Russian forces advance in both Donetsk and Kharkiv Oblasts

The New Voice of Ukraine
·2 min read
Residential building in Ocheretyno, on which Russians dropped an aerial bomb on April 14
Residential building in Ocheretyno, on which Russians dropped an aerial bomb on April 14

Russian forces have advanced near Avdiivka, Donetsk Oblast, and Kupyansk, Kharkiv Oblast, continuing active assaults to the east of Chasiv Yar, the U.S.-based think tank Institute for the Study of War reported on May 4.

Geolocated footage published on May 2 shows a Russian armored vehicle, reportedly of the Russian 1st Guards Tank Army, operating in central Kyslivka (southeast of Kupyansk). Russian milbloggers claimed on May 3 that units of the Russian 47th Tank Division of the 1st Guards Tank Army also achieved a tactical breakthrough immediately south of Kyslivka towards Kotlyarivka and advanced 480 meters in depth, but ISW has not visually confirmed this.

Kharkiv Oblast governor Oleh Synehubov reported that Russian forces in the Kupyansk sector have reconstituted their assault units with more equipment and fresh convict recruits and renewed assault operations. Russian forces periodically focus on different directions along the Kupyansk-Svatove-Kreminna line to find weaknesses in the Ukrainian defense, he said.

<span class="copyright">ISW</span>
ISW

Russian forces are currently focusing on the Kyslivka and Tabaivka (southeast of Kupyansk) sectors. Battles also continue near Synkivka, Petropavlivka, Stelmakhivka, Berestove, Novoyehorivka, Hrekivka, Makiivka, Nevske, Terny, Yampolivka, Torske, Serebrianske forest, and Bilohorivka.

<span class="copyright">ISW</span>
ISW

Additional geolocated footage published on May 3 indicates that Russian forces recently marginally advanced west of Solovyove (south of Ocheretyne and northwest of Avdiivka). Russian milbloggers claimed Russia's advances by 3.85 kilometers wide and two kilometers in depth into central Arkhanhelske (northeast of Ocheretyne and north of Avdiivka), as well as advances along three windbreaks east of Novooleksandrivka, northwest of Keramik, towards Novopokrovske and Sokil from Solovyove; up to 200 meters in depth west of Semenivka and Berdychi, and towards Nevelske from Pervomaiske.

<span class="copyright">ISW</span>
ISW

Russian forces continued assaults east of Chasiv Yar on May 3, but no confirmed changes on the front line were reported, the ISW said.

Russian milbloggers claimed that Russian forces are improving their tactical positions near Chasiv Yar through small infantry-led assaults, assuring that the Russian forces do not intend to seize the city before May 9 but will wait until Ukrainian forces there become sufficiently vulnerable.

Read also: Russia lacks forces to open new front in Kharkiv, Ukrainian official says

Russian forces are taking significant personnel losses during infantry-led “meat assaults” in the Chasiv Yar area, Ukrainian Khortytsia Operational and Strategic Troops Group spokesperson Nazar Voloshyn said. Fighting continued northeast of Chasiv Yar near Bohdanivka, Ivanivske, Klishchiivka, and Andriivka.

The Russian 98th Airborne (VDV) Division, 17th Artillery Brigade, and 58th Spetsnaz Battalion of the so-called "DPR" are reportedly operating near Chasiv Yar, the ISW said.

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