Victory Chronicles-DAY 560

Russian forces launched a combined attack on Kyiv on the night of 5-6 September, using Kh-101/555/55 cruise missiles and other types, probably ballistic missiles. “Another Russian missile attack on a peaceful city with the aim of killing the civilian population and destroying infrastructure facilities. And again, the attack was not simple, but a combined one. Preliminary information indicates that Russian Tu-95MS strategic bombers launched Kh-101/555/55 cruise missiles from Saratov Oblast. At the same time, missiles of a different type, probably ballistic, were launched over Kyiv. Ukrainian air defense forces and assets destroyed all Russian targets moving toward the capital. Provisional information indicates that there were no casualties or destruction in Kyiv. The Air Force will publish official information on the number and types of downed air targets after they establish everything,” said Serhii Popko, Head of Kyiv City Military Administration.

In Ukraine, 1,184 children have been reported missing since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia, reported the press service of the National Police of Ukraine.

A fire caused by the fall of wreckage from a Russian missile on a commercial facility in Kyiv Oblast was put out on 6 September. Rescue workers have reported no casualties, reported Ukraine’s State Emergency Service.

Special police officers from Lviv Oblast are demining the de-occupied territories of Kharkiv Oblast. A combined detachment of explosive ordnance disposal specialists and special police officers from different Oblasts is working here. Among them are three officers of the Special Police Battalion of the Lviv Oblast Police – Head of the Explosive Ordnance Department Maksym Liubin, Senior Inspector Roman Vasylykevych and Inspector Ostap Budnyk. Every day, police officers go on missions to detect and defuse dozens of explosive devices.

Russian sources continue to complain that Russian forces lack sufficient counterbattery capabilities and artillery munitions in the face of ongoing Ukrainian counteroffensive activities, which the Kremlin and the Russian Ministry of Defense (MoD) are reportedly attempting to combat. 

Russian milbloggers claimed on September 4 and 5 that Russian counterbattery systems are performing poorly along the front in Ukraine. The milbloggers claimed that Russian forces are relying heavily on Lancet drones and 220mm and 300mm rounds for Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS), of which there are limited stockpiles.

One Russian milblogger noted that the Russian MoD‘s plans to form five new artillery brigades in each of Russia’s five military districts are in part meant to improve general counterbattery capabilities. It is unclear if the milblogger is claiming that the MoD plans to form five or 25 brigades total. The milblogger claimed that the Russian MoD would equip the new brigades with 203-mm 2S7 Pion and 2S7M Malka artillery systems from Russian stores.

The New York Times reported on September 4 that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin will meet at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok from September 10-13 and will reportedly discuss North Korea’s supply of artillery shells to Russia. Russian sources have continually complained that Russian forces face problems with counterbattery operations.

Fighter Andrii Kucherenko died on August 13, 2023, defending Zaporizhzhia Oblast from the invaders. The defender received fatal injuries as a result of enemy artillery fire. He is 51 years old forever.

Andrii is a native of the city of Frunze, Kyrgyzstan. In his childhood, he moved with his family to the village of Sosnytsia, Chernihiv Oblast. After graduating from high school, he mastered the profession of tractor driver at the Sosnytsia Professional Agricultural Lyceum. He completed his military service. He got married and raised two sons. He always cared about the welfare of his family, so he worked hard.

During the full-scale war, Andrii was mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He fought against the occupiers as part of the 117th separate mechanized brigade. He held the position of assistant grenade launcher.

“We deeply grieve with the family of the Hero. May God help you to bear this heavy loss. He was defending his country, his people, his land. Low bow and gratitude to Andrii. Eternal memory and glory to the Hero!” the Sosnivska community said.

The fighter was buried in the village of Sosnytsia. At home, Andrii was survived by his wife and two sons.

• Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration: Civilian object hit in Russia’s missile attack on Zaporizhzhia, two injured
• Ukraine’s Air Force: Ukraine’s air defense destroys 23 out of 33 Russian targets
• General Staff: Russia has lost 266,290 troops in Ukraine
• UK intelligence: Schoolchildren in Russia to be trained on Kalashnikovs and propaganda
• Commander Syrskyi: Russians preparing to take revenge in eastern Ukraine