Ukraine: Ukrainian offensive operations near Kharkiv increasing as of May 8 /update 93

Event

Ukrainian offensive operations to the north and east of Kharkiv have been increasing as of May 8. North of the city, the Ukrainian counteroffensive is making significant progress and could potentially reach the Russian border in the coming days. Preliminary information indicates that Russian forces may have withdrawn as far as Lyptsi. Ukrainian units have recaptured Tsyrkuny - a town that had served as a hub for Russian artillery groups shelling Kharkiv; hence, it is possible that Russian artillery fire against the city could diminish somewhat in the near future. Russian elements reportedly destroyed three bridges near Tsyrkuny and Rusky Tyshky, suggesting that their withdrawal is deliberate and they may have no plans to retake the ground in question in the near term.

East of Kharkhiv, Ukrainian and Russian forces still occupy opposite sides of the Siversky Donets River near Staryi Saltiv.

In the Izyum sector, Ukrainian units continue to repel Russian attacks on Barvinkove. According to Defense Ministry sources in Kyiv, Moscow's forces failed in bids to take Velyka Komyshuvakha, Virnopillya, and Zavody on May 7. Along the line of contact, Russian ground assaults are continuing against Shandryholove, Kreminna, Rubizhne, and Avdiivke.

Russian forces have made some recent gains in Luhansk Region over the past 48 hours; however, the Kremlin's offensive in other areas has largely stalled. Russian assaults on Rubizhne continued; there are unconfirmed reports of Russian attacks on Vojevodivka to the north of Severodonetsk, as well as of Russian troops' having captured Voronove to the southeast of the city. Russia continues to shell Ukrainian settlements across the front line; the status of Popasna remains unclear.

In the Donetsk Region, Ukrainian authorities have confirmed that all women, children, and elderly civilians have been evacuated from Mariupol's besieged Azovstal Steel Plant. Russian forces have now reportedly stepped up assaults on the facility in an ongoing attempt to clear the last Ukrainian defenders. There has been little activity elsewhere in the region over the past 24 hours.

In the Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions, Russian forces conducted no new offensive operations over the past 24 hours, opting instead to reinforce their front lines against a potential Ukrainian counterattack. Russia continues to shell Ukrainian-held settlements near the northern administrative border of the Kherson Region. Ukrainian counteroffensives are reportedly ongoing north of Kherson city, near Snihurivka, though exact details remain unconfirmed. Ukrainian military officials anticipate a renewed offensive toward Mykolaiv or Kryvyi Rih from Kherson in the coming days.

Russian forces have stepped up missile attacks and airstrikes against targets, including rail infrastructure, in central and western Ukraine in recent days in a likely effort to follow through on threats to prevent foreign weapon shipments from reaching the battlefield. Russian surface-to-surface missiles reportedly struck railway infrastructure near Krasnohrad and Karlivka southeast of Poltava May 7. The Moscow's strategic bombing campaign against targets across Ukraine continues.

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. Trostyanets station has partially reopened and Slovyansk station is operating only partial services. 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; however, in Zaporizhzhia city, an extended curfew will be in effect 19:00 May 8-05:00 May 10. An extended curfew is also in place in Melitopol May 8-10. 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 campaign in eastern Ukraine has become sluggish at best over the past week, while the Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kharkiv and Izyum sectors appears to be gaining momentum. In the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, Ukrainian forces are reportedly well prepared and offering stiff resistance to Russian advances. Nonetheless, Moscow has yet to commit all of the forces it currently has deployed within Ukraine and such a move may be imminent. Still, Russian forces are yet to display the high-level capability to successfully conduct complex theater-level maneuvers that they have generally been believed to possess.

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