Ukraine: Heavy fighting reported in the Donbas as Russia's offensive makes incremental gains May 29 /update 114

Event

Russia's offensive against Ukraine continues as of May 29. The heaviest fighting is ongoing in the Donbas, where critical engagements include those around Lyman and Severodonetsk in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, respectively.

Russia claims to have taken full control of Lyman, although this remains unclear. Heavy fighting is ongoing in the area, which is located around 20 km (12 miles) northeast of the Ukrainian-held city of Slovyansk. The reported fall of Lyman grants Russia access to strategically important rail and road links between Russian-occupied territory in the Kharkiv and Luhansk regions.

Military officials in Severodonetsk state that Ukrainian forces in the city are in a difficult defensive position as of May 29. Russian forces have reportedly entered northern areas of the city, where clashes are ongoing near the Severodonetsk Bus Station. Russian and pro-Russian forces continue to launch attacks on settlements east and south of Severodonetsk. Fighting is particularly intense in towns approaching the Bakhmut-Lysychansk Highway, which remains a key supply route for the defense of Severodonetsk.

The Ukrainian General Staff of the Armed Forces states a counteroffensive is underway along the administrative border between the Mykolaiv and Kherson regions; however, few other details are available. Russian forces in the area have conducted numerous artillery strikes against settlements north and east of Kherson city.

North of Kharkiv city, battles continue with very few gains on either side. Russian forces are continuing to shell communities in the region along the frontline. Russia also continues to shell targets further north in Sumy and Chernihiv regions, highlighting the continued threat from such attacks, particularly in areas close to the border.

Disruptions and Shortages
Ukrainian Railways (UZ) has restored near-regular commuter services throughout much of the central and western parts of the country and continues to operate evacuation trains from most major cities, including Kyiv; however, rail services are subject to disruptions without warning. Civilian aviation remains suspended, and the nation's seaports are closed.

The government has extended Ukraine's existing nationwide martial law decree until Aug. 23. Curfews are in effect in multiple regions. In Kyiv Region, a curfew is in effect from 23:00-05:00, with some municipality-level variations, through at least May 29. In Mykolaiv, a curfew is in place from 22:00-06:00. In Zaporizhzhia Region, the curfew runs 22:00-05:00. Generally, civilians must stay indoors during curfew hours; exemptions exist for workers in critical infrastructure and persons seeking urgent medical care or bomb shelters. Authorities may extend or amend curfew hours on short notice depending on local developments.

Intermittent telecommunications, internet, and utility disruptions continue across much of the country. Reports also indicate a shortage of basic supplies, including groceries and pharmaceutical products, in multiple cities facing Russian ground assaults. Finally, the National Bank of Ukraine has limited foreign currency transfers and withdrawals.

Context

Russia has increasingly focused men, military equipment, and operational resources on furthering the encirclement of defenders in the Severodonetsk area and, to a lesser extent, on approaching the city of Slovyansk from the north and west. Ukrainian forces in the Donbas are conducting coordinated and uncoordinated withdrawals from poor defensive positions following the partial Russian breakthrough at Popasna. Ukraine likely aims to continue weakening Russian forces with the aim of eventually stalling Russia's advance.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has rebuffed Western attempts to create a format for negotiations between the Kremlin and Kyiv. Instead, the Kremlin has repeatedly warned the West against sending increasingly advanced offensive weaponry to Ukraine and used the weapons shipments as partial justification for ongoing missile attacks and airstrikes against targets in central and western Ukraine. Despite the increased aerial bombardment in recent weeks, Western weapons shipments will likely flow ever faster into Ukraine as the conflict continues. The threat of said weapons shipments in some way sparking a wider conflagration between Russia and NATO remains minimal.

Advice

Avoid travel to Ukraine until the situation stabilizes; consider exiting the country if safe to do so. Where fighting or airstrikes are occurring, shelter in place until the situation becomes clear. If officials report incoming fire, stay away from windows and exterior walls. Strictly heed the instructions of local security personnel, particularly when ordered to air-raid shelters.

Stockpile food, fuel, and water when possible and safe to do so. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations. Confirm that a thorough communication plan exists to ensure rapid accountability for all personnel operating in Ukraine. Reconfirm the status of public transport services, road routes, and borders before departure. Due to the threat of unexploded ordnance, consider avoiding off-road travel. Travel on well-used routes only. Do not approach suspected unexploded ordnance.

Resources

Ukrainian Railways - UZ
Listing of Available Trains by City
State Border Guard Service