Victory Chronicles-DAY 1009

During a massive Russian attack on Ukraine, 12 hits were recorded, mainly targeting fuel and energy sector facilities. The enemy’s tactics aim to deplete Ukrainian air defense systems. The Air Force provided details on the attack, stating that nearly 90 percent of the Kalibr and X-101 cruise missiles were shot down in the air battle. Additionally, three guided missiles and 35 enemy UAVs were downed, with over 60 lost in the area. The enemy has used many missiles and drones during air attacks, often surpassing the available defense resources. They also employ modern air attack methods, including heat and radar traps and electronic warfare personal protective equipment mounted on missiles. These tactics pose challenges for the Soviet-made anti-aircraft missile systems used by the Ukrainian Air Force. However, Western systems are more effective in such conditions, although Ukraine lacks sufficient resources to cover all its facilities reliably.

The Biden administration is preparing a $725 million arms package for Ukraine as part of efforts to support Kyiv. The package is expected to include a variety of anti-tank weapons, anti-personnel mines, drones, Stinger missiles, ammunition for HIMARS systems, and cluster munitions for use in GMLRS missiles. The goal is to deter Russian troops and enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities. A U.S. official familiar with the plan stated that the official notification to Congress about the arms package may be submitted as early as Monday. 

The Netherlands has announced that it will transfer three Patriot missile launchers to Ukraine in response to the ongoing Russian aggression and air strikes. Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans emphasized that Ukraine is facing a brutal winter, and transferring these launchers will help save lives and protect vital infrastructure. The decision is seen as a clear message of support from the Netherlands to Ukraine in its struggle against Russian aggression. The Patriot launchers are known for their effectiveness in providing air defense and will enhance Ukraine’s capabilities to defend itself.

Border guards of the ‘Pomsta’ brigade destroyed eight vehicles, a boat, a petrol tanker, two ammunition depots, and two fuel and lubricants near Kerminna. Also, three occupants were killed, and four more were wounded. This was reported by the official channel of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine.

Ukrainian forces continue to leverage Western-provided weapons to conduct strikes using more complex strike packages against military objects in Russia’s deep rear.

Russian and local Crimean sources claimed that Ukrainian forces conducted a complex drone and missile strike against occupied Sevastopol on November 27, reportedly using Neptune anti-ship missiles, modified S-200 air defense missiles, unspecified ballistic missiles, Western-provided Storm Shadow missiles, and 40 strike drones.

The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) claimed that Russian forces intercepted 25 Ukrainian drones over occupied Crimea and the Black Sea. Russian sources claimed that Ukrainian forces targeted the Nakhimov Higher Naval School in occupied Sevastopol and the nearby Belbek Airfield, and an image published on November 27 shows a smoke plume reportedly near the naval school.

Russian sources denied reports that the strike damaged the school, however. Ukrainian official military sources have not commented on this strike at the time of this report’s publication. ISW continues to assess that the provision of long-range strike weapons to Ukrainian forces will allow Ukrainian forces to augment their existing long-range strike capabilities and scale up the effects Ukraine can generate through long-range strikes against Russian rear areas.

Ukrainian defender Yurii “Yurii” Siliuk died on 26 April 2024 near the village of Arkhangelske, Donetsk region. The fighter was evacuating his wounded fellow defenders from the battlefield in an evacuation vehicle when an enemy FPV drone hit his windscreen. The defender received injuries incompatible with life. He was 49 years old.

Yurii was born in Lutsk, Volyn region. After graduating from secondary school, he entered Vocational School No. 9, where he received a degree in general machine tool operator. He was fond of photography, video filming and film editing. He worked as a cameraman for local and national TV channels. He was a biker for more than 15 years.

In a full-scale war, he defended the country as a member of the 100th separate mechanised brigade. He served as a service number of a fire support company.

During his service, the warrior was awarded the ‘Badge of Valour’ by the commander of the ‘Liman’ operational and tactical group, the ‘War Veteran’ badge, and the medal ‘For the Defence of Bakhmut’.

‘Dad was brave and would never have acted differently, he went to save his comrades,’ said his daughter Victoria. The defender was buried in the village of Garazdzha in Volyn. Yurii is survived by his parents, brother, daughter and two granddaughters.

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

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