Tag Archives: mykolaiv

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.

Visit our Russia-Ukraine War Map

The Malcontent News Russia-Ukraine War Map is updated as events occur. Map not appearing in your RSS Feed or Google News App? You can review the most up-to-date information by visiting our custom Google Map.

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.

Become a Patreon today!

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.

Visit our Russia-Ukraine War Map

The Malcontent News Russia-Ukraine War Map is updated as events occur. Map not appearing in your RSS Feed or Google News App? You can review the most up-to-date information by visiting our custom Google Map.

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.

Become a Patreon today!

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.

Visit our Russia-Ukraine War Map

The Malcontent News Russia-Ukraine War Map is updated as events occur. Map not appearing in your RSS Feed or Google News App? You can review the most up-to-date information by visiting our custom Google Map.

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.

Become a Patreon today!

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.

Visit our Russia-Ukraine War Map

The Malcontent News Russia-Ukraine War Map is updated as events occur. Map not appearing in your RSS Feed or Google News App? You can review the most up-to-date information by visiting our custom Google Map.

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.

Become a Patreon today!

Russia-Ukraine War

Assassination in Moscow – cruise missiles slam Odesa

1 Comment

August 21, 2022, Russia-Ukraine War Update

[UKRAINE] – MTN It has been 3,097 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

Three Russian cruise missiles struck the Odesa region, with the Russian Ministry of Defense claiming they destroyed rockets meant for NATO-provided HIMARS launchers. Ukrainian officials claim five Kalibr cruise missiles were fired, with two intercepted and three striking warehouses storing grain. Neither Russia nor Ukraine provided evidence to support their claims. The missile strikes are a potential violation of Russia and Ukraine’s grain shipment agreement earlier this month.

Northeast Donetsk

There was limited fighting in northeast Donetsk. Russian forces attempted to advance on Ivano-Daryivka and Vyimka and did not gain new territory.

Bakhmut

Russian forces and their proxies continued their attempts to advance beyond the KNAUF-GIPS sheetrock factory on the eastern outskirts of Soledar. They also tried to advance into Bakhmutske without success.

Russian forces continued their attacks on Zaitseve, 10 kilometers southeast of Bakhmut, striking from three directions. Ukrainian defensive positions withstood the assaults.

In the Svitlodarsk bulge, Russian forces attacked Kodema from three directions but failed to dislodge Ukrainian defenders. To the southwest, separatists with the DNR continued attempts to advance on Mayorsk without success.

Southwest Donetsk – Zaporizhia

In separatist-controlled Horlivka, Ukrainian forces destroyed an ammunition depot. Videos shared on social media showed a large fire with secondary explosions.

Russian-backed troops attempted to advance on Niu York from two directions – striking from the south and east.

DNR separatists attempted to advance on Optyne and retake the northern part of Pisky without success.

Separatist troops made another attempt to advance on Pervomaiske across the open country to the south. The advance was unsuccessful.

Ukrainian forces pushed DNR separatists back from the center of Marinka.

Visit our Russia-Ukraine War Map

The Malcontent News Russia-Ukraine War Map is updated as events occur. Map not appearing in your RSS Feed or Google News App? You can review the most up-to-date information by visiting our custom Google Map.

Kherson

Rockets fired from HIMARS hit the Russian base in Chornobaivka on the outskirts of Kherson city, destroying an ammunition depot and a Russian command post.

West of Kherson, Russian forces attempted to advance on Tavrijs’ke in three separate attacks launched from Olkesandrivka using motor infantry and tanks. They were unsuccessful.

A Ukrainian reconnaissance force tested Russian defenses in the northern part of Snihurivka. Further west, Russian forces attempted to advance on Blahodatne [Mykolaiv] and were unsuccessful.

Mykolaiv

Mykolaiv Oblast Administrative and Military Governor Vitaliy Kim reported that a Russian Kalibr cruise missile hit a five-story apartment building in Voznesensk. Nine people were injured, including four children.

Dnipropetrovsk

Employees of Energoatom, the Ukrainian state-run atomic energy company, have been placed on leave, including operational staff, and told not to return to the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. 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.

Sumy and Chernihiv

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

In Chernihiv, the settlement of Pushkari was shelled. There were no reports of damage or injuries.

Beyond Ukraine

Darya Dugina, the daughter of Putin’s “brain” Alexander Dugin, was killed in an apparent professional assassination when the Land Rover she was driving exploded in Moscow. The Russian state news agency TASS confirmed her death.

Dugina was driving her father’s SUV. He was supposed to be a passenger, but he made a last-second decision to travel in a different vehicle.

Video recorded seconds after the explosion showed a stunned Dugin watching the SUV burn on a Moscow road. Dugina was a journalist and analyst who denied the war crimes in Bucha, openly called for the creation of a Ukrainian rump state, and advocated for the destruction of Ukrainian culture, claiming it was a false concept.

Her father is considered a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin and the architect of Russia’s growing nationalist views. Some have called him the 21st Century Rasputin due to his demeanor, history, and oversized presence in political circles.

Russia is accusing Ukraine of using biological weapons to poison Russian soldiers with Botulism. The Kremlin claims the soldiers have been sickened by Botulinum Type B, a medication sold under the brand name Myobloc. Myobloc is a different purified version of the Botulinum sold as Botox. Both are used for removing wrinkles and other secondary medical benefits.

Daily Assessment

  1. The psychological impact of the drone strike in Sevastopol is evident as Russian air defense has started firing wildly across the region and cars streaming out of Crimea.
  2. As further evidence that the crisis at Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was a psychological operation attempting to smear Kyiv, the new crisis is the Kremlin accusing Ukraine of using biological weapons on Russian troops.
  3. Russian forces have made marginal gains in pushing back the Ukrainian offensives south of Izyum.

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.

Become a Patreon today!

Breaking News, Russia-Ukraine War

All eyes on Zaporizhzhia, Turkey’s Erdogan pledges support for Ukraine

August 19, 2022, Russia-Ukraine War Update

[UKRAINE] – MTN It has been 3,095 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

Air defenses have been activated in Russian-controlled Sevastopol on the Crimea Peninsula. There are reports of explosions. Available videos on social media only show air defense missiles firing and no strikes in the city or surrounding area.

Northeast Donetsk

There was limited fighting in northeast Donetsk, with Russian forces attempting to advance in the direction of Vyimka from Spirne and Mykolaivka without success.

Bakhmut

Russian forces and their proxies fought positional battles on the outskirts of Soledar supported by artillery and attack aircraft and attempted to advance into Bakhmutske without success.

PMC Wagner Group, Russian airborne VDV forces, and elements of the LNR 2nd Army Corps, supported by the Russian air force, attempted to advance on Bakhmut from three directions without success.

In the Svitlodarsk Bulge, PMC Wagner Group and LNR separatists attempted to advance on Kodema without success, and Russian forces attempted to advance on Zaitseve from Holyivskyi but could not make any forward progress.

Ukrainian forces shelled Russian positions in Svitlodarsk.

Southwest Donetsk – Zaporizhia

DNR separatists launched their first offensive toward Kamyanka since July 29. Belligerents fought a positional battle, and there was no change in the line of conflict.

Separatists attempted to flank Adviivka by advancing from Novoselivka Druha and were unsuccessful.

There was an attempt to advance into Pervomaiske from the Russian-occupied areas of Pisky. Separatists were unable to move forward, lost ground, and Ukraine gained a toehold in the northern part of the contested village. DNR separatists attempted another open country advance from Lozove toward Pervomaiske and were unsuccessful.

In the southern part of the Donbas, DNR separatists attempted to advance in the direction of Vodyane without success.

Kharkiv

A building on the campus of the National Aerospace Academy in Kharkiv was destroyed in an overnight missile attack. A security guard who worked at the university was killed in the attack.

Visit our Russia-Ukraine War Map

The Malcontent News Russia-Ukraine War Map is updated as events occur. Map not appearing in your RSS Feed or Google News App? You can review the most up-to-date information by visiting our custom Google Map.

Kherson

Operational Command South of the Armed Forces of Ukraine hinted that they attempted an offensive toward Stanislav and Shyroka Balka. The advance was unsuccessful.

The bridge at the Nova Kakhovka was hit again by rockets fired by High Mobility Rocket Artillery Systems (HIMARS), thwarting Russian combat engineer attempts to repair the structure.

Mykolaiv

Two Russian S-300 antiaircraft missiles being used as ground-to-ground weapons hit the Black Sea University in Mykolaiv on the 18th, and up to eight missiles struck the campus on the morning of the 19th. This is the third attack on the campus in the last four days and one of four universities targeted by Russian missile strikes in the last 24 hours.

Dnipropetrovsk

There is significant concern by the west and global nuclear power monitoring organizations that Russia is preparing for a false flag event at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant on August 19. A statement from the Russian embassy in the United States raised eyebrows with specific accusations and the wording used.

Overnight, the settlement of Nikopol was attacked by rockets fired from MLRS located within the nuclear power plant compound.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he has agreed to a framework for a visit by an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) mission to the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP). The agreement was reached after meeting with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in Lviv.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was also in the meeting and declared, during a press conference said, “We are alarmed by the hostilities at the [nuclear power plant]. We don’t want to experience another Chornobyl. We are and will remain on Ukraine’s side.”

Sumy and Chernihiv

Dmytro Zhyvytskyi, Sumy Oblast Administrative and Military Governor, reported that the settlements of Bilopillia, Krasnopillia, and Myropillia, were attacked.

Beyond Ukraine

A Russian ammunition depot in Timonovo, Russia, had a catastrophic explosion. Fire and rescue crews were standing off because it was too dangerous to approach the area. Timonovo and Basovo were evacuated, along with a nearby military base.

Daily Assessment

  1. The Russian Ministry of Defense made no claims of capturing new territory for the first time since early July, and Russian troops have demonstrated they are incapable of concentrating combat power in an offensive as they did in Luhansk.
  2. We maintain that the 1st Army Corps of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the 2nd Army Corps of the Luhansk People’s Republic are combat ineffective.
  3. Russian military doctrine has relied on indigenous militias and mercenaries to do the bulk of front-line fighting, such as in Chechnya, Syria, and the Central African Republic, to minimize official combat losses and weaken rump states – the waste of human capital among Donbas separatists has hobbled combat capabilities.

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.

Become a Patreon today!

Russia-Ukraine War

Up to 100 Russian mercenaries killed in HIMARS attack – August 15, 2022 Ukraine update

1 Comment

[UKRAINE] – MTN It has been 3,091 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

A Russian Special Operation Force (SOF) reconnaissance in force team attempted to advance on Serebrianka, came under fire from Ukrainian forces, and retreated.

Elements of the 2nd Army Corps of the Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR), supported by the Russian Federation Armed Forces, attempted to advance into Ivano-Darivka, Vesele, and Spirne using reconnaissance in force and were unsuccessful.

The headquarters for Private Military Company Wagner Group was hit by rockets fired from High Mobility Rocket Artillery Systems (HIMARS), causing significant damage and reportedly causing up to 100 casualties.

On August 8, Private Military Company Wagner Group aligned Telegram channel Grey Zone, shared detailed pictures of the Wagner command and control base in Popasna. One of the photos a Russian journalist took during the visit included the address of the building where the base was located. Yevgeny Prigozhin, the founder of Wagner and a close Putin ally, was in one of the pictures.

Wagner Telegram channel Reverse Side of the Medal shared pictures of the destroyed base and the wounded and dead being removed. Pictures shared by Wagner Group show at least two impacts on the building, including one that would have penetrated the basement area. Another post-attack video was recorded by an insurgent or Ukrainian SOF showing Wagner loading some of the dead into a van.

Ukrainian SOF made a reconnaissance mission in Brusivka, on the north bank of the Siverski Donets River near Lyman. They came under machine gun fire, attempted to flank the Russian positions, and withdrew.

Bakhmut

Russian airborne forces (VDV) attempted another reconnaissance in force push on the edge of Soledar and were unsuccessful.

PMC Wagner, supported by LNR separatists, tried to advance on Yakovlivka and Vershyna without success. Russian VDV forces assaulted Bakhmut and, according to the General Staff, had “partial success.” After the attack, Bakhmut experienced the worst shelling since the war began.

Russian forces attempted to advance on Zaitseve, 10 kilometers southeast of Bakhmut and were unsuccessful. In the Svitlodarsk bulge fighting for control of Kodema and Zaitseve (north of Horlivka) continued.

Southwest Donetsk – Zaporizhia

West of Donetsk, the 1st Army Corps of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) continued its offensive to capture Pisky. They remained unsuccessful in pushing Ukrainian forces out of the northern part of the village.

On the south side of Pisky, DNR forces attempted to advance on Pervomaiske and were unsuccessful.

In southern Ukraine, Russian forces made another attempt to advance on Pavlivka and tried to improve their position near Vremivka without success.

Insurgents in Melitopol destroyed a railroad bridge south of the city and reportedly caused major damage to the structure.

Social media pictures showed a large fire at the port in Berdyansk. The exiled mayor of the port city reported the fire was caused by a “violation of safety requirements” during welding work that ignited fuel and oil storage.

Mykolaiv

Russian forces fired S300 antiaircraft missiles in a ground-to-ground capacity for the first time in almost a week into Mykolaiv. The main port was hit, causing damage to the facilities.

Visit our Russia-Ukraine War Map

The Malcontent News Russia-Ukraine War Map is updated as events occur. Map not appearing in your RSS Feed or Google News App? You can review the most up-to-date information by visiting our custom Google Map.

Izyum

South of Izyum, pictures by Ukrainian forces confirm that the settlement of Brazhivka has been fully liberated. Russian forces attempted to advance in the direction of Dolyna and were unsuccessful.

Dnipropetrovsk

Russian and Ukrainian forces continue to trade accusations of shelling the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. The Russian-controlled city of Energodar, where the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is located, was shelled, killing one person. Russian forces fired 20 Grad rockets into Nikopol and shelled Marganets. There were no injuries reported.

Sumy

Dmytro Zhivytsky, Sumy Regional Administrative and Military Governor, reported Yunakivka, Esman, Khotin, and Billopillia were shelled and hit by mortars. There was a border skirmish north of Billopillia at the now closed international border crossing into Russia.

Chernihiv

The settlement of Senkivka was shelled.

Beyond Ukraine

In Zareche-Vtore, Russia, Ukrainian SOF used a loitering munition or explosives to collapse a large communications tower, destroying it.

Daily Assessment

  1. The 2nd Army Corps of the Luhansk People’s Republic is combat ineffective, with multiple reports that it is on the brink of being combat destroyed.
  2. Volunteer fighters in Russia are starting to return home from their contracts and complain of poor equipment, terrible treatment, and going unpaid.
  3. Russian proxy forces suffered another embarrassing and preventable defeat due to terrible operational security, resulting in dozens of mercenaries being killed and wounded in a confirmed HIMARS attack.

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.

Become a Patreon today!

Russia-Ukraine War

Russia continues its push west of Donetsk – August 6, 2022 Ukraine update

[UKRAINE] – MTN It has been 3,081 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.

Northeast Donetsk

The only military action in this region was limited to artillery exchanges with both Ukrainian and Russian forces targeting ground lines of communication (GLOC – supply lines) and working on holding troops in defensive positions.

Bakhmut

Terrorist forces of the Imperial Legion fighting for Private Military Company (PMC) Wagner Group supported by elements of the 1st and 2nd Army Corps of the Donetsk (DNR) and Luhansk (LNR) People’s Republics attempted to advance on Bakhmutske, Soledar, and Yakovlivka. They were unsuccessful at moving the line of conflict.

In the Bakhmut area, PMC Wagner attempted to advance on Bakhmut and Vershyna from Pokrovske. They were unsuccessful. Ukrainian forces destroyed at least one bridge that leads into Bakhmut, taking up defensive positions.

In the Svitlodarsk bulge, Ukrainian forces withdrew from Travneve to Kodema to prevent encirclement and reinforce Ukrainian positions further north. PMC Wagner, supported by Chechen forces and LNR and DNR separatists, has collapsed the bulge.

Southwest Donetsk – Zaporizhia

Russian forces continue to focus their resources and the largest attacks in Ukraine on Avdiivka and Pisky. Elements of the 1st Army Corps of the DNR and the 2nd Army Corps of the LNR attempted to advance into both settlements with no success.

Russian forces attempted advances on Niu York and Krasnohorivka north of Avdiivka. Additionally, they attempted to advance on Avdiivka from Spartak and Donetsk – both advances were unsuccessful.

In Pisky, Russian and Ukrainian forces are trading control of the middle-third of the settlement, with Rusian forces advancing from Lozove and the recently captured Butivka Mine ventilation shaft compound.

Russian separatists attempted to advance on Krasnohorivka and Marinka from Oleksandrivka, but neither advance was successful.

South of Donetsk, Russian forces attempted to advance on Pavlivka from Kyrylivka – implying that Ukrainian forces have improved defensive lines near Yehorivka. Russian forces launched an assault on Prechystivka from Novomaiorske. Ukraine liberated Novomaiorske in late June, and the recent report indicates that Russian forces recaptured the village.

Ukrainian forces destroyed a large ammunition depot in Makiivka. Multiple videos on social media recorded secondary explosions and showed the facility had still burning at sunrise. Civilian homes were less than 500 meters from the site, with cooked-off ammunition launching in all directions.

Kharkiv

North of Kharkiv, Ukrainian and Russian forces fought positional battles near Vesele, Borshchova, and Pytomnsk. The front is frozen northwest, north, and northeast of the city, with both belligerents slowly drawing down offensive capabilities.

Kherson

Ukraine hit an ammunition depot in Tokmak, causing a large fire with secondary explosions. Operational Command South reported that ammunition depots in Berislav and Kherson were destroyed.

Ukraine also targeted the command posts of the 76th Airborne Assault Division and 49th Combined Arms Army.

Russian VDV forces supported by tanks attacked Ukrainian positions on the Inhulets River bridgehead at Lozove from Sukhyi Stavok but were unsuccessful.

Visit our Russia-Ukraine War Map

The Malcontent News Russia-Ukraine War Map is updated as events occur. Map not appearing in your RSS Feed or Google News App? You can review the most up-to-date information by visiting our custom Google Map.

Izyum

Russian forces attempted to advance toward Bohorodychne with an ad hoc offensive from the woods east of the Siverskyi Donets River and were unsuccessful. Russain forces between Kopanky and Andriivka are in a salient and at moderate risk of encirclement.

Mykolaiv

A weekend curfew was announced in Mykolaiv city to support operations to arrest collaborators. Residents can still venture outside for activities such as dog walking but must carry their identification with them.

Zaporizhia

Energoatom claims that Russian forces launched a false flag attack on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, firing rockets from MLRS that landed near one of the reactor houses. It was reported that a nitrogen-oxygen station and the combined auxiliary building were badly damaged, but there were no casualties or release of radiation. Before the shelling, Russian Rosatom representatives hurriedly left the station.

Sumy

Dmytro Zhivytsky, Sumy Region Administrative and Military Governor, reported that Seredyna-Buda, Esman, and Hlukhiv were shelled. There was one casualty.

Chernihiv

In Chernihiv, the settlements of Zaliznyi Mist and Hremyach were shelled by Russian forces over the international border. There wasn’t additional information on damage or casualties.

Daily Assessment

  1. Russian forces continue to focus military resources to grind Ukrainian defenses west of Donetsk down using a scorched earth policy.
  2. The reduction in operational tempo is not an indication that Russian forces have exhausted their resources and is likely a 36 to 72-hour pause to reconstitute before increasing attacks west of Donetsk and near Bakhmut.
  3. The activation of the newly created 17th Tank Brigade by Ukraine is an indicator that offensive operations in Kherson will increase in the near future.

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.

Become a Patreon today!

Russia-Ukraine War

Ukraine hangs on in Donetsk, advances in Izyum – August 5, 2022 Ukraine update

[UKRAINE] – MTN It has been 3,080 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.

Northeast Donetsk

Russian forces attempted to advance on Berestove and were unsuccessful. The Russian Ministry of Defense has drawn down troops out of Luhansk for redeployment to Kherson and Zaporizhia to prop up sagging defensive lines. Because of this, most ground combat operations have ended.

In Bilovodsk, Luhansk, an assassination attempt was made on Vitaly Kovalenko, the so-called “head” of the occupied Bilovodsk district, and his deputy, Valentina Hladkova. Hladkova was shot in the hip and has been hospitalized.

Bakhmut

Russian forces attempted to advance on Yakovlivka from Volodymyrivka and were unsuccessful. Russian forces also attempted to advance on Soledar from Stryapivka but did not make new territorial gains.

East of Bakhmut, terrorist forces of the Imperial Legion fighting for Private Military Company (PMC) Wagner Group reached the outer edges of Bakhmut from the center of Pokrovske but were pushed back.

Russian forces attempted to advance on Vershyna from Roty and were unsuccessful.

On August 3 in the Svitlodarsk bulge, terrorist forces of the Imperial Legion fighting for PMC Wagner Group captured Seimyhirya, and on August 4, they advanced on Kodema from Dolomitne and Seimyhirya.

Southwest Donetsk – Zaporizhia

Russian forces continue to focus their resources and ground assaults on Avdiivka and Pisky. Russian forces furiously attacked Pisky from Lozove and Vesele and made marginal gains.

On August 3, Russian forces carpeted Marinka during the day and evening with artillery, rockets, and thermobaric weapons. Russian forces advanced into the settlement after the bombardment and were pushed back. On August 4, Russian forces attempted another direct assault on the settlement and were unsuccessful.

In Toretsk, Russian artillery struck a bus stop, killing eight, including three children.

In Russia-controlled Donetsk, the Donetsk People’s Republic accused Ukraine of shelling the funeral ceremony of Colonel Olga Kachura, who was considered one of the founders of the self-declared Republic and of the 1st Army Corps. On August 3, Kachura, who went by the call sign Korsa, was killed by artillery fire in Horlivka. Officials claim eight people were killed.

Kharkiv

Ukrainian forces attacked Russian positions in Vesele from Male Vesele. Ukrainian forces were unsuccessful.

Russian forces launched four missiles from Belgorod, Russia, on Kharkiv, which hit near the city center. There were reports of three injuries.

Chuhuiv was hit with artillery and rockets fired by MLRS on August 3 – 4. Shelling on the night of August 4 was the most intense the city has experienced since the start of the war.

Kherson

Ukraine hit an ammunition depot in Nova Mayachka, causing a large fire with secondary explosions.

Russian forces attempted to advance on Ukrainian positions on the Inhulets River bridgehead at Bilohirka and Lozove from Sukhyi Stavok and were unsuccessful.

Ukrainian forces attacked Russian positions in Starosillya, destroying armored vehicles concealed in a barn. The stronghold has been a logistics center for advances on the Inhulets River bridgehead.

Ukrainian forces recaptured Lyubymivka on August 3, and Russian forces shelled the settlement on August 4.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine is claiming the Russian 22nd Army Corps command post in Chornobaivka was destroyed in the August 2 HIMARS strike near the Kherson International Airport.

Visit our Russia-Ukraine War Map

The Malcontent News Russia-Ukraine War Map is updated as events occur. Map not appearing in your RSS Feed or Google News App? You can review the most up-to-date information by visiting our custom Google Map.

Izyum

Russian forces continue to lose ground south of Izyum. Ukrainian forces liberated Dmytrivka and Dibrovne, including the ridges overlooking Sulyivka. Ukrainian forces took full control of Maznivka and are advancing on Dovhenke.

With both attempts failing, Russian forces attempted to advance on Dolyna and Bohorodychne with ad hoc offensives. On August 3, Russian forces attempted an offensive on Husarivka, which also failed.

Mykolaiv

On August 3, Oleksandr Sienkevych, Mayor of Mykolaiv, reported a missile attack destroyed a grocery store and struck an equestrian training facility. There were no injuries, and no animals were hurt, but there was significant damage. There were reports of an additional attack late on August 4.

Zaporizhia

Zaporizhzhia was hit by four missiles late on August 4. Additional information was not available at the time the report was created.

On August 3 – 4, Russian forces continued to fire rockets using Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (MLRS) at Nikopol. In less than a month, the city has been hit with more than 1,200 Smerch and Grad rockets launched by Russian forces from the grounds of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

Dnipropetrovsk

Myrivske, northwest of Kryvyi Rih, was struck by an Xh-59 cruise missile. Houses were destroyed, but there were no injuries or deaths.

Sumy

Dmytro Zhivytsky, Sumy Regional Administrative and Military Governor reported that Krasnopillya, Shalyhyne, and a rural area near Novoslobidski were shelled and hit with mortars. Additionally, there was a cross-border skirmish with machine gun fire. There were no injuries reported.

Chernihiv

The settlements of Zaliznyi Mist, Hay, Hremyach, and Mykhalchyna Sloboda were shelled by Russian forces over the international border.

Odesa

Three more grain ships sailed from Ukrainian ports late on Thursday Los Angeles time, bound for inspection in Turkey before heading to their final destination. Two left from the port of Chornomorsk and the third from Odesa. The Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier Navistar will sail to Ireland with 33,000 tonnes of corn. The other two vessels are heading to Great Britain and Turkey carrying 13,000 and 12,000 tonnes of corn.

Beyond Ukraine

On August 3, Ukrainian forces targeted a Russian ammunition convoy in civilian vehicles moving north of Ternova, across the Russian border. Several vehicles were destroyed.

Daily Assessment

  1. Russian forces are focusing military resources to grind Ukrainian defenses west of Donetsk down using a scorched earth policy. Ukrainian forces are struggling to hold the defenses but continue to resist the onslaught
  2. We won’t label the territorial gains south of Izyum a counteroffensive; however, territorial gains are accelerating, and the front is getting broader.
  3. Our assessment on August 2 that Increased artillery fire south of Izyum was not a prelude to a renewed offensive was accurate.

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.

Become a Patreon today!

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.

Visit our Russia-Ukraine War Map

The Malcontent News Russia-Ukraine War Map is updated as events occur. Map not appearing in your RSS Feed or Google News App? You can review the most up-to-date information by visiting our custom Google Map.

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.

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.

Become a Patreon today!