Victory Chronicles-DAY 1118

Germany has updated its latest military aid package for Ukraine, delivering Gepard anti-aircraft guns, Vector reconnaissance drones, and ammunition, European Pravda reported on March 17.

The latest package includes three self-propelled Gepard anti-aircraft systems and 10,000 rounds for them, along with ammunition for Leopard 1 tanks, Marder infantry fighting vehicles, and 120-millimeter  mortars.

Ukraine also received 50 Vector reconnaissance drones with spare parts, 30 tracked Gereon RCS drones, and 30 drone detection systems.

Additionally, Germany supplied IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense missiles, 5,000 rounds of 155-millimeter shells, 2,000 rounds of 122-millimeter shells, and mine-clearing vehicles including two Wisent 1 armored mine clearing vehicles, 100 portable demining systems, and two mine rollers.

The aid package also includes infrared binoculars, laser rangefinders, transport vehicles, assault rifles, and medical kits.

Over 45,000 people apply to Ukraine’s military recruitment centers. More than 45,657 people have contacted Ukraine’s Armed Forces recruitment centers, with 9,379 candidates already starting the enlistment process, the Defense Ministry reported on March 17.

Last week alone, 1,086 people applied, and 216 began enlistment procedures, the ministry said. Women comprise 21 percent of applicants, with the highest proportions in Chernivtsi (44 percent), Khmelnytskyi (39 percent), and Vinnytsia (38 percent) regions. Ukraine currently operates 49 recruitment centers, including one online center.

Rescue efforts continue after Russian drone strike in Chernihiv. Emergency crews are clearing rubble after a Russian drone strike hit a residential building in Chernihiv, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service (SES) reported on March 16.

Firefighters extinguished a blaze in the multi-story building, while rescue workers evacuated an elderly woman. No casualties have been reported, but three vehicles were damaged in the attack.

Emergency services, including psychologists, are assisting residents, and temporary shelters have been erected for those affected. Earlier reports indicated that Russian drones damaged an apartment building and two single-family .

Ukrainian forces destroy Russian repair workshop with HIMARS strike. Ukrainian forces fired HIMARS rocket systems to destroy a Russian repair shop, where troops from Russia’s 155th Marine Brigade were fixing armored vehicles, Ukraine’s “Mahura” 47th Separate Mechanized Brigade reported on March 17.

During a reconnaissance mission, Ukrainian drones spotted the workshop, where Russian forces were repairing their armored vehicles. The drone operators relayed the coordinates to Ukrainian artillery units, who launched a HIMARS strike, eliminating the site and Russian personnel inside. “Russians wanted to improve their armor, but instead improved their casualty statistics,” the brigade said.

Key Takeaways:

• US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz stated on March 16 that Ukraine will receive unspecified security guarantees in exchange for unspecified territorial concessions.
• The current frontlines do not provide the strategic depth that Ukraine will need to reliably defend against renewed Russian aggression.
• Russian officials maintain their maximalist territorial claims over all occupied Ukraine and significant parts of unoccupied Ukraine, however.
• Russian officials have given no public indications that they are willing to make concessions on their territorial or security demands of Ukraine.
• Russia continues to seize on diplomatic engagements with the United States to normalize its war demands.
• The United Kingdom  convened a virtual Coalition of the Willing summit with 25 nations on March 15 to reiterate support for Ukraine and discuss plans for peace.
• Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Borova and Russian forces advanced in Sumy Oblast and near Velyka Novosilka.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense continues efforts to posture as solving issues with the Russian military.

Ukrainian soldier Yaroslav Plyushch killed in combat near Bakhmut. Jr. Sgt. Yaroslav Plyushch, known by the call sign “Arkada,” was killed on July 2, 2024, in a Russian aerial attack near the village of Ivanivske, Bakhmut district in the Donetsk region. He was 20 years old

Born in Chornyanka, Kherson region, Plyushch loved reading, drawing, and sports, especially taekwondo. He studied to become a ship electrician at Kherson Maritime College, but the full-scale invasion disrupted his education. After fleeing the occupation with his family to Czechia, he returned six months later to join the military.

Plyushch trained in the United Kingdom as a reconnaissance specialist before serving in the Aidar 24th Assault Battalion as a drone unit commander.

He was awarded the 24th Aidar Battalion’s commemorative badge, the Wound Medal, and the distinctions “Defender of Ukraine” and “War Veteran – Combatant,” as well as the Order of Courage, 3rd Class.

“We are proud of our son. And we miss him terribly,” his parents said. Plyushch was buried in the Alley of Glory in Brovary, Kyiv region. He is survived by his father, Oleh, and mother, Oksana.

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

• EU Council approves 3.5 billion euro  installment for Ukraine
• Ukraine’s Foreign Minister: Russia has no right to set any conditions for a ceasefire
• US secretary of state on ending Russia’s war against Ukraine: there’s Plan A and Plan B
• Trump says will speak with Putin on March 18to discuss ending Ukraine war
• Ukraine’s defense minister: Ukraine’s defense forces redeployed to more advantageous defence lines in Russia’s Kursk Oblast
• Trump’s national security adviser: Ukraine may lose territory in exchange for security guarantees
• Ukraine’s commander-in-chief: Russia has lost 100,000 military personnel in 2025