Ukraine: Russia continues offensive in east of country as of April 26 /update 81

Event

Russia's offensive against Ukraine has continued April 26, with intense shelling and major ground assaults reported in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk.

The most intense fighting has taken place in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, where Russia has launched ground assaults in the area south of Izyum, as well as in the area stretching from Izyum toward Rubizhne and Severodonetsk. Russian forces have made slow progress in both areas, launching artillery barrages before conducting frontal assaults on fortified positions. In the Izyum area, Russian artillery barrages focused on the town of Zavody, which was reportedly recaptured by Ukrainian forces April 25. In the Severodonetsk area, heavy fighting has been reported in Korovii Yar and Zarichne. Popasna, in the Luhansk Region, has also come under intense artillery fire; clashes were ongoing in parts of the town as of April 26.

Elsewhere in the Donetsk Region, Russia has focused on missile strikes and intense artillery barrages, particularly against targets in Marinka, Vuhledar, and Avdiivka. Limited ground assaults on Marinka and Avdiivka were repulsed April 25; repeated attacks are likely April 26. Russian ground attacks continue in Mariupol, as Russian and Russian proxy forces continue to clash with Ukrainian defenders in residential areas to the north and east of the Azovstal Steel Plant. An assault on Azovstal continues to appear unlikely at this stage, though artillery strikes on the facility have continued.

In southern Ukraine, Russian forces reportedly remain concentrated near Polohy, Zaporizhzhia Region, from where they have conducted limited attacks on towns to the north. Russian forces continue to shell Ukrainian positions in the Kherson Region as well as in the Dnipropetrovsk Region, including in Zelenodolsk.

Disruptions and Shortages
Ukrainian Railways (UZ) continues to operate evacuation trains from Kyiv and other areas, including Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kryvyi Rih, and Zaporizhzhia regions. Trostyanets station is closed and Slovyansk station is operating only partial services. Intercity and regional rail services are available intermittently; rail services are subject to disruptions without warning. Damage to rail infrastructure at Kramatorsk will disrupt evacuation services from this area. Civilian aviation remains suspended, and the nation's seaports are closed.

The government in Kyiv has extended Ukraine's existing nationwide martial law decree until May 25; the directive was originally slated to expire April 25. Curfews are in effect in multiple regions during various time frames. In Kyiv Region, a curfew is in place 22:00-05:00, with some municipality-level variations. In Mykolaiv, a curfew is in effect 21:00-06:00. In Zaporizhzhia, the curfew runs 21:00-05:00. In Sumy Region, the curfew is also in place 21:00-05:00. Generally, civilians must stay indoors during curfew hours; exemptions exist for workers in critical infrastructure and persons seeking urgent medical care or bomb shelters. 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

Despite an increase in Russian bombardments and ground assaults in the Donbas, Russian progress has been slow in recent days. Some units withdrawn from northern Ukraine are confirmed to have entered combat zones in the Kharkiv and Luhansk regions. However, given that these redeployed forces reportedly suffered losses of men and materiel during offensives in northern Ukraine, it is uncertain whether their piecemeal introduction in the country's east will result in rapid territorial gains.

Ukrainian forces, particularly in the Luhansk and Donetsk regions, are reportedly well prepared and offering stiff resistance to Russian advances. Nonetheless, Russia has yet to commit all of the forces it currently has deployed within Ukraine, though such a move is almost certainly imminent. Russia may attempt to individually encircle fortified towns in the Donbas and/or attempt to cut off major groups of Ukrainian forces from western supply lines. Russian forces are yet to display the high-level capability to successfully conduct complex, theater-level maneuvers, though they are believed to possess this ability.

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 (Facebook) (Ukrainian)
Listing of Available Trains by City (Ukrainian)
State Border Guard Service (Facebook) (Ukrainian)