Ukraine: Russian forces continue to take control of additional ground in Severodonetsk as of June 2 /update 118

Event

Russian forces continue to conduct offensive actions in Ukraine as of June 2. Russian troops are reportedly in control of around 80 percent of Severodonetsk, up from 70 percent the day before; intense street fighting is ongoing. Russian gains are reportedly occurring as Ukrainian troops in the city withdraw to more defensible positions, including across the Siverskiy Donets River to Lysychansk. It currently seems likely Russia will capture Severodonetsk in the coming days; this objective has been the focus of Russian offensive activity in recent weeks as it would bring the last major urban center in the Luhansk Region under Russian control.

In the Kharkiv Region, Ukrainian forces have retaken Vesele. Russian reinforcements have arrived in Kupyansk, where engineers have restored the Kupyansk-Lyman rail line, which will likely ease any lingering logistical constraints in the Donbas. South of Izyum, Russian troops assaulted Ukrainian positions at Dovhenke and Dibrovne, but were pushed back. Russian units will likely continue their attempts to push on to Slovyansk. Moscow's forces continue to shell targets in Kharkiv city as well as other towns in the area. At least one person was killed and several injured during Russian shelling of the Kyiv and Sloboda districts of Kharkiv city. Moreover, Russia continues to shell targets further north in Sumy and Chernihiv regions, highlighting the continued threat from such attacks, particularly in areas close to the border.

In the Popasna area, Russian forces appear to be moving northwards and eastwards. Combat has been reported in towns such as Vrubivka and Nyrkove south of Severodonetsk, as well as in Pokrovs'ke which lies between Popasna and Bakhmut. Renewed attacks on Ukrainian positions along the Bakhmut-Lysychansk Highway have also been reported. Frequent attacks on Ukrainian positions in Zolote and Toshkivka have continued.

Ukrainian forces continued their counteroffensive along the administrative border between Kherson and Mykolaiv regions June 2, attempting to push Russian units further east from the Inhulets River. Unconfirmed reports suggest that Ukrainian troops hold Snihurivka, Vysokopillya, and Zolota. Ukrainian military sources further report that Russian reinforcements, including reservists, continue to arrive in the area to defend Russian positions and possibly renew Russia's offensive towards Mykolaiv or Kriviy Rih.

A Russian missile strike on rail infrastructure in the Stryj and Sambir districts near Lviv injured at least five people and caused delays and cancellations to train services in the region.

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 from 23:00-05:00, with some municipality-level variations, through at least June 5. In Mykolaiv, a curfew is in place from 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. 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

Russia has increasingly focused men, military equipment, and operational resources on furthering the encirclement of defenders in the Severodonetsk area and, to a lesser extent, on approaching the city of Slovyansk from the north and west. Ukrainian forces in the Donbas are conducting coordinated and uncoordinated withdrawals from poor defensive positions following the partial Russian breakthrough at Popasna. Ukraine likely aims to continue weakening Russian forces with the goal of eventually stalling Russia's advance.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has rebuffed Western attempts to create a format for negotiations between the Kremlin and Kyiv. Instead, the Kremlin has repeatedly warned the West against sending increasingly advanced offensive weaponry to Ukraine and used the weapons shipments as partial justification for ongoing missile attacks and airstrikes against targets in central and western Ukraine. Despite the increased aerial bombardment in recent weeks, Western weapons shipments will likely flow ever faster into Ukraine as the conflict continues. The threat of said weapons shipments in some way sparking a wider conflagration between Russia and NATO remains minimal.

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