Victory Chronicles-DAY 807

The Russian occupation forces have intensified their activities in Kharkiv Oblast, with fighting taking place in the area. The occupiers intensified shelling in the northern direction, particularly in the direction of the city of Vovchansk. Continuous attacks from multiple launch rocket systems, MLRS, and artillery continued throughout the night. Subversive groups also tried to break through the border, but the Armed Forces of Ukraine successfully held their positions without losing any ground. 

Currently, the enemy group does not threaten Kharkiv, as its forces are only sufficient for provocations in the northern direction. The intensification of shelling began with the shelling of the border settlements of Kharkiv Oblast using various types of weapons. The shelling continues, in particular near Vovchansk, with active use of electronic warfare systems and drones. 

Fighting is ongoing in the border area of Kharkiv Oblast, and the enemy is trying to enter several settlements along the border. However, more than their resources is needed to make a deeper advance. Ukraine’s defense forces are ready for such actions and are trying to repel the enemy’s offensive. The public is urged not to panic but to support the defenders on the front line and follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuating if necessary.

Germany has announced plans to provide military assistance to Ukraine by purchasing three HIMARS missile systems in cooperation with the United States. The delivery of these systems will be part of the efforts to support Ukraine in its confrontation with Russian aggression. The M142 HIMARS is a highly mobile artillery missile system that can be used as a multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) with high-precision ammunition or as a tactical missile system for launching short-range ballistic missiles. Additionally, Germany’s Rheinmetall will provide prototype shells with a range of 100 km to Ukraine, while Hensoldt will supply six TRML-4D air surveillance radars to strengthen Ukraine’s air defense. These purchases are being made as part of Germany’s military assistance program, with the German government covering the costs. The total purchase price for the radars is over 100 million euros.

An investigation into the rocket attack that took place overnight has been launched in Kharkiv. The attack, carried out by Russian troops, took place in the Kyiv district of Kharkiv and caused houses to catch fire. A direct hit by an enemy missile was recorded in a private residential sector, damaging nearby buildings and structures. Two people, including an 11-year-old child, were injured and suffered acute stress. According to preliminary data, the enemy used an S-400 missile launched from the territory of the Belgorod region of Russia. 

The State Border Guard Service of Ukraine has released a video showing an FPV drone of the Steel Frontier Brigade destroying an enemy armored truck in the Kharkiv Oblast.

Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) conducted long-range drone strikes against Russian oil depots and refinery infrastructure in Krasnodar Krai and the Republic of Bashkortostan on May 9. 

The Krasnodar Krai operational headquarters claimed that Ukrainian forces attempted to attack an oil depot in Yurovka (near Anapa) with at least seven drones, and that Russian air defense suppressed six drones but at least one fell on the depot itself, causing a fire. Some Russian sources reported that the strike damaged several oil tanks. Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) reported that an “informed source” stated that this was an SBU operation targeting oil shipment points through which the Russian military supplies oil to troops in occupied Crimea.

Geolocated footage published on May 9 additionally shows a drone attack against the Gazprom Neftekhim Salavat oil refinery in Salvat, Republic of Bashkortostan.[46] The Republic of Bashkortostan’s Ministry of Emergency Situations reported that the strike damaged the building housing a pumping station at the refinery.

Ukrainian outlet Suspilne stated that its SBU sources took responsibility for the drone strike and reported that it damaged a catalytic cracking unit, which is used to refine crude oil into gasoline and other petroleum products. 

Suspilne noted that this is a “record” distance for a Ukrainian strike on Russia, as Salvat is 1,500 kilometers from the Ukrainian border. Ukraine recently conducted a long-range drone strike against the Republic of Tatarstan, which is 1,200 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, and the Bashkortostan strike therefore represents an inflection in Ukraine’s long-range strike capability.

Fighter Mykhailo Baranets died on November 18, 2023, repelling an enemy assault on the city of Avdiivka in Donetsk Oblast. The fighter was 35 years old.

Mykhailo was from the village of Dashiv, Vinnytsia Oblast. Later he moved with his family to Kyiv Oblast. He graduated from Uman Vocational School. Before the invasion, he worked as a driver at the Karat company. He was fond of cars and construction. 

The man was mobilized into the Armed Forces of Ukraine in July 2023. He was trained and joined the 110th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Major General Marko Bezruchko. He was promoted to the position of senior mechanic-driver and went to the front line, where he died a month later.

“He was a bright and kind man, a loving father to his children. He had golden hands, helped everyone and was a reliable person. He had many more plans for his life that he was unable to fulfill. We miss him very much…” said Kateryna, the wife of the deceased. The defender was buried in his native village. Mykhailo is survived by his wife and three daughters. 

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

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