Loading
  • 21 Aug, 2019

  • By, Wikipedia

Battle Of Kupiansk

 Russia

Commanders and leaders Oleksandr Syrskyi Alexander LapinStrength

Russian claim:

8 times larger than the strength of Russian troops (first phase)

First Phase:
18,000 troops,
500 tanks

Second Phase:
5,500 troopsCasualties and losses Unknown

Per Ukraine (first phase):
Tens of thousands killed, captured or deserted

Per Ukraine (second phase):
1,500+ killed,
5,000 prisoners

A major Ukrainian counteroffensive operation began on 6 September 2022, during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Following the launch of the Kherson counteroffensive in southern Ukraine in late August, Ukrainian forces began a second counteroffensive in early September in Kharkiv Oblast, in Eastern Ukraine.

During the offensive, Ukraine retook over 500 settlements and 12,000 square kilometers of territory in the Kharkiv region.

Background

During the early days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Russian forces captured much of eastern Kharkiv Oblast, including the towns of Kupiansk, Shevchenkove, and Balakliia. Balakliia itself was captured on March 3, 2022, without much of a fight. From March to early May, most of the fighting in Kharkiv Oblast was concentrated in the cities of Kharkiv and Izium.

In early April, Russian forces captured Izium, and Ukrainian forces successfully defended Kharkiv by early May. After that, the frontline began to stagnate as Russia and Ukraine focused their efforts on the cities of Sievierodonetsk, Lysychansk and the wider Donbas region.

Throughout July and August 2022, Ukrainian and Russian media both amplified claims of a Ukrainian counteroffensive in Kherson Oblast, which finally culminated on 29 August 2022. The counteroffensive saw slow progress, with Ukrainian forces suffering heavy losses and facing a stiff Russian resistance. However, on September 6, Ukrainian forces launched a surprise counteroffensive in eastern Kharkiv oblast, with fighting for Balakliia beginning on the first day.

Russian offensives in the first months of its invasion of Ukraine left large swathes of Kharkiv Oblast under Russian control, including the key logistical nodes of Izium, Kupiansk, Shevchenkove, and Balakliia. However, the majority of the oblast remained within Ukrainian control, including the city of Kharkiv, where the Russian military continuously bombarded with rockets, artillery, and cluster munitions until August.

Ukrainian forces held off Russian advances towards Kharkiv, then launched counteroffensives in March and May pushing the Russians from the outskirts of the city. By 6 June, the Russian bombardment of Kharkiv had killed 606 civilians and injured 1,248 according to Amnesty International.

The battle lines in Kharkiv Oblast remained largely static over the next few months as Ukrainian and Western military analysts believed Russia lacked the ground forces to renew its offensive. The Kharkiv death toll exceeded 1,000 by August.

By September 2022, Oleksandr Syrskyi, who had been in charge of the defense of Kyiv at the beginning of the invasion and later received the title of Hero of Ukraine for his service, was appointed to command the Ukrainian land forces in Kharkiv Oblast. The counteroffensive was performed under his command, and Syrskyi is considered to be its architect.

Prelude

After weeks of Ukrainian propaganda about an imminent counteroffensive in southern Ukraine, Russia redeployed thousands of troops, including elite units such as the 1st Guards Tank Army, to Kherson Oblast, leaving its remaining troops manning a "stretched and tired Russian front that spanned some 1,300km – roughly the distance from London to Prague."

The arrival of US-supplied HIMARS guided-rocket artillery enabled Ukrainian forces to strike up to 70 kilometres (43 mi) behind Russian lines, targeting Russian bases and ammunition depots as far back as Kupiansk and Kivsharivka in the weeks preceding the eastern counteroffensive. These strikes further weakened Russian logistics and morale. On 5 September, the Ukrainians claimed to have killed or wounded 100 Russian soldiers and destroyed two combat vehicles in a strike on Kupiansk.

On 29 August, Ukraine announced it would soon launch an offensive in the Kherson region of southern Ukraine. Ukrainian units attacked soon after, and Russia's attention shifted to its Kherson line. While the Kherson offensive might have been genuine, Western analysts view it as part of a ploy to divert Russian forces away from Kharkiv prior to Ukraine's much larger eastern counteroffensive. In any case, Russian forces in Kharkiv were left understrength and unprepared in the days preceding 6 September.

Russian authorities postponed annexation referendums in Russian-occupied Ukraine on 5 September 2022 due to security concerns.

Counteroffensive

First phase (6–12 September 2022)

Initial advance

On 6 September 2022, Ukrainian forces launched a counteroffensive in the Kharkiv region, taking Russian forces by surprise. In a 10 September interview with the Guardian, Ukrainian special forces spokesman Taras Berezovets stated Russia "thought [the counteroffensive] would be in the south... then, instead of the south, the offensive happened where they least expected, and this caused them to panic and flee."

Ukrainian troops advanced at least 20 kilometres (12 mi) into Russian-held territory and recaptured some 400 square kilometres (150 sq mi) of territory during the first two days.

By 9 September, Ukraine had broken through Russian lines, with the Ukrainian military saying that it had advanced nearly 50 kilometres (31 mi) and recaptured over 1,000 square kilometres (390 sq mi) of territory. This advance placed them approximately 44 kilometres (27 mi) northwest of Izium, the main Russian logistics base in the region, a rate of advancement largely unseen since Russia withdrew from Kyiv at the start of the war. The Washington Post described the fall of Izium on 10 September as a "stunning rout"; the Institute for the Study of War assessed that Ukrainian forces had captured approximately 2,500 square kilometres (970 sq mi) in the breakthrough.

One military expert said that it was the first time since World War II that whole Russian units had been lost in a single battle. Journalist Harald Stutte argued that the commander of the Ukrainian offensive, Oleksandr Syrskyi, had achieved a "tactical masterstroke" during the operation, especially at Lyman. In contrast, the main Russian commander opposing the Ukrainian attack, Alexander Lapin, was criticized for his lacking performance.

Breakthrough

The Ukrainian flag raised in Balakliia, 8 September

On 6 September, having concentrated their forces north of Balakliia at Pryshyb, a small village about 15 km northwest of Balakliia, Ukrainian troops launched a counteroffensive in the Kharkiv Oblast, which drove Russian forces back to the left bank of the Donets and Serednya Balakliika rivers. The Ukrainian forces involved were Ukrainian special forces, plus tanks, armoured personnel carriers and troops from the 92nd Mechanized Brigade.

On the same day, Ukrainian forces captured Verbivka, about 8 km east of Pryshyb and less than 3 km northwest of Balakliia. Several Russian sources reported that Russian forces demolished unspecified bridges on the eastern outskirts of Balakliia to prevent further Ukrainian advances. Ukrainian forces went around Balakliia in order to besiege it. Some Ukrainian forces stayed near Balakliia, fighting Russian forces in the center of the city while another group went north towards Volokhiv Yar.

Ukrainian troops then went on the offensive in the directions of Balakliia, Volokhiv Yar, Shevchenkove, Kupiansk and the areas of Savyntsi and Kunye, situated east of Balakliia. According to Russian sources on this line of contact Ukrainians were opposed in some areas of the line by lightly armed forces of the DPR Militia, while Ukrainian sources said that the forces in this region were professional Russian soldiers, not conscripts from the Donbas.

By the following day, Ukrainian forces had advanced some 20 kilometres (12 mi) into Russian-occupied territory, recapturing approximately 400 square kilometres (150 sq mi), and reaching positions northeast of Izium. Russian sources claimed this success was likely due to the relocation of Russian forces to Kherson, in response to the Ukrainian offensive there.

By 8 September, Ukrainian troops had advanced 50 kilometres (31 mi) deep into Russian defensive positions north of Izium. SOBR units of Russian National Guard forces lost control of Balakliia, about 44 km northwest of Izium, although Ukraine did not establish control of the city until 10 September. Near the city, Ukrainian forces recaptured the largest ammunition storage base of the Central Rocket and Artillery Directorate of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ukrainian forces also regained control over more than 20 settlements. On the same day, Ukrainian media reported that Ukrainian forces captured a high-ranking Russian officer on the Kharkiv front. Based on footage of the man, it was speculated that he was Lieutenant General Andrei Sychevoi, Commander of the Western Military District of the Russian Armed Forces. Russian occupation authorities in the city claimed that Russian forces began to defend Kupiansk.

On 9 September, the Russian-backed administration ordered the evacuation into Russia of the population from Izium, Kupiansk and Velykyi Burluk. Local residents later reported that at this point Russian soldiers in the area began to flee villages, leaving behind their weaponry, before Ukrainian troops even arrived. Later in the day Ukrainian forces reached Kupiansk, a vital transit hub at the junction of several of the main railway lines supplying Russian troops at the front. The Institute for the Study of War said it believed Kupiansk would likely fall in the next 72 hours. In response to the Ukrainian advance, Russian reserve units were sent as reinforcements to both Kupiansk and Izium.

On 10 September, Ukrainian forces retook Kupiansk and Izium, and were reportedly advancing towards Lyman. An advisor to the head of Kharkiv regional council, Natalia Popova, posted photos on Facebook of the 92nd Mechanized Brigade's 1st Mechanized Battalion holding a Ukrainian flag outside Kupiansk city hall. Ukrainian security officials and police moved into the recaptured settlements to check the identities of those who stayed under Russian occupation. Later that day, Luhansk Oblast Governor Serhiy Haidai claimed that Ukrainian soldiers had advanced into the outskirts of Lysychansk, while Ukrainian partisans had reportedly managed to capture parts of Kreminna. Haidai stated Russian forces had fled the city, leaving Kreminna "practically empty".

The New York Times said "the fall of the strategically important city of Izium, in Ukraine's east, is the most devastating blow to Russia since its humiliating retreat from Kyiv." The Russian Ministry of Defence spokesperson Igor Konashenkov responded to these developments by claiming that Russian forces in the Balakliia and Izium area would "regroup" in the Donetsk area "in order to achieve the stated goals of the special military operation to liberate Donbas". Ukrainian President Zelenskyy said that "The Russian army in these days is demonstrating the best that it can do — showing its back. And, of course, it's a good decision for them to run." He claimed that Ukraine has recaptured 2,000 square kilometres (770 sq mi) since the start of the counteroffensive.

On 11 September, Newsweek reported that Ukrainian forces had "penetrated Russian lines to a depth of up to 70 kilometers in some places and retaken more than 3,000 square kilometers of territory since September 6". Reports that Russian troops had withdrawn from Kozacha Lopan and locals had raised the Ukrainian flag next to the town hall came in from local Ukrainian officials. A map used in the briefing of the Russian Ministry of Defense on the same day confirmed that Russian forces had withdrawn from Kozacha Lopan, as well as Vovchansk and other settlements on the Ukraine-Russia border. Ukrainian forces also retook Velykyi Burluk. The counteroffensive stalled after 12 September, as news teams, Ukrposhta, and other organizations were let into eastern Kharkiv oblast.

Financial Times attributed western-supplied HIMARS as one of the reasons that enabled Ukraine to overpower Russian forces in merely 6 days, over a span of 90 km (roughly the distance between London and Cambridge), and recover more than 2,500 km of land.

Russian withdrawal from Kharkiv Oblast west of Oskil River

Ukrainian troops display buildings in liberated Izium, 17 September 2022

In the afternoon of 11 September, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced the formal pullout of Russian forces from nearly all of Kharkiv Oblast. The ministry "announced that an 'operation to curtail and transfer troops' was underway." At 20:06 that day, Russian Kalibr cruise missiles struck Ukrainian critical infrastructure sites (including Kharkiv TEC-5), which left Poltava, Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Donetsk, and parts of Odesa Oblasts without electricity. Meanwhile, clashes between Ukrainian attackers and Russian defenders continued at Lyman.

On 12 September, according to the summary of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the Ukrainian Defense Forces cleared Russian troops in more than 20 settlements, most noticeably in Velykyi Burluk and Dvorichna. The Russian head of the Kharkiv occupation authority, Vitaly Ganchev, revealed on Russian state media Russia-24 that Ukrainian forces outnumbered Russian forces by "8 times". The border with the Russian Belgorod Oblast has been closed after some 5,000 civilians were "evacuated" to Russia.

Ukrainian forces retook all of Kharkiv Oblast west of the Oskil River by 13 September, with media claiming that Ukrainian troops had entered Vovchansk.

Other gains and casualties

In the morning of 11 September, Luhansk Oblast Governor Serhiy Haidai claimed that Russian forces had mostly left Starobilsk. In the same message, he claimed that Russian occupational authorities were also leaving from areas that Russia had controlled since 2014, though there was no clear evidence to verify this claim.

On 12 September, Ukraine's National Guard liberated Sviatohirsk, which Russian forces captured in June 2022, and inched closer to the administrative border between Kharkiv and Donetsk Oblasts as well as Lyman, a strategic railway town in Donetsk Oblast that Russian forces captured in late May 2022.

Russian weaponry destroyed following the Ukrainian recapture of Sviatohirsk

Reports of the Russian military moving out of areas they formerly controlled in Luhansk Oblast began on 12 September alongside a withdrawal from the city of Svatove; however, Russian troops returned to Svatove on 14 September.

On 12 September, President Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian forces had retaken a total of 6,000 km from Russia, in both the south and the east. On 13 September, during his nightly address, he claimed that the Ukrainian military had recaptured 8,000 km of territory from Russia.

According to Oryx, Russia had lost at least 338 pieces of military hardware in the five days to 11 September. This included fighter jets, tanks and trucks that had been destroyed, damaged or captured.

Following the offensive, David Axe, a Forbes journalist, citing Ukrainian figures, reported that tens of thousands of Russian soldiers had been killed, captured or had deserted. By 9 September, 10,000 Russians were encircled around Izium and the Oskil River, including the 4th Guards Tank Division, with Ukraine capturing so many prisoners that they had “no where to keep them”. They also estimated that half of the 12,000-strong 11th Army Corps had been destroyed, and that it had lost over 200 military vehicles. The Ukrainians also claimed that the 64th Separate Motor Rifle Brigade, which had a nominal strength of 1,500-2,500 men, had suffered 90% casualties during the battle. Axe also estimated that the 1st Guards Tank Army's 4th Guards Tank Division, made up of two regiments, had lost at least 100 T-80 tanks, or half of their total strength, in just 100 hours. He also stated that the Tank Army's 2nd Guards Motorized Rifle Division, also consisting of two regiments, had also largely been destroyed and rendered unfit for combat as a result of the offensive. However, Foreign Policy, in an analysis almost a year later, stated despite the Russian withdrawal seeming like a rout, Russian forces avoided the capture or destruction of most of their units.

On 18 September, in Kharkiv Oblast, a Russian T-90M was captured - the first confirmed in the war. The tank fell to Ukrainian forces without visible damage, and was most likely abandoned by the Russian military during a hasty retreat from the Kharkiv region.

Battle of Shevchenkove

By 7 September, Balakliia was under siege, with fighting taking place in the eastern and central parts of the city. Fighting ended on September 8, with Ukrainian forces capturing all of Balakliia. After the quick takeover of the town of Balakliia, on the same day, Ukrainian troops took over the place of Shevchenkove in a blitzkrieg. Russian forces retreated in panic towards the city of Kupiansk, while much larger Ukrainian forces continued the offensive in the direction of Izyum and Kupiansk on the same day.

Second phase (13 September–1 October 2022)

Ukrainian military with destroyed weapons of Donetsk separatists, 23 September 2022
Deceased Russian soldiers during the retreat from Lyman, 1 October 2022

Oskil River crossing

Despite Russia's intent to keep the front line along Oskil River, Ukrainian forces had already crossed the river as early as 13 September at several locations. Around 13 September, Ukrainian forces crossed the river near Borova and established a bridgehead. By 24–25 September, the Ukrainian military had established at least five bridgeheads on the east side of Oskil River.

On 15 September, some Russian sources claimed Ukrainian forces set up artillery positions at Hryanykivka, across from Dvorichna on the east side of the Oskil River. On the same day, Ukrainian forces recaptured Sosnove in Donetsk Oblast, and forced Russian forces to withdraw from Studenok, a village in Kharkiv Oblast southeast of Izium, to avoid encirclement.

On 16 September, Ukrainian forces captured the eastern portion of Kupiansk on the east side of the Oskil River, establishing another bridgehead over the Oskil River and thus taking control of the entire city of Kupiansk. This further threatened Russian supply lines in northern Luhansk Oblast, imperiling Russian operations throughout the rest of Donbas.

On 17 September, President Zelenskyy claimed in an interview with Reuters that Ukrainian forces had captured several hundred soldiers thus far during the counteroffensive.

By 18 September, the Ukrainian military stated that it had crossed over to and controlled the east side of the Oskil River.

On 19 September, video footage confirmed that Ukrainian forces had liberated the village of Bilohorivka in Luhansk Oblast, signifying that Russia no longer maintained full control of the region.

On 22 September, ISW reported that "Ukrainian forces have taken ground east of Dvorichna and are fighting in Tavilzhanka, which is reportedly still contested territory." There were reports that Ukrainian forces liberated Hrianykivka, a settlement just west of Tavilzhanka, on September 15 when Ukraine set up artillery positions there. Thus it is "consistent with previous reporting on continued Ukrainian efforts to penetrate the current Russian defensive lines that run along the Oskil River and push eastward."

On 23 September Ukrainian Armed Forces liberated the village of Yatskivka in Donetsk Oblast according to Oleksii Hromov, deputy head of operations directorate of the general staff of UAF.

On 24 September, Ukrainian forces liberated Horobivka, a settlement east of Hrianykivka on the east side of the Oskil River. Also, Ukrainian forces liberated Petropavlivka, 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) east of Kupiansk, and not far away from Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi, also on the east side of Oskil River. Ukrainian forces liberated two more settlements by 24 September: Kucherivka and Podoly, both located between Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi and Petropavlivka.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy near the front line in the Kharkiv Oblast

On 25 September, Ukrainian forces likely obtained control of Maliivka, a settlement north of the Kharkiv-Donetsk border and east of Pisky-Radkivskyi. By 26 September, Ukraine had successfully recaptured much of Kupiansk Raion.

On 26 September, Ukrainian forces advanced north from Donetsk Oblast and liberated Pisky-Radkivskyi. The settlement is on the east side of the Oskil River in Kharkiv Oblast, located 35 kilometres (22 mi) northwest of Lyman and directly south of Borova. Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi was captured on the same day.

On 27 September, further incremental gains were reported east of the Oskil river, with Ukrainian forces entering the towns of Ridkodub and Korovyi Yar.

Encirclement and recapture of Lyman

Russian tanks abandoned by the Russian army in the retreat from Izium
Demining operations in Kharkiv Oblast, 28 September 2022

As a result of the Ukraine's "lightning counteroffensive" throughout September, Russian forces retreated to Lyman, a major city in Donetsk Oblast with critical Russian supply lines. According to the British Ministry of Defense, "Lyman's operational importance was due to its command over a road crossing over the Siverskyi Donets River, behind which Russia has been attempting to consolidate its defenses." On 26 September, the New York Times reported a standoff between the critical cities of then-Russian-held Lyman and Ukrainian-controlled Bakhmut. With the approaching winter likely to stall both militaries, Lyman was set to be the battle that decided the eastern theater of the war.

On 28 September, Ukrainian forces entered the town of Novoselivka located in the Donetsk region, a strategic crossing point about 12 km northwest of Lyman, on the left bank of the Oskil River.

On 30 September, Ukrainian forces liberated Yampil, a key village 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) to the southeast of Lyman. A pro-Russian Telegram channel reported that Ukrainian forces managed to break through Russian defenses, forcing Russian troops to retreat to Lyman." Zelenskyy also reported that Ukrainian troops had captured the town of Drobysheve, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) to the northwest of Lyman.

On 1 October, video footage emerged of Ukrainian troops raising the Ukrainian flag at an entrance to Lyman, and there were reportedly up to 5,000 Russian troops encircled within the city. Serhii Cherevatyi, spokesperson for Ukraine's eastern forces, claimed that Ukrainian forces successfully surrounded Russian forces in the city. Ukrainian forces advanced into the city, and according to The Guardian, the battle in Lyman "was a bloody rout." Russian officers had refused invitations to surrender, so Russian troops fled in a disorganized manner. The city was significantly damaged during the Russian occupation, with locals stating only a few hundred remained of the 27,000 who lived in Lyman before the war. Russian authorities confirmed the loss of Lyman later that afternoon. Initially, there were no clear estimates of casualties during the battle. Associated Press reporters noted that at least 18 Russian bodies remained on the streets on 3 October. Later, however, the Ukrainians claimed to have killed over 1,500 Russian soldiers during the retaking of the city, while taking an estimated 5,000 Russians as prisoners.

The gains came a day after Russian president Putin announced annexation of Russian-occupied territories at a ceremony in Moscow, claiming the occupied regions of Ukraine, including the Donbas, were now integral Russian territory. Retired US Lieutenant General, Ben Hodges, revealed that "[the recapture of Lyman] puts in bright lights that [Putin's] claim is illegitimate and cannot be enforced."

Reactions

Russia

CPRF leader Gennady Zyuganov calls for mobilization at the first meeting of the State Duma after the counteroffensive began

On 7 September 2022, a day after the start of the Ukrainian offensive, Putin claimed during his speech at the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok that "We have not lost anything and will not lose anything" in the war in Ukraine.

The near-complete silence of the Russian authorities on the defeat – or any explanation for the developments there – generated considerable anger among some pro-war commentators and Russian nationalists on social media. On 11 September, some called for President Vladimir Putin to make immediate changes to ensure final victory in the war, with a number of pro-war bloggers calling for mobilization inside Russia. Russian state-funded media later criticized the defeat, with a pro-Kremlin tabloid blaming "supply and manpower shortages, poor coordination, and tactical mistakes orchestrated by military officials".

The former separatist commander and pro-war military blogger Igor Girkin claimed that Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu should be executed by firing squad, and he publicly expressed his belief that "the war in Ukraine will continue until the complete defeat of Russia. We have already lost; the rest is just a matter of time." He said that full mobilization in Russia remained the "last chance" for victory. Pro-Kremlin war journalist Alexander Kots publicly stated that "We need to do something about the system where our leadership doesn't like to talk about bad news, and their subordinates don't want to upset their superiors."

While Ukraine was conducting its counteroffensive, Vladimir Putin opened a Ferris wheel in Moscow's VDNKh and celebrated Moscow City Day. War bloggers criticized him for continuing the celebrations.

On the evening of 10 September, a festive fireworks display took place in Moscow. Many pro-war politicians inside Russia, like the leader of A Just Russia — For Truth Sergey Mironov, allegedly called for its cancellation before the event.

Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov questioned Russian leadership of the war, writing on Telegram: "They have made mistakes and I think they will draw the necessary conclusions. If they don't make changes in the strategy of conducting the special military operation in the next day or two, I will be forced to contact the leadership of the Defense Ministry and the leadership of the country to explain the real situation on the ground."

On 12 September, Mikhail Sheremet, a State Duma deputy from United Russia, advocated "full mobilization". On 13 September, the leader of the Communist Party of the Russian Federation Gennady Zyuganov spoke for the maximum mobilization of forces and resources, but later the Press Secretary of the CPRF Alexander Yushchenko said that Zyuganov called for the mobilization of the economy and resources, and not the population, and recommended to "execute some groups that engage in outright provocations".

Many outside Russia interpreted subsequent Russian attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure as an attempt to at least partially satisfy demands of radical war supporters in Russia, who called for further escalation of Russian tactics.

On 20 September, the State Duma introduced amendments to the Penal Code, introducing terms "mobilization", "martial law" and inserting Articles "Marauding" and "Surrendering voluntarily". On 20 September, pro-Kremlin administrations in different Russian-occupied territories of Ukraine announced "referendums" on merging these territories with Russia. Analysts consider that one of the aims of such a formal annexation of the territories is to give Putin a pretext of "defending Russian territory" if he needs to order a mobilization of Russia's conscripts.

On 21 September, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a partial mobilisation. On 26 September, the British Ministry of Defense said that many new conscripts are already being deployed in Ukraine without any training or proper equipment. Some of the mobilized Russian men were killed less than two weeks after being drafted, including St. Petersburg lawyer Andrei Nikiforov, who was killed near the Ukrainian city of Lysychansk on 7 October. This indicated that Russian men are being sent to the front without basic military training, which would contradict Putin's promise that all mobilized civilians would undergo basic training before being sent into combat.

Worldwide

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted that the rapid pace of the Ukrainian counteroffensive was disrupting the Russian army's long-held ground lines of communication, used to supply the Russian army in northern Luhansk Oblast, and would lead to a serious hindrance to Russia's operations according to ISW's analysis. As of 11 September, ISW noted that Western weapons were necessary for the success of Ukraine, but not enough, and skillful planning and execution of the campaign played a decisive role in the lightning success. ISW contended that long preparations and the announcement of a counter-offensive in the Kherson region had confused the Russians, leading to a diversion of the Russian army's attention away from the Kharkiv region, where the Ukrainian army subsequently struck.

On 10 September, representatives of the British Ministry of Defence suggested that the Russian army practically had not defended most of the territories recaptured by Ukraine.

Reuters and the BBC called the loss of Izium, which the Russian army had been trying to occupy for over a month at the start of the invasion, a "great humiliation" for Russian President Vladimir Putin and Moscow's worst defeat since the retreat from Kyiv in March. Financial Times ran an article on 28 September depicting the counteroffensive as "[the] 90km journey that changed the course of the war in Ukraine." According to ISW, the recapture of Izium, occupied in early April, destroyed Russia's prospect of seizing the Donetsk Oblast.

According to Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba, Ukraine's counteroffensives proved that the Ukrainian military could end the war faster with more Western weapons, a statement that President Zelenskyy echoed on 12 September. Ukraine's successes in Kharkiv Oblast served as a crucial confidence boost for Kyiv, which is increasingly reliant on its Western allies for military aid.

Clashes on the Armenia–Azerbaijan border erupted shortly after Russia suffered setbacks in counteroffensive, weakening its force projection in the region.

Aftermath of the first phase

Mass graves and evidence of torture

After the successful recapture of the region from Russian forces, Ukrainian authorities discovered torture chambers that Russian troops had been using during their time in control of the area, including in the villages of Balakliia and Kozacha Lopan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that more than ten torture chambers, along with mass graves, had been discovered in the Kharkiv areas liberated by Ukrainian troops.

As Ukrainian forces entered the towns of Balakliia and Izium, they found numerous places where Russian occupation forces held Ukrainian civilians prisoner, with evidence of torture and executions. Russian forces also reportedly abducted seven Sri Lankan students. The death toll among civilians as result of the initial Russian siege and subsequent occupation was initially estimated at 1,000 residents. After the expulsion of Russian forces, witnesses described that Russians detained, abducted, tortured and executed local residents during the occupation; a number of burial sites were found. In Sviatohirsk, Donetsk Oblast, according to the Security Service of Ukraine, a place of detention was found near the Sviatohirsk Lavra, with items indicating signs of torture.

Ukrainian police officers found evidence of a torture chamber that housed 40 civilians in the basement of the Balakliia police station. The locals that remained in the city claimed that unlike other areas under Russian occupation like Bucha and Irpin, Russian occupation forces were generally much more tame in their treatment of civilians.

Exhumation of the bodies from Izium mass graves buried in Pishanske cemetery started on 15 September, and the police revealed that most victims were civilians. Some bodies of civilians and soldiers had traces of torture, hands tied and rope around their necks, suggesting they were not killed in battle or bombing, but executed as prisoners. Russian diplomats dismissed the claims as a "provocation" and Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected Ukraine's accusations as a "lie", but satellite images that Maxar published confirmed presence of the graves before the Ukrainian counteroffensive. In total, ten torture and execution sites were discovered in the town of Izium. In Lyman, 152 civilians and 35 Ukrainian soldiers were exhumed from mass graves.

Military decorations

Zelenskyy awarding a soldier near the front line in the Kharkiv Oblast

On 15 September President Zelenskyy visited the liberated city of Izium and decorated soldiers who had participated in the operation. In his daily address he named units that had participated: the 14th and 92nd Separate Mechanized Brigades, 25th Separate Airborne Brigade, 80th Separate Airborne Assault Brigade, 107th MLRS Brigade, the 40th, 43rd, 44th Separate Artillery Brigades, 26th Artillery Brigade, 15th Separate Artillery Reconnaissance Brigade, and Main Intelligence Directorate.

Effect on Russian referendums

On 12 September, Meduza reported that, per two sources close to the Kremlin, the proposed referendums for the annexation of the self-proclaimed Luhansk and Donetsk People's Republics had been postponed indefinitely, following earlier postponement from 11 September to 4 November. However, the counteroffensives in Kherson and Kharkiv ultimately brought forward the 2022 annexation referendums in Russian-occupied Ukraine, which Russian officials rescheduled from November to late September 2022.

Captured Russian equipment

According to both Western and Ukrainian sources, the Russians lost 200 tanks to "destruction or capture" during the Kharkiv operation. Of the 100 tanks captured by Ukrainian forces during the first three weeks, two-thirds were T-72s, while the rest were T-80s, and at least one T-90. Also captured were 100 BMP fighting vehicles, 43 BTRs, 14 R-149MA1 and eight R-149MA3 command vehicles, as well as three dozen 152mm artillery pieces and more than a dozen Grad MLRs. In addition, "hundreds" of anti-tank weapons and "tens of thousands" of artillery rounds were also reported to have been captured.

Aftermath of the second phase

On 2 October, Ukrainian troops recaptured Dibrova in the Luhansk Oblast and by 5 October images appeared on social media of Ukrainian troops at the entrance sign to Hrekivka and Makiivka, 20 km southwest of Svatove.

On 3 October, some Ukrainian sources claimed that Russian forces had fled from Nyzhche Solone, Pidlyman, Nyzhnia Zhuravka, Borova and Shyikivka in Kharkiv Oblast, with Ukrainian authorities regaining control in these settlements. Ukrainian officials also claimed that the Ukrainian forces had retaken control of the Kreminna-Svatove Highway, although the ISW disputed this, and continued to consider it Russian-controlled as of 4 October.

On 9 October, Serhii Haidai reported that Ukrainian forces had recaptured seven more villages in Svatove Raion: Novoliubivka, Nevske, Hrekivka, Nadiya, Andriivka, Novoiehorivka, and Stelmakhivka.

On 24 October, the General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces announced the recapture of four settlements: Nevske, Miasozharivka and Karmazynivka in Luhansk Oblast, and Novosadove in Donetsk Oblast. According to the Russian WarGonzo project, they also took control of the Kreminna-Svatove Highway.

During November, there were little territorial changes due to the muddy terrain, although fierce battles raged every day. Much of the Russian defense line in northern Luhansk oblast became staffed with newly mobilized Russian conscripts throughout November. In early December, Ukrainian forces broke through Russian lines around Chervonopopivka, with fighting mostly centered west of the R-66 highway connecting Kreminna and Svatove. On 18 December, a geolocated video showed Ukrainian forces advancing in the Serebryansky forest south of Kreminna.

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Sometimes called the Kharkiv counteroffensive or the Slobozhanshchyna counteroffensive (Ukrainian: Слобожанський контрнаступ, romanizedSlobozhanskyi kontrnastup)

References

  1. ^ Zagorodnyuk, Andriy (13 September 2022). "Ukrainian victory shatters Russia's reputation as a military superpower". Atlantic council. Archived from the original on 21 December 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  2. ^ Sengupta, Kim (11 September 2022). "Ukraine claims one of the most significant victories of the war as Russia retreats from key city". The Independent. Archived from the original on 1 October 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  3. ^ Oliphant, Roland (9 September 2022). "Ukraine takes 'substantial' victory over Russians in Kharkiv offensive". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  4. ^ Gambrell, Jon; Schreck, Adam (October 2022). "Russia withdraws troops after Ukraine encircles key city". apnews.com. The Associated Press. Archived from the original on 1 October 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
  5. ^ Harald Stutte (4 October 2022). "Der General, der Putins Armee drei Mal narrte". RND (in German). Archived from the original on 5 October 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  6. ^ Ministry of Defence of Ukraine [@DefenceU] (10 September 2022). "[...] The Commander of Ukrainian Land Forces, Hero of Ukraine, Colonel General Oleksandr Syrskyi is leading the Ukrainian offensive in this sector. [...]" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 11 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022 – via Twitter.
  7. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, October 1". Institute for the Study of War. 1 October 2022. Archived from the original on 2 October 2022. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
  8. ^ "Ukraine troops 'outnumbered Russia's 8 times' in counterattack". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 19 September 2022. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
  9. ^ "Inside the Ukrainian counteroffensive that shocked Putin and reshaped the war". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on 8 January 2023. Retrieved 22 April 2023.
  10. ^ "Russian Troops Are Dashing Around Ukraine Trying To Block Ukrainian Counterattacks". Forbes. Archived from the original on 23 April 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
  11. ^ "New AFU Victory May Be in the Works: Russian Forces in Lyman Are "Effectively Surrounded"". 30 September 2022. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
  12. ^ Axe, David. "12,000 Russian Troops Were Supposed To Defend Kaliningrad. Then They Went To Ukraine To Die". Forbes. Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  13. ^ "The Ukrainian Army Is Surrounding 10,000 Russian Troops In The East". Forbes. Archived from the original on 23 April 2023. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
  14. ^ "A Hundred Wrecked Tanks In A Hundred Hours: Ukraine Guts Russia's Best Tank Army". Forbes. Archived from the original on 19 April 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  15. ^ "Operational update". kmu.gov.ua. 18 September 2022. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023. Retrieved 9 April 2023.
  16. ^ Olmos, Sergio (6 October 2022). "Russian soldiers left for dead after heavy defeat in Lyman 'cauldron'". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Archived from the original on 25 October 2022. Retrieved 11 October 2022.
  17. ^ Merkx, Gilbert W. (2023). "Russia's War in Ukraine: Two Decisive Factors". Journal of Advanced Military Studies. 14 (2): 13–33. doi:10.21140/mcuj.20231402001. Project MUSE 909028.
  18. ^ Сергей Добрынин (8 September 2022). "Украина диктует ход войны. Наступление ВСУ под Харьковом и Херсоном". Радио Свобода. Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  19. ^ Townsend, Mark; Tondo, Lorenzo; Koshiw, Isobel (10 September 2022). "Ukrainian counter-offensive in north-east inflicts a defeat on Moscow". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 18 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  20. ^ "Ukraine must demine 12,000 km2 of liberated areas in Kharkiv region: official". Reuters. 21 September 2022. Archived from the original on 7 June 2023. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
  21. ^ "Ukraine Liberated Hundreds Of Settlements In Past Month, Kyiv Says, As Russian Strikes Continue". RadioFreeEurope/RadioLiberty. Archived from the original on 1 November 2022. Retrieved 17 October 2022.
  22. ^ "Ukrainian city of Balakliya freed from nationalist battalions - Russian Defense Ministry". interfax.com. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  23. ^ "Why Kharkiv, a city known for its poets, has become a key battleground in Ukraine". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  24. ^ "Kharkiv region: Armed Forces of Ukraine push Russian troops back and liberate 2 towns". Ukrayinska Pravda. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  25. ^ "The russians are controlling Izyum - General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces". Militarnyi. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  26. ^ "Russian forces have 'upper hand' in Donbas fighting, Ukrainian officials say". the Guardian. 26 May 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  27. ^ Bickerton, James (13 September 2022). "Seven key takeaways from Ukraine's counteroffensive". Newsweek. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  28. ^ Hudson, John (7 September 2022). "Wounded Ukrainian soldiers reveal steep toll of Kherson offensive". The Washington Post. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  29. ^ "Ukraine's southern offensive 'was designed to trick Russia'". the Guardian. 10 September 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  30. ^ Korshak, Stefan (5 May 2022). "Ukraine claims RF forces pushed back, no longer can bombard Kharkiv with artillery - Kyiv Post - Ukraine's Global Voice". Kyiv Post. Archived from the original on 5 May 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  31. ^ "Ukraine counter-offensive: Russian forces retreat as Ukraine takes key towns". BBC News. 10 September 2022. Archived from the original on 10 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  32. ^ "UK: Russia bombarding Kharkiv to keep Ukraine from using forces elsewhere". Reuters. 19 August 2022. Archived from the original on 14 September 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  33. ^ McCann, Allison; Gamio, Lazaro; Lu, Denise; Robles, Pablo (17 March 2022). "Russia Is Destroying Kharkiv". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  34. ^ Peck, Michael. "Ukraine's Counteroffensive Has Broken Russia's Siege Of Kharkiv". Forbes. Archived from the original on 14 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  35. ^ "'The enemy is planning something': Kharkiv fears new Russian attack". The Guardian. 28 June 2022. Archived from the original on 29 July 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  36. ^ "Ukraine: Hundreds killed in relentless Russian shelling of Kharkiv – new investigation". Amnesty International. 12 June 2022. Archived from the original on 17 September 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
  37. ^ Santora, Marc (17 August 2022). "Missile Strike Kills 6 Civilians in Kharkiv, as Front Remains Static". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 19 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  38. ^ Ryan, Mick. "A tale of three generals — how the Ukrainian military turned the tide". Engelsberg Ideas. No. 14 October 2022. Archived from the original on 25 March 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  39. ^ Foy, Henry; Joiner, Sam; Learner, Sam; Nevitt, Caroline (28 September 2022). "The 90km journey that changed the course of the war in Ukraine". Financial Times. Archived from the original on 1 October 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
  40. ^ Hunder, Max; Balmforth, Tom (9 September 2022). "Ukraine retakes territory in Kharkiv region as Russian front crumbles". Reuters. Archived from the original on 8 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  41. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 6". Institute for the Study of War. Archived from the original on 8 September 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  42. ^ Axe, David. "Russian Troops Are Dashing Around Ukraine Trying To Block Ukrainian Counterattacks". Forbes. Archived from the original on 19 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  43. ^ Jensen, Benjamin (16 September 2022). "Ukraine's rapid advance against Russia shows mastery of 3 essential skills for success in modern warfare". The Conversation. Archived from the original on 24 September 2022.
  44. ^ "Armed Forces of Ukraine advance on Kramatorsk front, killing up to 100 occupiers near Kupiansk – General Staff". Українська правда. 5 September 2022. Retrieved 29 November 2024.
  45. ^ Realfonzo, Ugo (11 September 2022). "Ukraine using disinformation tactics to recapture territory in Kharkiv region". Brussels Times. Archived from the original on 13 September 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
  46. ^ Koshiw, Isobel; Tondo, Lorenzo; Mazhulin, Artem (10 September 2022). "Ukraine's southern offensive 'was designed to trick Russia'". the Guardian. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  47. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 11". Institute for the Study of War. 11 September 2022. Archived from the original on 12 September 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  48. ^ McCausland, Phil; De Luce, Dan. "Ukraine punches through Russian lines as surprise offensive retakes land in the east". CNBC. Archived from the original on 12 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  49. ^ "Ukraine's Zelenskyy says Russia's pullback from Kharkiv region 'a good decision'". CBC News. Associated Press. 10 September 2022. Archived from the original on 19 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  50. ^ Dlugy, Yana (9 September 2022). "Ukraine Claims Major Gains in Kharkiv". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 19 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  51. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 7". Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  52. ^ "Zelenskyy announces breakthrough in Ukraine's east and south". Al Jazeera. Archived from the original on 16 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  53. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 8". Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  54. ^ "Russia confirms big retreat near Kharkiv as Ukraine offensive advances". Washington Post. Archived from the original on 19 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  55. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 9". Archived from the original on 10 September 2022. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  56. ^ "Ukraine's southern offensive 'was designed to trick Russia'". the Guardian. 10 September 2022. Archived from the original on 11 September 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  57. ^ Balmforth, Tom (14 September 2022). "In liberated Ukraine town, locals sob with relief, relate harrowing accounts". Reuters. Archived from the original on 21 September 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  58. ^ "Ukrainian Balakliya-Kupyansk Offensive: Sequence of Events, Mechanics and Consequences". Jamestown. Archived from the original on 22 September 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  59. ^ Karolina Hird; Grace Mappes; George Barros; Layne Philipson; Mason Clark (7 September 2022). "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 7". Institute for the Study of War. Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  60. ^ Hunder, Max; Hnydii, Vitalii (10 September 2022). "Russia loses control of key northeast towns as Ukrainian troops advance". Reuters. Archived from the original on 10 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  61. ^ "Жители Балаклеи сообщили, что ВСУ вошли в город". Радио Свобода. 8 September 2022. Archived from the original on 8 September 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  62. ^ "Top Russian Commander of Invading Army Captured by Ukraine—Report". Newsweek. 9 September 2022. Archived from the original on 9 September 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  63. ^ "Was der Truppenrückzug Putins aus Charkiw für den Krieg bedeutet". Focus (in German). 11 September 2022. Archived from the original on 13 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  64. ^ "Occupation authorities in Kupiansk say that Russian army began to defend the city, and additional reinforcement entered the region from Russia Kupyansk, Kharkiv - Ukraine Interactive map - Ukraine Latest news on live map - liveuamap.com". Ukraine Interactive map - Ukraine Latest news on live map - liveuamap.com. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
  65. ^ "Representative of General staff of Armed forces of Ukraine says over 20 settlements were liberated in Kharkiv region, in some areas penetration in Russian defense positions up to 50 kms Kharkiv - Ukraine Interactive map - Ukraine Latest news on live map - liveuamap.com". Ukraine Interactive map - Ukraine Latest news on live map - liveuamap.com. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
  66. ^ "Окупанти оголосили "евакуацію" з Ізюма, Куп'янська і Великого Бурлука на Харківщині". Слово і Діло (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 10 September 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  67. ^ Steve Hendrix; Serhii Korolchuk; Robyn Dixon (11 September 2022). "Amid Ukraine's startling gains, liberated villages describe Russian troops dropping rifles and fleeing". Washington Post. Archived from the original on 19 September 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  68. ^ Hunder, Max; Balmforth, Tom (9 September 2022). "'Substantial victory' for Kyiv as Russian front crumbles near Kharkiv". Reuters. Archived from the original on 8 September 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  69. ^ ""ЗСУ сьогодні в ударі". Українські військові вже на в'їзді до Куп'янська — фото". nv.ua (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 15 September 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  70. ^ Cynthia Osterman, ed. (9 September 2022). "Ukraine retakes settlements in Kharkiv advance - Russian-installed official". reuters.com. Archived from the original on 11 September 2022. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  71. ^ Tim Lister, Julia Kesaieva and Josh Pennington (9 September 2022). "Russia sends reinforcements to Kharkiv as Ukrainians advance". CNN. Archived from the original on 10 September 2022. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  72. ^ "Украинские войска вошли в ранее оккупированный Купянск в Харьковской области. Также сообщается, что ВСУ взяли Изюм и наступают на Лиман". Meduza. Archived from the original on 10 September 2022. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  73. ^ Anton Troianovski (10 September 2022). "As Russians Retreat, Putin Is Criticized by Hawks Who Trumpeted His War". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 10 September 2022. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  74. ^ "Окупанти заявили, що пішли з Ізюма та інших населених пунктів, захисники показали відео: Ми в Ізюмі". Українська правда (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 12 September 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  75. ^ Gerasimova, Tanya (10 September 2022). "AFU Raise Ukrainian Flag Over Kupyansk City Council - Kharkiv Regional Council". Ukrainian News.
  76. ^ "Ukraine retakes railway hub as Kharkiv counteroffensive gains ground". Yahoo Finance. 10 September 2022. Archived from the original on 11 September 2022. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  77. ^ Max Hunder and Vitalii Hnidyi (10 September 2022). "Ukraine troops reach railway hub as breakthrough threatens to turn into rout". reuters.com. Archived from the original on 10 September 2022. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  78. ^ "Governor: Ukrainian forces advance to outskirts of Lysychansk, Luhansk Oblast". Kyiv Independent. 10 September 2022. Archived from the original on 11 September 2022. Retrieved 10 September 2022.
  79. ^ "Governor: Ukrainian partisans raise flag over Kreminna, Luhansk Oblast". The Kyiv Independent. 11 September 2022. Archived from the original on 15 September 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  80. ^ Gibbons-Neff, Thomas; Santora, Marc (10 September 2022). "Ukrainian Offensive Seen as Reshaping the War's Contours". The New York Times. Archived from the original on 19 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  81. ^ Bachega, Hugo; Murphy, Matt (11 September 2022). "Ukraine counter-offensive: Russian forces retreat as Ukraine takes key towns". BBC News. Archived from the original on 10 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  82. ^ "Ukraine map reveals how invasion is being rolled back 200 days in". Newsweek. 11 September 2022. Archived from the original on 19 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  83. ^ "Над Казачьей Лопанью подняли флаг Украины (фото)". www.objectiv.tv (in Russian). 11 September 2022. Archived from the original on 11 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  84. ^ "Russian Troops Retreating From Vovchansk, Population Evacuated". Ukranews. 11 September 2022. Archived from the original on 12 September 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  85. ^ Zaxid.net (12 September 2022). "Українські військові звільнили та "зачистили" від окупантів північний схід Харківщини". ZAXID.NET (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 15 September 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  86. ^ Анисимова, Ольга (11 September 2022). "ВО: российские войска оставили север Харьковской области, сосредоточив оборону по реке Оскол". RB Новости (in Russian). Archived from the original on 11 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  87. ^ "Russian defense ministry shows retreat from most of Kharkiv region". Meduza. 11 September 2022. Archived from the original on 19 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  88. ^ "Russian Defence Ministry Showed Map Of New Frontline In Kharkiv Region". charter97.org. 11 September 2022. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  89. ^ "Окупанти вдарили по об'єктах критичної інфраструктури на Харківщині". Главком | Glavcom (in Ukrainian). 11 September 2022. Archived from the original on 11 September 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  90. ^ Lorenzo Tondo; Isobel Koshiw; Dan Sabbagh; Shaun Walker (11 September 2022). "Russia targets infrastructure in retaliation to rapid Ukraine gains". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 11 September 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  91. ^ "ВСУ объявили об освобождении более 20 населенных пунктов за сутки". Meduza (in Russian). Archived from the original on 14 September 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  92. ^ "Ukraine troops 'outnumbered Russia's 8 times' in counterattack". aljazeera. 12 September 2022. Archived from the original on 15 September 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
  93. ^ Harding, Luke; Sabbagh, Dan (14 September 2022). "Ukraine takes control of entire Kharkiv region and towns seized at onset of Russian invasion". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 19 September 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  94. ^ "Russian invaders leave Kreminna in Luhansk region – regional governor". www.ukrinform.net. 13 September 2022. Archived from the original on 14 September 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  95. ^ "Война в Украине: Зеленский заявляет о стабилизации обстановки на отвоеванной территории - Новости на русском языке". BBC News Русская Служба. 18 August 2022. Archived from the original on 25 September 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
  96. ^ "Ukraine's National Guard confirms recapture of Sviatohirsk". Ukrinform. 12 September 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
  97. ^ "RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE CAMPAIGN ASSESSMENT, SEPTEMBER 13". Institute for the Study of War. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  98. ^ "Russia-Ukraine war live: Zelenskiy makes surprise visit to recaptured Izium; Russia 'almost certainly' using weapons from Iran". The Guardian. 14 September 2022. Archived from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  99. ^ "Ukraine war: We retook 6,000 sq km from Russia in September, says Zelensky". BBC. 12 September 2022. Archived from the original on 24 September 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
  100. ^ "Ukraine reclaims more territory from Russia in counteroffensive". AL JAZEERA. AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES. 13 September 2022. Archived from the original on 26 September 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  101. ^ Brad Lendon (12 September 2022). "The rot runs deep in the Russian war machine. Ukraine is exposing it for all to see". CNN. Archived from the original on 13 September 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
  102. ^ van Brugen, Isabel (12 August 2022). "Russian units linked to Bucha war crimes likely 'destroyed in combat'". Newsweek. Archived from the original on 20 March 2023. Retrieved 12 August 2022.
  103. ^ Krutov, Mark (10 August 2022). "The Dead Of The 64th: A Notorious Russian Army Unit And Its High Casualty Rate". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Archived from the original on 10 August 2022. Retrieved 23 April 2023.
  104. ^ Posen, Barry R. (22 October 2024). "Ukraine Has a Breakthrough Problem".
  105. ^ "Ukraine's Armed Forces captured the latest Russian Т-90М "Proryv" tank in Kharkiv Region". Archived from the original on 23 October 2022. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  106. ^ "Russian T-90A Are Already Used by the Ukrainian Armed Forces". en.defence-ua.com. Archived from the original on 28 January 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  107. ^ Oliphant, Roland; Barnes, Joe (6 September 2022). "Ukraine launches surprise attack near Kharkiv in bid to push back Russians". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  108. ^ "Institute for the Study of War". Institute for the Study of War. Archived from the original on 25 March 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  109. ^ "Ukrainian forces raise country's flag in Shevchenkove, inch closer to Kupyansk". 9 September 2022.
  110. ^ Wang, Brian (11 September 2022). "Russia Retreats to South Side of Oskil River". NextBigFuture. Archived from the original on 15 September 2022. Retrieved 16 September 2022 – via nextbigfuture.com.
  111. ^ "Lyman, A Supply Hub In Eastern Ukraine, Is The Last Place A Russian Soldier Wants To Be Right Now". Forbes. 25 September 2022. Archived from the original on 26 September 2022. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
  112. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 15". Institute for the Study of War. 25 September 2022. Archived from the original on 26 September 2022. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
  113. ^ "Institute for the Study of War". Institute for the Study of War. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
  114. ^ "Institute for the Study of War". Institute for the Study of War. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
  115. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 16". Institute for the Study of War. 16 September 2022. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
  116. ^ "Armed Forces of Ukraine capture hundreds of Russian soldiers during counteroffensive – Zelenskyy". www.pravda.com.ua.
  117. ^ "Zelenskyy promises no let up in counter-offensive against Russia". Al Jazeera. 19 September 2022. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
  118. ^ Harding, Luke (19 September 2022). "Russia no longer has full control of Luhansk as Ukraine recaptures village". www.theguardian.com. Archived from the original on 8 October 2022. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
  119. ^ "RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE CAMPAIGN ASSESSMENT, SEPTEMBER 22". Institute for the Study of War. 22 September 2022. Archived from the original on 25 September 2022. Retrieved 23 September 2022.
  120. ^ Yang, Maya; Chaofong, Leonie; Belam, Martin; McClure, Tess (24 September 2022). "Russia-Ukraine war latest: what we know on day 213 of the invasion". www.theguardian.com. Archived from the original on 24 September 2022. Retrieved 24 September 2022.
  121. ^ "RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE CAMPAIGN ASSESSMENT, SEPTEMBER 24". Institute for the Study of War. 25 September 2022. Archived from the original on 27 September 2022. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
  122. ^ "RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE CAMPAIGN ASSESSMENT, SEPTEMBER 27". Institute for the Study of War. 28 September 2022. Archived from the original on 9 December 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
  123. ^ "RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE CAMPAIGN ASSESSMENT, SEPTEMBER 25". Institute for the Study of War. 25 September 2022. Archived from the original on 27 September 2022. Retrieved 26 September 2022.
  124. ^ "Kupiansk-Vuzlovyi settlement liberated in Kharkiv Oblast, 6% of Kharkiv Oblast still under occupation". www.pravda.com.ua. Retrieved 8 March 2023.
  125. ^ Lister, Tim (27 September 2022). "Ukrainian forces make further incremental gains in the east". CNN. Cable News Network. Archived from the original on 28 September 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
  126. ^ "Ukraine claims full control of key logistics hub, eyes further gains". CNBC. 2 October 2022. Archived from the original on 6 October 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  127. ^ Gibbons-Neff, Thomas; Yermak, Natalia; Hicks, Tyler (26 September 2022). "Two Cities, Two Armies: Pivot Points in the Fight in Ukraine's East". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on 13 October 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  128. ^ Lister, Tim; Lapin, Denis; Voitovych, Olga (28 September 2022). "Ukrainian forces make additional gains in eastern Donetsk region". Cable News Network. Archived from the original on 28 September 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
  129. ^ "Ukrainian military liberated Yampil in Donetsk region". 2022. Archived from the original on 19 October 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  130. ^ Lister, Tim; Butenko, Victoria; Voitovych, Olga; Dean, Sarah (30 September 2022). "Ukrainian forces take key village in Donetsk region as they encircle Russian units". CNN. Cable News Network. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  131. ^ David Ljunggren, Grant McCool and Bill Berkrot, ed. (30 September 2022). "Zelenskiy says Ukrainian troops making noticeable progress in east". www.reuters.com. Reuters. Archived from the original on 27 November 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  132. ^ Abdul, Geneva; Murray, Warren (October 2022). "Ukrainian forces enter Lyman". www.theguardian.com. Archived from the original on 1 October 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
  133. ^ "Ukrainian military entered Lyman Lyman - Ukraine Interactive map - Ukraine Latest news on live map - liveuamap.com". Ukraine Interactive map - Ukraine Latest news on live map - liveuamap.com. Archived from the original on 1 October 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
  134. ^ "'What was it all for?': recaptured Lyman left shattered by Russian occupation". The Guardian. 4 October 2022. Archived from the original on 6 October 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  135. ^ "Война в Украине: ВСУ вошли в Лиман, в Харьковской области нашли расстрелянную автоколонну - Новости на русском языке". BBC News Русская служба (in Russian). Archived from the original on 27 September 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
  136. ^ Shreck, Adam; Stephaneko, Vasilisa (4 October 2022). "Russian losses are evident in the streets of a key liberated Ukrainian city". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 5 October 2022. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  137. ^ Balmforth, Tom; Polityuk, Pavel (October 2022). "Ukraine forces enter Lyman, Kyiv says Russian troops surrounded". www.reuters.com. Reuters. Archived from the original on 15 November 2022. Retrieved 1 October 2022.
  138. ^ "Russia is gaining from conflict in Ukraine, Putin says". Reuters. 7 September 2022. Archived from the original on 1 June 2023. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  139. ^ "Putin says Russia has 'not lost a thing' from war in Ukraine". The Hill. 7 September 2022. Archived from the original on 24 September 2022. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  140. ^ Polityuk, Pavel; Balmforth, Tom (11 September 2022). "Ukraine offensive 'snowballs' with fall of Russian stronghold". Reuters. Archived from the original on 9 November 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  141. ^ "'We have already lost': far-right Russian bloggers slam military failures". The Guardian. 8 September 2022. Archived from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  142. ^ The Associated Press. "Frustration with Ukraine war spills out on Russian state TV". ABC News. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  143. ^ "Putin is facing pressure from Russia's hawkish nationalists who want all-out war in Ukraine". Business Insider. 17 September 2022. Archived from the original on 27 September 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
  144. ^ "Saying The Quiet Part Out Loud: Ukrainian Victories Push Kremlin Toward Potential Mobilization". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. 15 September 2022. Archived from the original on 18 September 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
  145. ^ "Российские войска уходят с оккупированных территорий в Украине. Что в это время делает Путин". Meduza (in Russian). Archived from the original on 19 October 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  146. ^ Semenov, Kolzak (11 September 2022). "Сторонник Путина Кадыров критикует действия российских военных по выводу войск из Украины | Рамзан Кадыров". Orsk.today (in Russian). Archived from the original on 14 October 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  147. ^ "Миронов предложил отменить салют в честь Дня Москвы". NEWS.ru (in Russian). Archived from the original on 13 October 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  148. ^ "Вой на болотах. Отрицательное наступление второй армии мира". www.unian.net (in Russian). Archived from the original on 13 October 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  149. ^ Bachega, Hugo; Guerin, Orla; Murphy, Matt (11 September 2022). "Kharkiv offensive: Ukrainian army says it has tripled retaken area". BBC.com. Archived from the original on 12 January 2023. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  150. ^ Ritter, Karl; Arhirova, Hanna (11 September 2022). "Russian troops retreat after Ukraine counteroffensive". ABC news. Archived from the original on 15 October 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  151. ^ "Депутат Госдумы Шеремет выступил за "полную мобилизацию" в России". РБК (in Russian). 12 September 2022. Archived from the original on 30 December 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
  152. ^ "Зюганов призвал к максимальной мобилизации сил и ресурсов". NEWS.ru (in Russian). Archived from the original on 29 October 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
  153. ^ "В КПРФ назвали провокацией новости о Зюганове, призывающем к мобилизации". NEWS.ru (in Russian). Archived from the original on 30 December 2022. Retrieved 13 September 2022.
  154. ^ "Ukraine war: Kharkiv blackouts caused by targeted Russian attacks - Zelensky". BBC News. 12 September 2022. Archived from the original on 31 October 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  155. ^ Pertsev, Andrei (14 September 2022). "Kremlin Must Placate Its Supporters Amid Outrage Over Kharkiv Retreat". The Moscow Times. Archived from the original on 20 November 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  156. ^ Kottasová, Ivana (13 September 2022). "Putin's Kharkiv disaster is his biggest challenge yet. It has left him with few options". CNN. Archived from the original on 27 November 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  157. ^ "В Уголовный кодекс России добавят статьи о мародерстве и сдаче в плен". BBC News Русская служба. 20 September 2022. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
  158. ^ "Сенаторы США анонсировали новые санкции после решения России аннексировать Донбасс". Русская служба The Moscow Times. 20 September 2022. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
  159. ^ "Путин готовится объявить мобилизацию в ответ на контрнаступление Украины". Русская служба The Moscow Times. 20 September 2022. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 20 September 2022.
  160. ^ "Putin orders partial Russian mobilisation, warns West over 'nuclear blackmail'". Euractiv. 21 September 2022. Archived from the original on 27 September 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
  161. ^ "No More Illusions: Putin Bets It All in Ukraine". Der Spiegel. 23 September 2022. Archived from the original on 26 September 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
  162. ^ "What if Vladimir Putin used nuclear weapons in Ukraine?". Al Jazeera. 24 September 2022. Archived from the original on 2 October 2022. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
  163. ^ "As masses flee Russia to avoid conscription, European neighbours grapple with whether to let them in". CBC News. 27 September 2022. Archived from the original on 11 January 2023. Retrieved 28 September 2022.
  164. ^ "From Mobilization to Death in 10 Days: Russia's Draftees Killed in Ukraine". The Moscow Times. 14 October 2022. Archived from the original on 11 November 2022. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  165. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 10". Institute for the Study of War. 10 September 2022. Archived from the original on 8 October 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  166. ^ "Українська армія потроїла площу звільнених територій". BBC News Україна (in Ukrainian). 11 September 2022. Archived from the original on 8 October 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  167. ^ Hunder, Max; Hnidyi, Vitalii (10 September 2022). "Russia gives up key northeast towns as Ukrainian forces advance". Reuters. Archived from the original on 10 September 2022. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  168. ^ "Ukraine pushes to recapture more territory in rapid advance, calls for Western arms". ABC News. 13 September 2022. Archived from the original on 14 September 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  169. ^ "Azerbaijan has used Russia's weakness in Ukraine, expert says". Deutsche Welle. 14 September 2022. Archived from the original on 15 September 2022.
  170. ^ Tangalakis-Lippert, Katherine (19 September 2022). "Zelenskyy says Russian chambers containing 'tools for electric torture' were found in the Kharkiv region of Ukraine along with mass graves containing at least 450 bodies". Business Insider. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  171. ^ Sarovic, Alexander; Dondyuk, Maxim (27 September 2022). "The Torture Chambers of Balakliya". Spiegel. Archived from the original on 30 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  172. ^ Yang, Maya; Ho, Vivian; Belam, Martin; Farrer, Martin (14 September 2022). "Ukraine's officials claim to have discovered 'torture chamber' used by Russian troops – as it happened". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 9 October 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
  173. ^ "Ukraine war: Accounts of Russian torture emerge in liberated areas". BBC News. 13 September 2022. Archived from the original on 18 December 2022. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  174. ^ "Russia claims Ukraine 'abducted' the Sri Lankan students freed after months in Russian captivity". Kharkiv Human Rights Protection Group. 20 September 2022. Archived from the original on 22 September 2022. Retrieved 22 September 2022.
  175. ^ "'People disappeared': Izium's residents on Russia's occupation". The Guardian. 14 September 2022. Archived from the original on 16 September 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  176. ^ "SBU finds another rashist torture chamber near one of the largest shrines in the Donetsk region". Religious Information Service of Ukraine. Institute of Religion and Society of the Ukrainian Catholic University. Retrieved 15 October 2022.
  177. ^ "Balakliia residents take stock after Ukraine recaptures frontline town". the Guardian. 13 September 2022. Archived from the original on 22 September 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  178. ^ "Most people buried in mass grave in Ukraine's Izium are civilians, police chief says". Reuters. 16 September 2022. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
  179. ^ "Украина: под Изюмом после российской оккупации нашли сотни безымянных могил, на некоторых телах следы пыток". BBC News Русская служба (in Russian). Archived from the original on 16 September 2022. Retrieved 16 September 2022.
  180. ^ Russia in Canada [@RussianEmbassyC] (17 September 2022). "☝🏻 Ambassador Stepanov's comment to @SputnikInt: The reports of mass graves being discovered in #Izyum is another monstrous provocation by Kiev in a bid to repeat Bucha in a new way and mobilize the Western public amid the #UNGA next week https://t.co/yeq1I6dKHh" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 27 September 2022. Retrieved 2 December 2022 – via Twitter.
  181. ^ "Governor says 146 bodies exhumed so far from mass burial site in Ukraine's Izium". Reuters. 19 September 2022. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  182. ^ Maxar Technologies [@Maxar] (16 September 2022). "When Russian forces recently withdrew from Ukraine's Kharkiv region, the Ukrainian government and media reported the discovery of a mass grave site near the city of #Izyum. #satelliteimagery of the #Pishanske cemetery or "Forest cemetery" entrance from March 2022 and August 2022. https://t.co/vcb3aAMqoS" (Tweet). Archived from the original on 13 November 2022. Retrieved 2 December 2022 – via Twitter.
  183. ^ "Cesium Stories". cesium.com. Archived from the original on 13 October 2022. Retrieved 17 September 2022.
  184. ^ "10 torture sites in 1 town: Russia sowed pain, fear in Izium". AP NEWS. 2 October 2022. Archived from the original on 15 October 2022. Retrieved 2 October 2022.
  185. ^ Hayes, Tara Subramaniam,Aditi Sangal,Sana Noor Haq,Mike. "Russia's war in Ukraine". CNN. Retrieved 17 October 2022.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  186. ^ "We will respond to the terrorists for each of their vile acts, for each missile – we are capable of that – address by the President of Ukraine". President of Ukraine. 15 September 2022. Archived from the original on 24 September 2022. Retrieved 15 September 2022.
  187. ^ "Кремль "поставил на стоп" референдумы о "присоединении" оккупированных территорий к России, утверждают источники "Медузы" Их "отложили на неопределенный срок" из-за успешного украинского контрнаступления". Meduza (in Russian). Archived from the original on 15 January 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2022.
  188. ^ "Hundreds of Russian vehicles, weapon systems seized during Kharkiv counterattack". The Kyiv Independent. 26 September 2022.
  189. ^ "Interactive Map: Russia's Invasion of Ukraine". ArcGIS StoryMaps. 3 October 2022. Archived from the original on 9 July 2022. Retrieved 4 October 2022.
  190. ^ Lister, Tim (5 October 2022). "Ukrainian forces advance into Luhansk region for first time since conflict began, social media images show". CNN. Cable News Network. Archived from the original on 5 October 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  191. ^ "RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE CAMPAIGN ASSESSMENT, OCTOBER 5". Understandingwar.org. Archived from the original on 16 July 2023. Retrieved 6 October 2022.
  192. ^ Roscoe, Matthew (3 October 2022). "Five Russian-controlled settlements around Kharkiv reportedly liberated by Ukraine". Euro Weekly News. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  193. ^ "Ukrainian Armed Forces liberate village of Borova in Kharkiv Oblast". 3 October 2022. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
  194. ^ @bamr69 (4 October 2022). "Трасса Кременная-Сватово встала. Она под полным огневым контролем ВСУ" (Tweet). Retrieved 4 October 2022 – via Twitter.
  195. ^ "Institute for the Study of War". Institute for the Study of War. Archived from the original on 25 March 2022. Retrieved 5 October 2022.
  196. ^ "The Ukrainian military liberated the Stelmakhivka village in the Luhansk region - Haidai". Archived from the original on 11 November 2022. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
  197. ^ Khrebet, Alexander (24 October 2022). "Ukraine war latest: Armed Forces liberate 4 settlements in Donbas". kyivindependent.com. The Kyiv Independent. Archived from the original on 24 October 2022. Retrieved 24 October 2022.
  198. ^ "Ukrainian forces advance against Russian fighters in Kherson and Bakhmut". Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Archived from the original on 27 January 2023. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
  199. ^ Axe, David. "A Russian Regiment Reportedly Lost 2,500 Draftees In Just Two Weeks Of Fighting". Forbes. Archived from the original on 5 December 2022. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
  200. ^ Ilyushina, Mary; Timsit, Annabelle (27 November 2022). "Russia's heavy casualties in Ukraine spark outcry and rare official response". Washington Post. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
  201. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, December 3". ISW. Archived from the original on 8 December 2022. Retrieved 3 December 2022.
  202. ^ "Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, December 18". ISW. Archived from the original on 22 December 2022. Retrieved 18 December 2022.