Victory Chronicles-DAY 756

Russian troops launched a missile attack on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, resulting in five people being injured. Two injured have been hospitalized while the others are being examined. 

The attack took place in the Kholodnohirsky district of Kharkiv, damaging an eight-story building and a production shop. The fire that broke out after the strike covered an area of over 1000 square meters and affected a printing house, a furniture shop, and a paint shop. Among the injured are employees of the affected enterprise, and two are in serious condition. 

The rescue operation is ongoing, as people may still be trapped under the rubble. The Oblastal military administration confirmed the attack and the presence of people under the rubble. The number of casualties could potentially increase.

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Two teenage boys and their foster family have been returned from captivity in Russia, according to the governor of the Kherson Oblast, Oleksandr Prokudin. The two boys, aged 13 and 15, are now safe and receiving medical and psychological support. This comes as part of ongoing efforts to bring back abducted children from Russia, with over 19,500 children having been taken since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Sadly, only a small number, less than 400, have been successfully returned home. Prokudin expressed his relief at the Ukrainian family being back on their own land and noted that in 2024, Ukraine has already managed to bring back 40 children from Russian captivity. The return of these children is a positive development in the ongoing efforts to reunite abducted children with their families.

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The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that fortifications are being built in all areas where Russia could launch an offensive. The defense borders are being equipped with barriers and strongholds of intermediate defense lines in the border area of Chernihiv Oblast. In addition, fortifications on the first and second lines of defense are being reinforced in Sumy Oblast as the military considers various scenarios for future developments. 

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The 126th separate territorial defense brigade from Odesa published a video of the fighters’ training in the dark. “Night training is a complex element of personnel training. During this type of training, the fighters hone their knowledge of medicine, topography and combat at night,” the brigade said in a statement.

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Ukraine’s European partners continue efforts to stand up significant initiatives to provide military support to Ukraine. Bloomberg reported on March 19 that the European Union (EU) has prepared draft legislation that would allow the transfer of profits from frozen Russian assets to Ukraine as early as July 2024.

Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for National Defense Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz additionally announced on March 18 that Germany and Poland are creating an “armored vehicle coalition” to support Ukraine and noted that Sweden, the UK, and Italy have already declared their willingness to participate in the coalition.

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Junior Sergeant Kostiantyn Miroshnychenko, with the call sign Mirosh, died on March 10, 2024, in a battle in the Avdiivka area of Donetsk Oblast. The defender was 31 years old.

Kostiantyn was born and lived in the city of Cherkasy. He studied at Cherkasy Polytechnic College. He received his higher education at Cherkasy State Technological University, specializing in engineering mechanics. He was a well-known public figure in the city who promoted patriotism and united active youth in ideological and educational initiatives. He was an active representative of the Cherkasy ultra-movement, organizer of pro-Ukrainian events, rallies, marches, and active participant in the Revolution of Dignity.

He organized educational and cultural events with like-minded people for Cherkasy youth. He promoted the idea of accessible sports and leisure for teenagers. He was engaged in national and patriotic education, raised the issue of the appearance of temporary structures and public transport stops, and actively opposed illegal construction. He also took care of the improvement of his hometown. 

Konstantin was the head of the AmbrosHub social project, the ideological inspirer and co-founder of HaidaFest, the head of the NC Volunteers project, and the organizer of the Cherkasy Film Festival. 

With the start of the full-scale invasion, he co-founded the Civilian Aid Center, a volunteer center that provided for the needs of the military. In May 2022, he voluntarily joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine. He served in the 3rd separate assault brigade. He took part in combat operations in the Zaporizhzhia, Kherson, Bakhmut, and Avdiivka sectors.

As a member of the communication platoon of the 1st Brigade, he provided communications for his unit. He was striving for greater efficiency and became interested in FPV drone technology. He was engaged in self-training and improving his pilot skills. He assembled a team of fellow fighters and regularly learned from other pilots. He conducted aerial reconnaissance of enemy positions. His comrades remember him as a wise, motivated and professional warrior.

“I have never known a more sociable, active and ambitious person. Kostyantyn ‘Mirosh’ taught me what an active civic position is, how to realize my ideas and pursue my goals. He volunteered to go to the front. Our family goals and plans were destroyed on 10.03.24, the day he died. But I, my family, friends, and comrades-in-arms will do everything to ensure that no one in his hometown and in Ukraine ever forgets that they lost a man who really lived life, lived it with dignity, and left it with dignity,” said the deceased’s wife, Oleksandra Kostetska.

The fighter was buried in the Alley of Heroes at the cemetery in his hometown. Kostiantyn is survived by his parents and wife.

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

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• UK intelligence: Russian aircraft, vessels remain vulnerable despite concealment
• Czech FM: First 300,000 shells for Ukraine will provide ‘few months’ breathing space’ on frontline
• Senator Joe Manchin: Failure to pass Ukraine aid could cause worst atrocity in history
• Putin calls on FSB to hunt Russians who joined Ukraine’s army
• Posterchild for Russia’s removal of Ukraine orphans says he was coached, threatened
• U.S. State Department: Russia has used North Korean missiles to attack Ukraine at least 10 times