Ukraine: Russian forces continue military operations in east of country as of July 23 /update 169

Event

The Russian offensive against Ukraine continued as of July 23. Conflict incidents remain largely concentrated in the Donbas and southern, Russian-occupied regions of the country. Moscow has begun to slowly increase the tempo and scale of its attacks following the announced end of its operational pause; however, the escalation has not yet resulted in significant territorial gains.

The fiercest combat continues to be focused in northern and central areas of the Donetsk Region. Moscow has continued to carry out artillery strikes on Ukrainian positions along routes toward Slovyansk. Russian troops have also staged ground attacks east of Siversk in recent days but have struggled to advance westward, with Ukrainian troops repelling Russian assaults around Ivano-Darivka and Verkhnokamyanske. Additionally, Moscow's forces have continued to fight Ukrainian defenders around Spirne and Hryhorivka. Meanwhile, Russian forces have bombarded Ukrainian positions east of Siversk, including Spirne, with airstrikes and artillery fire.

Further south, Moscow has carried out attacks toward Bakhmut from positions located east and south of the city, capturing Stryapivka and advancing in the direction of Soledar. However, Ukrainian forces have reportedly repulsed a Russian attack near Pokrovske despite Russia claiming that its troops have gained control over southern parts of the town. Russian troops have also notably continued to attempt to capture the Vuhlehirsk Thermal Power Plant. Moscow had reportedly failed to take control of the facility as of July 23, with Ukrainian forces repelling Russian attacks in the area.

In the Donetsk city area, Russian troops have continued to fire on Ukrainian forces along the front line; for their part, Ukrainian defenders have repulsed Russian attempts to advance northwestward from Vesele to Vodyane.

In the Russian-occupied Kherson Region, Ukraine struck the Daryivskyi Bridge, which spans the Inhulets River, July 23 as Ukrainian forces reportedly move gradually into the region ahead of a likely significant counteroffensive. Kyiv's assault on the key Russian-controlled infrastructure comes days after Ukrainian artillery attacks on the Antonovskiy Bridge, another crucial route for the resupplying and transportation of Russian troops in Kherson, left it closed to freight traffic and heavy military vehicles. Gaining control of crossings over strategically important rivers in the Kherson Region will likely be a top priority for Ukrainian forces operating in the country’s south.

Skirmishes continue north of Kharkiv, including in the Dementiivka, Tsupivka, and Velyki Prokhody areas, among others. Ukrainian forces have also staged limited attacks south of Chuhuiv.

Moscow’s forces continue to conduct shelling, missile attacks, and airstrikes both across the front line and in other parts of the country. Mykolaiv and Kharkiv, in particular, are subject to regular artillery and rocket bombardment. A Russian rocket attack on the Kanotovo airfield and railway infrastructure in the Kirovohrad Region killed at least three people and wounded some 19 others July 23. Additionally, suspected Russian missiles struck the port of Odesa July 23, hours after Kyiv and Moscow agreed to permit the export of grain from the port and two others on Ukraine's Black Sea coast.

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 nationwide martial law decree until Aug. 23. Curfews are in effect in multiple regions. In Kyiv Region, a curfew is in effect 23:00-05:00 until at least July 24. Nightly curfews are also in place in Mykolaiv 22:00-06:00 and Zaporizhzhia Region 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 the country. Reports 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

Moscow's attention appears to have turned to the impending battles for Siversk, Bakhmut, and Slovyansk. With the bulk of Russia's personnel and equipment having been deployed in the Luhansk Region, further major assaults against settlements bordering that region are likely. Ukrainian forces are likely seeking to bolster defensive positions along the Bakhmut-Lysychansk highway and between Bakhmut and Svitlodarsk; however, it remains possible that Ukrainian forces will fall back beyond the highway to more established defensive positions in Bakhmut and Siversk.

Regardless of Russia's next major objective, an increase in Russian offensive operations is highly likely throughout the combat zone in the coming days. The territorial situation in much of the country outside the Luhansk Region has remained fairly static for some time. Russian operations north of Kharkiv continue, with the aim of securing the border region and supply lines. Russian artillery and rocket fire into the Sumy Region from Russia's Kursk Oblast has also continued, with the likely aim of pinning a number of Ukrainian forces in the region.

Ukraine has increasingly struck targets deep behind Russian lines with advanced Western weaponry in an attempt to attrite and degrade Russian forces, with the goal of eventually stalling Russia's advance. However, Kyiv's forces continue to come under significant pressure in the Donbas as Russia conducts intense artillery and aerial bombardments ahead of daily ground assaults on Ukrainian defensive positions.

As the conflict remains largely concentrated in the east and the south of the country, particularly in the Donbas, Kharkiv, and Kherson regions, residents are increasingly returning to central and western areas, particularly Kyiv. Additionally, despite numerous foreign governments continuing to advise against travel to Ukraine, many business operations are resuming in the country's central and western regions; however, strikes continue to target critical infrastructure and other sites nationwide.

Advice

Avoid travel to active conflict zones in the Kharkiv, Luhansk, Donetsk, and Kherson regions of Ukraine; consider exiting these areas if safe to do so. Exercise extreme caution if operating anywhere in Ukraine. 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. Maintain contact with diplomatic representations. Due to the threat of unexploded ordnance, avoid off-road travel. Travel on well-used routes only. Do not approach suspected unexploded ordnance. In areas previously occupied by Russian forces, be aware of the possibility of booby traps.

Resources

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