Ukrainian Defense Forces have halted the Russian army's offensive in the Kharkiv region and are conducting operations to regain ground. Despite Russian efforts to advance in areas like Kupiansk, Lyman, and Bakhmut, Ukrainian forces are inflicting significant damage and maintaining control.
Russian forces have made confirmed advances near the devastated Ukrainian settlements of Bakhmut and Avdiivka, with clashes intensifying ahead of the second anniversary of the war in Ukraine. The Institute for the Study of War reported that Russian troops advanced east of Avdiivka and marginally southwest of Bakhmut, while Ukrainian journalist Yuriy Butusov stated that Russia was just 1,200 meters from the entrance to Avdiivka. The ongoing fighting has caused extensive destruction, with Ukraine's military claiming to have repelled multiple Russian attacks near Bakhmut and Avdiivka.
Russian forces have intensified assaults in eastern Ukraine, particularly towards Bakhmut, ahead of planned larger offensive operations, according to the Institute for the Study of War. Ukrainian troops are reportedly destroying Russian tanks and armored vehicles, but Russia still has a "large reserve of resources." Maps from ISW show Russian advances in Donetsk oblast, with plans for localized and larger offensive operations. Reports suggest Russia aims to capture more Ukrainian territory, posing a risk to Ukraine's resources and stability. U.S. officials anticipate a long war and emphasize the need for continued military assistance to Ukraine.
Ukraine's decision to stay and defend the city of Bakhmut in eastern Ukraine, despite calls to withdraw, proved to be costly but ultimately paid off. By fighting tooth and nail, Ukraine managed to stop Russia from advancing further into eastern Ukraine, exhausted Russian forces, and hindered their ability to maintain a large strategic reserve. The battle also contributed to the downfall of the notorious Wagner Group, as their leader publicly criticized Russia's military leadership. Although Ukraine has faced setbacks in its counteroffensive, it has made territorial gains in the south and successfully targeted Russia's Black Sea Fleet. The outcome of ongoing operations near the Dnipro River remains uncertain.
Maps from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) show Ukrainian advances in the Bakhmut region as Russia attempts to capture Donetsk Oblast in eastern Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have successfully defended against Russian military gains, with recent advances made on Bakhmut's southern flank. Russian forces continue to attack north and south of Bakhmut, but have not made significant advances. However, they have made progress around Avdiivka. Avdiivka has suffered heavy losses as Russian forces attempt to encircle the city of Donetsk.
Wagner mercenary fighters have returned to the Ukrainian city of Bakhmut to address a manpower shortage, according to a Ukrainian serviceman. The private military outfit previously played a significant role in the battle for Bakhmut but had announced their withdrawal. Ukrainian forces have been making incremental gains in the region, although progress has been slow due to heavily fortified Russian defenses. Some Wagner fighters have reportedly joined a new organization for deployment on Bakhmut's southern flank, while others refused to join a mutiny against Russia's military leadership. It is assessed that the disjointed Wagner contingents are unlikely to have a significant impact on Russian combat capabilities.
Ukrainian forces claim that their use of heavy weapons supplied by NATO is inflicting significant damage on Russian positions near Bakhmut. However, these claims cannot be independently verified by RFE/RL. Ukrainian commanders see the capture of nearby villages as a step towards recapturing the symbolic city of Bakhmut. The Ukrainian armed forces heavily rely on heavy artillery, including the US-made M109 self-propelled howitzer and the Polish-made Krab gun. Ukrainian officials believe they are well-positioned to continue pressing forward in the east, engaging Russian troops while searching for breakthroughs in other parts of the country.
Ukraine's spy chief, Kyrylo Budanov, has stated that a newly deployed Russian reserve force of 15,000 soldiers near Bakhmut is being pinned down by Ukraine's forces and is expected to be destroyed. The 25th Army, which was raised recently and deployed earlier than planned, is being prevented from redeploying to other areas where Ukraine's counteroffensive is advancing. The rushed deployment of this unit suggests that Russia is struggling with an over-stretched force along the front. Meanwhile, Ukraine's counteroffensive is making progress in the Zaporizhzhia region in the south.
Ukrainian commanders have praised the use of heavy artillery, including equipment provided by the United States and its NATO allies, in the ongoing battle near Bakhmut, which was captured by Russia in May. The recent capture of the key village of Klishchiivka has boosted Ukrainian troops' morale, with commanders highlighting the effectiveness of heavy weapons in turning the tide of the conflict. Ukrainian forces view the use of heavy artillery as crucial in inflicting significant damage on Russian lines, causing frustration among Russian troops. The gains made by Ukraine in its counteroffensive have been hailed by President Zelenskiy, despite criticism of the offensive's slow progress.
Ukrainian commanders have reported that the use of heavy weapons, including 155 millimeter howitzers supplied by the West, is inflicting significant damage on Russian lines near Bakhmut. Ukrainian troops have praised the effectiveness of these weapons, stating that even one gun can completely change the situation on the battlefield. The recent capture of key villages has been seen as progress towards retaking Bakhmut, which fell to Russian forces earlier this year. Ukrainian President Zelenskiy has hailed these gains and dismissed criticism that the counteroffensive is progressing too slowly.
Ukrainian troops are determined to retake the city of Bakhmut, which was captured by Russian forces in May. After successfully recapturing two villages near Bakhmut, Ukrainian soldiers encountered fierce resistance from Russian defenders. President Zelenskiy has vowed to retake the city, but soldiers on the ground acknowledge that it won't be an easy task. The battle for Bakhmut is seen as pivotal due to the concentration of Russian troops there, although the city itself has limited strategic value. Ukrainian soldiers described a bloody and challenging fight, with casualties and injuries, as they advanced through the woods towards the city.
The 3rd Assault Brigade, a Ukrainian volunteer corps, is engaged in a counteroffensive to reclaim the village of Andriivka and the city of Bakhmut from Russian-controlled territory. The brigade, considered one of Ukraine's best and most experienced, has been fighting nonstop since January. Progress has been slow, averaging 700-1,200 meters every five days, allowing Russian forces to dig in and mine the territory. The brigade faces the daunting task of reclaiming the forested areas leading to Andriivka, with casualties mounting and the cost of the counteroffensive weighing heavily on the country. Despite the challenges, the brigade remains determined to push forward and reclaim Ukrainian territory.
More explosions have occurred in Russia, while Ukraine claims to have made a breakthrough near Bakhmut in the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
The commander of Ukraine's ground forces announced the recapture of two villages near Bakhmut, claiming that it has helped break through part of Russia's defensive lines. The area has been a key part of Ukraine's counteroffensive to reclaim territory occupied by Russia. The recapture of these villages is considered tactically important as it allows Ukrainian forces to extend their gains and continue pushing forward. Russian troops are still attempting to regain lost positions, and heavy fighting continues in the Bakhmut sector. Additionally, six civilians were killed and 16 injured in Russian attacks, and Ukraine claimed to have intercepted all cruise missiles and most of the drones launched by Russia.
Ukraine's counteroffensive in the south and east of the country continues, with recent gains in the villages around Bakhmut in Donetsk. Ukrainian forces have liberated Andriivka and Klishchiivka, although Russia is attempting to regain lost positions. Explosions have been reported at the Russian administration building in occupied Donetsk. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy acknowledges the slow progress of the counteroffensive but emphasizes that Ukrainian forces are advancing and liberating territory every day. Russia has called on the World Court to throw out Ukraine's genocide case. The UK's Defense Ministry reports that Russia is likely reinforcing its defenses in southern Ukraine, deploying additional elite airborne units and improving defenses in the town of Tokmak. China's top diplomat, Wang Yi, visits Russia to discuss deeper mutual political trust and prepare for a possible visit by President Putin to Beijing.