Victory Chronicles-DAY 1265

Ukrainian Air Force jets obliterated a Russian battalion command and control post near Oleshky in the occupied part of the southern Kherson region, the military reported on Aug. 10. Twenty-five enemy troops were killed, and an estimated 11 more were wounded, according to the General Staff of Ukraine. 

Among them were senior Russian officers, including a battalion commander, chief of staff, head of engineering service, and a platoon commander, Ukraine’s military intelligence reported.

The precision strike for Ukrainians worldwide marks another example of Ukrainian armed forces delivering a significant blows deep into occupied territory while disrupting Russian command structures as the fight of liberation continues. 

Ukrainian drones hit oil refinery in Russia’s far off Komi region, sources say. Ukrainian military intelligence drones reportedly struck an oil refinery in Russia’s Komi Republic, more than 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) from Ukraine, damaging fuel and gas processing facilities, Ukrainian sources said Aug. 10. It would be equidistant from Kyiv to Spain that lies on the Iberian Sea coast. 

The attack targeted the Lukoil-operated Ukhta oil refinery, according to the sources in Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate. They said drones hit a fuel storage tank that caused  a spill, and damaged a unit used to process gas and gas condensate into propane-butane and gasoline. The refinery supplies fuel and lubricants to Russian forces in occupied territories, the sources said.

Russian strike hits Zaporizhzhia bus station, injuring 20 innocent civilians. Russian forces struck a bus station in the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia overnight on Aug. 10, injuring at least 20 civilians, regional officials said.

The attack, which local authorities said involved guided aerial bombs, damaged seven apartment buildings and several nonresidential structures, shattering windows and tearing holes in rooftops. Emergency crews worked into the night to clear debris and search for survivors. One person was pulled alive from under the rubble.

Regional Gov. Ivan Fedorov reported that the injured men and women ranging in age from their mid-20s to late 70s — suffered multiple blast injuries to their limbs, heads and abdomens. Most are in moderate condition, though some were initially listed as seriously injured.

A second airborne strike hit a university medical clinic in the city that caused damage to hospital facilities but no casualties.

Drones strike oil refinery in southeastern Russia’s Saratov, sparks large fire. Ukrainian drones hit an oil refinery overnight in the Russian city of Saratov located in the southeastern part of European Russia that is about 185 miles from the nearest point of Ukraine’s border. 

It ignited a large fire at the facility, Russian social media channels reported on Aug. 10. Videos posted online showed what sounded like drones flying overhead and air defense systems engaging targets. Residents reported a powerful explosion followed by a blaze at the refinery. Reports of air defense activity and explosions also came from Lipetsk and Voronezh regions.

Key Takeaways:

• The United States and Ukraine’s European allies agree that Europe, not the United States, will fund further military and security assistance to Ukraine.
• US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a trilateral meeting with Kremlin ruler Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during the August 15 summit in Alaska.
• The Kremlin is attempting to use the upcoming Alaska summit to divide the United States from Europe rather than engage in meaningful peace efforts.
• Ukraine’s European allies continue to signal their support for Ukraine and US-led peace efforts ahead of the Alaska summit.
• Russian tank losses appear to be declining as Russian forces continue to deprioritize mechanized assaults across the frontline, indicating that the Russian command recognizes that it cannot protect vehicles from Ukrainian drone strike capabilities on the frontline and near rear.
• Ukraine continued its long-range drone strike campaign against Russian military and energy infrastructure overnight on August 9 to 10, including the first drone strike against a target in the Komi Republic.
• Ukrainian drone manufacturers have developed a new drone capable of intercepting higher-speed Russian drones.
• Russian forces recently advanced near Lyman.

In Memoriam: Davyd Chychkan, a hero of Ukraine’s defense forces

Davyd Chychkan, a Ukrainian artist and serviceman, was killed on the Zaporizhzhia front while repelling a Russian attack. He was 39.

Born in 1986 in Kyiv, Davyd was the son of artist Illia Chychkan. Known for his socially engaged and politically resonant works, he often addressed themes of justice, memory, and freedom. His exhibitions occasionally faced violent attacks, including incidents in Kyiv in 2017 and in Lviv in 2022.

After the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Davyd joined Ukraine’s defense forces, bringing the same conviction and courage to the battlefield that he showed in his art and activism.

Davyd Chychkan is remembered as both a devoted defender and a fearless voice in Ukrainian contemporary art.

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• European                    Commission urges US not to make unilateral concessions to Russia
• Rutte doesn’t think Putin will ultimately get rewarded for invading Ukraine
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• Ukrainian ambassador to US: US will negotiate with Russia from position of strength