Ukraine: Russian forces continue military operations in east of country as of July 24 /update 170

Event

The Russian offensive against Ukraine continued as of July 24. 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 reported in northern and central areas of the Donetsk Region. Russian forces have recently focused their offensive ground operations in the directions of Bakhmut, Siversk, and Slovyansk. Specifically, Moscow's troops have continued in their attempts to advance on positions located east and southeast of Bakhmut, including the Vuhlehirsk Thermal Power Plant; however, Ukrainian forces have reportedly repelled the assaults and Russian forces have made little territorial progress. Russian troops and Ukrainian forces have also engaged in intense fighting in the Roty and Semyhirya areas. Additionally, Russian forces have continued to bombard areas around Bakhmut with airstrikes and artillery fire.

Russian troops have staged multiple ground assaults on areas east of Siversk in recent days, with Ukrainian forces repelling attempted Russian advances toward the town and Verkhnokamyanske. Despite the Ukrainian resistance, Russian forces may be gaining ground and approaching Siversk along this axis. Russian airstrikes and artillery fire have also targeted the Siversk area in recent days, including the town itself as well as Kryva Luka, Hryorivka, Verkhnokamyanske, Ivano-Darivka, and Spirne.

In the Slovyansk direction, Ukrainian military sources claimed July 24 that their troops had repelled a Russian assault on Bohorodychne. Russian shelling has also reportedly targeted multiple settlements between Izyum and Slovyansk, notably including Krasnopillya, Dolyna, and Mazanivka in the Donetsk Region, among others in the Kharkiv Region.

While it remained unclear if Kyiv had definitively launched a significant counteroffensive in the Russian-occupied Kherson Region as of July 24, Ukrainian forces are nonetheless likely to increase the operational tempo in the country's south over the short term. Ukraine notably struck the Daryivskyi Bridge, which spans the Inhulets River, July 23. Kyiv's assault on the key Russian-controlled infrastructure came days after Ukrainian artillery attacks targeted the Antonovskiy Bridge, another crucial route for the resupplying and transportation of Russian troops in Kherson. 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 have continued north of Kharkiv in recent days, including in the Dementiivka, Tsupivka, and Velyki Prokhody areas, among others. Ukrainian forces have also staged limited attacks south of Chuhuiv. Russian forces had reportedly launched an airstrike on Verkhnii Saltiv as of July 23.

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. Ukrainian military sources notably claimed July 24 that their forces had intercepted multiple Russian-launched missiles targeting the Khmelnytskyi Region. Additionally, a Russian missile attack struck the Odesa port area July 23, hours after Kyiv and Moscow agreed to permit the export of grain from the port and others on Ukraine's Black Sea coast; Russia claimed July 24 that the attack hit military targets, while Ukraine asserted that the salvo hit a pumping station area and did not cause significant damage.

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 31. 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