Victory Chronicles-DAY 727

The Swedish government has announced its largest military aid package for Ukraine, amounting to SEK 7.1 billion (EUR 630 million). 

This is the 15th support package sent by Sweden to Ukraine. Defense Minister Paul Johnson emphasized that humanitarian values and Sweden’s interests drive this aid. The assistance includes 10 Stridsbåt 90 class amphibious assault boats, underwater weapons, anti-aircraft systems, anti-tank robots, artillery ammunition, medical equipment, ambulances, and educational initiatives. 

SEK 1 billion will be used for military equipment purchases, while another SEK 1 billion will be allocated for new combat vehicles. SEK 400 million is designated for educational initiatives. Johnson stated that the aid package has been customized to meet Ukraine’s specific needs. Including this latest aid package, Sweden has provided over SEK 30 billion in support to Ukraine. 

The appeal for artillery shells to be supplied to Ukraine was made by Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba during a meeting with EU foreign ministers, and Denmark urged Europe not to use production problems as an excuse to withhold weapons at the Munich Security Conference.

A Russian drone struck a private house in the Sumy Oblast, resulting in the tragic death of a family of five. The incident occurred in the morning and was first reported by the Novoslobid village council on Facebook. According to the council’s statement, Russian terrorists began attacking the civilian population, first using drones and then artillery. The drone hit the residential building, causing it to be destroyed and resulting in a fire. The aftermath of the crash is currently being cleared, and search operations are ongoing. The police have documented almost 300 Russian strikes in the Sumy Oblast in a single day, with reports of injured civilians.

A steel trident made from a pre-war batch of Azovstal steel has been installed on Khortytsia Island in Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine. The trident, which weighs around 300 kg, is made of AN36 EN 10029 steel grade. It was created by Composite Steel LLC, with the work being funded by patrons. The trident was placed near the Dnipro River, rocks, and the beginning of the Tarasova Trail, opposite the Ukrainian flag. The Khortytsia National Reserve plans to decorate the area and landscape the surroundings aesthetically. The installation of the trident coincides with National Emblem Day in Ukraine, which is celebrated on February 19th. The use of Azovstal steel highlights the connection between the project and the plant, as the steel was relocated to Zaporizhzhia during the war, providing an opportunity for the trident to be created.

While conducting reconnaissance in the southern direction, the 73rd Maritime Center of the Special Forces crew detected an enemy ZALA drone. After following the target, they also managed to record the movement of a mobile launcher with containers for storing ZALA and Lancet drones. 

The Special Operations Forces operators adjusted the HIMARS fire of the missile and artillery unit of the Defense Forces to the enemy target. As a result of the fire damage, the mobile launcher and storage containers for the UAVs were destroyed.

The White House is reportedly considering the provision of long-range ATACMS missiles to Ukraine in the event that Congress passes security assistance for Ukraine. NBC News reported on February 19 that two US officials stated that the White House is working to provide Ukraine with long-range ATACMS missiles in one of the first packages of military aid to Ukraine if Congress approves funding for further security assistance to Ukraine. The US previously provided Ukraine with a limited number of a different type of ATACMS missile that have a shorter range. 

Ukraine conducted successful ATACMS strikes in October 2023 but did not have enough supplies to sustain a strike campaign with ATACMS that could have presented operational challenges for Russian forces in Ukraine, particularly for Russian aviation operations and for the storage and supply of ammunition.

NBC News reported that the US officials also stated that the US has artillery systems and ammunition prepared for immediate transfer to Ukraine if Congress approves funding for US security assistance to Ukraine. Ukrainian long-range strike capabilities allow Ukrainian forces to degrade Russian logistics at depth, and sufficient artillery systems and ammunition are crucial for effective Ukrainian counterbattery fire.

Defender Viktor Zdybel, with the call sign Skif, died on February 21, 2023, near the village of Chervonopopivka, Luhansk Oblast. While repelling an enemy attack, he received shrapnel and explosive injuries as a result of enemy shelling from heavy artillery. In a month, the warrior would have turned 49 years old.

Viktor Volodymyrovych was born and lived in the city of Khmelnytsky. After school, he received a degree in gas equipment repair and maintenance at Khmelnytsky Vocational School #8. In 1992-1994, he served in the National Guard of Ukraine. In 1995-2000, he served in the Ministry of Internal Affairs structure in the Criminal Investigation Department. At the same time, he studied part-time at the Khmelnytsky University of Economics and Entrepreneurship, majoring in management and economics. Since 2001, he has worked in various fields at private enterprises in Khmelnytskyi.

On July 27, 2022, Viktor volunteered to defend Ukraine’s independence. He joined the ranks of the 19th separate rifle battalion of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He was a gunner of a machine gun platoon.

“I am proud of my father’s strength of spirit, resilience, courage and dedication to the military oath. During his 8 months of service at the front, my father never avoided combat and, according to his comrades-in-arms, he was an example for them. During those 8 months, we managed to see each other only once and for the last time, when he came on vacation before his death. We will not forget, we will not forgive… Eternal memory to the Heroes!” said Karina, the fighter’s daughter.

Viktor was buried on the Alley of Glory at the cemetery in the Rakove neighborhood in his hometown. He was posthumously awarded the title of “Honorary Citizen of the Khmelnytsky Territorial Community.” He is survived by his mother and daughter. 

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

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