Jump to content

Southern Ukraine campaign

Page extended-protected
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
(Redirected from Southern Ukraine offensive)
Further information: Siege of Mariupol, Battle of Enerhodar, Russian occupation of Zaporizhzhia Oblast, and Russian occupation of Kherson Oblast

Southern Ukraine campaign
Part of the Russian invasion of Ukraine
2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.svg
Date24 February 2022 – present
(2 years, 8 months, 2 weeks and 2 days)
Location
Southern Ukraine (Kherson Oblast, Mykolaiv Oblast, Zaporizhzhia Oblast, southern Donetsk Oblast)
Status Ongoing
Belligerents
 Russia  Ukraine
Commanders and leaders
Russia Vladimir Putin
Russia Valery Gerasimov
Russia Gennady Zhidko
Russia Oleg Salyukov
Russia Nikolai Yevmenov
Russia Sergey Dronov
Russia Andrey Mordvichev (killed per Ukrainian claim)[10]
Russia Yakov Rezantsev (killed per Ukrainian claim)[11][12]
Russia Arkady Marzoyev [ru][12]		 Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy
Ukraine Valerii Zaluzhnyi
Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi
Ukraine Andrii Sokolov
Ukraine Serhii Kotenko †[13]
Ukraine Vitaliy Nevinsky[14]
Ukraine Dmytro Marchenko
Units involved
See order of battle See order of battle
Strength
Up to 20,000 in 25 BTGs (invasion force, 24 February 2022)
7 brigades (west bank Kherson, May 2022)[12]
20,000–25,000 (west bank Kherson, August 2022, per Ukraine)[15]
40,000 (west bank Kherson and support units, October 2022, per Budanov)[16]
152,000 (Kherson and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts, May 2023, per Ukraine)[17]		 1,800 (24 February 2022, pre-invasion)
8 brigades (west bank Kherson, May 2022)[12]
20,000 (west bank Kherson, August 2022)[18]

The southern Ukraine campaign is an ongoing theatre of operation in the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which began on 24 February 2022. The Russian military invaded Kherson Oblast in southern Ukraine from Russian-occupied Crimea, quickly entering Mykolaiv Oblast and Zaporizhzhia Oblast amid battles with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.[19][20]

Elements from the southern Russian offensive joined forces with elements advancing from the Donbas to jointly surround and bombard the city of Mariupol in Donetsk Oblast, which fell after months of siege.

Kherson was surrounded two days into the war, after which Russian forces advanced to the outskirts of Mykolaiv, which they failed to capture. The front then stabilised until a Ukrainian offensive in August. Ukrainian forces retook all of the territory west and north of the Dnieper river, and the front stabilised again just south of Kherson in November 2022. Kherson, the only oblast capital captured by Russia after its 2022 invasion, was liberated on 11 November.[21]

Background

In the aftermath of the Maidan Revolution in 2014, Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine.[22][23] Russian troops occupied the self-proclaimed Republic of Crimea for the next eight years. The Chonhar Peninsula bordering Crimea was under Russian control until December 2014; the Ukrainian military began fortifying it the following year, placing explosives on several bridges in the area, though most of these failed to detonate on the first day of the invasion.[24]

The Russian military presence in Crimea significantly increased during the pre-war military buildup on Ukraine's borders, with over 10,000 additional troops deployed in late January and early February.[25] On the eve of the invasion, Russian manpower in Crimea was estimated at 90,000.[26]

Ukrainian plans called for Operational Command South, under Major General Andrii Sokolov, to be assigned two brigades of 3,000-5,000 men each, and a battalion of 500 troops stationed directly on the border with Crimea. In case of active hostilities, the formation was to be reinforced with two brigades of territorial defense: the 110th and 124th.[24][27]

In reality, the Ukrainian force in the south mostly consisted of the main units of the 59th Motorized Infantry Brigade and the 137th Marine Battalion of the 35th Marine Brigade. The planned second brigade was never assigned, the territorial defense brigades had yet to be staffed, and the existing units were only at about 50-60% strength due to losses from fighting in the east and training assignments for various sub-units in different parts of the country. As a result, the Ukrainian force at the beginning of the invasion comprised about 1,300 men of the 59th Brigade stationed at a camp in the Oleshky Sands, 250-300 marines of the 137th Battalion positioned at the entrances to mainland Ukraine from Crimea, and various supplementary forces numbering "a couple hundred".[24][27]

Russian documents captured by the Ukrainian military indicated plans to bypass Mykolaiv and land at Odesa within five days, capture Bilhorod-Dnistrovsky by the ninth day of the invasion, and reach the Moldova–Ukraine border by the eleventh day.[24]

By 3:30 on 24 February, Ukraine closed all commercial shipping in the Sea of Azov, leaving more than 100 ships stuck in port.[28] Starting at 4:00, the Ukrainian military observed over thirty Russian military aircraft taking off from Crimea. The planes flew over the Black and Azov Seas, launching strikes on Ukrainian military targets at 5:00, including "almost all" the military facilities in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia Oblasts. Col. Vadym Rymarenko [uk], commanding the 137th Battalion, then reported that the Russian forces in Crimea had opened fire on the battalion's positions on the border.[27]

According to Sokolov, up to 20,000 Russian troops in 25 battalion tactical groups took part in the subsequent invasion, including the entire 22nd Army Corps, at least one division of the 58th Combined Arms Army, and around half of the 7th Air Assault Division.[27]

Timeline

Russian invasion

Kherson and Mykolaiv Oblasts

See also: Battle of Kherson, Battle of Mykolaiv, Battle of Voznesensk, and 2022 Chornobaivka attacks
Russian troops cross into southern Ukraine from Crimea on 24 February 2022

Shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a military operation in Ukraine, the Russian Air Force began to launch cruise and ballistic missiles at targets in several cities in Kherson Oblast. With air support, Russian Armed Forces then crossed into Kherson Oblast from Crimea.[29][30][31] The Russian Navy used a naval blockade in the Black Sea to prevent Ukraine from providing support to units located near Kherson Oblast, and restrict commercial trade and the flow of goods to southern Ukraine.[32]

By evening, the Russians had reached Kherson. The Russians initially crossed the Dnieper River over the Antonovskiy Bridge, but Ukrainian mechanized forces were able to recapture the bridge.[33][34]

Combat engineers of Ukraine's 137th Battalion were ordered to destroy a bridge connecting Henichesk with the Arabat Spit, in an attempt to slow the advance of Russian troops from Crimea, allowing the Ukrainians to retreat and regroup.[24][27][35] Vitalii Skakun, the combat engineer who planted the explosives on the bridge, did not have enough time to retreat from the bridge, and so detonated the mines, killing himself and destroying the bridge.[36][37][38][39]

The Ukrainian military announced that its Operational Command South had prepared the defense of Melitopol and was conducting defensive operations outside the settlement of Rykove.[40]

Russian troops moved towards Nova Kakhovka and established control over the North Crimean Canal on 24 February.[41][42][43] Following Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea, Ukraine had blocked the canal,[44][45][46] which had provided 85% of Crimea's drinking water.[47] Sergey Aksyonov, head of the Republic of Crimea, told local authorities to prepare the canal to receive water from the Dnieper and resume the supply of water to Crimea the following day.[48]

Russian forces recaptured the Antonovskiy Bridge on the evening of 25 February.[49]

Russian military vehicles at a captured Ukrainian military base near Radensk, Kherson, March 2022

On 26 February, according to Kherson mayor Ihor Kolykhaiev, a Ukrainian airstrike forced the Russians to retreat from Kherson, leaving the city under Ukrainian control.[50][51] Ukrainian forces later recaptured the bridge.[52] A Ukrainian official said that Russian forces had killed a journalist and an ambulance driver near the village of Zelenivka, a northern suburb of Kherson.[53]

Another Ukrainian official later claimed that a Russian army column was defeated between the towns of Radensk and Oleshky, just south of Kherson.[54]

In the afternoon of 26 February, 12 Russian tanks managed to break through in Kakhovka on the Dnieper and began advancing towards Mykolaiv.[55] Vitaliy Kim, the governor of Mykolaiv Oblast, said the city had had five hours to prepare.[56][57] Artillery and other arms were prepared.[58]

By evening, Russian tanks were in the outskirts of Mykolaiv. Oleksandr Senkevych, the mayor of Mykolaiv, ordered citizens to stay indoors, as far away from windows as possible.[59] Shortly after, Russian troops entered the city and a battle erupted outside of a shopping mall about 10 minutes later.[60] According to some reports, tanks "passed through the city".[61] There were also sightings of large fires.[62] The next day, Ukrainian officials claimed that Russian forces were fully driven away from Mykolaiv.[63] The city was extensively damaged.[64][65][66]

Russian Ministry of Defense spokesperson Igor Konashenkov announced that the city of Henichesk and Kherson International Airport had surrendered to Russian forces in the morning.[67][68][69] Later, Russian forces encircled and captured a part of Kherson,[70][71] with Ukrainian officials corroborating this claim.[72]

On 28 February, Ukrainian official Vadim Denysenko accused Russian forces of trying to use civilians from villages around Kherson as human shields to cross the bridge into Kherson.[73] The same day, Russian troops advanced from Kherson towards Mykolaiv, reaching the city's outskirts and launching an assault at 11:00.[74][75]

A Russian T-72 tank trapped on a bridge demolished by the Ukrainians in Kalynivka, Mykolaiv Oblast, 2 March

Russian forces also shelled Bashtanka and Mykolaiv on 1 March. Ukrainian officials later claimed that a large Russian convoy was attacked and defeated by Ukrainian forces during the night near Bashtanka, forcing the Russians to retreat towards the neighboring city of Novyi Buh. They claimed that "several dozen [Russian] armored vehicles" were destroyed in the attack.[76] Kim stated that during the operation, a Ukrainian helicopter was destroyed, but its pilots survived.[77]

The next day, Russian forces bombarded Voznesensk, which has a bridge that can be used to cross the Southern Bug instead of the one near Mykolaiv, during the morning. Russian paratroopers then landed at a forested ridge near the town, and an armored column approached it. Forces from the 126th Coastal Defence Brigade were attacked while trying to reach them.[78]

The Russian troops, estimated to be 400 by Ukrainian officials, then captured the village of Rakove, whose houses it used to create a sniper nest. Afterwards, they set up a base at a gas station near the town's entrance and assaulted the base of the Territorial Defense Forces. Ukrainian forces struck back with artillery that night with the help of local volunteers who gave them coordinates.[78] Local volunteers and Ukrainian soldiers were able to repel Russian troops from Voznesensk the next day, forcing most of them to retreat 40 miles (64 km) to the east and others to flee into nearby forests, where ten of them were later captured. Ukrainian officials stated that Russian forces had lost 30 vehicles in the battle, in addition to around 100 soldiers. Ten civilians were killed in the fighting.[78]

In the early morning of 1 March, Russian forces began assaulting Kherson from the west, advancing from Kherson International Airport towards the highway to Mykolaiv. They were able to surround the city and reached the neighboring settlement of Komyshany.[79] Later in the day, Russian forces entered Kherson.[80]

In the early morning of 2 March, Russian forces seized parts of Kherson, including the city's central square.[81] Later that evening, Kolykhaiev announced that he had surrendered the city to Russian forces, and that the Russian commander planned to set up a military administration in the city.[82] Kherson became the first major Ukrainian city to fall to Russian forces in the invasion.[83]

On 2 March, Kim announced that Ukrainian forces carried out strikes on Chornobaivka and in the Yelanets area, and that a Russian column left Snihurivka.[84]

Destroyed Russian artillery and vehicles near Mykolaiv, 3 March 2022

Russian troops attacked Mykolaiv on 4 March. Local officials stated that Russian forces had captured some of the outskirts of the city. Ukrainian forces repelled the attack, recapturing Mykolaiv International Airport.[85][86]

On 8 March, the Ukrainian Air Force struck the military airbase at Kherson International Airport during the day, with Ukrainian officials claiming that more than 30 Russian helicopters were destroyed. Satellite imagery however showed that the number was fewer.[87]

On 9 March, Russian troops entered the town of Skadovsk. According to local residents they entered at 08:45 and stationed themselves in the central square before being driven away by protesters. They then took over a building of the National Police of Ukraine in addition to vandalizing the city council building. The mayor Oleksandr Yakovlev stated that they took away computers from the city council building and had ordered that no political rallies be held.[88]

The next day, the Ukrainian General Staff reported that Russia deployed a battalion of the Baltic Fleet's 336th Naval Infantry Brigade toward Mykolaiv. The Institute for the Study of War opined that "Russian forces are likely experiencing difficulty advancing northwest beyond the Inhul River."[89] Heavy shelling hit Mykolaiv during the evening, causing several fires, and Vitaliy Kim reported "active hostilities" near Hur'ivka [uk] north of the city.[90]

Burned vehicles in Mykolaiv after Russian attacks

Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk Oblasts

See also: Capture of Melitopol, Battle of Enerhodar, and Siege of Mariupol

Russian columns advancing from Crimea moved towards Melitopol, which surrendered to Russian forces after a small skirmish on 25 February.[91][92][93]

The Russian 22nd Army Corps approached the city of Enerhodar on 26 February.[94][95] A Ukrainian official stated that the Russians were deploying Grad missiles and warned of an attack on the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, which is located in the city.[96] The Zaporizhzhia Regional State Administration later stated that the Russian forces advancing on Enerhodar had returned to Velyka Bilozerka, a village 30 kilometres (19 mi) from the city.[97] Russian forces tried to enter Dniprorudne on 27 February, but were forced to turn back after being confronted by protesting locals.[98]

On the morning of 25 February, Russian units from the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) advanced towards Mariupol and were defeated by Ukrainian forces near the village of Pavlopil.[99][100][101] By evening, the Russian Navy reportedly began an amphibious assault on the coast of the Sea of Azov 70 kilometres (43 mi) west of Mariupol. A US defence official said that Russian forces might be deploying thousands of marines from this beachhead.[102][103][104] Russian forces advanced from Melitopol towards Mariupol, where a battle had gone on since 25 February. The siege of Mariupol began the next day, as the Russian attack from Crimea moved east, linking the front to separatist-held regions in Donbas.[105][106] Russian forces captured the coastal city of Prymorsk by 13:40 on 26 February.[107]

Russian forces were also able to enter and capture Berdiansk, west of Mariupol,[105][108][109][110] capturing its port and the Berdiansk Airport.[111][112] During the takeover, local authorities reported that one person was killed and another was wounded.[113][114] At least eight Ukrainian warships were seized in Berdiansk; two Gyurza-M-class artillery boats, two Zhuk-class patrol boats, a Sorum-class tugboat (converted to a patrol vessel[115]) and six small patrol boats. Russia Today did not mention the second Zhuk-class patrol boat or the six small patrol boats, but claimed that among these vessels captured were a Polnocny-class landing ship, a Ondatra-class landing craft, a Grisha-class corvette, a Matka-class missile boat, and a Yevgenya-class minesweeper (officially, the Ukrainian Navy had none of these assigned to bases west of the Kerch Strait prior to the war and no recent reporting of them crossing it was available).[116] Two of the smaller boats were later revealed to be UMS-1000 patrol cutters, three were Kalkan-M boats[117] and one was an Adamant-315 motor yacht.[118] On 28 February, mayor Oleksandr Svidlo said that Russian forces had left Berdiansk, leaving a Russian military police detachment in the city.[119] Russian forces advanced towards Mariupol.[120] By reaching Mariupol, Russian forces established a land connection linking Crimea and the Donetsk People's Republic.[121]

On 28 February, Russian troops began a siege at Enerhodar in an attempt to take control of the nuclear power plant.[122] On the same day, the Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that Russian forces had captured the city and surrounded the power plant, but this was denied by mayor Dmitri Orlov.[123][124] A video later emerged showing local civilians preventing a Russian convoy from entering Enerhodar by barricading the entrance, forcing them to leave.[125]

Elsewhere, according to Ukrainian media reports, Russian sabotage and reconnaissance groups stole Ukrainian military uniforms from a military depot and engaged Ukrainian forces in Tokmak, northeast of Melitopol.[126][127][128] According to the Center for Strategic Communications and Information Security, the Russians were identified because they wore bulletproof vests that were used by the Russian army, and not the Ukrainian vests.[129][130] Ukraine claimed Russian forces suffered many casualties and retreated to the southern outskirts of the town.[131]

On 1 March, the mayor of Melitopol, Ivan Fedorov, announced that the Russian forces had occupied the city.[3][132][133] A United States Department of Defense official also confirmed that Russian forces had captured the city.[134]

Ukrainian officials stated that Russian forces had surrounded Enerhodar on 1 March, with a Russian convoy advancing into the city around 14:00.[135] According to the mayor, the city had difficulties obtaining food.[135]

Remnants of a shelled hospital in Mariupol, 9 March 2022
A destroyed Russian BMP-3 near Mariupol, 7 March 2022

On 2 March, Anton Herashchenko said that Russian shelling hit many homes in Mariupol, with four people killed.[136] Heavy resistance was still raging in the city of Mariupol the next day, as officials alleged that hundreds of civilians had been killed in the city.[137][138][139]

On 3 March, Orlov stated that a large Russian convoy had entered Enerhodar.[140] Later, Russian forces took control of the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. During the heavy fighting a fire broke out in a training facility outside of the main complex, which was quickly extinguished,[141] though other sections surrounding the plant sustained damage.[142] Initial reports said that the radiation levels remained normal during this time and the fire did not damage essential equipment.[143][144] However, firefighters were unable to reach the fire due to the fighting.[145]

Clashes at the power plant on 4 March caused a fire to break out.[146] The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) subsequently said that essential equipment was undamaged.[147] By 4 March, the nuclear power plant fell under Russian control. Despite the fires, the power plant recorded no radiation leaks.[148]

The next morning, after confirming that there were no changes to radiation levels, Russian forces captured Enerhodar and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.[149][150][151] On 5 March, Orlov stated that Russian forces controlled the perimeter of Enerhodar and the power plant, while the local authorities were allowed to remain in control in the operation of the city.[8] Russian forces briefly entered Huliaipole, but were pushed back.[152] The city was later attacked overnight amid shelling and airstrikes.[153]

On 7 March, the Ukrainian regional military administration of Zaporizhzhia Oblast stated that Russian forces had thus far captured the cities of Berdiansk, Enerhodar, Melitopol, Vasylivka, Tokmak and Polohy in this oblast.[154]

On 9 March, during the battles for Zaporizhzhia, Colonel Serhii Kotenko, commander of the 9th Separate Motorized Infantry Battalion "Vinnytsia Scythians", a unit of Ukraine's 59th Motorized Brigade, was killed.[13]

Fall of Mariupol, Ukrainian counterattacks, and stalemate

Further information: 2022 Chornobaivka attacks
See also: Russian occupation of Kherson Oblast

On 11 March, Governor Kim stated that Ukrainian forces had pushed Russian troops eastwards by 15–20 kilometres (9.3–12.4 mi) and had also surrounded some units who were negotiating for a surrender.[155] The Ukrainian forces stated that they had destroyed two Russian helicopters in Skadovsk Raion the following day, and one of the pilots survived.[156] A video was published on social media showing one of the destroyed helicopters.[157] Yakovlev later stated that Skadovsk had been "liberated" from Russian forces as they had left the city on 10 March, but settled on its outskirts.[158]

A column of Russian forces re-entered Skadovsk during the afternoon, according to its mayor, and settled in one of the children's camps on its outskirts.[159]

Kim later claimed that 200 Russian vehicles were destroyed and surrounded in Melitopol.[160] Anton Gerashchenko later clarified that this had occurred near Vasylivka and the Ukrainian forces had destroyed the 200 vehicles of Russian forces stationed near Melitopol using artillery. He added that their headquarters was destroyed as well.[161]

On 15 March, the Russian Defense Ministry stated that Russian forces had captured all of Kherson Oblast.[162] The Ukrainian Air Force later struck the military airbase at Kherson International Airport again, destroying multiple Russian helicopters.[87] On 16 March, the Ukrainian government said that its forces had begun a counteroffensive near Mykolaiv towards Kherson and captured the town of Posad-Pokrovske.[163][164] Ukrainian troops in the village said their objective was to retake Kherson International Airport.[165]

Gennady Korban, head of Staff of Dnipro Oblast's Territorial Defense Forces, stated that the region was prepared for a Russian offensive, unlike Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts. He added that Russian forces were staging in the settlements of Velyka Oleksandrivka, Novovorontsovka and Arkhanhelske.[166] On 17 March, the Ukrainian military reported that Russian forces achieved "minor successes" in attacks towards Kryvyi Rih, capturing the village of Mala Shestirnia [uk].[167]

Landing ships of the Russian Navy meanwhile approached the coast of Odesa in three groups, including the Ivan Gren-class landing ship Pyotr Morgunov.[168] Russian fighter jets and warships attacked settlements in Odesa Oblast during the day, according to Ukrainian officials. Attacks on one of the settlements in the morning wounded two people.[169]

A downtown street during the siege of Mariupol
Aftermath of a rocket strike in the Odesa region, 16 May 2022

According to the Mariupol City Council, 2,357 civilians had been killed during the city's siege.[170] Following a renewed missile attack on 14 March in Mariupol, the Ukrainian government claimed more than 2,500 deaths in the city.[171] By 18 March, Mariupol was completely encircled and fighting reached the city centre, hampering efforts to evacuate civilians.[172] The Russians demanded a full surrender, which several Ukrainian government officials including Zelenskyy refused.[173][174][175] On 24 March, Russian forces entered central Mariupol,[176] seizing the Church of the Intercession of the Mother of God. The city administration alleged that Russians were trying to demoralize residents by publicly shouting claims of Russian victories, including statements that Odesa had been captured.[177] On 27 March, Ukraine's deputy prime minister, Olha Stefanishyna, stated that Mariupol "simply does not exist anymore," and that Russia's objectives have "nothing to do with humanity." Stefanishyna summarized that: "They (Mariupol's inhabitants) don’t have access to water, to any food supplies, to anything. More than 85 percent of the whole town is destroyed."[178]

In a telephone conversation with Emmanuel Macron on 29 March, Putin stated that the bombardment of Mariupol would end only when Ukrainian troops fully surrendered Mariupol.[179]

On 1 April, a rescue effort by the United Nations (UN) to transport hundreds of civilian survivors out of Mariupol with 50 allocated buses was impeded by Russian troops, who refused the buses safe passage into the city while peace talks continued in Istanbul.[180] On 3 April, following the retraction of Russian forces from Kyiv at the end of phase one of the military invasion, Russia expanded its attack on southern Ukraine further west with increased bombardment and strikes against Odesa, Mykolaiv, and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant.[181][182]

By 10 April, Ukrainian forces had made significant advances and pushed back the Russian military in the area around Kherson, gaining ground at Osokorivka and Oleksandrivka. Russian counter-attacks failed to retake the lost territory, while Ukraine continued to harass local Russian airfields.[183] The Ukrainian counteroffensive had put Russia on the defensive in southern Ukraine, forcing it to focus on fortifying Kherson and improving its air defenses.[184] Guerrillas also began attacking Russian targets in the south, with one group reportedly operating in Melitopol.[185] By 18 April, fighting continued, and Ukraine claimed that its 80th Air Assault Brigade had retaken a number of villages near Mykolaiv.[186] Two days later, Russia counter-attacked and made minor gains at Oleksandrivka.[187] Gerashchenko announced that Ukrainian forces captured three villages near Snihurivka on 27 April.[188][189]

By May, the situation in right-bank Kherson Oblast had become a stalemate, with the opposing forces evenly matched and unable to go on the offensive. Units of the Russian 49th Combined Arms Army and the Crimea-based 22nd Army Corps held a bridgehead over the Dnieper approximately 160 km wide and 50 km deep.[12] According to Ukrainian military expert Viktor Kevliuk, the strategic purpose of the Russian bridgehead was to protect the North Crimean Canal and the "land bridge" between Crimea and mainland Russia, as well as to serve as a staging area for a future Russian operation aimed at reaching Transnistria and cutting off Ukrainian access to the Black Sea.[12] Russian forces were said to be preparing second and third lines of defense, fortifying airfields, ports and railway stations, and mining the coast of the Kakhovka Reservoir in anticipation of a Ukrainian counterattack.[12]

On 1 June, according to a Ukrainian regional governor, Vitalii Kim, Russian forces started blowing up bridges near Kherson in anticipation of a counterattack by the Ukrainian army.[190]

On 9 June, Reuters reported Ukrainian and British claims that Ukrainian forces had made gains in a counteroffensive towards Kherson, including establishing a bridgehead across the Inhulets River.[191] This offensive led to fierce fighting around Davydiv Brid, which saw positional warfare for the village due to its location on the river.[192][193]

On 10 June, Oleksiy Arestovych, an advisor to Zelenskyy, claimed that shelling on a Russian base in Stara Zburivka [uk] killed two generals, one of whom was preparing a referendum in the Kherson region. Arestovych also claimed that a recent artillery attack on another Russian base killed at least 200 troops, including Arabs, who were "presumably from Syria." He said it was the first confirmed case of Arabs fighting with Russia in Ukraine.[194]

On 8 July, Russia's ambassador to the United Kingdom, Andrey Kelin, said during a Reuters interview that Russia was unlikely to withdraw its forces from southern Ukraine as part of any future deals to end the war, saying, "...we have already experienced that after withdrawal, provocations start and all the people are being shot and all that."[195]

On 12 August, UN Secretary-General António Guterres asked for a demilitarized zone to be created around the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant after shelling struck an area used to store radioactive material.[196] This echoed earlier calls by Ukraine.[197] Russia refused, saying that it was protecting the plant from "terrorist attacks",[198] though it has invited officials from the IAEA to visit.[196] Two plant workers told the BBC that the staff were hostages and shelling prevented them from doing their normal work.[199]

2022 Kherson counteroffensive

Main article: 2022 Kherson counteroffensive
Further information: Liberation of Kherson and Attack on Nova Kakhovka
Civilians during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit following the liberation of Kherson, 14 November 2022

On 10 July, Iryna Vereshchuk, the Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine and the Minister of Reintegration of Temporarily Occupied Territories, urged civilians in the Kherson region to evacuate ahead of an upcoming Ukrainian counterattack there, without specifying when the offensive would take place.[200] Ukraine's defence minister Oleksii Reznikov also signalled an upcoming offensive in the region.[201]

On 11 July, Ukrainian forces launched a missile attack with HIMARS rockets on the Russian-occupied city of Nova Kakhovka. Ukrainian officials claimed that the strike killed the chief of staff for the 22nd Army Corps, Major General Artyom Nasbulin, along with five colonels and a total of 150 soldiers. Russian forces confirmed the strike but did not confirm the death of the officers claimed by Ukraine, claiming that the Ukrainian rocket hit a warehouse that contained chemicals which then exploded.[202][203]

On 29 August, Ukraine launched a counteroffensive on the Kherson front.[204] During a 3 day period from 2 October to 4 October, Ukraine liberated 11 settlements in northern Kherson.[205] On 9 November, Russia announced the withdrawal of troops from Kherson,[206] with Ukrainian troops reportedly entering Snihurivka the next day.[207][208][209] On 11 November, Ukrainian troops entered the city of Kherson,[210] and were met by crowds of Ukrainian citizens chanting "Slava Ukraini!" and "Glory to the ZSU,"[211] expressing their gratitude by lifting up soldiers and waving Ukrainian flags.[212][213]

Russian entrenchment and beginning of Dnieper campaign

Further information: Surovikin Line and Dnieper campaign (2022–present)
Aftermath of Russian shelling of Kherson city, 24 December 2022

In the aftermath of Ukraine's recapture of right-bank Kherson Oblast, Ukrainian forces began conducting a small-scale military campaign on the Dnieper, conducting raids and incursions on the left bank and on the Kinburn Spit.[214]

In December 2022, following previous successful counteroffensives, speculation among Western analysts and media about a prospective Ukrainian campaign to retake Crimea abounded. In the event of such an offensive, observers and analysts suggested Ukraine could attack along the Zaporizhzhia front and advance towards the strategic city of Melitopol to cut Russia's "landbridge to Crimea." Throughout the month, Russia reinforced its defense lines in southern Ukraine, particularly along the Zaporizhzhia and Kherson fronts.[215] Attacks on "collaborators" and Russian agents by apparent Ukrainian partisans and saboteurs continued.[216]

On 23 December, Ukraine's mayor of Melitopol Ivan Fedorov said the Russians were transforming the city into a fortress, replete with dragon's teeth defenses.[216] Meanwhile, satellite imagery showed that Russian troops had established trenches around the perimeters of Tokmak in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, considered a strategic city on the approach towards Melitopol.[217] On 15 May 2023, Ukrainian military intelligence estimated that the Russians had stationed 152,000 troops in Kherson and Zaporizhzhia oblasts in anticipation of a potential Ukrainian counteroffensive.[218]

2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive and continued Dnieper incursions

Further information: 2023 Ukrainian counteroffensive and Destruction of the Kakhovka Dam
A bombed-out school in Orikhiv, July 2023

As Ukraine prepared to launch its counteroffensive in the south, there were signs of activity on the Dnieper front.[219] However, on June 6, 2023, the Kakhovka Dam in Nova Kakhovka was purposefully destroyed while under Russian control since March 2022, massively flooding the region. Experts assess that Russian forces likely blew the dam up.[220][221] This forced combat to stop along the river for a time.[219]

In early June 2023, Ukrainian forces launched their counteroffensive on the eastern part of the southern front, focusing on multiple directions, including Orikhiv[222] and Velyka Novosilka,[223] which are located in eastern Zaporizhzhia Oblast and western Donetsk Oblast, respectively. By 11 June, Ukraine had recaptured the front line settlements of Neskuchne, Blahodatne, Storozheve, Makarivka, and Novodarivka.[224] The progress of the offensive slowed as time progressed, despite the capture of several more villages, including Robotyne on 23 August.[225] By December 2023, prominent Ukrainian figures and Western analysts began giving negative assessments of the success of the counteroffensive; statements by Ukrainian general Valerii Zaluzhnyi in early November 2023 that the war had arrived at a "stalemate" were seen by observers as an admission of its failure,[226] and followed more definite assessments made by analysts, especially with regard to operational success, from several weeks earlier.[227] Ukrainian forces did not reach the city of Tokmak, described as a "minimum goal" by Ukrainian general Oleksandr Tarnavskyi,[228] and the probable initial objective of reaching the Sea of Azov to split the Russian forces in southern Ukraine remained unfulfilled.[229][230][231]

As the floodwaters from the Dnieper receded, Ukraine resumed its incursions across the river on a larger scale. In December 2023, Ukraine established a foothold on the left bank at the village Krynky.[219]

The Ukrainian military announced on 3 March 2024 that it was spending a record amount of funding on fortifying the Zaporizhia region on the southern front.[232]

On 17 February, fighting resumed in Robotyne when Russian forces started a large-scale attack on the village, recapturing a position south of it.[233] On 15 May 2024, the Russian Ministry of Defence claimed that Russian forces fully recaptured the village.[234] War analyst Emil Kastehelmi stated to The New York Times that the village with its recapture "lacks strategic importance to Russia and is now little more than ruins", but however, that it was still "a symbolic blow to Ukraine after fighting so hard to win it back last year".[235]

On 16 June 2024, the Russian military announced the capture of the village of Zahirne in Zaporizhzhia, located south of Huliaipole. The report could not be independently verified at the time.[236] On 18 July, Krynky was fully recaptured by Russian forces.[237]

In early October 2024, Ukrainian intelligence predicted that Russian forces would restart offensive efforts towards Orikhiv in an effort to sever Ukrainian logistics lines.[238] Russian forces meanwhile restarted combat operations around Kamianske in western Zaporizhzhia Oblast, advancing near the village and the neighbouring Plavni, following a reported unsuccessful Ukrainian attack.[239]

Order of battle

Russia and pro-Russian separatists

 Russian Armed Forces
Donetsk People's Republic Donetsk People's Republic People's Militia[260]

Ukraine

 Armed Forces of Ukraine
  • Ukrainian guerrillas[185]

Environmental impact

See also: Destruction of the Kakhovka Dam § Animals and environment

The war has had a disruptive and destructive impact on the unique plants and wildlife of the Kinburn Spit such as the Сentaurea breviceps and Сentaurea Paczoskii cornflower species,[277] and their sensitive ecosystem.[278] Bombs, and the pollutants that came from them, killed nearby dolphins, and opened the sand and soil to the threat of chemicals seeping in and invasive species, according to the research and policy director at the UK-based Conflict and Environment Observatory Doug Weir.[279] In May 2022 a 4,000 hectares (10,000 acres) fire, started by rockets, inflicted lasting habitat damage to the perennial forests and salt marshes of the spit.[278][279][280]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Russia says it captures Ukrainian city of Kherson -RIA". Reuters. 1 March 2022. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  2. ^ Hopkins, Valerie; Nechepurenko, Ivan; Santora, Marc (16 May 2022). "The Ukrainian authorities declare an end to the combat mission in Mariupol after weeks of Russian siege". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 16 May 2022. Retrieved 17 May 2022.
  3. ^ a b Korobova, Marina (1 March 2022). ""Мелитополь не сдался, Мелитополь – временно оккупирован" – городской голова о ситуации на 1 марта". Mestnyye Vesti (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2 March 2022. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  4. ^ "Nova Kakhovka has fallen to Russia: Ukraine media". The Business standard. 27 February 2022. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022. Its mayor Volodymyr Kovalenko has reportedly said that Russian troops have seized the city's executive committee and removed all Ukrainian flags from buildings
  5. ^ "Part of Kherson region territory occupied by aggressor – Regional Administration". Interfax Ukraine. Kyiv. 24 February 2022. Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  6. ^ "Mayor of southern Ukrainian town says Russians have taken control". CNN News. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  7. ^ Clark, Mason; Stepanenko, Kateryna (8 April 2022). "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 8". Institute for the Study of War. Archived from the original on 8 April 2022. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
  8. ^ a b "Российские войска покинули Энергодар: последствия обстрелов (уточнено)". Gazeta.ua (in Russian). 5 March 2022. Archived from the original on 13 March 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2022.
  9. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 28, 2022". Institute for the Study of War. 28 February 2022. Archived from the original on 2 March 2022. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  10. ^ "Советник Зеленского: "По предварительным данным, в результате удара ВСУ убит генерал-лейтенант РФ Андрей Мордвичев"". The Insider (in Russian). 18 March 2022. Archived from the original on 18 March 2022. Retrieved 18 March 2022.
  11. ^ "Sodan nopeaa päätöstä luvanneen kenraalin sanotaan kuolleen" (in Finnish). Verkkouutiset. 25 March 2022. Archived from the original on 25 March 2022. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Ситуація на фронті на херсонському напрямку: співвідношення сил і засобів" (in Ukrainian). 29 May 2022. Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  13. ^ a b "Щоб боротися з рашистами, командир "дев'ятки" полковник Сергій Котенко залишив крісло голови райдержадміністрації…". armyinform.com.ua (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 17 March 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  14. ^ a b Michael Schwirtz (22 April 2022). "Dug in on the front lines, Ukrainian soldiers fight to repel the Russian onslaught". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 22 April 2022. Retrieved 11 May 2022.
  15. ^ "Ukraine starts a push to recapture Kherson, a crucial Russian-occupied city". The Economist. Archived from the original on 30 August 2022. Retrieved 30 August 2022.
  16. ^ "Ukraine Situation Report: Another Week, Another Fired Russian General". The Drive. 29 October 2022. Archived from the original on 29 October 2022. Retrieved 29 October 2022.
  17. ^ Over 150,000 Russian troops in southern Ukraine prepare for Ukrainian counteroffensive – Defence Intelligence
  18. ^ "Ukraine Is Attacking Everywhere". Forbes. Archived from the original on 29 April 2023.
  19. ^ "Russian forces seize Chernobyl, parts of Kherson region". Daily Sabah. 24 February 2022. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  20. ^ "Ukraine says it was attacked through Russian, Belarus and Crimea borders". CNN. 23 February 2022. Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  21. ^ "Ukraine troops enter centre of Kherson as Russians retreat in chaos". the Guardian. 11 November 2022. Retrieved 29 November 2022.
  22. ^ Myers, Steven Lee; Barry, Ellen (18 March 2014). "Putin Reclaims Crimea for Russia and Bitterly Denounces the West". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 2 January 2020. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  23. ^ "Ukraine crisis: Putin signs Russia-Crimea treaty". BBC News. 18 March 2014. Archived from the original on 30 November 2020. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  24. ^ a b c d e Lukashova, Sonia (21 September 2023). "Reconstructing chronology of how Ukraine's Armed Forces prepared to defend the south, mined Chonhar and fought for Kherson Oblast". Ukrainska Pravda. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  25. ^ Schwirtz, Michael (4 February 2022). "Russian Troops in Final Stages of Readiness Add to Worries for Ukraine". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  26. ^ Иван Гребенюк (11 June 2022). "Реконструкция оккупации. Почему армия РФ относительно легко и быстро взяла под контроль Херсонскую область?" (in Russian). Current Time TV. Retrieved 28 February 2024.
  27. ^ a b c d e Lukashova, Sonia; Buderatskyi, Yevhen (18 September 2023). "Major General Andrii Sokolov was in charge of the defence of Ukraine's south. An interview covering Chonhar, Kherson and Melitopol". Ukrainska Pravda. Retrieved 4 May 2024.
  28. ^ "Ukraine Closes Sea of Azov Amid Military Action by Russia". WSJ. Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  29. ^ "Ukraine conflict: What we know about the invasion". BBC News. 24 February 2022. Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  30. ^ Huang, Han. "How did Russia attack Ukraine? Invasion map explained in graphics". South China Morning Post. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  31. ^ "Watch | Russian vehicles enter Ukraine via Crimea". The Hindu. 24 February 2022. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  32. ^ "Black Sea blockade: Ukraine accuses Russia of major maritime escalation". Atlantic Council. 10 February 2022. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  33. ^ "Імовірність прориву на Миколаїв знизилася: військові відстояли Антонівський міст" (in Ukrainian). Ukrinform. 25 February 2022. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  34. ^ "Ukraine loses control over crossing to Kherson". Ukrinform. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  35. ^ "Ukrainian serviceman Skakun blows up Henichesk bridge to stop advance of tank column". Ukrinform. 25 February 2022. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  36. ^ "Ukrainian soldier blew himself up on bridge to block advancement of Russian tanks". yahoo.com. 25 February 2022. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  37. ^ "Ukrainian soldier blew himself up on bridge to block advancement of Russian tanks". The Independent. 25 February 2022. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  38. ^ "Повелителі трьох стихій: про життя та місію морпіхів" (in Ukrainian). 8 December 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2024.
  39. ^ "Vitalii Skakun, who blew up the bridge in Henichesk at the cost of his own life, is a graduate of Lviv Polytechnic". Lviv Polytechnic National University. 26 February 2022. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  40. ^ "General Staff: Battles ongoing along border, 20 Russian helicopters land near Kyiv". Ukrinform. 23 February 2022. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 8 April 2022.
  41. ^ "Russian troops moving towards town of Nova Kakhovka in Kherson Oblast". The Kyiv Independent. 24 February 2022. Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  42. ^ Marrow, Alexander; Ostroukh, Andrey (24 February 2022). "Russian forces unblock water flow for canal to annexed Crimea, Moscow says". Reuters. Archived from the original on 1 March 2022.
  43. ^ "Russian forces unblock water flow for canal to annexed Crimea, Moscow says". Reuters. 24 February 2022. Archived from the original on 1 March 2022.
  44. ^ "Russia Says Captured Key Water Supply Route to Crimea". The Moscow Times. 25 February 2022. Archived from the original on 1 March 2022.
  45. ^ Schwirtz, Michael; Schmitt, Eric; MacFarquhar, Neil (25 February 2022). "Russia Batters Ukraine With Artillery Strikes as West Condemns Invasion". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  46. ^ "Российские войска вышли к Херсону и восстановили подачу воды в Крым" (in Russian). РИА Новости. 25 February 2022. Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  47. ^ "Dam leaves Crimea population in chronic water shortage". Al Jazeera. 4 January 2017. Archived from the original on 1 March 2022.
  48. ^ "Canal in annexed Crimea to be readied for water from Ukraine's Dnieper, official says". National Post. Reuters. 24 February 2022. Archived from the original on 1 March 2022. Retrieved 24 February 2022.
  49. ^ "Ukraine loses control over crossing to Kherson". Ukrinform. 25 February 2022. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  50. ^ The Kyiv Independent [@KyivIndependent] (26 February 2022). "Kherson mayor: City under Ukrainian control. After an aircraft attack on Russian armored vehicles, they backed off from the city. Mayor Ihor Kolyhaiev said trolleybuses were operating, and the food situation was "being resolved."" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022 – via Twitter.
  51. ^ "Херсон наш: на линии вышли троллейбусы, водоснабжение в обычном режиме, в бомбоубежищах родились двое малышей | Новости Одессы". dumskaya.net. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  52. ^ Paton Walsh, Nick (26 February 2022). "Battle rages for strategic bridge in southern Ukraine after days of fighting". CNN. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  53. ^ "Journalist shot dead by Russian occupiers in Kherson Region". Ukrinform. 27 February 2022. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  54. ^ "Column of Russian occupiers defeated in Kherson region – Interior Ministry". Ukrinform. 26 February 2022. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  55. ^ "Миколаїв готується до кругової оборони: до міста прориваються 12 танків". 24tv (in Ukrainian). 24-Канал. 26 February 2022. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  56. ^ Mazurenko, Alona (26 February 2022). "Миколаїв готується до кругової оборони: пруть ворожі танки". 24tv (in Ukrainian). 24-Канал. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  57. ^ "Russian invasion update: Mykolaiv preparing for all-round defense, tanks break through from Kakhovka". Ukrinform. 26 February 2022. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  58. ^ Kornilov, Mikhailo (26 February 2022). "Миколаїв готується до кругової оборони". Telegraf (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  59. ^ "Миколаїв готується до оборони: розвели міст через річку, а людей просять не виходити". TSN (in Ukrainian). Televiziyna Sluzhba Novyn. 26 February 2022. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  60. ^ Kniazhik, Oksana (26 February 2022). "Бои за Николаев: в городе слышны выстрелы, объявлен сбор медиков". 24tv (in Ukrainian). 24-Канал. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  61. ^ Poliakovska, Tanya (26 February 2022). "Танки пройшли через Миколаїв зі стріляниною – ОДА" (in Ukrainian). Ukrainian Independent Information Agency. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  62. ^ "В Николаеве русские танки прошли через город с боем, — губернатор Ким". inshe.tv (in Ukrainian). 26 February 2022. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022.
  63. ^ "Миколаїв залишається під контролем України". Televiziyna Sluzhba Novyn (in Ukrainian). 26 February 2022. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  64. ^ @GoncharenkoUa (27 February 2022). "Mykolaiv's center after the night battle. Welcome to hell" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  65. ^ "Инсайдер Украина Новости Война". Telegram (via Twitter link) (in Ukrainian). Insider Ukraine. 27 February 2022. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  66. ^ @MilitaryLandnet (26 February 2022). "After fierce fighting, Ukrainian troops repulses the enemy attack on #Mykolaiv" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  67. ^ "В Минобороны сообщили об уничтожении 975 военных объектов Украины" [The Ministry of Defense announced the destruction of 975 military facilities of Ukraine] (in Russian). 27 February 2022. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022.
  68. ^ "Russia says it "blocks" Ukraine's Kherson, Berdyansk – RIA". Reuters. 27 February 2022. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  69. ^ Nathan Hodge (27 February 2022). "Russia claims two southern cities "completely blocked" by Russian troops". CNN. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  70. ^ "War in Ukraine: Russian army makes a "breakthrough" in the country's second city, the battle for Kiev continues". 27 February 2022. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  71. ^ "Russian forces advance on Kyiv: fighting on fourth day of invasion". The Guardian. 27 February 2022. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022. Ukrainian defence sources said that Russian forces captured part of Kherson, the city at the mouth of the Dnieper River.
  72. ^ "Russian forces advance on Kyiv: fighting on fourth day of invasion". The Guardian. 27 February 2022. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  73. ^ "Denysenko: Column of Russian military equipment near Makariv, Kyiv region destroyed". Interfax Ukraine. 28 February 2022. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  74. ^ "Several killed as Russian rockets pound Ukraine's Kharkiv". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  75. ^ "RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE CAMPAIGN ASSESSMENT, FEBRUARY 28, 2022". Institute for the Study of War. 28 February 2022. Archived from the original on 2 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  76. ^ Lyudmila Sadlovska. "Окупанти обстріляли Градами місто під Миколаєвом". Korrespondent (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  77. ^ "Enemy column destroyed in Mykolaiv Region consisted of 800 vehicles". Ukrinform. Archived from the original on 1 March 2022. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  78. ^ a b c Yaroslav Trofimov (16 March 2022). "A Ukrainian Town Deals Russia One of the War's Most Decisive Routs". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 17 March 2022. Retrieved 17 March 2022.
  79. ^ Tamila Ivanova (1 March 2022). "Шостий день вторгнення РФ: ситуація на Херсонщині. текстова трансляція". Суспільне | Новини (in Ukrainian). Suspilne. Archived from the original on 2 March 2022. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
  80. ^ "Russian forces have entered Kherson, says Ukrainian official". Reuters. 1 March 2022. Archived from the original on 2 March 2022. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  81. ^ "Russian military vehicles seen across Kherson after heavy shelling". CNN. 1 March 2022. Archived from the original on 2 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  82. ^ Schwirtz, Michael; Pérez-Peña, Richard (2 March 2022). "First Ukraine City Falls as Russia Strikes More Civilian Targets". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  83. ^ Schwirtz, Michael; Pérez-Peña, Richard (2 March 2022). "First Ukraine City Falls as Russia Strikes More Civilian Targets". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  84. ^ Дар'я Свистуха (2 March 2022). "Сьомий день вторгнення Росії. На Миколаївщині відбулася наступальна операція". Suspilne (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  85. ^ "Ukrainian defenders repelled attack on Mykolaiv city, fighting continues on outskirts". Ukrinform. 4 March 2022. Archived from the original on 4 March 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  86. ^ Michael Schwirtz (4 March 2022). "In a surrounded Ukrainian city, residents vow to fight to the end". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 5 March 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2022.
  87. ^ a b Joseph Trevithick; Tyler Rogoway (15 March 2022). "Ukraine Strikes Back: Barrage Leaves Russian-Occupied Kherson Airbase In Flames". The Drive. Archived from the original on 16 March 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  88. ^ Olena Roshchina (9 March 2022). "У Скадовськ зайшли військові РФ, із міськради винесли комп'ютери". Ukrayinska Pravda (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 10 March 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2022.
  89. ^ Clark, Mason. "Russia Offensive Campaign Assessment – March 10". 10 March 2022. Institute for the Study of War. Archived from the original on 11 March 2022. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  90. ^ Lister, Tim (11 March 2022). "Heavy Russian shelling has erupted in the southern city of Mykolaiv". CNN. Archived from the original on 12 March 2022. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  91. ^ "Ukraine's Zelenskyy says he is Russia's 'number one target'". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  92. ^ "Russia Ukraine news Live: Melitopol city is taken by the Russian army". MARCA. 24 February 2022. Archived from the original on 24 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  93. ^ "В Мелитополе опять идут бои – взрывы и стрельба в разных районах города". Актуальные новости Мелитополя и региона – Местные вести (in Russian). Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  94. ^ "Ukraine official says Russian troops approaching Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant". National Post. 26 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  95. ^ "The Russians paused the invasion, but aren't losing". Australian Financial Review. 28 February 2022. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  96. ^ "Wojna na Ukrainie. Rosjanie blisko elektrowni atomowej. Jest ryzyko, że zostanie ostrzelana" [The war in Ukraine. Russians close to the nuclear power plant. There is a risk that it will be shot at] (in Polish). Polsat News. 26 February 2022. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  97. ^ Ekaterina Andrus (27 February 2022). "Официально о ситуации в Энергодаре 27 февраля". Nikopol News (in Russian). Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  98. ^ "Im Video: Unbewaffnete Ukrainer stellen sich Russen-Panzern entgegen". Hamburger Morgenpost (in Spanish). 28 February 2022. Archived from the original on 8 March 2022. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  99. ^ "Fierce battles raging in all directions near Mariupol – mayor". Interfax-Ukraine. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  100. ^ Richárd, Jabronka (25 February 2022). "Így áll most a háború Ukrajnában: több nagyvárosban harcok dúlnak, megtámadtak egy orosz repülőteret" [This is how the war in Ukraine is now: fighting is raging in several big cities, a Russian airport has been attacked]. Ellenszél (in Hungarian). Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  101. ^ "Battle ongoing near Mariupol – mayor". Ukrinform. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  102. ^ ""Amphibious assault" underway west of Mariupol on the Sea of Azov, senior US defense official says". CNN. 25 February 2022. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  103. ^ "Russian Navy Carries Out Amphibious Assault Near Mariupol". The Maritime Executive. Archived from the original on 25 February 2022. Retrieved 25 February 2022.
  104. ^ "Russian forces are about 31 miles outside southeastern Ukrainian city of Mariupol, US defense official says". CNN. 27 February 2022. Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  105. ^ a b "Российская военная техника заняла территорию бывшего аэропорта "Бердянск" – горсовет" (in Russian). UNIAN. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  106. ^ NEXTA [@nexta_tv] (26 February 2022). "The tanks of the occupiers have circled #Berdyansk and are heading towards #Mariupol. https://t.co/jwsIoORzH0" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 27 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022 – via Twitter.
  107. ^ Denis Astafyev; Vasilina Gavyak; Anastasia Ilieva (28 February 2022). "Вторгнення в Україну російських військ: ситуація в Запорізькій області" (in Ukrainian). Suspilne. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  108. ^ Lister, Tim; Alkhaldi, Celine; Voitovych, Olga; Mezzofiore, Gianluca (24 March 2022). "Ukrainians claim to have destroyed large Russian warship in Berdyansk". CNN. Archived from the original on 26 March 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  109. ^ "Ukraine crisis: Russian forces enter Sea of Azov port Berdiansk – report". The Jerusalem Post | JPost.com. 27 February 2022. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  110. ^ Yulia Zakharchenko (28 February 2022). "Бердянськ захопили бойовики, у Харкові та Сумах – тиша: Арестович про ситуацію в Україні". Fakty i Kommentarii. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  111. ^ Шагабудтдинова, Эльмира. "Власти Бердянска заявляют о том, что вражеская техника заняла территорию бывшего аэропорта". 061.ua – Сайт города Запорожья (in Russian). Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  112. ^ "Military vehicles of Russian Federation occupy territory of former Berdiansk airport". Interfax-Ukraine. Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  113. ^ "Russian troops take control of Berdiansk district – regional administration". www.ukrinform.net. Ukrinform. 28 February 2022. Archived from the original on 2 March 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  114. ^ "Berdiansk temporarily occupied by Russian invaders – Zaporizhia Oblast Administration". Ukrayinska Pravda. 28 February 2022. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  115. ^ "Військово-Морські Сили". Archived from the original on 28 January 2018. Retrieved 25 April 2022.
  116. ^ "List of Ukrainian Navy ships would have been destroyed or captured by Russian armed forces". Navy Recognition. 19 March 2022. Archived from the original on 24 March 2022. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  117. ^ "Oorlog in Europa 61 – dinsdag 22 maart 2022 – DefensieFotografie". Archived from the original on 27 March 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  118. ^ "Captured Ukrainian ships and boats in Berdyansk". 16 March 2022. Archived from the original on 31 March 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2022.
  119. ^ "В оккупированном Бердянске горожане прогнали технику РФ и оставили украинские флаги". Украинская правда (in Russian). 28 February 2022. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  120. ^ Mason Clark, George Barros, and Kateryna Stepanenko (27 February 2022). "Russia-Ukraine Warning Update: Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 27". Institute for the Study of War. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  121. ^ Trevithick, Joseph (27 February 2022). "Strategic Ukrainian Port Of Mariupol Now Surrounded By Russian Forces". The Drive. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  122. ^ "Ukraine nuclear plant on fire after Russia shelling". News.com.au. 4 March 2022. Archived from the original on 4 March 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  123. ^ Valentina Letyak (28 February 2022). "Енергодар і Запорізька АЕС під контролем ЗСУ: мер міста просить не вірити фейкам". Fakty i Kommentarii (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  124. ^ "Russian forces seize two cities in Ukraine, Interfax says, with ceasefire talks about to begin". Reuters. 28 February 2022. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 28 February 2022.
  125. ^ Julia (28 February 2022). "Жители Энергодара без оружия остановили колонну российских оккупантов, – ВИДЕО". First Zaprohziya (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2 March 2022. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
  126. ^ "У Токмаку йшли бої з окупантами у військовій формі ЗСУ". ТСН.ua (in Ukrainian). 28 February 2022. Archived from the original on 11 March 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  127. ^ "В Токмаке ночью велись ожесточенные бои". www.ukrinform.ru (in Russian). Archived from the original on 11 March 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  128. ^ Gazeta.ua (28 February 2022). "У місті Токмак йшли потужні бої з диверсантами в українській військовій формі". Gazeta.ua (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  129. ^ Жигайло, Андрій (28 February 2022). "У Токмаку ЗСУ відбили атаку диверсантів в українській формі: подробиці". OBOZREVATEL NEWS (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 11 March 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  130. ^ Цензор.НЕТ (28 February 2022). "Вночі у місті Токмак точилися потужні бої. ЗСУ бореться з диверсантами в українській формі, але з російськими бронежилетами". Цензор.НЕТ (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 10 March 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  131. ^ "В Токмаке войска оккупантов понесли большие потери". Індустріалка – новини Запоріжжя. 28 February 2022. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 11 March 2022.
  132. ^ Zadorozhnaya, Anastasia (1 March 2022). Войска оккупанта готовят наступление на Мелитополь [Invader's troops are preparing an attack on Melitopol]. RIA Melitopol (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2 March 2022. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  133. ^ Korobova, Marina (1 March 2022). "Мелитополь не сдался, Мелитополь – временно оккупирован" – городской голова о ситуации на 1 марта ["Melitopol did not surrender, Melitopol is temporarily occupied" – the mayor on the situation on March 1]. Mestnyye Vesti (in Russian). Archived from the original on 2 March 2022. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  134. ^ "Some Russians surrender but situation remains grave – US". BBC News. 27 February 2022. Archived from the original on 6 March 2022. Retrieved 2 March 2022.
  135. ^ a b "Рада оборони Енергодара перейшла на цілодобовий режим роботи, місто в оточенні" [The Energodar Defense Council has switched to round-the-clock operation, the city is surrounded]. 061.ua (in Ukrainian). 1 March 2022. Archived from the original on 2 March 2022. Retrieved 1 March 2022.
  136. ^ "Dozens killed in Russian strikes on Zhytomyr and Kharkiv as invading forces increase bombing of Ukrainian cities". ABC News. 2 March 2022. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  137. ^ "Russian forces lay siege to Ukrainian port city of Mariupol". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  138. ^ "Russian forces strike, seize a nuclear plant as they pound southern Ukraine". Los Angeles Times. 3 March 2022. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  139. ^ "Russian, Ukrainian Officials Meet for Peace Talks as War Rages". U.S. News & World Report. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 3 March 2022.
  140. ^ "Russians advance towards Ukraine's largest nuclear power plant". Al Jazeera. 3 March 2022. Archived from the original on 6 March 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  141. ^ Update on the human rights situation in Ukraine (Reporting period: 24 February – 26 March) Archived 1 April 2022 at the Wayback Machine United Nations Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine
  142. ^ "Video analysis reveals Russian attack on Ukrainian nuclear plant veered near disaster". NPR. 11 March 2022. Archived from the original on 1 April 2022. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
  143. ^ "Live updates: Russian troops shelling nuclear power station". Associated Press. 3 March 2022. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  144. ^ "Fire breaks out at Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant amid shelling". MSN. Archived from the original on 4 March 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  145. ^ Tim Stelloh (3 March 2022). "Nuclear plant on fire in Ukraine after Russia attacks facility". NBC. Archived from the original on 4 March 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  146. ^ "Russian forces attacking Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, per multiple reports". Business Insider Australia. 3 March 2022. Archived from the original on 4 March 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  147. ^ "Russian forces strike Ukraine from multiple fronts, including at power plant". ABC News. 3 March 2022. Archived from the original on 3 March 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  148. ^ "Russian troops take Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant". ABC News. 4 March 2022. Archived from the original on 6 March 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  149. ^ Boynton, Sean (4 March 2022). "Russian troops capture Europe's largest power plant in Ukraine after intense battle". Global News. Archived from the original on 5 March 2022. Retrieved 6 March 2022.
  150. ^ "Russia Seizes Ukraine Nuclear Plant Hours After Attack: 10 Points". NDTV. Archived from the original on 6 March 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  151. ^ Vira Kasiyan (4 March 2022). "Енергодар: окупанти знову зайшли в місто". Lb.ua (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 6 March 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  152. ^ Gibbons-Neff, Thomas; Yermak, Natalia (30 March 2022). "'Like Living in a Horror Movie': A Ukraine Town Dying a Slow Death". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 31 March 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  153. ^ "У Запорізькій області тривають бої: окупанти бомблять Гуляйполе та його околиці". 1news (in Ukrainian). 6 March 2022. Archived from the original on 6 March 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  154. ^ "Ukraine after 11th night of war: Mayor killed, towns taken, Moscow promises civilian corridors to Russia". Baltic News Network. 7 March 2022. Archived from the original on 7 March 2022. Retrieved 7 March 2022.
  155. ^ Andrew Harding (12 March 2022). "Battle for Mykolaiv: 'We are winning this fight, but not this war'". BBC News. Archived from the original on 14 March 2022. Retrieved 12 March 2022.
  156. ^ "Два російські вертольоти збиті у Скадовському районі на Херсонщині – Сухопутні війська ЗСУ". Interfax-Ukraine (in Ukrainian). 12 March 2022. Archived from the original on 13 March 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  157. ^ "Українські військові збили два вертольоти окупантів над Скадовським районом (відео)". TSN (in Ukrainian). 12 March 2022. Archived from the original on 13 March 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  158. ^ "Скадовськ зачистили від окупантів. Яка ситуація в місті". Newspaper in Ukrainian (in Ukrainian). 12 March 2022. Archived from the original on 13 March 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  159. ^ "Колонна российских оккупантов заехала в Скадовск и разместилась в одном из детских лагерей, – мэр Яковлев". Censor.NET (in Russian). 13 March 2022. Archived from the original on 14 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  160. ^ "Под Мелитополем разбили стоянку из 200 единиц техники оккупантов — Геращенко". Novy Chas (in Russian). 13 March 2022. Archived from the original on 13 March 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2022.
  161. ^ Violetta Orlova (13 March 2022). "Под Мелитополем ВСУ уничтожили около 200 единиц техники оккупантов" (in Russian). Ukrainian Independent Information Agency. Archived from the original on 13 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  162. ^ "Russian forces take control of Ukraine's Kherson region: Agencies". Reuters. 15 March 2022. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022 – via Al Arabiya.
  163. ^ Alan Cullison; Isabel Coles; Yaroslav Trofimov (16 March 2022). "Ukraine Mounts Counteroffensive to Drive Russians Back From Kyiv, Key Cities". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on 16 March 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  164. ^ a b Олена Рощіна (17 March 2022). "Росіян вибили з Посад-Покровського на Херсонщині – Гончаренко". Ukrayinska Pravda (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  165. ^ Walsh, Nick Paton (21 March 2022). "Inside Ukraine's fight to take back Russia-controlled Kherson". CNN. Archived from the original on 27 March 2022. Retrieved 24 March 2022.
  166. ^ Katya Yuskiv (15 March 2022). "Дніпропетровська область готова до опору – Корбан". Korrespondent (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 16 March 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  167. ^ Clark, Mason; Barros, George; Stepanenko, Kateryna (17 March 2022). "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 17". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 10 April 2024.
  168. ^ H.I. Sutton (15 March 2022). "Russian Navy Landing Ships Seen Approaching Ukrainian Coast Near Odessa". Naval News. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  169. ^ Denis Karlovskyy (15 March 2022). "Російські кораблі стріляли по населених пунктах Одещини, 2 поранених". Ukrayinska Pravda (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
  170. ^ "Russian forces shoot at civilians in Hostomel". India Today. 15 March 2022. Archived from the original on 15 March 2022. Retrieved 15 March 2022.
  171. ^ Lister, Tim; Kesa, Julia (14 March 2022). "Ukraine puts death toll in Mariupol bombardment at more than 2,500". CNN. Archived from the original on 22 March 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2022.
  172. ^ Boffey, Daniel; Tondo, Lorenzo (18 March 2022). "Fighting reaches central Mariupol as shelling hinders rescue attempts". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 23 March 2022. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  173. ^ "Ukraine rejects Russian demand to surrender port city of Mariupol in exchange for safe passage". CBS News. 20 March 2022. Archived from the original on 23 March 2022. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  174. ^ "Ukraine refuses to surrender Mariupol as scope of human toll remains unclear". Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. 21 March 2022. Archived from the original on 23 March 2022. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  175. ^ "Ukraine refuses to surrender Mariupol". CBS Evening News. 3-21-2022.[1] Archived 22 March 2022 at the Wayback Machine
  176. ^ "Ukraine war in maps: Tracking the Russian invasion". BBC News. 25 March 2022. Archived from the original on 24 March 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2022.
  177. ^ Mason Clark, George Barros, and Kateryna Stepanenko. "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 24". Institute for the Study of War. Archived from the original on 15 June 2022. Retrieved 25 March 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  178. ^ Rachel Scully (27 March 2022). "Ukrainian official: Mariupol 'simply does not exist anymore'". The Hill. Archived from the original on 28 March 2022. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
  179. ^ "Ukraine War: Putin demands Mariupol surrender to end shelling". BBC News. 30 March 2022. Archived from the original on 31 March 2022. Retrieved 31 March 2022.
  180. ^ "Ukraine: No 'plan B' for evacuation of shattered Mariupol, say humanitarians, as Friday attempt fails". UN News. 1 April 2022. Archived from the original on 1 April 2022. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
  181. ^ "Missiles hit Ukraine refinery, 'critical infrastructure' near Odessa". The Straits Times. SPH Media Trust. Reuters. 3 April 2022. Archived from the original on 3 April 2022. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
  182. ^ "Video analysis reveals Russian attack on Ukrainian nuclear plant veered near disaster". NPR. 11 March 2022. Archived from the original on 1 April 2022. Retrieved 1 April 2022.
  183. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 10". Institute for the Study of War. 10 April 2022. Archived from the original on 10 April 2022. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
  184. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 12". Institute for the Study of War. 12 April 2022. Archived from the original on 12 April 2022. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  185. ^ a b Denys Karlovski (13 April 2022). "Melitopol: guerrillas operating at night killed 70 Russian occupiers within 3 weeks – Ukrainian Chief Intelligence Directorate". Pravda. Archived from the original on 13 April 2022. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
  186. ^ a b "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 18". Institute for the Study of Warfare. 18 April 2022. Archived from the original on 18 April 2022. Retrieved 22 April 2022.
  187. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 20". Institute for the Study of Warfare. 20 April 2022. Archived from the original on 14 June 2022. Retrieved 22 April 2022.
  188. ^ "Russia-Ukraine live news: Russian troops seize eastern towns – Russia seizes two towns in Donbas: Ukraine military". Aljazeera. 26 April 2022. Archived from the original on 3 May 2022. Retrieved 27 April 2022.
  189. ^ Clark, Mason; Stepanenko, Kateryna; Barros, George (27 April 2022). "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, April 27". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 28 April 2022. Local fighting continued in the Mykolayiv direction, with Russian forces conducting failed attacks towards Tavriyske and Nova Zorya and Ukrainian forces reportedly recapturing Shyroke, Novopetrivka, and Lyubino, 50 km north of Kherson.
  190. ^ "Russian troops retreating in Kherson blow up bridges to prevent counterattack". telegraph.co.uk. 1 June 2022. Archived from the original on 1 June 2022. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
  191. ^ Polityuk, Pavel; Boumzar, Abdelaziz (9 June 2022). "Ukraine says troops holding on to Sievierodonetsk, advance in south". Reuters. Archived from the original on 28 June 2022. Retrieved 1 July 2022.
  192. ^ "Ukraine reports fierce fighting, 'some success' in counteroffensive". Reuters. 14 August 2023. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  193. ^ "Inside the Ukrainian counteroffensive that shocked Putin and reshaped the war". The Washington Post. 29 December 2022. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  194. ^ "Civilians flee intense fighting in contested eastern Ukraine". AP NEWS. 10 June 2022. Archived from the original on 10 June 2022. Retrieved 15 June 2022.
  195. ^ "Russian forces unlikely to leave southern Ukraine, ambassador says". Yahoo News. 8 July 2022. Archived from the original on 10 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  196. ^ a b "UN chief calls for demilitarised zone as more shelling hits Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant". ABC. 12 August 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
  197. ^ "Ukraine calls for demilitarised zone around the shelled Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant". ABC. 9 August 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
  198. ^ "Russia opposes demilitarisation of Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant". Yahoo. 12 August 2022. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
  199. ^ James Waterhouse (12 August 2022). "Zaporizhzhia nuclear workers: We're kept at gunpoint by Russians". BBC. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
  200. ^ "Civilians in Kherson urged to evacuate". The Guardian. 10 July 2022. Archived from the original on 20 July 2022. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  201. ^ Tucker, Maxim (10 July 2022). "Ukraine has one million ready for fightback to recapture south". The Times. Archived from the original on 10 July 2022. Retrieved 10 July 2022.
  202. ^ Roland Oliphant, James Kilner (13 July 2022). "Himars rocket strike kills Russian major general and up to a dozen officers". msn.com. Archived from the original on 25 July 2022. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
  203. ^ Allison Quinn (12 July 2022). "Another General Killed as Russian Leak Admits 'Big Shot Fucking Command' Was Obliterated". thedailybeast.com. Archived from the original on 15 July 2022. Retrieved 13 July 2022.
  204. ^ "Ukraine Claims Breakthroughs Made Against Russian Forces In Southern Offensive". RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  205. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, October 3". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  206. ^ "Russia orders troop withdrawal from Ukraine's Kherson city". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  207. ^ "Tears, Joy On The Streets As Ukrainian Troops Push Toward Kherson". RFE/RL. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  208. ^ "Latest Developments in Ukraine: Nov. 9". Voice of America. 9 November 2022. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  209. ^ "Ukrainian troops reportedly enter Snihurivka as Russia announces retreat from Kherson". The Kyiv Independent. 9 November 2022. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  210. ^ Maynes, Charles; Westerman, Ashley (11 November 2022). "Ukrainian troops enter Kherson city after Russia retreats". NPR.
  211. ^ "Scenes of jubilation as Ukraine troops enter Kherson hours after Russian withdrawal". The Independent. 11 November 2022. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  212. ^ Abrahams, Jessica (12 November 2022). "Russian forces 'snuck out of Kherson in civilian clothes'". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  213. ^ "Kherson: Inside the city liberated from the Russians". BBC News. 13 November 2022. Retrieved 14 November 2023.
  214. ^ Segura, Cristian (21 November 2022). "Ukraine opens a new front on the Dnipro to threaten Moscow's rearguard". Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  215. ^ "Big war is back': 5 lessons from Russia's invasion of Ukraine". Financial Times. 25 December 2022. Retrieved 26 December 2022.
  216. ^ a b "Ukraine Situation Report: Strategic City Of Melitopol Could Be Kyiv's Next Target". The Drive. 23 December 2022. Retrieved 25 December 2022.
  217. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, December 23". The Institute for the Study of War. 23 December 2022. Retrieved 24 December 2022.
  218. ^ Over 150,000 Russian troops in southern Ukraine prepare for Ukrainian counteroffensive – Defence Intelligence
  219. ^ a b c Santora, Marc (21 October 2023). "With raids across Dnieper River, Ukraine may be seeking new front in war". Retrieved 27 December 2023.
  220. ^ Glanz, James; Santora, Marc; Pérez-Peña, Richard (6 June 2023). "Internal Blast Probably Breached Ukraine Dam, Experts Say (Cautiously)". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 7 June 2023. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  221. ^ Glanz, James; Santora, Marc; Robles, Pablo; Willis, Haley; Leatherby, Lauren; Koettl, Christoph; Khavin, Dmitriy (16 June 2023). "Why the Evidence Suggests Russia Blew Up the Kakhovka Dam". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 19 June 2023.
  222. ^ "Fighting rages in Zaporizhzhia region, pro-Russian official says". The Washington Post. 8 June 2023. Archived from the original on 8 June 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  223. ^ Hird, Karolina; Barros, George; Mappes, Grace; Wolkov, Nicole; Clark, Mason; Kagan, Fredrick W. "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, June 8, 2023". Institute for the Study of War. Archived from the original on 9 June 2023. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  224. ^ Mappes, Grace; Wolkov, Nicole; Stepanenko, Kateryna; Barros, George; Clark, Mason. "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, June 11, 2023". Institute for the Study of War. Archived from the original on 12 June 2023. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  225. ^ "Ukrainian Army's 47th brigade says Robotyne has been liberated". euronews. 22 August 2023. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  226. ^ Soufi Burridge, Tom (3 November 2023). "Ukraine general's view of war 'stalemate' appears to be recognition of failed counteroffensive: Reporter's Notebook". ABC News. Retrieved 4 November 2023.
  227. ^ "Ukraine im Schatten von Nahost - Reisner: Die Gegenoffensive ist gescheitert". ZDF (in German). 12 October 2023. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 13 October 2023.
  228. ^ Cotovio, Vasco; Pleitgen, Frederik; Hodge, Daniel; Gak, Konstyantyn; Kesaieva, Yulia (23 September 2023). "Ukrainian forces have broken through in Verbove, top general says". CNN. Retrieved 27 November 2023.
  229. ^ "We are out of schedule – Head of Ukraine's Defence Intelligence". Yahoo News. 12 October 2023. Archived from the original on 13 October 2023. Retrieved 12 October 2023.
  230. ^ Kilner, James (15 October 2023). "Ukraine's counter-offensive is a 'disaster', says former Zelensky adviser". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 18 October 2023.
  231. ^ Pietralunga, Cédric (25 October 2023). "Pourquoi la contre-offensive de l'Ukraine est en échec". Le Monde (in French). Archived from the original on 26 October 2023. Retrieved 26 October 2023.
  232. ^ "Russia takes more ground in east Ukraine but loses another ship at sea". Al Jazeera. 6 March 2024. Retrieved 14 March 2024.
  233. ^ "Institute for the Study of War". Institute for the Study of War. Archived from the original on 25 March 2022. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  234. ^ Reporter, Isabel van Brugen (15 May 2024). "Zaporizhzhia Update: Russia claims it recaptured key outpost of Robotyne". Newsweek. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  235. ^ Méheut, Constant (23 May 2024). "Advancing Russian Troops Threaten to Reverse Some of Ukraine's Hard-Won Gains". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  236. ^ "Ukraine ready for ceasefire 'tomorrow'". The Telegraph. 16 June 2024.
  237. ^ "Ukraine Withdraws From Strategic Position in Southern Region". Bloomberg.com. 18 July 2024. Retrieved 19 July 2024.
  238. ^ Tyshchenko, Kateryna (5 October 2024). "Russians prepare offensive in Zaporizhzhia Oblast to cut off Ukrainian military logistics – Ukrainian forces". Ukrainska Pravda.
  239. ^ Mappes, Grace; Wolkov, Nicole; Barros, George; Evans, Angelica; Kagan, Frederick W. (7 October 2024). "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, October 7, 2024". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
  240. ^ "Russia-Ukraine Warning Update: Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 27, 2022". Critical Threats. Archived from the original on 28 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  241. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Ari Pesonen (14 August 2022). "Venäjän hukkaama sotakartta kertoo Venäjän sotataktiikasta, jota Ukraina nyt haastaa ja lyö kovasti". Uusi Suomi (in Finnish). Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  242. ^ "«Прославленные» десантники России показали свой «профессионализм» под Херсоном" (in Russian). 24 May 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2022.
  243. ^ "ВСУ НАНЕСЛИ УДАР ПО КАХОВСКОМУ МОСТУ И СИСТЕМАМ ПВО В НОВОЙ КАХОВКЕ". 5 Kanal (in Russian). 25 August 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
  244. ^ "Стало известно о положении волгоградских бойцов под Херсоном" (in Russian). 13 November 2022. Retrieved 4 March 2024.
  245. ^ Леонид Смелов (14 November 2022). "Волгоградский 255-й мотострелковый полк переправился на левый берег в Херсонской области в полном составе". Retrieved 2 March 2024.
  246. ^ a b c d e David Axe (4 October 2022). "Rivers At Their Backs And Ukrainian Brigades Closing In, A Lot Of Russian Troops Might Need To Learn To Swim". Forbes. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  247. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, July 30". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  248. ^ "Official: Kakhovka dam was blown up by Russia's 205th Motorized Rifle Brigade". The Kyiv Independent. 6 June 2023. Retrieved 6 June 2023.
  249. ^ "Оперативна інформація Міноборони станом на 06.00 03.03.2022 щодо російського вторгнення". Київська обласна військова адміністрація (in Ukrainian). 3 March 2022. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  250. ^ a b c "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 25, 2022". Archived from the original on 26 February 2022. Retrieved 27 February 2022.
  251. ^ Andrew Roth & Pjotr Sauer (17 August 2022). "'I don't see justice in this war': Russian soldier exposes rot at core of Ukraine invasion". The Guardian. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  252. ^ Борейко, Олеся; Петрук, Альона; Іваннікова, Марія; Оганов, Олег; Орсач, Оксана; Сліж, Даніїл; Сідєлєв, Олександр. "Незламний Миколаїв". NikCenter (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 4 April 2023.
  253. ^ "Fighting escalates on two contact line areas – UK Intelligence". Ukrainska Pravda. Retrieved 30 July 2023.
  254. ^ "Ворожий склад з боєприпасами та командний пункт 247 десантно-штурмового полку знищено в Чорнобаївці, - ОК "Південь"". Censor.NET (in Ukrainian). 23 August 2022.
  255. ^ Pavel Fitalyev (17 August 2022). "'They turned us into savages': Russian soldier describes start of Ukraine invasion". The Guardian. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  256. ^ "RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE CAMPAIGN ASSESSMENT, OCTOBER 3". Institute for the Study of War. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  257. ^ a b c d e "UAF Gain Ground in Kherson and Donbas Sectors, Dozens of RF Armored Vehicles Claimed Destroyed". Kyiv Post. 5 September 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  258. ^ a b "Armed Forces of Ukraine took revenge on the Russian SU-25 and the Mi-8 helicopter, which flew to rescue the pilot". Ukraine Today. 25 September 2022. Archived from the original on 6 October 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  259. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, October 4". Institute for the Study of War. 4 October 2022.
  260. ^ "Mykolaiv Oblast governor reports shootout between Russian troops, Russia's proxies in neighboring region". Kyiv Independent. 17 April 2022. Archived from the original on 22 April 2022. Retrieved 22 April 2022.
  261. ^ "Ukrainian Counteroffensive Underway in Kherson Region". Kyiv Post. 29 August 2022. Retrieved 29 August 2022.
  262. ^ Schwirtz, Michael (6 March 2022). "Proud Band of Ukrainian Troops Holds Russian Assault at Bay — for Now". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 9 March 2022. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
  263. ^ "A young officer hopes to turn the tide of war, as Ukraine fights to retake a key city". NPR. 3 August 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  264. ^ "Що зіграло ключову роль в обороні Миколаєва: інтерактивна мапа боїв та руху загарбників" (in Ukrainian). 1 December 2023. Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  265. ^ a b "Бій за теперішнє і майбутнє, за правду і долю нових поколінь" [The fight for the present and the future, for the truth and the fate of new generations]. bashtanka.mk.gov.ua (in Ukrainian). 2 March 2023. Retrieved 7 June 2023.
  266. ^ a b "В Миколаївській бригаді ТРО пригадали бій за Вознесенськ та побратимів, які тоді загинули" [In the Mykolaiv brigade of TRO, they remembered the battle for Voznesensk and the comrades who died then]. news.pn (in Ukrainian). 1 March 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  267. ^ "Комбат херсонського батальйону територіальної оборони розповів про перші бої за Херсон" [A combatant of the Kherson Territorial Defense Battalion talked about the first battles for Kherson]. pivdenukraine.com.ua (in Ukrainian). 8 December 2022. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  268. ^ a b БРАТУЩАК, ОЛЕКСІЙ; РЄУЦЬКИЙ, КОСТЯНТИН (8 March 2022). "Подвиг у Бузковому парку. Невідома історія окупації Херсона" (in Ukrainian). Ukrainska Pravda. Archived from the original on 17 November 2023. Retrieved 17 November 2023.
  269. ^ a b Thomas D'Istria (28 July 2022). "Ukraine pushes back in Kherson region, one village at a time". Le Monde. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  270. ^ "Ukraine retakes more territory in southern Kherson region". PBS. 3 October 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  271. ^ "Ichkerian Battalion Fighters Liberate Village Of Arkhangelske In Kherson Region". Archived from the original on 3 September 2022. Retrieved 25 September 2022.
  272. ^ "Снайпер Січеславської бригади розповів про свій перший бій" (in Ukrainian). 2 May 2022. Retrieved 13 March 2024.
  273. ^ a b c Денис Бобков (31 December 2022). "Останній форпост: як Миколаїв оборонявся від російських військ на початку повномасштабної війни. Хронологія подій". Suspilne (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 8 March 2024.
  274. ^ Paul Kirby (5 October 2022). "Ukraine regains Kherson villages from Russians". BBC. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  275. ^ Соня Лукашова, Євген Будерацький (18 September 2023). "Генерал-майор Соколов командував обороною півдня, яку розслідує ДБР. Велике інтерв'ю про Чонгар, Херсон і Мелітополь". Українська Правда.
  276. ^ "Українські партизани підірвали військкомат в Херсоні, – Братчук | Еспресо". espreso.tv (in Ukrainian). Retrieved 13 January 2023.
  277. ^ "Unique plants in the south of Ukraine may become extinct because of the war". uacrisis.org. Ukraine Crisis Media Center. 23 December 2022. Retrieved 29 December 2022. Oleksiy Vasyliuk, head of the NGO Ukrainian Nature Conservation Group, said that there are unique plants on the Kinburn Spit that grow only there and nowhere else on the planet, for example, two cornflower species – Сentaurea breviceps and Сentaurea Paczoskii.
  278. ^ a b Quaoar (30 October 2022). "Why is Russia fortifying an environmentally sensitive Ukrainian peninsula of sand and lakes?". dailykos.com. Daily Kos. Retrieved 26 November 2022.
  279. ^ a b Cundy, Antonia (7 June 2022). "Dead dolphins: how nature became another casualty of the Ukraine war". The Guardian. Retrieved 24 November 2022.
  280. ^ Kottasová, Ivana (22 May 2022). "Ukraine's natural environment is another casualty of war. The damage could be felt for decades". cnn.com. CNN. Retrieved 24 November 2022. Precious perennial forests and salt marshes in the Kinburn Spit Reserve in the Mykolaiv region were on fire for more than a week, its unique habitats were left devastated, according to Zinoviy Petrovich, the head of Kinburn Spit Reserve.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Southern_Ukraine_campaign&oldid=1250854710"