The Current Situation in Lugansk, Kharkiv, and Donbas Regions

Title: Russian Troops Make Advances in Lugansk and Kharkiv Regions, Counter-Offensive Operations Continue in Donbas

Date: June 19, 2023

In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Russian troops have achieved victories in the Kupyansk area and launched ground attacks along the Svatovo-Kremennaya line in the Lugansk and Kharkiv regions. Geolocation footage released on June 19 shows Russian troops advancing to the northern part of Olshany, approximately 15km northeast of Kupyansk. However, the General Staff of Ukraine has reported that Russian troops were unsuccessful in their offensive operations near several locations, including Novoselovsky, Yampolevka, Torskoye, Dibrova, Grigorovka, and Disputed.

Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine, Anna Malyar, has highlighted that Russian troops are actively conducting offensive operations on the Kupyansk-Liman line in an attempt to regain the initiative. Russian military bloggers have claimed that units of the 76th Guards Airborne (VDV) division were involved in offensive operations near Kremennaya, while another blogger alleged that Ukrainian troops had unsuccessfully attempted to break through Russian defenses at Kremennaya. The Russian Ministry of Defense (MO) has stated that units of the Central Group of Forces successfully repelled three Ukrainian sabotage groups west of Kremennaya.

In the Donbas region, Ukrainian troops have continued their counter-offensive operations, while Russian troops have made limited ground attacks near Bakhmut. According to a Russian source, Ukrainian troops advanced near Krasnopolevka and carried out additional attacks near Berkhovka, Yagodnoye, Klishchievka, Kurdyumovka, and Ozaryanovka. Malyar has confirmed that Ukrainian troops have been making progress on the flanks in Bakhmut. The Ukrainian General Staff has reported that Ukrainian forces successfully repelled limited Russian offensives near Orekhovo-Vasilovka.

Both Russian and Ukrainian troops have engaged in limited attacks on the Avdiivka-Donetsk line, with little progress made as of June 19. Geolocation footage released on June 18 indicates that both sides have advanced near Pobeda, with Ukrainian forces advancing southeast and Russian forces advancing south of the city of Donetsk. The Ukrainian General Staff has reported unsuccessful Russian offensive operations near Avdiivka, Krasnohorivka, Maryinka, Pobeda, and Novomikhailovka. Russian troops have also reportedly attacked near Vodyanoe and Stepne, while Ukrainian troops have made slight advancements near Vesely.

In the “South Axis” region, Ukrainian forces have carried out limited ground attacks along the administrative border between western Donetsk and eastern Zaporozhye regions. The Russian Defense Ministry has stated that units of the 40th Separate Marine Brigade of the Pacific Fleet successfully repelled a Ukrainian counterattack near Novodonetsky. Russian military bloggers have claimed that units of the 1st Separate Guards Motorized Rifle Battalion and the 37th Motorized Rifle Brigade also repelled Ukrainian forces near Urozhayne. Ukrainian forces have made limited ground attacks in the west of the Zaporozhye region, liberating Pyatikhatky. However, there are conflicting reports regarding the status of Pyatikhatki, with some Russian sources claiming that Russian troops repulsed the area or characterizing it as a “grey zone.” Fighting has also been reported near Novodanilovka and Robotinoye. Russian sources have mentioned the presence of the Sudoplatov volunteer battalion near Pyatikhatki and the 3rd battalion of the 291st motorized rifle regiment near Orekhovo.

Additionally, Russian sources have claimed that Ukrainian troops launched a missile attack on the rear of Russia in the occupied Donetsk region, specifically targeting Volnovakha.

On June 19, the Russians concentrated their efforts on the Limansky, Bakhmutsky, Avdeevsky, and Maryinsky directions of the Donetsk region, resulting in 39 combat clashes throughout the day.

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Sian forces advancing northwest. Ukrainian forces have also reportedly conducted attacks near Shyrokino and Peski.

The conflict in eastern Ukraine has been ongoing since 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea. Despite numerous ceasefires and peace agreements, sporadic fighting continues to occur in the Donbas region.

The recent advances by Russian troops in the Lugansk and Kharkiv regions mark a significant development in the conflict. The Ukrainian government has accused Russia of escalating the situation and violating international law.

The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions and called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The United Nations Security Council has held emergency meetings to discuss the situation, but no concrete action has been taken.

The conflict in Ukraine has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people. It continues to be a major point of contention between Russia and the West, with no end in sight.