by falling debris in the Kyiv region. The drone debris resulted from a Russian attack. The damage primarily involved shattered windows, doors, and roofs. However, critical and residential infrastructure remained unharmed. Additionally, a service station was affected by the incident.

The 412th NEMESIS battalion from November 12th to November 18th, the unit successfully destroyed or damaged various targets. This includes 3 tanks, 4 self-propelled artillery systems, 9 units of vehicles and special equipment, 3 armored personnel carriers, 1 air defense system, 63 guns, howitzers, anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), and mortars. Additionally, 18 electronic warfare and intelligence stations and facilities were targeted, along with 13 infrastructure facilities, 69 shelters, and 72 remote mines. 

Ukrainian forces conducted the first ATAMCS strike on Russian territory overnight on November 18 to 19, hitting a Russian ammunition depot in Karachev, Bryansk Oblast – days after obtaining permission to conduct such strikes. 

Ukrainian military officials, including the Ukrainian General Staff, reported on November 19 that Ukrainian forces struck the Russian military’s 67th Main Military and Artillery Directorate (GRAU) arsenal of the 1046th Logistics Support Center near Karachev on the night of November 18 to 19 and that the strike caused an initial detonation and 12 secondary explosions. A Ukrainian military source told Ukrainian outlet RBK-Ukraine on November 19 that Ukrainian forces used US-provided ATACMS missiles to conduct the strike. Head of Ukraine’s Center for Combatting Disinformation Lieutenant Andriy Kovalenko stated that the 67th GRAU arsenal contained artillery ammunition, including North Korean-provided shells, as well as guided glide bombs, air defense missiles, and rockets for multiple launch rocket launchers (MLRS). 

The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) claimed that Ukrainian forces launched six ballistic missiles, including ATACMS, at a military facility in Bryansk Oblast and that Russian S-400 and Pantsir air defense systems shot down five missiles and damaged one. The Russian MoD claimed that missile fragments fell onto a military facility in Bryansk Oblast, causing a fire, but that the strike did not cause any damages or casualties. Russian opposition outlet Astra stated that Ukrainian forces also struck the “Veza” ventilation plant and buildings in Karachev, Podsosonki, and Baykova. Russian sources posted footage purportedly showing the ATACMS strike and its aftermath.

Western officials also provided additional clarity on Ukraine’s ability to use Western-provided long-range weapons systems to strike military objects in Russia. EU High Commissioner Josep Borrell stated on November 18 that the US authorized Ukraine’s use of US-provided weapons up to 300 kilometers inside Russia. US Assistant Secretary of State Brian Nichols told Brazilian outlet O Globo on November 19 that US President Biden issued the authorization for Ukraine to use US-provided weapons to strike into Russia, stating that the authorization will give Ukraine a greater ability to defend itself.

ISW previously assessed that restrictions on Ukraine’s ability to conduct long-range strikes into Russian territory enabled Russia to maintain sanctuary space within its near and far-rear and leverage that sanctuary space for its military operations against Ukraine. Ukrainian long-range strikes against military objects within Russia’s rear are crucial for degrading Russian military capabilities throughout the theater. These permissions, if as extensive as reported, are a new capability for Ukraine that may significantly degrade Russia’s war effort.

Junior Sergeant Vasyl “Major” Lapychak died on 17 July 2024 while performing a combat mission near the village of Rybalkyne, Kharkiv region. The fighter was 53 years old.

Vasyl was born and lived in Lviv. He studied at Lviv Secondary School №7, graduated from the College of Automobile and Road Construction of Lviv Polytechnic National University, and served in the military. Throughout his life, he worked in several fields: transport, construction,and security. He was fond of nature, music, films, and cars.

In 2014-2016, the man took part in the ATO. After serving at the Main Training Centre of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine named after Major General Ihor Momot, he joined the units of the Medical Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In 2020, he defended the state in the ranks of the 14th Separate Mechanised Brigade named after Prince Roman the Great.

With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Vasyl returned to the front. He served in the 1st Border Guard Detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine. He held the position of Border Guard Inspector of the 3rd category. He fought in Donetsk and Kharkiv regions. The border guard was buried in his hometown. Vasyl is survived by his mother, wife and two sons.

*Vasyl’s story in the Heroes Memorial – a platform for stories about the fallen defenders of Ukraine.

• The Times: US approves Ukraine’s use of long-range Storm Shadow missiles
• The Economist: Fighting in Ukraine could wind down in 2025
• Kremlin denies Putin may agree to ceasefire in Ukraine
• Reuters: Starmer says Britain won’t be deterred by ‘irresponsible’ nuclear rhetoric from Russia
• WP: Biden approves antipersonnel mines for Ukraine, undoing his own policy
• Denmark transferred six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine
• US will send Ukraine at least $275 million in new weapons in push to bolster Kyiv before Trump