Ukraine: Intense combat continues as Russia attempts to complete the capture of the Luhansk Region June 23 /update 139

Event

Russia's offensive in Ukraine continues to be focused in the east of the country June 23 as Moscow attempts to complete the capture of the Luhansk Region. Russian forces continue to assault Severodonetsk but cannot dislodge the remaining Ukrainian troops in the Azot industrial zone. Russian forces have been gaining ground towards Lysychansk from the south. Fighting was reported in Bila Hora June 22 after Russian troops captured Myrna Dolyna and Pidlisne in recent days. Russian forces continue to attack positions along the Bakhmut-Lysychansk highway but did not make any confirmed advances June 22. Nonetheless, Russian control of Vrubivka and Pidlisne means that Ukrainian forces operating in Zolote and Hirske are close to being encircled. Russian forces are also attempting to approach Bakhmut city from the southeast; fighting is reported around Vershyna.

Elsewhere in the east, Russian forces have deprioritized Slovyansk as an immediate objective. Fewer Russian assaults are reported from Izyum and Lyman, though fighting continues around Krasnopillya, Dolyna, and Bohorodychne. Moscow will likely reprioritize Slovyansk after securing control of the Severodonetsk-Lysychansk area. North of Kharkiv city, Russian forces are continuing efforts to prevent Ukrainian troops from reaching the shared border or key supply routes.

The territorial situation remains unclear along the front line between the Kherson and Mykolaiv regions. Ukrainian counterattacks are reportedly making incremental progress toward Kherson city; officials claim to have captured Kiselivka June 22, putting their troops around 15 km (9 miles) from the city. Russian forces have reportedly recaptured the east bank of the Inhulets River near Davydiv Brid, dislodging the Ukrainian bridgehead in this area.

Intense shelling continues to be reported in settlements throughout the Donbas, north of Kharkiv, around Mykolaiv, and at the international border in the Chernihiv and Sumy regions. Missile attacks have also continued to target transport infrastructure and military positions throughout the country, including in central and western cities.

Two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) reportedly struck the Novoshakhtinsk oil refinery in Russia's Rostov Oblast on June 22, causing a fire at the facility. Firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze and no casualties were reported. Russian state media claimed that Ukraine was behind the attack; Ukrainian officials did not immediately claim responsibility for the strike.

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, until at least June 26. In Mykolaiv, a curfew is in place 22:00-06:00. In Zaporizhzhia Region, the curfew runs 23:00-05:00. 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 continues to make slow advances across multiple axes in Ukraine. Most notably, Russia has furthered advances along the road from Izyum to Slovyansk and in various areas between Popasna and Bakhmut. Pro-Russia separatist forces also claim to be advancing on Bakhmut from the Svitlodarsk area in support of Russia's offensive; combat has been reported in this area. Russia continues to incrementally reverse some of the gains made by Ukrainian counteroffensives north and east of Kharkiv city, recapturing a small number of settlements and once again shelling the city's northern outskirts. However, Russia continues to focus military resources on the battle for Severodonetsk and, to a lesser extent, Lysychansk. Ukrainian forces continue to hold defensive positions in parts of the Severodonetsk area, including in outlying suburbs, and are conducting limited counterattacks to frustrate Russian advances and attrite Russian forces.

Ukraine likely aims to continue weakening Russian forces with the goal of eventually stalling Russia's advance. However, Kyiv's forces are likely coming under increased pressure in the Donbas as Russia continues to conduct intense artillery and aerial bombardments ahead of daily ground assaults on defensive positions. Furthermore, it remains unclear whether Ukraine can capitalize on the Kremlin's focus on capturing Severodonetsk by, for example, completing the effort to drive Russian forces out of areas north of Kharkiv city.

While 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 occasionally target critical infrastructure and other sites across the country.

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.

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