Tag Archives: nikopol

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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Russia-Ukraine War

Russian state media news report shows military hardware at Zaporizhzhia nuke plant

August 25, 2022, Russia-Ukraine War Update

[UKRAINE] – MTN It has been 26 weeks since Russia’s widespread invasion of Ukraine and 3,100 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.

Bakhmut

Private Military Company Wagner Group, supported by terrorist elements of the Imperial Legion, fought positional battles near Soledar and Bakhmutske. Lacking armor support, they were unsuccessful.

In the Svitlodarsk bulge, Russian forces fought positional battles south and east of Kodema but did not improve the tactical situation. There were reports of fighting around the train station at Mayorsk.

Southwest Donetsk – Zaporizhia

The 1st Army Corps of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) lost control of parts of Pisky. Separatist troops attempted to push Ukrainian forces out of their positions in the direction of Pervomaiske but were unsuccessful.

Russian forces tried to advance on Nevelske using main battle tanks and infantry fighting vehicles with inadequate light infantry support. After suffering losses, separatist troops had to retreat.

Unable to advance further into Marinka, Russian forces attempted to flank Ukrainian positions but failed to advance into Pobieda.

On the Donetsk-Zaporizhia administrative border, Russian forces attempted to advance on Pavlivka and continued to press toward Velyka Novosilka but did not move the line of conflict.

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Izyum

Russian forces attempted to advance on Dolyna. Due to diminishing artillery support, lack of fire control, and the advance conducted mainly by conscripts and unskilled forces, the attack was unsuccessful. There was an attempted advance in the direction of Nova Dmytrivka by a small Russian force, but they were sent back to Sherwood Forest.

Kherson

Ukraine struck the Kakhovka Bridge again with rockets fired by HIMARS. The bridge was severely damaged. The Antonovsky Bridge was attacked twice overnight. Its condition is unknown.

Several sources reported that Russian airborne troops (VDV) attempted to advance north from Oleksandrivka [Kherson] but could not traverse the open fields.

Russian troops tried to expand their area of control north of Blahodatne [Mykolaiv]. Due to the canal north of the town, only a small force could advance through a chokepoint and suffered heavy losses.

Russian forces attempted to break through Ukrainian lines near Arkhanhelske, trying to advance in the direction of Mykolaivka [Kherson] and were unsuccessful.

Dnipropetrovsk

The situation at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is unchanged, with rhetoric and accusations continuing by both belligerents.

In a stunning news report on August 24, Russian state media released a video that shows Russian BTR-80 infantry fighting vehicles within the power plant compound by Reactor 2. Russian occupiers claim they arrested two Ukrainian spies working for Energoatom. Leaders of the military garrison at the power plant allege that the duo documented military troop movements and equipment located at the plant and was sharing the information with Ukrainian officials.

Nikopol and Marhanets were shelled again by rockets fired by MLRS from across the Dnipro River. The attack was much smaller than at the start of the month, with 11 Grad rockets damaging homes.

Russian missiles struck the railway station in Chaplyne, which was full of civilians at the time The attack killed 25 and wounded 31. Just before midnight and about 20 kilometers away, Russian missiles crashed into the town of Velykomykhailivka, wounding eight as they slept in their homes.

Sumy and Chernihiv

Dmytro Zhyvytskyi, Sumy Oblast Administrative and Military Governor, reported that Russian forces shelled the settlements of Esman, Znob-Novhorod, Krasnopillia, and Bilopillia.

Kyiv

Two Russian missiles struck the Vyshhorod area north of Kyiv just after midnight. There were no reports of injuries.

Poltava

At least one Calibr cruise missile launched by the Black Sea fleet slammed into the ground near Myrhorod in the Poltava oblast. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed they hit the Ukrainian air force base outside of the city, but video after the attack showed the missile successfully carved out a six-meter-deep crater in the middle of a dirt road.

Khmelnytskyi

Russian cruise missiles landed in Shepetivka, according to Serhiy Gamaly, Khmelnytskyi Oblast Administrative and Military Governor. Damage was reported to “critical infrastructure,” and three people were wounded.

Daily Assessment

  1. Unfortunately, our assessment that there would be punitive strikes on civilians and civilian infrastructure on Independence Day was accurate, with 25 people killed and 47 hospitalized in missile attacks across Ukraine.
  2. We anticipate more attacks on civilians, civilian infrastructure, and government decision-making centers over the next 24 to 72 hours.
  3. The Russian military within Ukraine has become combat ineffective theaterwide, with ground attacks becoming smaller along the entire 2,450-kilometer-long front.

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, 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.

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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.

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Breaking News, Russia-Ukraine War

Multiple attacks in Russia and Crimea, ammo stored at nuke plant – August 18, 2022 Ukraine update

[UKRAINE] – MTN It has been 3,094 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

An open-air Russian ammunition depot in Timonovo, Russia, exploded on Thursday evening, causing the evacuation of two towns and a military base. Videos from the area showed multiple secondary explosions, including rockets, missiles, thermite, and potentially white phosphorus. Fire and rescue crews were standing off because it was too dangerous to approach the area. Satellite images before the explosion show the depot, located 30 kilometers from the Ukrainian border, is 147,500 square meters (1.6 million square feet) and contained dozens of military vehicles.

There are conflicting reports that Belbek Military Airfield in Sevastopol was attacked and had an explosion. Videos from the area showed air defenses had been activated and recorded explosions and sonic booms in the area. A video allegedly showing a large explosion at an ammunition depot was deemed to be falsely attributed to the airfield.

There are fresh reports that the helicopter base in Stary Oskol, Russia, has been attacked.

Russian air defenses were activated at the Kersch Bridge, which connects Russian-controlled Crimea with the Russian mainland. Russian officials claim they shot down a Ukrainian drone. There was no damage to the bridge.

Social media reports are claiming that Enerhodar, where the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant is located, is under heavy attack. A video from earlier today showed Russian military vehicles and ammunition stored in the reactor one complex. An earlier video showed military equipment moving in and out of the machine shop area of reactor one, but the amount of hardware inside was unclear. The ammunition is stored in the same building that houses the generation turbine deck for the reactor one complex.

Northeast Donetsk

There was limited fighting in northeast Donetsk, with Russian forces attempting to advance on Vesele supported by the Russian air force from Bilohorivka [Donetsk]. The advance was unsuccessful. Ukrainian forces were able to overrun the first line of Russian defenses near Bilohorivka.

Russian forces attempted to maneuver to Vyimka but lacked the troop strength to advance across the open territory.

Bakhmut

Russian forces and their proxies tried to improve their positions within the KNAUF-GIPS sheetrock factory in Soledar but did not most the line of conflict. Russian forces also attempted to advance into Bakhmutske without success.

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

Russian forces and their proxies also attempted to advance on the T-0513 Highway through Zaitseve (10 kilometers southeast of Bakhmut) and were unsuccessful.

In the Svitlodarsk Bulge, PMC Wagner Group and LNR separatists attempted to advance on Kodema without success.

Russian forces also attempted to advance on Zaitseve from Holyivskyi and tried to capture the Mayorsk border crossing. Neither offensive was successful.

Southwest Donetsk – Zaporizhia

Russia-backed separatists of the DNR were able to advance from Spartak to the edge of Opytne and are attempting to consolidate their gains.

Fighting to reach the village of Nevelske has been intense. DNR used white phosphorus munitions on established Ukrainian positions. DNR forces attempted to cross open territory from Lozove toward Pervomaiske and cross the Ukrainian positions along the E-50 Ring Road. They were unsuccessful.

A railway bridge was hit by an apparent single HIMARS rocket in Makiivka, destroying the tracks, the tunnel, and supports.

Ukraine attacked Russian-controlled Panteleymonovka. One person was killed in the strike.

A Russian ammunition depot in Amvrosiivka was destroyed by rockets fired from HIMARS. The initial blast shattered windows and damaged buildings up to 1.6 kilometers away.

In the southern part of the Donbas, fighting for control of Novobakhmutivka continued, with Ukrainian positions hit by artillery.

Ivan Fedorov, the exiled mayor of Melitopol, said that Russian occupying forces had sealed the city and forcing everyone to go through filtration. The city has been rocked by almost daily partisan attacks, including a series of explosions on August 17.

In Russian-controlled Kyrylivka, Russian ammunition and military equipment reportedly exploded due to insurgent activity.

Kharkiv

Russian missiles hit an apartment building in the Saltiva district of Kharkiv. The building was destroyed in the attack, killing seven and wounding 20. The city was hit a second time in the Slobidskyi District. A hostel was partially destroyed before sunrise killing two and wounding 18.

Rockets also struck Krasnohrad at 4:00 AM while people were still asleep. Two people were killed, and another two were wounded.

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Kherson

Operational Command South of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the General Staff reported conflicting information about Bilohirka on the Inhulets River bridgehead. The General Staff reported that Russian forces attempted to advance on the settlement and were unsuccessful. Operational Command South reported that a Russian ammunition depot in Bilohirka was destroyed.

Dnipropetrovsk

The settlement of Nikopol was shelled overnight. A school was damaged, and one woman was hospitalized.

There has been no progress on efforts to demilitarize the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres arrived in Lviv for talks with Ukrainian and Turkish officials about the situation in Zaporizhzhia.

Sumy and Chernihiv

Dmytro Zhyvytskyi, Sumy Oblast Administrative and Military Governor, reported that 176 artillery shells hit border towns on August 17. The settlements of Bilopillia, Velyka Pysarivka, Esman, Krasnopillia, Yunakivka, Myropillia, Shalyhyne, and Buryn were attacked.

Odesa-Crimea-Black Sea

Reports by Russian state media that the naval airbase in Russian-controlled Hvardeyskye, Crimea, experienced a fire with several explosions was a disinformation campaign. Satellite images show there was no damage, and the base was operating normally.

Daily Assessment

  1. The 1st Army Corps of the Donetsk People’s Republic and the 2nd Army Corps of the Luhansk People’s Republic are combat ineffective.
  2. Ukraine continues to destroy ammunition depots, troop positions, and military equipment deep in Russian-occupied territory.
  3. Russian forces launched a series of punitive strikes on civilian targets in Mykolaiv, Zatoka, and Kharkiv, and we expect more attacks through the rest of the week.

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

Russian offensive to capture Avdiivka falters – August 17, 2022 Ukraine update

[UKRAINE] – MTN It has been 3,093 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 gaining additional protection from the Russian air force withdrew from the area of Ivano-Darivka back to the Verkhnokamyanka oil refinery.

The former offices of the Ukrainian Intelligence Service in occupied Lysychansk were destroyed in a rocket attack launched by High Mobility Rocket Artillery Systems (HIMARS). Governor Haidai reported the building was occupied by the 2nd Army Corps of the Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR). It is claimed over 100 were killed.

On August 15, an ammunition depot in Russian-controlled Rodakove was destroyed in a probable HIMARS attack.

Officers of the 2nd Army Corps on the LNR accidentally revealed the location of their command post in Lysychansk when they posted pictures on social media. The photos included all the metadata, including the precise geolocation.

Bakhmut

Reconnaissance units probed Ukrainian defenses in Soledar near the area of the KNAUFF-GIPS sheetrock factory and returned to their positions. In support of the attempted advance on Soledar, Russian forces continue to attempt to advance on Bakhmutske.

Russian forces tried to move into Zaitseve (10 kilometers southeast of Bakhmut) using reconnaissance in force and were unsuccessful.

In the Svitlodarsk bulge, Russian forces attempted to advance into Zaitseve (north of Horlivka) but were unsuccessful.

Elements of the 1st Army Corps of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) attempted to advance through the Mayorsk border crossing after Russian forces shelled Ukrainian positions to the north and were unsuccessful. Following an artillery barrage on Shumy, DNR forces attempted to advance into the settlement and were unsuccessful.

Southwest Donetsk – Zaporizhia

Near Donetsk, elements of the 1st Army Corps attempted to advance on Nevelske and Opytne. The advance on Nevelske was unsuccessful, and fighting was ongoing in Spartak, southeast of Opytne.

After fighting to secure the Butivka Mine Ventilation Shaft compound on the southeast edge of Pisky, DNR forces abandoned their positions without a fight. We have recoded Pisky as contested based on social intelligence, the General Staff report, and Russian state media reports.

Ukrainian forces shelled a water treatment plant in Donetsk city, causing additional damage to the facility, which was previously attacked on March 16.

Russian missiles destroyed several warehouses and electrical infrastructure in Kurakhove.

In the southern part of the Donbas, fighting for control of Novobakhmutivka continued, with Ukrainian positions being hit by airstrikes and artillery.

Russian forces attempted an advance on Shevchenko and were unsuccessful.

The International Red Cross now claims that its employees were able to visit the Russian penal colony in Olenvika, Donetsk, on two occasions. The revelation reverses earlier claims that they had never been allowed inside the compound. The ICRC stated they had no opportunities to meet with prisoners face-to-face, and Russian proxy forces would not allow unsupervised meetings, violating the Geneva Convention. For background information, you can read our Special Report: Anatomy of a botched false flag attack at Detention Camp 52.

Kharkiv

Members of the Azov Battalion conducted a special operation in Russian-controlled Ternova, northeast of Kharkiv. The unit destroyed two Russian BMP infantry fighting vehicles, an ammunition depot, and an observation post. Russian forces responded by remotely mining the settlements of Peremoha and Ukrainka.

Southeast of Kharkiv, Russian forces launched offensives toward Bazaliivka and Lebyazhe – neither were successful.

Russian forces shelled Ukrainian civilians and civilian infrastructure along the entire line of conflict, including firing rockets from MLRS into the Saltivka District of Kharkiv.

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Izyum

South of Izyum, Russian forces continued their attempts to recapture Mazanivka and were unsuccessful. A new offensive to recapture Bohorodychne was launched, resulting in Russian forces being pushed back.

Russian forces shelled and then remote mined Dibrovne. The General Staff reported that Russian forces were advancing in the area of Nova Dymtrivka and were unsuccessful.

Near the village of Rudneve, Russian forces were ambushed by Ukrainian forces in the so-called “Sherwood Forest” region, west of Izyum.

Kherson

Russian efforts to push Ukraine from the Inhulets River bridgehead failed. Russian Special Operation Forces (SOF) attempted to flank Ukrainian positions in Bilohirka by advancing a platoon toward Bila Krynsytsya. The unit was discovered, suffered heavy losses, and retreated.

Simultaneously Russian forces from Davydiv Brid advanced on Bilohirka, contested the town, and then were pushed back, suffering heavy casualties in the failed offensive.

Russian forces made a second attempt to advance on Novohryhorivka, northwest of Kherson city and were unsuccessful.

There are reports that units of the Chechen Rosgvardiya have been redeployed east of the Dnipro River to prevent deserters from trying to leave their positions in Kherson. There have not been reports of widespread desertion, but morale is reported to be low, with the 25,000 Russian troops west of the river cut off.

Dnipropetrovsk

The settlement of Nikopol was shelled overnight. There was damage to the Nikopol highway and six homes but no casualties.

There has been no progress on efforts to demilitarize the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.

The Russian Ministry of Defense and Volodymyr Rogov, the Russian-appointed head of Zaporizhzhia, accused Ukraine of shelling the power plant and damaging the cooling circuit.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will meet with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Lviv on August 18. Topics will include grain shipments, economics, and the situation at Zaporizhzhia. After the meeting in Lviv, Guterres will travel to Odesa.

Sumy and Chernihiv

Dmytro Zhyvytskyi, Sumy Oblast Administrative and Military Governor, reported that 130 artillery shells hit border towns on August 16. The settlements of Khotin, Billopillia, Myrolaiivka, Shalyhyne, and Krasnopillia were attacked.

The settlement of Kamianska Sloboda in the Chernihiv oblast was shelled from across the international border. There were no reports of casualties.

Odesa-Crimea-Black Sea

The seaside resort town of Zatoka was struck by two Kh-22 air-to-sea cruise missiles fired by Russian air force Tu-22M3 heavy bombers. The attack destroyed up to seven seaside hotels and over a dozen summer homes. This was the 11th attack on Zatoka since the start of the war.

Russian state media reported that the naval airbase in Russian-controlled Hvardeyskye, Crimea experienced a fire with several explosions. Two squadrons of the 37th Composite Aviation Regiment are stationed at the base.

Zhytomyr

Two Russian Kh-59 air-to-sea cruise missiles fired by Russian Su-34 aircraft operating in Belarusian airspace struck the Ukrainian air force base in Ozerne. Ukrainian officials reported the runway was cratered, and several non-aviation vehicles were damaged.

Beyond Ukraine

Russian officials are blaming Ukrainian Special Operation Forces for destroying multiple power transmission towers in the Kursk region. Russian FSB reported that between August 4 and 12, six towers for electrical distribution carrying from 110 to 750 kilovolts connected to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant were destroyed.

Daily Assessment

  1. Russian forces continue to make operational security errors contributing to Ukrainian successes.
  2. The 1st Army Corps has likely abandoned direct assaults on Avdiivka and Marinka and may be reallocating troops already from Pisky.
  3. Ukrainian military leaders have maintained defensive lines across Ukraine despite having fewer resources and an artillery deficit.

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

Ukrainian Special Forces destroy Crimea ammo depot – August 16, 2022 Ukraine update

[UKRAINE] – MTN It has been 3,092 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 attempted to advance on Ivano-Darivka, Vyimka, and Vesele without success. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine described the assault as a “complete failure” with a “chaotic retreat.”

Russian forces launched a major attack toward Ivano-Darivka from the Verkhnokamyanka oil refinery. Fighting continued throughout the day.

A command post of the Luhansk People’s Republic (LNR) 2nd Army Corps was struck by rockets fired by High Mobility Rocket Artillery Systems (HIMARS), destroying the former Ukrainian intelligence service building. Exiled Luhansk Oblast Administrative and Military Governor Serhiy Haidai reported over soldiers and officers of the 2nd Army Corps were killed in the attack. Video from Lysychansk showed that the building had been obliterated.

Governor Haidai also reported Private Military Company (PMC) Wagner Group suffered over 100 casualties due to the August 14 HIMARS attack on their headquarters in Popasna. New videos and pictures of the Wagner headquarters after the attack showed vastly more damage than initially reported, confirming there were multiple rocket strikes. Members of PMC Wagner reported that the man behind the Telegram account Grey Zone died from injuries sustained in the attack.

General Ramzan Kadyrov posted a video showing Akhmat Division members fighting in an undisclosed location in northeast Donetsk. This is the first evidence of Chechen fighters still active in Ukraine in over two weeks, but the video appears to be old.

Bakhmut

Russian forces attempting to advance into Yakolivka either hit a landmine or were ambushed by Ukrainian forces and suffered equipment and personnel losses. Russian forces attempted to advance into Soledar from two directions – Bakhmutske and Stryapivka. The attacks were unsuccessful.

Russian forces continued attempts to advance into Bakhmutske and Zaitseve (10 kilometers southeast of Bakhmut).

In the Svitlodarsk bulge, Russian forces continue to attempt to capture Zaitseve from Horlivka. Russian forces shared a video of sappers blowing up the Luhan River bridge in Luhanske. The bridge is located in a region of solid Russian control.

Southwest Donetsk – Zaporizhia

The latest report from the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine did not mention Pisky, and the last report of Ukrainian positions being shelled was 12 hours ago. Ukrainian forces remain northeast and south of the village, but in our assessment, Pisky is under Russian control.

Elements of the 1st Army Corps of the Donetsk People’s Republic (DNR) have launched positional battles near Staromykhailivka and Nevelske.

The DNR appears to have abandoned efforts to capture Avdiivka after suffering devastating losses in direct assaults.

A composition of Russian airborne VDV, naval infantry, DNR, and LNR forces launched a series of offensives in southern Ukraine.

Russian forces launched an offensive from Solodke toward Vodyane to the west and Volodymyrivka to the southwest. Neither offensive was successful.

Russian forces made another attempt to advance on Pavlivka, which was unsuccessful. A Russian Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter was shot down.

In Russian-controlled Melitopol, insurgents blew up the TV transmitter and a substation, cutting off all television signals in the area.

Kharkiv

The Russian Ministry of Defense and Pro-Russian social media account Rybar made another claim that the border settlement of Udy was recaptured. The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that Sosnivka, between Udy and the Russian stronghold of Kozacha Lopan, was shelled through the day.

Seven Iskander-M Short-Range Ballistic Missiles (SRBM) hit the Shevchenkivskyi, Kyivskyi, Saltivskyi, Industrialnyi, and Kholodnohirskyi district of Kharkiv during the largest artillery and missile attack on the city since May. There were no casualties reported.

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Izyum

Russian forces launched the heaviest round of artillery fire in over a week along the Izyum axis. Ukrainian positions in Hrushuvakha, Virnopilla, Krasnopilla, Asiivka, and Mazanivka were shelled.

Russian forces then attempted to advance on Mazanivka and Dolyna and were unsuccessful.

Kherson

Northwest of Kherson, Russian forces advanced toward Novohryhorivka and took heavy losses in the failed advance. Based on this information, we recoded the village of Zelenyi Hai as under Russian control.

Russian forces appear to be making a significant effort to push Ukrainian forces across the Inhulets River. Russian troops attacked Andriivka, Lozove, Bilohrika, and Bila Krynytsia, which is on the west bank of the river.

Dnipropetrovsk

The Russian Ministry of Defense continues stonewalling the International Atomic Energy Agency and United Nations’ request to allow inspections into the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Igor Vishnevetsky, Deputy Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department for Non-Proliferation and Arms Control, claimed it would be too dangerous for international inspectors to travel to the plant through Kyiv.

Odesa-Crimea-Black Sea

A massive Russian ammunition depot in Maiske, Russian-controlled Crimea, exploded. Multiple videos showed continuous secondary explosions, air-to-air missiles flying in all directions, and two additional blasts. Satellite images before the blast suggest the ammo depot may have been 1,000 meters long. The Russian Ministry of Defense initially claimed the explosion was an accident and, in an update, reported that Ukrainian Special Operation Forces had destroyed the depot.

The depot was located 750 meters from civilian housing, and up to 3000 people were ordered to evacuate. Social media videos showed unexploded munitions had been thrown up to 5 kilometers away and littered roads, fields, and yards. The Russian Ministry of Defense reported there were no casualties, while occupation officials in Crimea reported at least two were wounded.

An naval airbase in Russian-controlled Hvardiiske was attacked by Ukrainian SOF, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense. Local residents reported multiple explosions and black clouds of smoke rising from the base, where more than two-dozen aircraft are stationed. Kremlin officials claim a kamikaze drone made the attack, and there were no casualties or significant damage.

Daily Assessment

  1. Russian forces have dramatically increased operational tempo in northeast Donetsk, indicating a larger offensive may be starting than we previously assessed.
  2. The 1st Army Corps appears to have abandoned direct assaults on Avdiivka and Marinka after the capture of Pisky.
  3. Russian forces are attempting to push Ukrainian troops from the Inhulets River bridgehead, as supply issues are already hitting troops west of the Dnipro.

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