Victory Chronicles-DAY 869

Russia continues its attempts to destabilize Ukraine as part of a disinformation campaign, aiming to intimidate Ukrainians with the threat of new terrorist acts. According to Russian media citing Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Center for Countering Disinformation (CCD), Russia alleges Ukraine is planning to destroy dams at the Kyiv Hydroelectric Power Station and the Kaniv Reservoir to blame Russia.

These Kremlin statements are intended to sow panic among Ukrainians. Simultaneously, narratives circulating within Ukrainian society suggest the necessity of “peace at any cost,” effectively implying capitulation. The enemy hopes that Ukrainians, influenced by fear, will demand concessions from Russia.

However, according to the CCD, “Despite Zakharova’s statement appearing to provide Russia an alibi ahead of a potential attack, Russia lacks the means and capabilities to destroy dams near Kyiv and Kaniv. Missile strikes are impractical, and sabotage operations are ruled out, as the dams are under heightened security.”

Canada has committed to providing 389 million Canadian dollars to train Ukrainian pilots in F-16 fighter jets, as part of a military aid package to Ukraine. The funds will be used to support the training of Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) pilots and ensure the safe operation of the F-16 fighters in Ukraine. 

The press release also revealed details of the previously announced military aid package, which includes nearly 444 million Canadian dollars to support the cost of military equipment, assistance, and training for the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Additionally, over 56 million Canadian dollars will be provided to the NATO Comprehensive Assistance Package (CAP) Trust Fund for Ukraine, intended to help rebuild Ukraine’s security and defense sector and facilitate its transition to full interoperability with NATO. 

Russian forces are dropping up to 25 guided aerial bombs daily on the Vovchansk community in the Kharkiv Oblast. Despite heavy fire from the occupiers, local police officers are continuing to help the people. The police promptly arrive at the scene, extinguish fires, evacuate people and animals in collaboration with volunteers, and offer first aid to the victims. On the morning of July 11, three enemy-guided aerial bombs hit residential buildings in the village of Bilyi Kolodyazh, causing damage and cutting power lines. A local resident was injured and received first aid from the police. 

A field of wheat measuring nearly 4 hectares in the Pologiv district of Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia Oblast has been set on fire due to shelling by Russian troops. The blaze was further fueled by hot, dry weather conditions, causing the fire to spread rapidly. The State Emergency Service of Ukraine faced difficulty in extinguishing the fire due to the risk of continued shelling. 

Russian authorities reportedly attempted to assassinate leading figures in the European defense industrial base (DIB), likely as part of Russian efforts to disrupt and deter Western aid to Ukraine and Russia’s wider efforts to destabilize NATO members. 

CNN reported on July 11 that five US and Western officials stated that US intelligence uncovered a Kremlin plan in early 2024 to assassinate German arms manufacturer Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger.

US intelligence reportedly informed the German government, which was able to foil the plot. CNN reported that the planned assassination against Papperger was one of multiple plans to kill European defense industry executives, but that the plot against Papperger was the “most mature.” European authorities have reported that Russian actors and proxies have conducted sabotage and other hybrid warfare operations aimed at deterring and disrupting Western aid to Ukraine, and NATO and its member states have repeatedly warned about intensifying Russian hybrid operations on NATO member territory.

Ukrainian Fighter Daniil Vinohradchyi, with the call sign Medved, died on January 15, 2024, in the village of Orlyanske, Kharkiv Oblast. While performing a combat mission, he came under enemy fire.

Daniil Oleksandrovych was a native of the village of Trykraty, Mykolaiv Oblast. He graduated from Voznesenskyi College of Mykolaiv National Agrarian University, receiving a junior specialist’s degree in Entrepreneurship, Trade, and Exchange Activities. He is a software technician by profession. In civilian life, he worked as a security guard in Kherson. He loved computer games.  

During the full-scale invasion, he defended Ukraine as a 14th Separate Mechanized Brigade member named after Prince Roman the Great. He held the position of senior rifleman-operator and was awarded the “Combatant” badge.

“My son was cheerful, fair, had many friends. Everyone respected him, no one ever said a bad word about him. Danychka always came to the rescue, no matter what,” said Yulia Vynohradcha. The fighter was buried in his native village. Daniil is survived by his parents, sister and brother.

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

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