Ukraine: Russian forces continue offensive operations in the east as of May 28 /update 113

Event

Russia's offensive against Ukraine continues as of May 28. The heaviest fighting continues in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions.

Russia has claimed to have taken full control of Lyman (Donetsk Region), May 28. Ukrainian officials have not confirmed the town's loss but reported ongoing Russian attacks in the area. If confirmed as fallen, Russia would have access to strategically important rail and road bridges over the Siverskyy Donets River. Ukrainian forces continue to hold ground nearby in Sloviansk, a key intersection along several major roads in the area, and Kramatorsk. Fighting is also ongoing around Lysychansk and Severodonetsk, located east of Lyman. Local authorities in Severodonetsk have started planning potential evacuation routes. Pro-Russian forces have reportedly entered a part of the town.

North of Kharkiv city, battles continue with very few gains on either side. Ukrainian officials confirmed early May 28 that Russian forces are continuing to shell communities in the region along the frontline. Russian advances near the Russian-controlled town of Izyum (southeastern Kharkiv Region) have reportedly stalled. Further south, Russian forces continue to entrench defensive positions, particularly in the Kherson Region. Fighting across the front lines, including mortar and rocket attacks, continues. 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. Depending on local developments, authorities may extend or amend curfew hours on short notice.

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 northward 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 the front lines in the Donbas. Static and improved defensive positions near Kharkiv and in the south around Kherson suggest a refocus on securing the entirety of the Donbas over the coming weeks.

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