Ukraine: Heavy fighting reported in the Donbas region as Russia's offensive continues May 13 /update 98

Event

Russia's offensive against Ukraine is continuing as of May 13, with the heaviest fighting being reported in northern areas of the Donetsk Region. Intense fighting and artillery strikes are taking place almost continuously in the area between the towns of Oleksandrivka and Shandryholove, both of which reportedly remain under Ukrainian control. Elsewhere in the region, small-scale ground assaults and intense exchanges of artillery fire have been reported in the settlements surrounding Avdiivka. Russian assaults on the nearby towns of Marinka and Novoselivka have been repulsed, as have ground assaults on Zelene Pole.

Heavy fighting is also taking place in the Luhansk Region, where conflicting reports suggest that Ukrainian forces may have withdrawn from Rubizhne and Vojevodivka, both of which lie north of Severodonetsk.

Ukrainian forces conducting a counteroffensive north and east of Kharkiv made no major gains in the past 24 hours; however, Russian artillery shelling of the city's northern outskirts has subsided in recent days as Russian forces have likely withdrawn artillery from positions retaken by advancing Ukrainian troops. Some shelling was reported in outlying towns recently recaptured by Ukrainian forces, including Pytomnyk and Rusky Tusky; an unconfirmed number of casualties was reported.

Authorities in Kyiv estimate that more than 1,000 Ukrainian fighters remain in Mariupol's Azovstal Steel Plant; Russian forces ceased assaults against the plant on May 12 in favor of taking unspecified actions to prevent the defenders from conducting hit-and-run attacks via the plant's underground tunnel network. Airstrikes and artillery shelling continued to target the building.

While clashes have been reported along the line of contact at the administrative border between the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions, Russian forces have conducted no new significant offensive operations in the area in recent days, opting instead to conduct reconnaissance, resupply, and reinforce their front lines. Ukrainian military officials anticipate a renewed Russian offensive toward Mykolaiv or Kryvyi Rih from Kherson in the coming days.

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 through May 25. Curfews are in effect in multiple regions. In Kyiv Region, a curfew is in effect 22:00-05:00, with some municipality-level variations. In Mykolaiv, a curfew is in place 21:00-06:00. In Zaporizhzhia and Sumy regions, the curfew runs 21:00-05:00; in Orikhiv, Zaporizhzhia Region, an extended curfew will be in effect 18:00 May 13-06:00 May 16. 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's seizure of settlements both north and south of Severodonetsk in recent days, combined with reported troop movements northwards from the recently captured town of Popasna, suggests that Moscow may have once again amended its immediate objectives amid the otherwise sluggish campaign in the Donbas. The recent moves indicate that Russian forces arrayed along the Siverskiy Donets River may increasingly attempt to encircle pockets of defenders, such as those around Severodonetsk and Lysychansk, rather than attempt a grander encirclement of Ukrainian forces in a large swath of territory from Popasna to Slovyansk.

Moscow is increasingly committing forces withdrawn from elsewhere in the combat zone to frontlines in the Donbas; however, the success of Ukraine's counteroffensive north and east of the city of Kharkiv may prompt Russian forces to redirect troops to protect the main supply route between Belgorod, Russia, and Izyum in Ukraine's Kharkiv Region, where large concentrations of Russian troops and materiel are located.

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