Ukraine: Ukrainian forces conducting multiple attacks on Russian positions in the Kherson Region as of Aug. 30 /update 176

Event

Ukrainian forces have conducted multiple strikes and ground assaults on Russian positions in the Kherson Region Aug. 29-30. Ukrainian military officials confirm that the precision strikes and ground assaults form the opening stages of a major counteroffensive in the Kherson Region; however, the strength of the Ukrainian counteroffensive force remains unclear. According to emerging reports, Ukraine is conducting attacks in multiple directions but in numbers short of those required for a major counteroffensive. Nonetheless, Ukrainian forces reportedly broke through Russian lines near Arkhanhelske in the northern part of the region on Aug. 29. Ukrainian troops in the area are also attempting to advance from the settlements of Pravdyne, Partyzanske, Andriivka, and Vysokopillya. Ukrainian missiles have struck Russian ammunition depots, command posts, and other high-value targets in Nova Khakovka, Havrylivka, and Lvove; further missile strikes are likely over the coming days.

Elsewhere, Russia has continued limited ground assaults and intense artillery bombardment of Ukrainian positions and settlements in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions. In the Donetsk Region, intense fighting continues to be reported near Soledar and Bakhmutske as Russian forces attempt to advance on Bakhmut from the north. However, Russia’s advance on Bakhmut has been slow, with the tempo of operations reduced and as Russia appears to encounter heavy resistance. Repeated assaults on key defensive positions around Kodema, which lies on the southern road to Bakhmut, have been repulsed by Ukrainian forces. Limited Russian assaults on other settlements in the Donetsk Region, including Pisky, Marinka, and Vuhledar, also continue to be repulsed.

While significant territorial changes are not expected in the Kharkiv Region, Russian forces have reportedly entered the town of Udy. They are conducting limited ground assaults in the area to improve their tactical position. Similar activity has been reported around Dementiivka in recent days. Intense artillery and aerial bombardment of Kharkiv city and outlying districts continue to be reported; Russian shelling early on Aug. 30 reportedly killed five people and injured seven others in central areas of the city. Such attacks, which appear largely indiscriminate, will likely continue to impact the area over the immediate term. Moscow's forces also continue to conduct missile attacks and airstrikes across other parts of the country.

Disruptions and Shortages
As part of the Black Sea Initiative, Ukrainian ports have continued to export grain. Without reported security incidents, dozens of vessels have left Ukraine under this accord. However, Russian forces targeted Odesa with missile strikes Aug. 21 without disrupting port operations. 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.

The government has extended Ukraine's nationwide martial law decree until Nov. 21. Curfews are in effect in multiple regions. In Kyiv Region, a curfew is in effect from 23:00-05:00. Nightly curfews are also in place in Mykolaiv from 22:00-06:00 and Zaporizhzhia Region from 22:00-05:00; Additionally, the nightly curfew in Kharkiv Region is in effect from 19:00-07:00. 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 is continuing its offensive in the east as it attempts to gain complete control of the Donetsk Region, with the likely immediate goal of capturing Bakhmut. Russian Defense Minister, Sergey Shoigu, announced a reduction in the tempo of offensive operations Aug. 24, ostensibly to minimize civilian casualties. However, the announcement was likely intended to justify the minimal Russian gains in recent weeks; Russian forces have not captured a significant settlement since the fall of Lysychansk on July 3. Months of fighting have degraded both sides' combat capability, resulting in stalemate conditions along much of the front. Nonetheless, Kyiv's forces continue to come under significant pressure in the Donbas as Russia conducts intense artillery and aerial bombardments amid frequent ground assaults on Ukrainian positions.

The Ukrainian counteroffensive around Kherson has so far failed to develop into significant ground advances, allowing Moscow time to reinforce its troops in the region. As a result, Kyiv's advances may be similarly slow in this sector, and Russian forces may attempt to push the Ukrainian line further back. Regardless of conditions on the ground, Ukrainian officials maintain that they intend to retake all lost territory. Ukrainian forces are striking targets deep behind Russian lines with advanced Western weaponry, including command posts, ammunition depots, and critical bridges, with the aim of causing significant logistical problems for Russian troops. Several explosions have occurred at Russian military facilities in occupied Crimea. However, Kyiv has not taken explicit responsibility for these incidents. Partisan activity continues to disrupt Russian administrations in occupied areas, including targeted assassinations of Russian-appointed officials, particularly in the Zaporizhzhia Region.

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 several Ukrainian forces in the region.

As the conflict remains primarily 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, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson regions of Ukraine; consider leaving these areas by available ground transport if safe to do so. Exercise extreme caution if operating anywhere in Ukraine. You should shelter in place if there is fighting or airstrikes in the area. Stay away from windows and exterior walls if officials report incoming rocket or artillery fire. Follow the instructions of local security personnel, especially when instructed to seek refuge in 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