Victory Chronicles-DAY 1119

A Russian drone attack overnight on March 17 destroyed an oil refinery in the town of Merefa in northeastern Ukraine, which is ultimately owned by the U.S.-based AES Corporation, the company’s Ukrainian subsidiary reported.

The Virginia-based company said that  the facility was hit by around 20 drones over a two-hour aerial attack. This marks the fourth attack on the refinery since February 2022. Before the strike, the plant was operating at only 10 percent capacity capacity, but the latest attack has completely destroyed it.

“The fourth attack proved fatal for the business. We are now facing bankruptcy,” the company said, adding that legal action in international courts is an option, though prospects remain uncertain. Due to its location, the refinery had supplied fuel to Ukraine’s military 

Survey: Most Americans support Ukraine, see Trump as favoring Russia. A majority of Americans support Ukraine in its war against Russia, while nearly half believe former U.S. President Donald Trump sides with Moscow, according to a new NBC News poll released on March 17.

Among registered U.S. voters, 61 percent expressed support for Ukraine, while only 2 percent backed Russia. Another 35 percent remained neutral, and 2 percent were unsure.

When asked about Trump’s stance, 49 percent said he favors Russia, while 40 percent believed he remains neutral. Only 8 percent saw him as supporting Ukraine, and 3 percent were unsure.

Support for Ukraine was highest among Democrats (88percent), independent voters (59 percent), and those with higher education and income levels. Meanwhile, 57 percent of Republican voters said they support neither side.

Regarding Trump’s position, 70 percent of Republicans said he remains neutral, while 14 percent believe he supports Russia, and 13percent think he favors Ukraine.

Russian drone attack sparks fires at two businesses in Dnipropetrovsk region. A Russian drone strike caused fires at two enterprises in the southern Dnipropetrovsk region, Ukraine’s State Emergency Service reported on March 17. A total of 133 firefighters and 42 emergency vehicles were deployed to contain the blazes. All fires have been extinguished, and no casualties were reported.

Ukrainian border guards destroy Russian battle tank, armored vehicle in Kharkiv region. Ukrainian border guards from the Phoenix UAV unit destroyed a Russian T-72 tank and an MT-LB light amphibious armored vehicle in Kharkiv region, the State Border Guard Service reported on March 17.

Russian forces had concealed their equipment in forested areas in preparation for an assault, but fighters from the Vengeance Brigade detected and eliminated the vehicles, disrupting enemy plans.

Key Takeaways:

• Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin appears to have been partially successful in holding the ceasefire proposal hostage as part of his efforts to extract preemptive concessions from US President Donald Trump in negotiations to end the war.
• Russian officials continue to demonstrate that Russia’s aim of destroying Ukrainian sovereignty remains unchanged since before Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022.
• The Kremlin continues to reject the prospect of European peacekeepers in Ukraine, in opposition to US and Ukrainian positions on the matter and impeding the establishment of a stable, lasting peace to end the war.
• A strong Ukrainian military backed by security guarantees remains the most important component of a sustainable peace in Ukraine and deterrence of future Russian aggression.
• The United States announced its withdrawal from war crimes monitoring agencies related to the war in Ukraine – essentially a unilateral concession to Russia with no Russian concessions in return.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy replaced Chief of General Staff Lieutenant General Anatoliy Barhylevych with Major General Andriy Hnatov on March 16.
• Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Toretsk, and Russian forces recently advanced near Toretsk and Velyka Novosilka and in western Zaporizhia Oblast.
• Russian occupation officials continue to develop analogues to the federal “Time of Heroes” programming in occupied Ukraine as part of long-term efforts to integrate occupied Ukraine into Russia and militarize society in occupied Ukraine.

Ukrainian soldier Vladyslav Symonov killed in combat near Izium. Pvt. Vladyslav Symonov, known by the call sign “Siments,” was killed on Nov. 28, 2024, near the village of Kopanky in Izium district, Kharkiv region. He was 24 years old

That day, a Russian sabotage group of 10 soldiers launched an assault. Symonov, holding the line, engaged the enemy and single-handedly eliminated seven Russian fighters before being killed by enemy fire and a drone strike.

Born in Nikopol, Dnipropetrovsk region, Symonov studied at the Bila Tserkva National Agrarian University. An avid athlete, he practiced sambo, judo, and played soccer while  competing in tournaments. Before joining the military, he worked abroad.

At the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, he volunteered for the 35th Marine Brigade and fought in battles in Kherson, Kharkiv, and Donetsk regions. In December 2023, he joined the 3rd Assault Brigade, serving as a rifleman and gunner in operations on the Kurakhove, Izium, and Luhansk fronts. He was repeatedly honored for bravery.

“My son was always positive, incredibly brave, and devoted to his comrades. He was a patriot of his country,” said his mother, Svitlana Usata.

“He never hurt anyone, always helped, comforted, and embraced. His smile was the brightest. He was strong and a true warrior. I am grateful for his example—never to give up, always to move forward,” wrote his friend, Anastasiia Budnyk.

Symonov was buried in the Alley of Glory at the Nikopol cemetery. He is survived by his parents, relatives, and friends.

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

• Bloomberg: Putin wants US to stop all arms shipments to Ukraine for ‘truce’
• UK and EU advance talks on seizing frozen Russian assets
• WHO: Ukraine and 7 other countries may be left without HIV medicines due to USAID aid cuts
• Trump comments on spat with Zelenskyy in Oval Office: We had to get Ukraine to do the right thing
• Dutch public broadcaster: EU states and Ukraine report Russia’s interference with satellites to the UN
• UK reportedly hopes US drones, satellites will help monitor Ukraine ceasefire
• The Times: Keir Starmer ready to put British troops in Ukraine for years