Victory Chronicles-DAY 730

Іn a series of coordinated attacks across Ukraine, Russian forces launched drone strikes on the cities of Odesa and Dnipro, resulting in casualties and significant damage. 

In Odesa, three civilians lost their lives due to a drone attack, as reported by Oleh Kiper, the Odesa Oblast Governor. The strikes, involving Shahed-131/136 attack drones and Kh-31P and Kh-22 missiles from strategic aircraft over the Black Sea, targeted the city and its surroundings. Although some missiles lost their combat capability in the air, air defense forces managed to down at least nine drones. Despite these efforts, one drone struck a building in Odesa’s coastal zone, igniting a fire and resulting in the deaths and a rescue operation for a security guard trapped within the damaged structure. Rescue operations had to be suspended early in the morning.

Simultaneously, the city of Dnipro experienced its own tragedy as Shahed drones inflicted injuries on at least eight people, with Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Governor Serhii Lysak confirming the damage to a high-rise building and ongoing rescue operations to save those potentially trapped under the rubble. Seven of the injured have been hospitalized

According to a ZDF Politbarometer poll, the number of Germans who believe that European countries should increase the supply of weapons and ammunition to Ukraine has increased since January. The poll shows that 62% of respondents now support military assistance to Ukraine, compared to 51% in January. Supporters of almost all political parties favor the provision of more weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, except the far-right Alternative for Germany and the left-wing radical Sarah Wagenknecht Alliance.

The British Army’s Land Forces is training Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel on the general principles of first aid as part of the UK-led multinational training operation INTERFLEX. This training focuses on improving the tactical medicine skills of Ukrainian servicemen and women in combat conditions, aiming to enhance personal and unit safety during various scenarios of action by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Under the guidance of the instructors, the recruits are becoming more prepared for combat. The United Kingdom continues to support Ukraine and work with international partners in response to Russia’s violations of international law. 

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has released a video showcasing Ukrainian pilots training with Western F-16 fighter jets. The video highlights the ongoing preparations of the pilots and personnel as they continue to train with the advanced fighter jets. In the video, President Zelenskyy expresses his gratitude to the F-16 coalition that is contributing to the training efforts. He emphasizes that all Ukrainians are eagerly anticipating the day when the first Ukrainian F-16s will appear in the skies, as they will enhance the defense capabilities of their cities, communities, and the Ukrainian Defense Forces. 

Ukraine’s European and Western allies continue to ramp up their support for Ukraine. The Danish Ministry of Defense (MoD) announced a new military aid package for Ukraine on February 22 valued at 1.7 billion Danish kroner ($228 million). This package includes 15,000 155mm shells jointly produced with the Czech Republic, air defense materiel and ammunition, mine clearance equipment, drones, radar, and communication equipment. 

Denmark also signed a 10-year bilateral security agreement with Ukraine. UK Defense Minister Grant Shapps announced that the UK is sending 200 Brimstone anti-tank missiles to Ukraine. New Zealand also announced a new aid package for Ukraine valued at 25.9 million NZD ($15.4 million), including humanitarian aid and funding for other international funds that support Ukraine’s weapons acquisition, recovery, and reconstruction.

The German Bundestag approved additional military support to Ukraine, including unspecified long-range weapons systems and ammunition, but rejected a bill that called for Germany to provide Taurus cruise missiles to Ukraine.

Lieutenant Oleksandr Hinzhul, with the call sign San Sanych, died on December 21, 2022, near the village of Kurdyumivka, Donetsk Oblast. When he was leading his comrades out of the encirclement, he was fatally wounded by enemy fire. The officer died 8 days short of his 31st birthday.

Oleksandr was born in Baksha village, Odesa Oblast. He was a resident of Odesa. He studied at the National University “Odesa Polytechnic”. At the same time, he graduated from the military department and became a reserve officer. He worked at an aluminum window manufacturing company. He studied the processes of growing crops and planned to do it professionally. He dreamed of buying combines and tractors of models considered the best on the world market.

In 2017, he joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the military unit A4218 as an information processing officer of the intelligence center. In 2017-2018, he fought in the ATO/JFO in Donetsk and Luhansk Oblasts.

With the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Oleksandr returned to the army and went to the front. He served as a machine gun platoon commander in the 28th separate mechanized brigade named after the Knights of the Winter Campaign. He defended Mykolaiv Oblast, liberated Kherson Oblast, and fought for Donetsk Oblast.

“Oleksandr was the best man on the planet. Every girl dreams of a man like him. Kind, sincere, fair, honest. The most caring father who dreamed of his daughter all his life. He dreamed of a happy family and did everything possible to make it happen. A loving son and brother, best friend and godfather. Responsible and the best commander who led 2 platoons in the 28th Brigade, worried and worried about each of his fighters. “If we had to go into battle with him again, we would go without hesitation!” – his fighters-in-arms say about him,” said Svitlana, the officer’s wife. The Hero was buried in the village of Liubashivka, Odesa Oblast. Oleksandr is survived by his parents, wife, daughter, sister, many relatives and friends. 

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

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