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Russia-Ukraine War

Vysokopillya liberated as Russians retreat in Kherson

September 4, 2022, Russia-Ukraine War Update

[UKRAINE] – MTN It has been 3,111 days since Russia occupied Crimea on February 27, 2014. Here is our latest update. You can visit our Russia-Ukraine War Center to find more news about Ukraine. You can also listen to our in-depth podcast, Malcontent News Russia Ukraine War Update, hosted by Linnea Hubbard.

Kherson & Mykolaiv

Ukrainian forces liberated the strategic town of Vysokopillya in northern Kherson, breaking through the main defensive line of Russian forces and pushing them back 12 kilometers across open wheat fields. The Russian Ministry of Defense acknowledged the defeat, claiming they withdrew from the settlement to prevent encirclement and to protect the civilian population.

Ukrainian forces took control of Arkhanelske and blocked the Russian withdrawal through Novopetrivka, putting the Russian garrison at risk of encirclement, forcing the withdrawal. Videos show that Ukrainian forces took POWs and captured military equipment and ammunition.

Ukrainian forces also liberated Blahodativka, expanding the bridgehead along the Inhulets River. There were reports that Bilohirvka was secured, and troops were pressuring the Russian garrison in Bruskynske. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that troop positions in Kostromka and Bezimenne were hit by air strikes, confirming that Ukrainian forces have pushed at least 10 kilometers into Kherson since August 29.

Ukraine began setting conditions to collapse the Vysokopillya salient on July 27, when it began closing in on Russian positions, attacking supply lines, and destroying Russian air defenses. Despite claims from the Kremlin of devastating losses, an anonymous official said that losses were “lighter than expected.”

Russian artillery hit a warehouse full of ammonium-nitrate fertilizer on the southern edge of Ukrainian-controlled Partyzankse, causing a massive explosion. The blast obliterated the facility, with only a large crater remaining.

Ukrainian forces captured a defensive position near Myrolyubivka after Russian troops fled. A video showed an abandoned BMP-2 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), an extensive network of shallow trenches, scattered ammunition, and stolen cars and motorcycles. A HIMARS attack destroyed a Russian ammunition depot in Tomnya Balka.

Geolocated photos indicate that Ukrainian forces are moved back into the northern edge of Kyselivka, recapturing the checkpoint on the M14 highway.

In Kherson, the Lost World Hotel and Resort, which was being used as a military barracks by Russian troops, was destroyed. Video taken from the Russian military ferry crossing the Dnipro River captured a HIMARS attack on the Antonovsky Bridge and ferry landing. Another attack destroyed the Russian ferry crossing at Lvove.

Dnipropetrovsk & Northern Zaporizhia

The Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant was disconnected from its main 750 KW power line, with power supported by a 330 KW backup line. Due to the failure, the International Atomic Energy Agency was informed that Reactor 5 was disconnected due to power grid restrictions. The IAEA applauded Ukrainian cooperation and the actions of Energoatom employees in a press release.

“Our team on the ground received direct, fast, and reliable information about the latest significant development affecting the plant’s external power situation, as well as the operational status of the reactors,” Director General Rafael Grossi said.

“The great value of finally having the IAEA permanently present at the Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant is already abundantly clear. It is a game changer,” he added.

On September 2, investigative journalists recorded video from the north bank of the Dnipro River, which conclusively showed Russia is firing rockets from MLRS immediately west of the main complex at ZNPP.

Nikopol was shelled and hit by Grad rockets fired by Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS). The overnight attack damaged five homes and several barns. There were no injuries.

Southern Zaporizhia

South of Orikhiv, Ukrainian forces have advanced on Nesterianka, Kopani, and Robotyne, while fighting near Poholy continued. The airport outside Melitopol was hit by HIMARS for the tenth time, with five rockets striking the base.

Donetsk

Northwest of Donetsk city, Novobakhmutivka was liberated, and Ukrainian forces are contesting the control of Novoselivka.

A day after the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed Pisky was captured, Russian sources reported Ukrainian troops had recaptured strong points on the E-50 Ring Road. Given their location, it is highly likely that Ukrainian troops have regained a toehold in the northern part of the tactically important village, which has been the site of fighting since July 22.

The 1st Army Corps of the DNR attempted to advance on Avdiivka and Pervomaiske but could not change the tactical situation. Russian forces also attempted to advance on Marinka and were unsuccessful.

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Bakhmut

The Ukrainian 93rd Mechanized Infantry Brigade reportedly launched a counteroffensive in Soledar and was able to push Russian forces back from the gypsum mine area. Geolocated video showed Ukrainian forces clearing the southwest corner of the mine in close combat against Russian troops. Russian forces remain in the KNAUF-GIPS sheetrock factor that straddles Bakhmutske and Soledar. However, Ukrainian forces were able to capture defensive positions on the northern edge of Povoroske.

In the Svitlodarsk Bulge, fighting continued in Kodema, with the Private Military Company (PMC) Wagner Group regaining some lost ground. Kadyrovites with the 141st Akhmat failed to advance on Zaitseve.

Northeast Donetsk and Luhansk

Ukrainian forces crossed the Siverskyi Donets River and liberated Ozerne, defeating Kadyrovites with the 141st Akhmat Batallion. Russian forces denied the claims, saying the advances were a publicity stunt for a photo opportunity. President Volodymyr Zeleneskyy verified the capture in his evening television address.

Serhei Haidai, exiled Luhansk Oblast Administrative and Military Governor, reported that up to 300 Russian soldiers were killed in Kremennya after a barracks and a concentration of equipment was hit by rockets fired from HIMARS in multiple attacks.

Izyum

Russian forces launched an offensive on Pasika, 14 kilometers southeast of Izyum, indicating that Ukrainian forces had again pushed deep into occupied territory. Russian forces also attacked Dolyna and Bohorodychne, with intense fighting for the latter.

Kharkiv

A Russian S-300 antiaircraft missile used for an air-to-surface attack hit a group of restaurants in the Kyiv district of Kharkiv, destroying the structure and businesses. Over 2,200 square meters of commercial property were destroyed. The missile struck overnight while the popular eateries were closed. Pictures clearly showed the area that was destroyed. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed the location was a barracks for the Kraken Battalion after claiming the Battalion was completely destroyed in fighting near Siversk three weeks ago.

Sumy and Chernihiv

Dmytro Zhyvytsky, Sumy Oblast Administrative and Military Governor, reported the hromadas of Bilopillia and Krasnopillia were hit by mortars and artillery shells fired from across the international border. There were no casualties reported.

In Chernihiv, at the historical center, an outdoor display of captured Russian weapons went terribly wrong. A grenade launcher was apparently still armed and somehow misfired. Four children were injured, with one in critical condition. Two people have been arrested.

Daily Assessment

  1. Russian disinformation about the counteroffensive in Kherson has permeated all Russian sources. There are growing signs that Russia’s defense is not going as well as the Kremlin wants the world to believe.
  2. Russian disinformation appears to be setting conditions for explaining the yet-proven failures in Kherson on NATO weapons and rumors of looming chemical and biological attacks.
  3. Ukraine has quietly launched smaller counteroffensives in Zaporizhia, Donetsk, and Kharkiv over the last 72 hours, in addition to the counteroffensive in Kherson, supporting our previous assessment that the Russian military has reached a theaterwide state of combat destroyed.

To read the rest of our report, become a Patreon! For as little as $5 a month, you get access to the daily Russia-Ukraine War Situation Report. The report provides analysis, maps, detailed information about all the axes in Ukraine, international developments, information about war crimes and human rights, and economic news. As an added benefit, you get access to flash reports, breaking news, and our Discord server.

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Russia-Ukraine War

Ukraine makes slow progress in Kherson as counteroffensive continues

September 2, 2022, Russia-Ukraine War Update

[UKRAINE] – MTN It has been 3,109 days since Russia occupied Crimea on February 27, 2014. Here is our latest update. You can visit our Russia-Ukraine War Center to find more news about Ukraine. You can also listen to our in-depth podcast, Malcontent News Russia Ukraine War Update, hosted by Linnea Hubbard.

Kherson & Mykolaiv

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine continues its media blackout and press coverage restrictions until September 5. Ukrainian armed forces, the local population, and most press sources have honored the request. Gaining verified information while respecting operational security (OPSEC) has been a challenge.

Video emerged of a Russian forward operating base in Shyroka Balka that was destroyed in what appears to have been a HIMARS attack.

Ukrainian forces are finding the most success on the Inhulets River bridgehead. Pro-Russian accounts reported Ukraine had liberated Kostromka and was fighting for control of Bruskynske. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Lozove, Sukhyi Stavok, and Velyke Artakove were hit by air strikes, confirming that Ukrainian troops were present in all three settlements.

Pro-Russian account Rybar reported continued fighting for control of Arkhanhelske and claimed that Russian troops were pushed out of Olhnye and Vysokopillya but were able to push back into the southern parts, where street fighting continued. A video showed Ukrainian forces shelling Russian positions in the city’s southern tip.

The General Staff also reported that Ukrainian positions in Lyubomirivka and Petrivka were shelled, and Khreshchenivka was hit by an airstrike.

Operational Command South reported an additional strike on the Kakhovka and Dariivsky Bridges, including destroying a partially rebuilt pontoon bridge at Darivka. Ukraine claims to have fire control over the remains of the three bridges over the Dnipro. Satellite imagery shows only one ferry operating across the Dnipro at Kherson and no additional work on the barge bridge.

The Ukrainian air force carried out 24 air strikes, which is a significant increase from the 16 missions flown on August 30.

Dnipropetrovsk & Northern Zaporizhia

United Nations inspectors with the International Atomic Energy Agency arrived in Enerhodar and took an initial survey of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. IAEA Director General Mariano Grossi reported that a team of five inspectors would remain at the plant through September 2 for a deeper audit of the situation. Inspectors were filmed by Russian state media going through the plant and discovering military equipment stored by Reactor 1, as shown in previous undercover videos.

Earlier in the day, minutes after inspectors left Zaporizhzhia city to travel to the plant, heavy shelling of the green corridor started. Thirty minutes later, Russian officials claimed that Ukraine had launched a paratrooper attack on the plant using helicopters. Videos from Enerehodar showed Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopters flying over the city – equipment the Ukrainian armed forces do not possess and would not be able to obtain from western sources.

Valentyn Reznichenko, Head of the Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Military Administration, reported that the Chervonohryhorivka hromada (an area of territorial control similar to a county or parish in the United States) was hit by several Grad rockets. A 56-year-old man attempted to escape by driving away, and his car was hit by a rocket. Amazingly he survived and is in stable condition. It was the only area shelled overnight.

Southern Zaporizhia

A HIMARS attack on the Russian-controlled airbase in Melitopol landed ten rockets on an ammunition depot. There were multiple social media reports of a large fire with secondary explosions.

Donetsk

Fighting increased in intensity west of Donetsk, but Russian forces didn’t make any gains. The 1st Army Corps of the DNR attempted to advance on Avdiivka, Nevelske, Pervomaiske, Pisky, and Krasnohorivka. All five advances failed. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed for the eighth time since August 5 that Pisky had been captured.

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Bakhmut

PMC Wagner and the 2nd Army Corps of the LNR relaunched their attacks on Soledar and Bakhmutske but remained unable to break through Ukrainian defenses. Wagner Group is suffering catastrophic losses after a month of repeated attacks on Bakhmut but continues to send reinforcements to attack the same Ukrainian positions. Ukraine was able to rotate defending units, with most territorial guards replaced with better-equipped and trained forces.

Further south, LNR separatists continued their attempts to advance on Vesela Dolyna and Zaitseve. Gains were made in Vesela Dolyna but measured in meters, and the attack on Zaitseve was unsuccessful.

In the Svitlodarsk Bulge, fighting for Kodema continued, with Russian forces establishing their positions in the eastern part of the village. Russian forces made a new attempt to advance on Mayorsk and could not break through the Ukrainian defenses.

Izyum

Russian forces attempted to advance on Dolyna and were unsuccessful. The Russian air force attacked Nova Dmytrivka and Bohorodychne.

Kharkiv

Russia fired a single S-300 antiaircraft missile at Kharkiv city. The missile successfully shot down four parked cars and left a large crater in the ground. There were no injuries.

Sumy and Chernihiv

Dmytro Zhyvytsky, Sumy Oblast Administrative and Military Governor, reported the hromadas of Krasnopillia, Nova Sloboda, Znob-Novhorod, Esman, and Kyrykivka, were shelled by Russian forces firing from across the international border. In the village of Maiske, two cars, a garage, and a home were damaged.

Russian forces fired across the international border and shelled Kamianska Sloboda, Zaliznyi Myst, and Senkivka in the Chernihiv oblast. There weren’t any reports of serious damage or casualties.

Daily Assessment

  1. There is enough available evidence indicating that Ukraine is making progress in the Kherson counteroffensive in three locations, despite Kremlin claims that it has already failed.
  2. Russian President Vladimir Putin has set September 15 as the new deadline to capture the remainder of the Donetsk oblast, and in our assessment, that is impossible.
  3. The Russian Ministry of Defense continues its aggressive disinformation campaign about the counteroffensive.

To read the rest of our report, become a Patreon! For as little as $5 a month, you get access to the daily Russia-Ukraine War Situation Report. The report provides analysis, maps, detailed information about all the axes in Ukraine, international developments, information about war crimes and human rights, and economic news. As an added benefit, you get access to flash reports, breaking news, and our Discord server.

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Russia-Ukraine War

IAEA inspects Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Russians surrender in Pravdyne

September 1, 2022, Russia-Ukraine War Update

[UKRAINE] – MTN It has been 3,108 days since Russia occupied Crimea on February 27, 2014. Here is our latest update. You can visit our Russia-Ukraine War Center to find more news about Ukraine. You can also listen to our in-depth podcast, Malcontent News Russia Ukraine War Update, hosted by Linnea Hubbard.

Kherson & Mykolaiv

Fighting is ongoing in four areas: Arkhanhelske-Olyhne-Vysokopillya, south of the Kherson-Dnipropetrovsk border east of Vysokopillya, the bridgehead east of the Inhulets River, and northwest and west of Kherson city.

Geolocated video showed Russian troops surrendering in Pravydne. Soldiers were furiously waving white flags in a video recorded from a drone.

Ukrainian troops have expanded the Inhulets River bridgehead taking control of Kostromka and fighting for control of Bruskynske and Davydiv Brid. Both towns are located on the critical T-2207 Highway, the main Russian Ground Line of Communication (GLOC – supply line) into the northern regions of the Kherson oblast. Ukrainian forces have advanced 9 kilometers since August 29.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine released multiple videos showing Bayraktar TB-2 drones attacking Russian positions and equipment, providing additional proof that Ukraine holds air superiority over the battlefield.

Operational Command South reported that targeting Russian troop concentrations, command posts, ammunition depots, and antiaircraft systems were prioritized. Ammunition warehouses in the areas of Beryslav, Heniches’k, and Kherson were destroyed.

Ukraine continued to target the Antonovsky Bridge, the Kakhovka Bridge, and the Dariivsky Bridge. Operational Command South reported that the pontoon bridge adjacent to the Dariivsky Bridge was destroyed, severing the GLOC that connects western and eastern Kherson over the Inhulets River.

The Ukrainian air force carried out 24 air strikes, which is a significant increase from the 16 missions flown on August 30.

Dnipropetrovsk & Northern Zaporizhia

United Nations inspectors with the International Atomic Energy Association arrived in Enerhodar and completed their initial inspection of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Video provided by Russian state media showed inspectors walking past Russian military equipment located in the Reactor One complex. A tentative agreement to leave four to eight inspectors at the plant appears to have been reached, and additional review will continue.

Earlier in the day, minutes after inspectors left Zaporizhzhia city to travel to the plant, heavy shelling of the green corridor started. Thirty minutes later, Russian officials claimed that Ukraine had launched a paratrooper attack on the plant using helicopters. Videos from Enerehodar showed Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopters flying over the city – equipment the Ukrainian armed forces do not possess and would not be able to obtain from western sources.

Nikopol was targeted by Russian helicopters and artillery fire in four separate strikes. The city’s city council building was targeted and suffered significant damage.

Southern Zaporizhia

There wasn’t any fighting in southern Zaporizhia we can report without breaking operational security. Fighting in the direction of Polohy and Tokmak continued.

Donetsk

The combat ineffective 1st Army Corps of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) threw itself at Ukrainian positions west of Donetsk. Fighting occurred Avdiivka, Pervomaiske, Pisky, and Krasnohorivka. All four advances failed.

DNR forces fought positional battles in the eastern part of Marinka supported by the Russian air force, with surviving troops retreating to Oleksandrivka. They also attempted to flank Marinka from the south with a failed advance on Pobjeda.

Russian forces launched an offensive in the area of Vodyane, attempting to advance on Vuhledar from the east. The attack failed, and surviving troops returned to their previous defensive positions.

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Bakhmut

Private Military Company (PMC) Wagner Group, supported by the Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR), continued attacks on Bakhmut, where the situation remains unchanged. The villages, towns, and cities around Bakhmut were shelled, but artillery fire was reduced compared to yesterday.

Further south, LNR separatists continued their attempts to advance on Vesela Dolyna. The attack was repulsed, and Russian forces retreated to their defensive lines.

In the Svitlodarsk Bulge, fighting for Kodema continued, with Russian forces making gains in the eastern part of the stronghold. Russian forces continued attempts to advance on Zaitseve and launched a new attack on Mayorsk – both were unsuccessful.

Kharkiv

North of Kharkiv, Russian forces launched an attack on Prudyanka, which was unsuccessful.

Pro-Russian accounts continued to spread rumors that Ukraine will or has restarted the counteroffensive north of Kharkiv. There was no evidence to support these claims.

Russia fired four Iskander-M missiles from Belgorod toward Kharkiv, with one failing after launch, going off course, and exploding in the Belgorod area. Oleg Syniehubov, the Head of the Kharkiv Oblast Military Administration, reported a second missile suffered a catastrophic failure during flight. The last two landed in the Kyiv district of the city. Two people were injured, and a college was damaged.

Sumy and Chernihiv

Dmytro Zhyvytsky, Sumy Oblast Administrative and Military Governor, reported the settlements of Bilopillia, Shalyhyne, and Karsnopillia, were shelled by Russian forces firing from across the international border. About 50 mortar shells were fired, with more than half landing in Bliopillia. There weren’t any injuries or significant damage reported.

Russian forces fired across the international border and shelled Hai and Bleshnya in the Chernihiv oblast. There weren’t any reports of serious damage or casualties.

Beyond Ukraine

Reports of Russian artillery systems wearing out and ammunition shortages continue to grow. Andrii Morozov, milblogger and soldier in the Russian 2nd Army Corps of the Luhansk People’s Republic, reported that ammunition is becoming a critical issue. He additionally condemned the quality of the Russian 3rd Army Corps troop starting to arrive in the Donetsk area.

The Russian Federation retired the 122mm artillery systems in 2019, which have been heavily used in Ukraine. A lack of replacement parts is causing catastrophic failures, also known as banana peeling barrels, and a “hunger” for ammunition. DNR and LNR troops are transitioning to the 152mm D20 howitzers first designed in 1947.

Daily Assessment

  1. Russian military leaders are in disarray with rumors of Ukrainian counteroffensives imminent in Kharkiv and Donetsk without any evidence – Ukraine has initiative on the battlefield, and Russia is now having to respond.
  2. The Russian Ministry of Defense has started an aggressive disinformation campaign about the counteroffensive and realistic expectations for a counteroffensive – the MOD has already been forced to backtrack on false claims made on August 29.
  3. Russian forces are suffering from ammunition shortages and artillery equipment catastrophically failing, raising complaints from soldiers that requests for artillery support are going unanswered.

To read the rest of our report, become a Patreon! For as little as $5 a month, you get access to the daily Russia-Ukraine War Situation Report. The report provides analysis, maps, detailed information about all the axes in Ukraine, international developments, information about war crimes and human rights, and economic news. As an added benefit, you get access to flash reports, breaking news, and our Discord server.

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Russia-Ukraine War

Ukrainians push deeper into Kherson as counteroffensive continues

August 31, 2022, Russia-Ukraine War Update

[UKRAINE] – MTN It has been 3,107 days since Russia occupied Crimea on February 27, 2014. Here is our latest update. You can visit our Russia-Ukraine War Center to find more news about Ukraine. You can also listen to our in-depth podcast, Malcontent News Russia Ukraine War Update, hosted by Linnea Hubbard.

Kherson & Mykolaiv

The opening phase of the Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kherson continued, with several settlements confirmed as liberated within the opening hours.

Ukrainian forces liberated Ternovi Pody, 30 kilometers north of Kherson. Sukhyi Stavok was liberated on August 29 during the counteroffensive’s open hours, expanding the Inhulets River bridgehead and likely severing a critical Russian Ground Line of Communication (GLOC – supply line). Geolocated video showed Arkhanhelske was liberated on August 29 by Ukrainian and Pro-Ukrainian Chechen forces. Olhyne and Vysokopillya find themselves in a technical encirclement, with Ukraine establishing complete fire control south of both settlements and Arkhanhelske liberated. We are aware of other settlements liberated but are respecting operational security.

Ukrainian forces hammered Russian positions across the entire line of conflict with artillery, rockets from MLRS, and HIMARS strikes. The Antonovsky Bridge in Kherson, the partially constructed barge bridge adjacent to it, and the ferry were repeatedly attacked. The Antonovsky Mist Railroad Bridge was also struck, along with the Dariivsky Bridge that crosses the Inhulets River. Satellite images show the bridge is heavily damaged with a large hole. The pontoon bridge adjacent to the Dariivsky Bridge was destroyed.

Multiple Russian milbloggers independently reported that Russian requests for artillery support and air strikes went unanswered. Ukraine established air superiority over Kherson, and there were already signs that ammunition supplies were becoming an issue in mid-August.

Dnipropetrovsk & Northern Zaporizhia

Early on August 31, Director General Mariano Grossi reported that the IAEA team was departing Kyiv to Zaporizhzhia and planned to stay for “several days” to evaluate the situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Shortly after departing Kyiv, The Russian occupation head of the Zaporizhia region, Yevhen Balytskyi, said that the IAEA would only be allowed to stay at the plant for a day. The IAEA convoy arrived in Enerhodar late on Wednesday.

Nikopol suffered its heaviest barrage in over a week, with Ukrainian officials claiming that over 40 Grad rockets were fired from MLRS launchers located within the nuclear plant compound.

Southern Zaporizhia

Rockets fired from HIMARS destroyed an ammunition depot in Russian-occupied Tokmak in southern Zaporizhia.

The General Staff also reported that elements of the newly formed 3rd Army Corps had arrived in Zaporizhia for deployment to the front. The Russian occupation head of the Zaporizhia region, Balytski, reported that due to “family circumstances,” he has moved from Melitopol to Crimea.

Donetsk

There were only reports of positional fighting and reconnaissance in force west of Donetsk. DNR forces tried to improve their positions in Optyne, Pervomaiske, and, Krasnohorivka. All three advances failed, and DNR units suffered heavy losses.

The General Staff and Pro-Russian accounts reported intense fighting south of Pisky on the E-50 Ring Road and other locations close to the village.

DNR forces fought positional battles in the eastern part of Marinka and retreated to Oleksandrivka after failing to gain new ground.

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Bakhmut

Private Military Company (PMC) Wagner Group, supported by the Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR), continued attacks on Bakhmut, where the situation remains unchanged.

Further south, LNR separatists continued their attempts to advance on Vesela Dolyna. The attack was repulsed, and Russian forces retreated to their defensive lines.

In the Svitlodarsk Bulge, fighting for Kodema continued, with the town attacked from three sides. Russian forces continued attempts to advance on Zaitseve and remained unsuccessful. The railroad yards of Mayorsk were shelled.

Izyum

Russian forces attacked Shnurky, 12 kilometers from the known line of conflict south of Izyum.

Kharkiv

Pro-Russian accounts are full of chatter that Ukraine is preparing to restart its counterattack north of Kharkiv. The rumor was started by wanted war criminal and deputy information minister of the Donetsk People’s Republic, Daniil Bezsonov.

Russian and Ukrainian forces traded artillery and rocket fire along the line of contact northwest, north, and northeast of Kharkiv. Russian S-300 antiaircraft missiles slammed into the city center.

Sumy and Chernihiv

Dmytro Zhyvytsky, Sumy Oblast Administrative and Military Governor, reported the settlements of Khotyn, Richkivska, and Velykopysarivska were shelled by Russian forces firing from across the international border.

Russian forces fired across the international border and shelled Hai and Hremyach in the Chernihiv oblast. There weren’t any reports of serious damage or casualties.  

Daily Assessment

  1. Ukrainian forces have taken the initiative on the battlefield, with Russian military leaders moving assets around the battlefield concerned about a large offensive starting in Zaporizhia.
  2. Multiple Russian milbloggers are reporting that Russian troops in Kherson are not getting artillery support, and the air force is not operating along the line of conflict.
  3. Ukraine has liberated at least four settlements that we can reveal and have caused a technical encirclement of Russian troops in two towns.

To read the rest of our report, become a Patreon! For as little as $5 a month, you get access to the daily Russia-Ukraine War Situation Report. The report provides analysis, maps, detailed information about all the axes in Ukraine, international developments, information about war crimes and human rights, and economic news. As an added benefit, you get access to flash reports, breaking news, and our Discord server.

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Russia-Ukraine War

Exhausted Russian army struggles to make gains in Ukraine

August 27, 2022, Russia-Ukraine War Update

[UKRAINE] – MTN It has been 3,103 days since Russia occupied Crimea on February 27, 2014. Here is our latest update. You can visit our Russia-Ukraine War Center to find more news about Ukraine. You can also listen to our in-depth podcast, Malcontent News Russia Ukraine War Update, hosted by Linnea Hubbard.

Luhansk and Northeast Donetsk

Russian forces attempted to advance on Hryhorivka from Bilohorkiva. They suffered heavy losses, and their defensive line was overrun as they retreated.

Settlements around Siversk were shelled by artillery and rockets, with the Russian air force attacking Siversk and Spirne.

The August 26 HIMARS strike on Kadiivka killed up to 200 Russian airborne (VDV) troops, according to Serhiy Haidai, exiled Luhansk People’s Republic Administrative and Military Governor.

In Staroblisk, Askyar Laishev, a Ukrainian defector and the head of security for occupied Luhansk, was killed when a bomb planted in his SUV exploded.

Russian forces have set up an airbase for Mi-8 transport and Mi-52 attack helicopters in Luhansk.

Bakhmut

Chechen Kadyrovites reappeared, claiming to have an active role in the fighting for Soledar. The Russian air force, PMC Wagner, the 2nd Army Corps of the Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR), with Kadyrovites taking the distant rear but claiming glory, launched a large attack on Soledar and Bakhmutske. Neither advance was successful, and it was reported that Russian troops suffered major losses.

A significant attack was also launched on Bakhmut from the east. It was reported that Russian proxy forces suffered severe losses.

In the Svitlodarsk bulge, Russian forces continued their attack on Kodema, supported by artillery and the Russian air force. Russian troops also tried to advance on Zaitseve. Fighting around the railroad yards continued in Mayorsk.

Southwest Donetsk – Zaporizhia

The Donetsk People’s Republic 1st Army Corps only tried to advance on Nevelske, making two attempts – positional fighting to improve their tactical positions and then an advance, which failed.

Marinka was shelled and repeatedly hit by air strikes. Video released by Russian state media shows that DNR separatists were pushed out of the center of Marinka, with Ukraine holding most of the city again.

Pavlo Kyrylenko, Donetsk Oblast Administrative and Military Governor, reported that Pisky was shelled. We maintain the settlement is contested.

Near the Donetsk-Zaporizhia administrative border, Russian forces tried to advance on Prechystivka and were unsuccessful.

In Berdyansk, gauleiter Alexander Kolesnikov, the deputy police chief and head of traffic enforcement, was killed when a car bomb exploded in his vehicle.

Kherson

North of Kharkiv, Russian forces attempted to capture Dementiivka – again – and ended with the same result as the last four attempts, returning to their starting point.

The Azov Battalion shelled Russian positions in Ternova, destroying an ammunition depot.

Russian missiles hit the central district of Kharkiv city and the suburb of Derhachi.

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Izyum

A small group of Russian infantry attempted to advance on Karnaukhivka, over 7 kilometers south of the established line of conflict. They were met with small arms fire and retreated.

The General Staff reported that Russian forces had reestablished electronic warfare arrays near Izyum that disrupt GPS signals.

Russian forces fired artillery and rockets south of Izyum from Brazhkivka to Tetyanivka, while the Russian Ministry of Defense claims that Ukraine fired rockets from HIMARS into Izyum.

Kherson

Ukraine struck the Kahkovka, Antonovsky, and Dariivsky bridges with rockets fired by HIMARS. The same section of the Antonovsky bridge has been repeatedly targeted by Ukraine, causing progressively worse damage. The Dariivsky bridge appeared cratered in a low-resolution satellite image, and Russia reinstalled the pontoon bridge across the Inhulets River.

The Kahkovka Bridge, which was already badly damaged, was struck while a Russian military convoy was crossing the structure. An extremely graphic video showed multiple body parts and torsos in Russian uniforms scattered across the bridge, with the smoking remains of military vehicles in the distance.

Russian forces have dug in defensive positions in Blahodatne [Mykolaiv] and are heavily shelling Ukrainian positions north of the Inhuletskyi Channel.

Dnipropetrovsk

The Russian Ministry of Defense reported that Ukraine shelled the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant twice but didn’t provide evidence.

Valentyn Reznichenko, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Administrative and Military Governor, reported that Nikopol was hit with seven artillery shells knocking out power to 5,000 and damaging a school and several homes. Marhanets was hit by 20 Grad rockets, and an area of dachas (second homes, typically a cottage) was badly damaged in Zelenodolsk.

The International Atomic Energy Agency reported that they would be sending a team of inspectors to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in the coming week.

Sumy and Chernihiv

Dmytro Zhyvytskyi, Sumy Oblast Administrative and Military Governor, reported that Russian forces shelled the settlements of Esman, Shalyhyne, Khotin, Myropillia, and Bilopillia. Four civilians were wounded in Bilopillia and required hospitalization.

Daily Assessment

  1. Our assessment in early July that Russia had an inadequate number of troops to provide security and administration in occupied Luhansk was accurate, as an increasingly violent insurrection across a third of the oblast is gaining momentum.
  2. The mood of the Russian milblogger community has notably shifted to quiet resignation in the last 24 hours after a series of devastating HIMARS attacks this week and the realization that the Russian military has no solution for their “as advertised” performance.
  3. We maintain that Russian forces within Ukraine are combat destroyed – two small attempted advances in Donetsk and Kharkiv ended in failure, and Russian positions were overrun when they retreated, resulting in a territorial loss.

To read the rest of our report, become a Patreon! For as little as $5 a month, you get access to the daily Russia-Ukraine War Situation Report. The report provides analysis, maps, detailed information about all the axes in Ukraine, international developments, information about war crimes and human rights, and economic news. As an added benefit, you get access to flash reports, breaking news, and our Discord server.

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Breaking News, National, Russia-Ukraine War

Intel on planned Russian attacks leads to State Dept. advising Americans to leave Ukraine

August 23, 2022, Russia-Ukraine War Update

[UKRAINE] – MTN It has been 3,099 days since Russia occupied Crimea on February 27, 2014. Here is our latest update. You can visit our Russia-Ukraine War Center to find more news about Ukraine. You can also listen to our in-depth podcast, Malcontent News Russia Ukraine War Update, hosted by Linnea Hubbard.

Breaking News

The United States Department of State has urged all Americans to evacuate Ukraine due to specific intelligence of Russian plans to launch widescale attacks on civilians and government centers through the upcoming week.

“The Department of State has information that Russia is stepping up efforts to launch strikes against Ukraine’s civilian infrastructure and government facilities in the coming days,” according to the embassy’s website.

“The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to depart Ukraine now using privately available ground transportation options if it is safe to do so.”

Bakhmut

Near Bakhmut, fighting continues on the outskirts of Soledar. Russian forces have been unable to advance past the KNAUF-GIPS sheetrock plant.

Russian forces continued their attacks on Zaitseve, 10 kilometers southeast of Bakhmut. Two advances were attempted, a storming action and a reconnaissance in force assault; neither was unsuccessful.

In the Svitlodarsk bulge, Russian forces only attempted an advance on Kodema but failed to dislodge Ukrainian defenders.

Southwest Donetsk – Zaporizhia

North of Avdiivka, DNR separatists attempted to advance on Krasnohorivka but did not gain any new territory.

Separatist troops made another attempt to advance on Pervomaiske but failed to improve their tactical positions. The village of Nevelske came under attack by DNR separatists, who could not find a way to move through the exposed, artillery-blasted fields. Skirmishes in the area of Pisky continued.

An ammunition depot in Rozdolne was hit by rockets fired from HIMARS.

South of Donetsk, Russian forces continue to advance further into Novomykhailivka without success.

On the Donetsk-Zaporizhia administrative border, Russian forces attempted to advance on Zolota Nyva again but did not move the line of conflict.

There are reports from reliable sources that Ukrainian forces have launched an offensive in the area of Polohy.

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Izyum

There is growing evidence that Russian forces in Izyum are experiencing shortages of artillery munitions, having to use antiaircraft guns for direct fire.

Kherson

Rockets fired by HIMARS hit the Antonovsky Bridge in Kherson. There are unconfirmed reports that the strike occurred as a Russian column of supply trucks carrying ammunition was on the bridge.

An S-300 antiaircraft missile fired by Russian forces to attack Mykolaiv failed after launch and crashed in Russian-controlled Zelenivka, near Kherson.

Dnipropetrovsk

Ukrainian forces accused Russian troops of shelling the thermal plant in Enerhodar. A video showed the water feed lines damaged, and a man slumped over in the driver seat of a taxi with shrapnel damage.

Valentyn Reznichenko, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Administrative and Military Governor, reported that Marhanets was hit by artillery fire wounding two people. Nikopol was not attacked with Grad rockets for the first time in more than six weeks.

Sumy and Chernihiv

Dmytro Zhyvytskyi, Sumy Oblast Administrative and Military Governor, reported a border skirmish involving light arms fire at an unspecified border village in the Shostka district.

Odesa, Crimea, and the Black Sea

Two cruise missiles were fired at the previously disabled Zatoka Bridge southwest of Odesa.

Beyond Ukraine

Moldova and Ukraine worked collaboratively to reopen the Berezyne-Basarabeasca rail connection. The completed upgrades have restored rail connections from the rest of Europe, bypassing the damaged Zatoka Bridge over the Dniester estuary.

Daily Assessment

  1. There wasn’t any reported ground combat in northeast Donetsk, Kharkiv, Izyum, or Kherson, which may be due to Russian staffing and supply challenges or a standdown order due to looming more significant attacks.
  2. The United States Department of State warning from the embassy in Kyiv validates our assessment that there is a very high chance of multiple and significant punitive strikes against Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure planned for the week of August 22.
  3. There is growing evidence that Russian forces on the Izyum axis are suffering from ammunition shortages, hampering their ability to hold the current lines of defense.

To read the rest of our report, become a Patreon! For as little as $5 a month, you get access to the daily Russia-Ukraine War Situation Report. The report provides analysis, maps, detailed information about all the axes in Ukraine, international developments, information about war crimes and human rights, and economic news. As an added benefit, you get access to flash reports, breaking news, and our Discord server.

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Russia-Ukraine War

Russia has exhausted its combat capabilities in Ukraine

August 22, 2022, Russia-Ukraine War Update

[UKRAINE] – MTN It has been 3,098 days since Russia occupied Crimea on February 27, 2014. Here is our latest update. You can visit our Russia-Ukraine War Center to find more news about Ukraine. You can also listen to our in-depth podcast, Malcontent News Russia Ukraine War Update, hosted by Linnea Hubbard.

Breaking News

Russian cruise missiles struck Zatoka for the twelfth time since February 24. Russian cruise missiles hit the disabled Zatoka Bridge. There are no reports of injuries.

Northeast Donetsk

Russian forces were attempted an advance on Vesele [Donetsk] from Spirne while Siversk and the surrounding settlements were shelled, as was Ivano-Daryivka.

An ammunition depot in Alchevsk was destroyed in a rocket attack launched by HIMARS.

Bakhmut

PMC Wagner Group and elements of the 2nd Army Corps of the Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) attempted to advance into Soledar and Bakhmutske without success.

Private Military Company (PMC) Wagner Group, supported by the LNR separatists, remains on the outskirts of Bakhmut. The 58th Mechanized Brigade of Ukraine shot down a Russian Su-25 ground attack aircraft. 

Russian forces continued their attacks on Zaitseve, 10 kilometers southeast of Bakhmut, striking from two directions.

In the Svitlodarsk bulge, Russian forces attacked Kodema from three directions but failed to dislodge Ukrainian defenders.

Southwest Donetsk – Zaporizhia

North of Donetsk, an attempt to advance on Niu York ended in failure. DNR separatists fought positional battles near Krasnohorivka but could not improve their tactical situation.

West of Donetsk, elements of the 1st Army Corps of the DNR attempted to advance on Optyne and Pisky using reconnaissance in force without success.

The village of Nevelske was attacked from two directions, but a lack of tanks made moving across the open fields near impossible for light infantry forces.

DNR separatists tried to improve their positions in eastern Marinka using reconnaissance in force. They also attempted to flank Markina from Luhanske without success.

In Donetsk, rockets fired from HIMARS made a precision strike on a large ammunition depot in the eastern part of the city.

On the Donetsk-Zaporizhia administrative border, Russian forces tried to advance on the Velyka Novosilka suburb of Neskuchne and were unsuccessful.

Kharkiv

North of Izyum, Russian forces launched offensives on Dementiivka and Pytomnyk, but they were unsuccessful.

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Izyum

South of Izyum, Russian forces maintained tradition with attempted advances on Dmytrivka and Bohorodychne using reconnaissance in force. They weren’t successful. Russian units attacked Ukrainian positions in Dibrovne, Dolyna, and Karnaukhivka. They also tried to advance in the direction of Nova Dmytrivka from Brazhkivka. They were not able to gain new territory.

Kherson

Rockets fired from HIMARS hit the Antonivsky Bridge in Kherson, producing a major fire and a large explosion. Rockets also hit the bridge and Russian bases in Nova Kakhovka.

Russian airborne troops (VDV) continued their attempts to advance on Tavrijs’ke from Oleksandrivka. They could not improve their positions. Russian forces attempted to capture all of Blahodatne [Mykolaiv] but remained unsuccessful.

Ukrainian forces launched offensives on Novohrednjeve and Sukhyi Stavok, intending to expand the Inhulets River bridgehead. Fighting was described as intense. However, Ukrainian troops did not capture either settlement.

Dnipropetrovsk

The situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is unchanged. None of the parties involved in negotiations to allow inspectors into the power plant have set a date for when the International Atomic Energy Agency will arrive.

Valentyn Reznichenko, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Administrative and Military Governor, reported that Nikopol was hit by Grad rockets fired from the Zaporizhzhia NPP region.

Sumy and Chernihiv

Dmytro Zhyvytskyi, Sumy Oblast Administrative and Military Governor, reported that the settlements of Bilopillia, Khotin, and Velykopysarivska were shelled from across the international border with Russia. There were no injuries, and none of the strikes caused major damage.

In Chernihiv, the settlements of Muravyi and Zaliznyi Mist were shelled. There were no reports of damage or injuries.

Odesa, Crimea, and the Black Sea

North of Odesa, Russia fired five Kalibr cruise missiles into the Odesa Oblast. Two were shot down, with three landing in the area of Maiors’ke. Russia also fired two cruise missiles at the Zatoka Bridge south of Odesa. The bridge has been disabled since early May, and this was the sixth strike on the structure since the start of the war.

Russian air defenses fired at unidentified objects across the Crimea Peninsula, but there were no confirmed drone or missile strikes. Russian sources did not provide any proof to support claims of rockets, missiles, and drones being shot down.

Beyond Ukraine

Russia’s National Republican Army claimed responsibility for the assassination of Daryna Dugina on August 21. The group claims that they planted an improvised explosive device (IED) under the driver’s seat of her father’s SUV.

Daily Assessment

  1. The British Ministry of Intelligence and the ISW assessed that Russian forces had exhausted their combat strength, validating our conclusion from August 19.
  2. Russian officials have likely kicked out Ukrainian employees of Energoatom from the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant to eliminate evidence of its use as a military base in preparation for the agreed-to International Atomic Energy Agency inspection.
  3. There is a very high chance of multiple and significant punitive strikes against Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure the week of August 22 due to attacks on Belgorod, Russian-occupied Crimea, the assassination of Darya Dugina, and Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations on August 24.

To read the rest of our report, become a Patreon! For as little as $5 a month, you get access to the daily Russia-Ukraine War Situation Report. The report provides analysis, maps, detailed information about all the axes in Ukraine, international developments, information about war crimes and human rights, and economic news. As an added benefit, you get access to flash reports, breaking news, and our Discord server.

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Russia-Ukraine War

25K Russian troops west of the Dnipro River cut off – August 14, 2022 Ukraine update

[UKRAINE] – MTN It has been 3,089 days since Russia occupied Crimea on February 27, 2014. Here is our latest update. You can visit our Russia-Ukraine War Center to find more news about Ukraine. You can also listen to our in-depth podcast, Malcontent News Russia Ukraine War Update, hosted by Linnea Hubbard.

Northeast Donetsk

Elements of the 2nd Army Corps of the Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR), supported by the Russian Federation Armed Forces, continued their efforts to advance on Ivano-Darivka, Vyimka, and Vesele. They renewed efforts to advance on Spirne, including an airstrike by the Russian air force.

The headquarters of Private Military Company Wagner Group in Popasna was destroyed by a rocket attack from High Mobility Rocket Artillery Systems (HIMARS). Mercenaries with PMC Wagner shared detailed photos of the headquarters’ location on social media earlier this week. There were graphic pictures and videos of the dead and wounded.

Bakhmut

Near Bakhmut, Russian VDV performed reconnaissance on the eastern edge of Soledar and came under fire. They retreated to previous defensive positions.

PMC Wagner, supported by LNR separatists, tried to advance on Yakovlivka, Bakhmut, and Vershyna without success.

In the Svitlodarsk bulge fighting for control of Kodema continued. The General Staff reported continued fighting for Zaitseve and the settlement being hit by an airstrike.

Southwest Donetsk – Zaporizhia

North of Donetsk, Russian forces attempted to advance on Krasnohorivka and were unsuccessful.

The 1st Army Corps of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) continued its offensive to capture Pisky. After massive artillery shelling on August 12, they made further advances, with Ukrainian forces in the northern part of the settlement.

DNR and Ukrainian forces fought positional battles in Avdiivka and Spartak without changing the line of conflict.

Elements of the 1st Army Corps also attempted to advance on Marinka and were unsuccessful.

Russian forces made another attempt to advance on Pavlivka and tried to improve their position near Novopil and Prechystivka without success.

Kherson

The Antonovisky Bridge that connects Kherson to southern Ukraine was attacked for a fourth time, disabling the structure. Up to 25,000 Russian troops are essentially trapped on the west bank of the Dnipro River with limited resupply options.

Mykolaiv Oblast Administrative and Military Governor Vitalii Kim reported that Russian military leaders were moving their command posts east of the Dnipro River. There were additional reports of Russian soldiers starting to loot garages and homes in Kherson city.

Rockets fired from HIMARS struck seven Russian-controlled settlements, including Velyka Blahovischenka, Melitopol, Nova Kakhovka, Chaplynka, Nyzhni Sirohozy, and Novotroitske. A video showed the aftermath of the strike in Nova Kakhovka, with secondary explosions from ammunition cooking off.

Two platoons of Russian naval infantry attempted to push Ukrainian forces out of Lozove and were unsuccessful. Russian forces also attempted to advance on Andriivka but could not move the line of conflict.

Russian forces also attempted to advance on Shyroke and Oleksandrivka [Kherson] and were unsuccessful.

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Izyum

Northwest of Izyum, the Russian air force struck the settlement of Zalyman.

Russian forces attempted to advance in the direction of Nova Dmytrivka and Dolyna. Neither advance was successful.

Dnipropetrovsk

Russian forces at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant fired 50 Grad rockets from MLRS at Nikopol and Marhanets.

Sumy

Dmytro Zhivytsky, Sumy Regional Administrative and Military Governor, reported Esman, Khotin, Mykolaivka, Billopillia, Znob-Novhorodske, Nova Sloboda, Velyka Pysarivka, and Shalyhyne were shelled and hit by mortars. There were no casualties or major damage.

Chernihiv

In Chernihiv, the settlements of Hremyach, Senkivka, and Pushkari were shelled.

Beyond Russia

Igor “Girkin” Strelkov was detained by the Russian military at the Crimean border, trying to enter Ukraine. The arresting unit outed his FSB alias by releasing a picture of his passport. Strelkov was returned to Russia and later released by authorities.

Daily Assessment

  1. The latest round of bridge attacks has severed all the Ground Lines of Communications (GLOC – aka supply line) across the Dnipro in Kherson – logistics and supply for 25,000 Russian soldiers will be a significant issue.
  2. The tension between the Kremlin and Strelkov is growing after his criticism likely was a bridge too far and his attempt to enter Ukraine allegedly as a “fighter.”
  3. Russian forces are initiating spoiling attacks in northeast Donetsk, likely attempting to pull Ukrainian resources from Bakhmut and Soledar to break what is turning into a stalemate.

To read the rest of our report, become a Patreon! For as little as $5 a month, you get access to the daily Russia-Ukraine War Situation Report. The report provides analysis, maps, detailed information about all the axes in Ukraine, international developments, information about war crimes and human rights, and economic news. As an added benefit, you get access to flash reports, breaking news, and our Discord server.

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Russia-Ukraine War

Fears rise over nuclear accident risk at Europe’s largest plant – August 8, 2022 Ukraine update

[UKRAINE] – MTN It has been 3,083 days since Russia occupied Crimea on February 27, 2014. Here is our latest update. You can visit our Russia-Ukraine War Center to find more news about Ukraine. You can also listen to our in-depth podcast, Malcontent News Russia Ukraine War Update, hosted by Linnea Hubbard.

Northeast Donetsk

Russian forces made two advances on Ukrainian positions on the administrative border of Luhansk and Donetsk without success. They launched two attacks on Verkhnokamyanske and probed Ukrainian positions near Bilohorivka [Donetsk]. None of the actions were successful.

Bakhmut

Near Bakhmut, Russian forces attempted to advance on Yakolivka, Bakhmutske, Bakhmut, and Vershyna and were repelled. The Russian Ministry of Defense has drawn down the last motor infantry battalion tactical group leaving the offensive under the command of the Private Military Company Wagner Group, supported by terrorists of the Imperial Legion of Russia and Luhansk and Donetsk People’s Republic separatists.

In the Svitlodarsk bulge, fighting continued for control of Kodema, and Russian forces continued to try to advance on Zaitseve.

Southwest Donetsk – Zaporizhia

Near Donetsk, Russian forces attempted to improve their positions east of Krasnohorivka but were unsuccessful. Elements of the 1st Army Corps of the DNR and the 2nd Army Corps of the Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) continue to attempt to capture Pisky, Avdiivka, and Marinka with no change in the line of conflict since Saturday. Russian forces attempted to flank Ukrainian positions in Pisky by advancing toward Nevelske across open cropland. They suffered heavy losses and retreated.

Ukrainian forces continue to hold the Shevchenko Mine waste heap in the southeastern part of Marinka, maintaining fire control over the city and advancing Russia-separatists attempting to advance into the city.

Ukrainian forces shelled a complex of warehouses in the Kyivskyi District of Donetsk city, less than 5 kilometers from the line of conflict.

Ukraine launched rockets from High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) on Melitopol, striking Russian troop and equipment staging areas.

In Russian-occupied Mariupol, insurgents set fire to the Satellite Factory in the eastern district. Russian officials couldn’t control the fire and chose to let it burn itself out.

Kharkiv

There wasn’t any significant ground fighting northwest, north, or northeast of Kharkiv city. Both belligerents have settled into a defensive posture and have reinforced their defensive lines.

Russia continues to launch Iskander-M short-range ballistic missiles and S-300 antiaircraft missiles used to strike ground targets in Kharkiv city.

Kherson

Ukrainian forces hit the Antonovsky Bridge in Kherson for a third time, in the exact location as the two previous strikes. The bridge was on fire after the attack. Video from this morning showed renewed damage and partial repairs from last week in progress.

Russian forces shelled and then launched an attack on Blahodatne, supported by a company of Russian VDV troops, about 50 kilometers east of Mykolaiv. There were reports of heavy fighting, but the advance was unsuccessful.

On the Inhulets River bridgehead, Ukrainian forces widened their area of control and destroyed a Russian ammunition depot in Ishchenka. The Russian air force attacked Ukrainian positions east of the river.

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Izyum

Russian forces made three small attacks southwest and south of Izyum. Elements of the 1st Guard Tanks Army attempted to advance on Virnopillya from a forested area north of Brazhivka and retreated after advancing less than 500 meters.

Russian forces also attempted to reconnoiter Ukrainian positions in Dolyna and Bohorodychne. The platoon-size units were engaged and retreated.

Zaporizhia

Russian and Ukrainian leaders traded accusations of shelling the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Energoatom reported that rockets fired by MLRS on August 6 landed adjacent to the dry storage of spent fuel rods. Three radiation sensors were destroyed in the attack. The United Nations demanded inspectors be granted immediate access to Europe’s largest nuclear power plant.

Russia has staffed a garrison of 500 soldiers at Europe’s largest nuclear power plant and is using the facility as a firebase for tubed artillery. Satellite images released today showed that Russia is using the buildings that house nuclear reactors to store armored vehicles. Ukrainian nuclear power company Energoatom accused Russian officials of mining critical infrastructure of the plant with explosives.

The use of a nuclear facility as a military base in a war zone is unprecedented in human history.

Dnipropetrovsk

Nikopol was hit by up to 60 Grad rockets fired by MLRS. Two people were injured, and 50 private homes were damaged or destroyed. The Russian Air Force fired two Kh-59 “Ovod” from Su-24 aircraft on Chervonohryhorivka.

Sumy

Dmytro Zhivytsky, Sumy Regional Administrative and Military Governor, reported that Seredyna-Buda, Esman, Billopillya, Buryn, Pavlivka, and Nova Sloboda were shelled. The border city of Seredyna-Buda was under heavy attack from artillery, mortars, rockets from MLRS, and airstrikes. At least one aircraft was shot down, although the video did have enough detail to show from which nation.

Chernihiv

Russian forces shelled the settlements of Hai and Hremyach over the international border. Officials did not release information on damage or casualties.

Odesa

Another four ships sailed from ports in the Odesa area carrying 161,000 tonnes of corn, meal, and sunflower oil.

Western Ukraine

Three cruise missiles hit the Ukrainian airbase east of Vinnytsia. The Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported “victims” but did not specify how many or their condition. Russia used Kh-47M2 Kinzhal hypersonic missiles in the strike, which Ukrainian air defense systems could not detect. Additionally, an unspecific number of Kinzhal missiles hit the Ukrainian air base east of Kropyvnytskyi in the Kirovohrad oblast.

Beyond Russia

Amnesty International apologized for any “pain caused” by its report on Ukrainian war tactics last week and sought to clarify its position in a statement on Sunday. The organization, which had its website blocked in Russia on March 11 and its NGO status canceled by Moscow on April 8, said it stood by its report but added, “We must be very clear: Nothing we documented Ukrainian forces doing in any way justifies Russian violations. Russia alone is responsible for the violations it has committed against Ukrainian civilians.”

CBS News was walking back a documentary that claimed only 30% of military equipment provided to Ukraine by NATO and its allies was reaching the front. The figure came from Jonas Ohman, founder of the non-profit Blue-Yellow. On Monday, CBS tweeted they had removed the quote and were updating the documentary after additional research. The network has also pulled promotional ads for the documentary.

Daily Assessment

  1. Ukrainian military leaders have forced the Russian military to respond to the possibility of a counteroffensive in Kherson and Zaporizhia, likely impacting previously planned strategies to capture Siversk, Slovyansk, and Kramatorsk.
  2. Ukrainian interdiction effort of Russian supplies and troop movements is impacting ongoing offensives near Bakhmut.
  3. Russian forces continue to focus significant military resources to grind down Ukrainian defenses west of Donetsk, suffering heavy losses for almost no gains since the beginning of August.

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National, Russia-Ukraine War

Russians secure critical Ukrainian defensive position – August 3, 2022 Ukraine update

[UKRAINE] – MTN It has been 23 weeks since the start of the Russia-Ukraine War and 3,078 days since Russia occupied Crimea on February 27, 2014. Here is our latest update.

Northeast Donetsk

On the Luhansk-Donetsk administrative border, Russian forces attempted an advance on Ivano-Darivka and were unsuccessful.

Bakhmut

Fighting intensified with Ukraine and Russia trading territorial gains. Russian forces advanced toward Yakovlivka from Volodymyrivka and were unsuccessful.

Russian forces were pushed out of Vershyna on August 1 and attempted to recapture the settlement by advancing from Roty. The attack was unsuccessful.

Russian forces also attempted to advance on Zaitseve and Pokrovske from Klynove and were unsuccessful in both directions. Russian forces made an advance on Bakhmut from the central part of Pokrovske but did not make new gains.

In the Svitlodarsk bulge, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Russian forces had partial success advancing into Kodema from Vidrodzhenya. We have assessed that Seimhirya was captured by terrorist elements of the Imperial Legion and Private Military Company Wagner Group on August 2.

Southwest Donetsk – Zaporizhia

West of Donetsk city, Russian forces have focused their resources and ground assaults on Avdiivka and Pisky. Elements of the 1st Army Corps of the DNR and the 2nd Army Corps of the Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) attempted to advance on Avdiivka from Mineralne and were unsuccessful.

Elements of the 1st Army Corps of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) captured the Ukrainian stronghold at the Butivka mine ventilation shaft. The defensive position is south of Avdiivka and was an integral part of the defensive line west of Donetsk.

Kharkiv

Russian forces launched a reconnaissance in force group into Dementiivka and were unsuccessful. They launched a second advance on Dementiivka from Kochubeivka, which was also unsuccessful.

Russian forces launched an offensive from Ternova for the first time in almost two months, trying to advance on Bairak. They were unsuccessful.

Southeast of Kharkiv city, Chuhuiv was hit by multiple Russian missiles, killing one civilian.

Kherson

On the Inhulets River bridgehead, a small Russian group supported by two tanks attempted to advance on Bilohirka from Sukhyi Stavok and were unsuccessful.

The Russian base at Chornobaivka was shelled by Ukrainian artillery, causing a major fire with secondary explosions. The blast was so powerful it broke windows, and three magnetic anomaly stations detected the blast as far away as Bucharest, Romania.

Russian troops accidentally caused a major explosion at the Kalanchak railroad station in Myrne while unloading a train full of ammunition. The blast damaged the tracks severing the Ground Line of Communication (GLOC – aka supply line) from Crimea. The connection is expected to be repaired over the next few days.

Russian combat engineers continue repairs on the Antonovskiy Bridge, with local officials announcing it will be reopened by next week. Russian forces also set up a second river crossing at the Antonovskiy Mist Railroad Bridge, moving military equipment into Kherson but at a reduced volume.

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Izyum

South of Izyum, Russian reconnaissance groups were identified near Dovhenke and Dolyna. Ukrainian forces did not engage with either group. We have coded Dovhenke as contested due to the increasing activity around the settlement. Otherwise, Russian forces increase the volume of artillery firing along the entire line of conflict southwest and south of Izyum.

Mykolaiv

Vitaly Kim, the Mykolaiv Regional State Administrative and Military Governor, reported that Russian missiles struck Mykolaiv city. The attack damaged a university dormitory and destroyed private homes. There was one injury reported.

Oleksandr Sienkevych, Mayor of Mykolaiv, reported that missiles hit the city in the early hours of August 3 local time, destroying a grocery store and striking an equestrian training center. Sienkevych reported no animals were injured or killed in the attack.

Zaporizhia

Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, has issued a dire warning over the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant in southeastern Ukraine.

The situation there is getting more perilous every day, he said, urging Russia and Ukraine to allow inspectors to visit the complex to understand what steps need to be taken to prevent a nuclear accident. Russia has turned Europe’s largest nuclear power plant into a firebase and military barracks.

Dnipropetrovsk

Russian forces continue to fire rockets using Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) at Nikopol. The city has been under constant attack for three weeks, with over 1,100 rockets striking the region. The attacks have been coming from the Zaporizhzhia NPP on the opposite bank of the Dnipro River.

Sumy

Dmytro Zhivytsky, Sumy Regional Administrative and Military Governor reported that Esman, Seredyna-Buda, and Khotin were shelled by mortar and artillery fire. There were no casualties or significant damage.

Lviv

A Russian Kh-101 cruise missile struck outside the settlement of Radekhiv in the Lviv oblast. Official and local reports reported indicated a Ukrainian antiaircraft site was destroyed. Two cruise missiles hit the Ukrainian military base in Chervonohrad, 13 kilometers from the Poland border.

Daily Assessment

  1. Russian forces have returned to the military doctrine of using artillery to completely destroy an area until there is nothing left to defend and advance into the ruins west of Donetsk.
  2. In the next three weeks, many Russian military regulars will be coming to the end of their six-month contract in Ukraine, and because there has not been a formal declaration of war, they will be able to opt out of a new contract.
  3. Increased artillery fire south of Izyum is not a prelude to a renewed offensive and is meant to keep Ukrainian forces from advancing.

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