Victory Chronicles-DAY 1176

EU ambassadors on May 14 approved the 17th sanctions package against Russia. The decision was confirmed by a diplomat from a key EU member state, as reported by European Pravda.

The new sanctions target Russia’s “shadow fleet,” with nearly 200 vessels, including oil tankers, placed under restrictions. The package also includes sanctions against around 30 new companies involved in circumventing previous measures, particularly those supplying dual-use goods.

In addition, the EU approved 75 new individual sanctions against persons and entities connected to Russia’s military-industrial complex. Sanctions were also introduced in response to human rights violations, hybrid interference globally, and the use of chemical weapons. The package is expected to be formally adopted at the EU Foreign Affairs Council on May 20.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen confirmed the agreement in a post on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing new limits on battlefield-use technologies and the addition of 189 vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet to the list. “This war must end. We will continue to apply strong pressure on the Kremlin,” von der Leyen stated.

Momentum is also gaining for an 18th sanctions package, particularly if Russia doesn’t agree to a ceasefire, and would depend on various factors, inlcuding Russia’s actions and the consesus among EU member states. 

Survey: Public trust in Zelenskyy rises to 74 percent in early May. Public trust in President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has increased to 74 percent in the first half of May, up from 69 percent in mid-March, a new poll found conducted by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology (KIIS).

The survey, conducted on May 2-12, found that 22 percent of respondents do not trust the president. The trust–distrust balance now stands at +52 percent.

Ukrainian military test “Gnom” (Dwarf) surface drone equipped with grenade launchers and machine gun. Troops from Ukraine’s “Velykyi Luh” 65th Separate Mechanized Brigade are preparing a ground drone named Gnom for frontline deployment. The vehicle, currently undergoing testing, is armed with two rocket propelled grenade (RPG) launchers and a heavy machine gun, according to Army TV.

“This drone was provided to us for testing by the manufacturer so we can trial it in combat conditions — assess how the recoil system behaves, how the firing compensation works,” said Serhii, head of the brigade’s communications unit.

The team has been testing the system for two months. In that time, they requested design changes such as wheel replacement and independently improved weapon mounts and the antenna system.

“The goal is for it to roll up and stop an assault or fire at enemy bunkers or shelters,” explained acting company commander Mykhailo. The military says the machine gun delivers highly accurate fire. During tests, RPG launches caused no movement to the platform — the drone remained stable even when firing from a distance of 400 meters.

The tests were conducted in manual mode, meaning operators had direct visual feedback and could adjust fire accordingly. However, in combat conditions, such real-time corrections will not be possible.

Ukrainian drone strike destroys camouflaged Russian tank in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian drone operators have successfully tracked and destroyed a well-camouflaged Russian tank hidden in a tree line along the Pokrovsk front in the Donetsk region, according to the 35th Marine Brigade.

The tank, concealed by occupying forces, was located by operators from a battalion of unmanned aerial systems. A precision drone strike eliminated the armored vehicle along with its ammunition. The video of the operation was shared on the brigade’s official YouTube channel.

Key Takeaways:

• The Russian military is reportedly generating enough forces to replace losses and is reinforcing the size of the Russian force grouping in Ukraine despite experiencing an increased casualty rate per square kilometer gained. Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin appears to be embracing significant losses in exchange for diminishing returns to make battlefield gains and manage perceptions about Russia’s military capabilities to pressure Ukraine in negotiations.
• The Russian military may also be prioritizing recruitment as part of longer-term efforts to build out a post-war strategic reserve for a potential future conflict with NATO.
• Ukrainian officials recently clarified that a September 2022 presidential decree does not preclude Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from negotiating with Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin.
• The Russian military command appears to be establishing a tactical doctrine and force structure for motorcycle and civilian vehicle units in frontal assaults, underscoring the Russian military’s efforts to offset Ukraine’s drone advantages and achieve maneuver in modern ground warfare.
• Ukrainian forces recently advanced near Toretsk, and Russian forces recently advanced in Sumy Oblast and near Lyman, Toretsk, Pokrovsk, and Velyka Novosilka.

In memoriam: Ukrainian soldier Anatolii Pashaly, a hero of Ukraine’s defense forces

Pvt. Anatolii Pashaly, known by the call sign “Odesa,” was killed in action on March 18, 2024, near the village of Terny in Donetsk region. He died from injuries caused by an enemy shell while on a combat mission. He was 45.

Pashaly was born in the Black Sea port city of Odesa and completed his studies through the ninth grade at Secondary School No. 67. He began working in construction soon after — a profession that became his lifelong career. He lived in the city of Pivdenne in Odesa region and devoted nearly all of his time to work, with little free time for himself.

On Feb. 26, 2022 — just two days after the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion — Pashaly enlisted in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served as a grenadier in the 60th Mechanized Brigade.

“He was my support in life. Now I am completely alone,” said his sister, Nadiia. “It’s so hard without him…”. Pashaly was laid to rest in his hometown of Pivdenne. He is survived by his sister and several nieces and nephews.

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

• Trump uncertain on Putin’s attendance at Türkiye talks
• Over 70% of Ukrainians do not support elections during ceasefire
• Brazilian president pledges to push Putin towards talks in Istanbul
• Italy expects Russia to agree to 30-day ceasefire
• Macron promises new sanctions if Russia refuses to agree to ceasefire
• Trump says Marco Rubio to attend Russia-Ukraine talks in Turkey