Victory Chronicles-DAY 1346

Ukraine’s security chief has disclosed that Ukrainian intelligence services destroyed one of Russia’s experimental Oreshnik missiles on Russian soil in the summer of 2023.

Speaking at a briefing on Oct. 31, Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) Head Vasyl Maliuk said the operation was a joint effort by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence (DIU), the SSU, and the Foreign Intelligence Service (FIS). The missile was destroyed at the Kapustin Yar testing range in Russia’s Astrakhan region.

“We have never mentioned this before, but one of the three Oreshnik missiles was successfully destroyed on their territory,” Maliuk said, adding that “the destruction was 100%.” He noted the mission remained classified at the time, known only to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and a few foreign leaders.

The Oreshnik, developed by Russia as a next-generation strategic missile, was still in early testing when Ukraine struck it, before Moscow began widely publicizing the system.

Ukraine strikes nearly 160 Russian oil sites in 2025, intelligence chief says. Ukraine has carried out almost 160 successful attacks on Russian oil production and refining facilities since the start of 2025, the head of the Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) said Oct. 31.

Speaking alongside President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, SSU Chief Vasyl Maliuk said 20 of those strikes took place in September and October alone, hitting six oil refineries, two terminals, three fuel depots and nine pumping stations. He said the operations have caused a 20 percent fuel shortage in Russia, forced 37 percent of its refining capacity offline, and led to fuel deficits in 57 regions – prompting Moscow to ban gasoline exports through year’s end.

Maliuk added that Ukraine’s long-range drone program continues to target Russia’s air defense systems, including the Pantsir-S units, nearly half of which have been destroyed this year. “We’re not stopping – new equipment, units and tactics are coming,” he said.

Russian shelling kills two, injures seven in Kherson. Russian forces shelled the Dnipro district of Kherson on Oct. 31, killing two civilians and injuring seven others, local officials said.

According to regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin, a 56-year-old woman died instantly from fatal injuries, and a 51-year-old man was killed in his home. The injuries include a 43-year-old man and three women aged 50, 55 and 60. Three of the injured were taken to a hospital, while one woman was treated at the scene.

Drones hit power and heating plant in Russia’s Oryol, causing equipment damage. A drone attack targeted a combined heat and power plant in the Russian city of Oryol early Oct. 31, causing damage to electrical equipment, regional officials and local media reported.

Residents reported hearing explosions overnight, and videos posted on social networks showed the moment of the strike. The outlet Astra said it geolocated the footage to the city’s power and heating facility.

The Oryol plant is the largest source of electricity and heating in the region, supplying both power and thermal energy to the city. 

Key Takeaways

• US President Donald Trump called for the United States to resume tests of its nuclear weapons, likely in response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ostentatious announcements of recent tests of Russian nuclear weapons.
• The Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced a unilateral micro-ceasefire near Kupyansk and Pokrovsk but provided no clarity on the timing of the micro-ceasefire.
• Ukrainian military sources continued to provide details about the difficult situation in the Pokrovsk pocket.
• The Kremlin is activating plans to use active reservists to protect infrastructure in the Russian rear.
• Russian forces conducted a large-scale series of missile and drone strikes including over 700 projectiles against Ukraine on the night of October 29 to 30.
• Polish fighters intercepted a Russian reconnaissance aircraft over the Baltic Sea for the second time in three days.
• Ukrainian forces advanced in northern Sumy Oblast. Russian forces advanced near Siversk, Pokrovsk, and Hulyaipole.

• Zelensky announces new “long-range sanctions” targeting Russia
• Reuters: Russia uses missile in Ukraine that led Trump to quit nuclear treaty
• Zelenskyy: Situation in Pokrovsk is difficult, 170,000 Russian troops amassed in this area
• Spain to host secret Coalition of the Willing meeting on support for Ukraine
• Latvia to deliver military aid and 65 vehicles to Ukraine
• Security Service head: Ukraine has destroyed 48% of Russian Pantsir missile systems this year
• Netherlands allocates €10 million to UK’s cybersecurity programme for Ukraine