Victory Chronicles-DAY 1024

The United States has announced a new $500 million aid package for Ukraine.  The package includes weapons and equipment to help Ukraine defend itself against attacks from Russia. The assistance is part of the increased security assistance that President Biden promised on September 26. The package details include munitions to counter unmanned aerial systems, ammunition for artillery missile systems, anti-radar missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles, mine-resistant and ambush-protected vehicles, tactical vehicles, and equipment for protection against chemical and nuclear weapons. 

Additionally, the package includes anti-tank systems, ammunition for small arms, grenades, training equipment, demolition equipment, and spare parts. 

During a recent attack, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy revealed that Russia launched 93 missiles at Ukraine, with 81 of them being successfully intercepted, including 11 cruise missiles shot down by F-16 fighters. The attack also involved the use of approximately 200 drones by the occupiers. Zelenskyy described this as one of the largest strikes on Ukraine’s energy sector. Notably, one of the missiles was identified as being of North Korean origin. Zelenskyy called on world leaders to support Ukraine by providing modern air defense systems, specifically mentioning the need for Patriot systems, in order to effectively intercept missiles. He also emphasized the importance of strengthening sanctions against Russia to restrict its ability to produce weapons. Zelenskyy condemned the attack as part of Putin’s destructive plan and urged for a strong international response to halt this act of terror.

Russian attacks on Ukrainian territory caused damage to an industrial facility in the Ternopil region, resulting in a large-scale fire. Rescue teams comprising 57 rescuers and 16 units of equipment were deployed to address the aftermath of the emergency. In Prykarpattia, the enemy targeted critical infrastructure sites, but the prompt response from rescuers enabled the rapid extinguishing of fires caused by the shelling. Mobile operational groups from the State Emergency Service are currently assessing the effects of debris falling in various areas of the region. Fortunately, there were no reported casualties or injuries.

The 37th Separate Marine Brigade and the 505th Separate Marine Battalion have successfully destroyed over 40 units of equipment and weapons belonging to the occupiers. This achievement was accomplished in just 10 days in the month of December. The Ukrainian Navy announced this significant result through their official channel. 

Ukrainian officials denied Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s claim that Ukraine rejected his offer to mediate a Christmas ceasefire and a large-scale prisoner of war (POW) exchange with Russia. Orban accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on December 11 of rejecting his proposal for a ceasefire and POW swap with Russia — a statement that Russian authorities subsequently used to forward Russia’s ongoing information operation portraying Ukraine as unwilling to engage in POW exchanges and broader peace talks.

 Ukrainian presidential aide Dmytro Lytvyn responded on December 12, stating that Hungarian officials did not discuss anything with Ukraine or inform Ukraine about Orban’s December 11 call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Lytvyn added that Ukraine has been negotiating with Russia for two weeks about a large-scale POW exchange at the end of 2024.

Zelensky criticized Orban’s direct engagement with Putin without consulting Ukraine and stated that Orban is undermining European unity around support to Ukraine. Russia — not Ukraine — has previously demonstrated an unwillingness to conduct POW exchanges, as Russia reportedly rebuffed Ukrainian overtures for exchanges for months before the start of Ukraine’s offensive in Kursk Oblast in August 2024.

The 35-year-old paratrooper Yaroslav “Svityaz” Mishchuk died on 15 February 2024 near the village of Klishchiyivka, Donetsk region. In a battle with the enemy, he sustained explosive shrapnel wounds. He was considered missing for more than a month.

Yaroslav was born in the village of Svityaz in Volyn. After graduating from Svityaz secondary school, he studied at the Shatsk Forestry College named after V.V. Sulko. For some time he lived and worked in Lutsk, then returned to his native Svityaz. From an early age, he was fond of fishing. His special element was trophy pikes, which he caught on Lake Svityaz. He was a skilful woodworker and took good care of his home gardens and vegetation.

On 1 December 2023, the man was mobilised into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 80th separate airborne assault brigade, where he held the position of assistant grenade launcher.

‘Yaroslav was a loving godfather, a good brother and son. He always came to the aid of those who needed it. His caring, wisdom and love were decisive in his relationships with people. He always stood up for his family! ‘Don’t worry! I’m fine!’ was the only thing he would say. And even when he was at his lowest, he worried about us so that we wouldn’t worry about him. He knew how much we were worried. He knew how much we loved him. And more than anything else, he was afraid and disliked our tears. My godfather was an extremely good and bright man, a man of his word. His love was special. It was real. He loved with actions, not just words. And I always felt it. He taught me many important things in life, he was and remains my support, my best godfather in the world,’ said Alina, the goddaughter and niece of the deceased.

On 26 March 2024, the soldier was buried in his native village. Yaroslav is survived by his sisters, goddaughter (niece) and girlfriend.

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

• WSJ: Trump backs sending European troops to Ukraine to monitor ‘ceasefire’
• Six countries and EU pledge to increase support for Ukraine
• NATO secretary general: Losses of parties in Russian war against Ukraine exceed one million people
• The Dutch court has finally confirmed the legality of The Hague arbitration award granting compensation to Naftogaz Group for the assets seized by Russia in Crimea
• EU Defence Commissioner spends morning in Kyiv shelter due to Russian attack – photo