Ukraine: Russian forces continue offensive operations as of May 23 /update 108

Event

Russia's offensive against Ukraine continued May 23. The main area of fighting continues to be in eastern Ukraine along an arc encompassing Izyum, Luhansk, and the northern Donetsk Region. Moscow continues to focus on encircling Severodonetsk, with Russian troops accordingly conducting numerous ground assaults to the east of the city; unsuccessful attacks on Oskolonivka, Purdivka, Schedryshcheve, and Smolyianinove have recently been reported. Russian units have continued shelling towns around Lyman, but have conducted no major ground activity in the area over the past day. Ukrainian sources have confirmed the Russian gains north and west of Popasna. Russian forces are now approaching the Bakhmut-Lysychansk highway and fighting is ongoing around Toshkivka, Komyshuvakha, Trypillya, and Vasylivka. Russia continues to shell and stage sporadic ground assaults on settlements further south in Donetsk Region, particularly around Avdiivka, though reports suggest that the city remains in Ukrainian control.

Ukrainian forces remain near the border with Russia north of Kharkiv following their recent counteroffensive. Russian troops have launched limited counterattacks to stem the Ukrainian advance, with Moscow's forces crossing the Siversky Donets River and reportedly reoccupying Rubizhne. Russian artillery continues to target towns north of Kharkiv city but has not targeted the city itself over the past day.

Elsewhere, Russian forces continue to conduct missile strikes on targets throughout the country. Missile strikes have recently targeted Malyn and Korosten in the Zhytomyr Region. Russia also continues to shell targets in Sumy and Chernihiv regions, highlighting the continued risks of such attacks, particularly in areas close to the border.

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 existing 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, with some municipality-level variations, through at least May 29. In Mykolaiv, a curfew is in place 22:00-06:00. In Zaporizhzhia Region, the curfew runs 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 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 seizure of settlements both north and south of Severodonetsk in recent days, combined with reported troop movements northward from the recently captured town of Popasna, suggests that Moscow may have once again amended its immediate objectives amid the otherwise sluggish campaign in the Donbas. The recent moves indicate that Russian forces arrayed along the Siversky Donets River may increasingly attempt to encircle pockets of defenders, such as those around Severodonetsk and Lysychansk, rather than attempt a grander encirclement of Ukrainian forces in a large swath of territory from Popasna to Slovyansk.

Moscow is increasingly committing forces withdrawn from elsewhere in the combat zone to the front lines in the Donbas; however, the success of Ukraine's counteroffensive north and east of the city of Kharkiv may prompt Russian forces to redirect troops to protect the main supply route between Belgorod, Russia, and Izyum in Ukraine's Kharkiv Region, where large concentrations of Russian troops and materiel are located.

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