May 30, 2022

Invasion Day 96 – Summary

The summary of the 96th day of Russian invasion to Ukraine, as of 22:00 – 30th of May 2022 (Kyiv time). Day summary: Russian troops entered Sievierodonetsk and are advancing towards the city center. The situation is not as dire as it might sound. Ukrainian defense held much longer than previously expected and gave the…

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The summary of the 96th day of Russian invasion to Ukraine, as of 22:00 – 30th of May 2022 (Kyiv time).

Day summary:

Russian troops entered Sievierodonetsk and are advancing towards the city center. The situation is not as dire as it might sound. Ukrainian defense held much longer than previously expected and gave the defenders enough time to prepare defensive positions on the other side of Siverskyi river.

Ukrainian forces made a successful breakthrough in Kherson Oblast and liberated two settlements, putting Russian defenders at least under some pressure.

Kharkiv Frontline

includes the area of Kharkiv and Chuhuiv

mostly cloudy | ~26 °C

Shelling: Yakolivka, Odnorobivka, Udy, Prudianka, Pytomnyk, Borshchova, Cherkaski Tyshky, Rusky Tyshky, Petrivka, Peremoha, Ternova, Husarivka

Ukrainian staff reported shelling of Ukrainian positions at Borschova, indicating the Ukrainian forces liberated the town recently.


Siverskyi Donets

includes the area of Slovyansk, Kramatorsk and Bakhmut

partly sunny | ~26 °C

Shelling: Velyka Komyshuvakha, Virnopillya, Dovhenke, Bohorodychne, Svyatohirsk, Siverks, Ustynivka, Berestove, Soledar

The situation in the area of Dibrova and Ozerne remains complicated and unclear. Russian sources claim the Ukrainian troops retreated from both settlements, but Ukrainian side didn’t confirm it.

Russian troops have entered the northern and north-eastern outskirts of Sievierodonetsk and advanced deep into the city. There are some indications Ukrainian forces might have retreated from the city and nearby area to the other side of Siverskyi river, but we have to wait for confirmation. The fighting in the vicinity of Borovske and Ustynivka continues.

The enemy attacked Ukrainian positions near Volodomyrivka, Berestove and Komyshuvakha, all attacks were repelled.

In the area of Svitlodarsk Arc, Russian forces assaulted Ukrainian positions at Novoluhanske, but without success.


South-Eastern Front

includes Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia Oblast

partly sunny | ~29 °C

Donetsk Oblast

Shelling: Novomykhailivka, Krasnohorivka, Pisky, Avdiivka

Russian troops launched an attack in the direction of Kamyanka and Vesele. The attempt was unsuccessful and the enemy retreated.

Zaporizhzhia Oblast

Shelling: Orikhiv, Huliaipole

There was no change on the ground in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.


Kherson Frontline

includes the vicinity of Kherson and Mykolaiv

partly sunny | ~28 °C

Mykolaiv Oblast

Shelling: Zorya, Partyzanske

There was no change on the ground in Mykolaiv Oblast.

Kherson Oblast

Shelling: Trudoliubivka, Mala Shestirnya, Dobryanka, Knyazivka, Tokareve,  Posad Pokrovske

Ukrainian troops managed to break through Russian lines, liberate Davydiv Brid and push Russian forces to Kostromka. There are ongoing battles in the vicinity of Bilohirka and Adriivka. Russian army is reportedly moving reinforcements to the area.

In the northern part of Kherson Oblast, Ukrainian forces liberated Mykolaivka settlement.

Correction: All available information indicates Bila Krynytsia (Beryslav district) is in hand of Ukrainian troops since the beggining of May.


Full map

The full overview map of current situation.

Maps and article are based on the following sources:

General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, official channels of Ukrainian regional administrations, Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs, Ukrainian Ministry of Defense, Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), press released of Russian Army, DPR and LPR (taken with a grain of salt)

Visit our Deployment map for updated interactive map of captured areas and Ukrainian units.

Make sure to follow us on Twitter & Telegram for the latest updates on Ukraine.

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cwDeici

I agree with the Ukrainian strategy now of defense in depth and buying time. It’s better than leaving some troops behind, there’s not enough infrastructure in these small cities to sustain massive bombardment long term. Btw., Russia, which is down to T-62 tanks, with some soldiers are using Mosin-Nagant rifles, they will start having conventional ammunition problems by the end of the year. You might recall military experts have said that they have several years’… Read more »

mario

In return for the donation of nuclear weapons, the Ukrainians were to be guaranteed security. Russia has not kept the deal.
It will end this way, Russia will weaken, the occupied regions are razed to the ground. In exchange for these occupied territories, Ukraine will be in the European Union and NATO. Putin gained areas that he will never rebuild, but he lost everything.

cwDeici

Agree with the morality, but I don’t think it’s likely Russia holds on to those areas, or that Ukraine gets into NATO quickly.

Henry Whitworth

If Russia believed they could take all of Donbas they would have bypassed Sievierodonesk, not gotten drawn into bloody street fights that cost them another part of their remaining infantry that is even capable of such a thing. Did they take the whole town yet? Have the bulk of Ukrainian forces gone across the river to join the defensive lines at Lysychansk? So now Russia “won” that rubble at the cost of some of the… Read more »

Zakhar

Lisichansk is also in an operational environment, now Ukrainians will escape from Lisichansk

Stepan

Ukrainian forces will not run away from Lysychansk, it is a very advantageous defensive line.

DavidC

I get it, you are rooting for Ukraine. But this is not a game, The Russians and Ukrainians are brothers and they are killing each other in the 10s of thousands. Why? Because a few corrupt politicians and neocons in Kyiv, the Senate and the House of Commons feel that Ukraine should be in a proxy war to weaken Russia.The Ukrainians have been outclassed on the battlefield, they never stood a chance, US weapons and… Read more »

Colin

You lay no blame whatsoever on Putin and his greater Ruzzia project?
Ukraine has not invaded Ruzzia.

Azog

The sad truth is that it’s not up to Ukrainians. I guess a true patriot and leader would be able to pull this off, negotiate a peace even knowing that he or she goes down as a traitor in history. No such person in sight. Even if it – miraculously – happens, I fear, at this point if peace is achieved, it will be just another unfinished war which would be likely to resume in… Read more »

Noelle

What kind of dope you got? “lay down the arms” fighting the enemy which deny you right to existence? You want the Ukraine and Ukrainians to suicide? Whatever you are smoking, maybe get a different dose

Dolgan

No drug, Just russian TV.

Paul

This war is not about lines on a map. It’s about a people’s right to exist. When America says never again, we mean it. Another aid package will be coming soon my friends. Even Europe is starting to get off of their collective fat asses. It’s a pity they did not listen to Senator McCain about Russian oil.a

str

Aaah, the famous russian propaganda – part of Ukraine will be occupied by Poland, it really is getting boring.
And if you think they are outclassed by russians, you should check progress of their attacks on Kharkiv and Kiev 😀

cwDeici

I get it, you think the Ukrainians and American Nazis attacked Ukraine and raped and murdered their way across the country and blamed it on Russia, which they plan to genocide, and that’s why you had to go save the Ukrainians and protect Russia.

Ukraine won’t lose, and you’re a monster with blood and rape on your hands.

Fjose Smørhatt

Sometimes blood is thicker than water, and sometimes it’s not. Sometimes you can thank your parents for your success in life, and sometimes you can blame your parents for your failures. Ask yourself: Why is that everyone wants to get away from Russia? It’s because you’re toxic through and through. You breed failures in everyone you deal with. The things you touch turns to sh…. Russia might think that Ukraine is its “little brother” (or… Read more »

Chris

Did any of that make sense to anyone?

cwDeici

They think they can do it, and maybe they can (while losing territory elsewhere), but they’re incapable of anything but basic attrition warfare and very basic maneuvers (such as getting fire control over the immediate Ukrainian supply lines), so your idea of bypassing Sievierodonesk doesn’t make sense to the Russian army, they need to attack the most immediately available target head on, since that’s something they’re actually capable of.

DavidC

The Russian army and militias take Severodonetsk. Looks like the Ukrainian army have retreated to Lysychans’k. The great Severodonetsk bulge of 2015 is no more.

Zakhar

as for the settlements in the Kherson region allegedly liberated, only Ukrainian sources wrote about this, there is no other confirmation or objective control data

Henry Whitworth

That is incorrect.

MD1234

There are multiple videos of Ukrainian military in the villages you have talked about, plus satellite data that shows recently built pontoon bridges to the south. Ukraine has moved a substantial amount of equipment over the Inhulets.

Zakhar

there are photos and videos of the destroyed bridge at Davydov Ford, which suggests that the Ukrainian military have either been thrown back over the Ingulets River, or that even if some units managed to cross to the other bank, they are now cut off from supplies and will be crushed

Zakhar

A video message of the fighters of the 18th battalion of the Marine Infantry of the 35th brigade stationed at the village of Bereznegovatoye of the Mykolaiv region appeared on social networks. The soldiers claim that they were thrown into the attack as cannon fodder, and the losses amounted to almost a hundred people in four days in the direction of Bolshoy Artakovo, where the Armed Forces of Ukraine had previously built a pontoon crossing.… Read more »

DavidC

The attack failed. The Ukrainians were caught in open country and cut to pieces by Russian artillery. What’s more, the command post for this operation was destroyed by Russian missile attack.

Henry Whitworth

Russian bots are boring and grotesque at the same time.

Tiziano

Mainly grotesque, they always make me smile, even in the saddest days.

Chris

Yeah, the Russian bot activity has seemed to have picked up here recently.

superstraight

They lost a lot of people and armored vehicles, there is video and photo evidence of this, even if they captured some village, it was not worth it

PPP

Any thoughts on why Ukraine choose to counterattack at these specific points? I cannot figure out the underlying tactics. Or is it just a matter of oppurtunity / choosing the weakest point?

XPOINT

This is certainly not a formal counterattack, it is a tentative search for Russian defense weaknesses. I am also curious if the Russian army will give them a chance.

Last edited 2 years ago by XPOINT
Dolgan

Tactics is to cut russian force in two. Not easy. Davidiv give them 3 road. One to the north (velika. I think they will not push in this direction). Another to the Southwest (snihurvika. They push in this direction. Strategic point for train lign.) And the most dangerous for russian, T2207. Only 2 small village between davidiv and berislav. If ukrainian take brunskiske, they also push to the West direction borozenke . One road to… Read more »

Henry Whitworth

The main Ukrainian attack is in the direction of the dam above Kherson. That reservoir is the primary source of fresh water for the entire Crimean Peninsula. Even though they probably can’t source an offensive big enough at this point to drive all the way there, the importance of the place will force Russia to respond. Just like the counter-attack towards the supply lines of the Izium salient, they prevent Russia from being able to… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Henry Whitworth
Meha

I don’t think these are real offensives, these are attacks aimed at checking the Russian defense forces, and if they are weak, there will be some progress, and the main goal is, in fact, to unleash a major Russian offensive in the east if possible.

Henry Whitworth

Yeah, calling these “Offensives” is not really accurate. They’re offensive operations but it’s more on the level of a probing attack and, in terms of current strategy, a spoiling attack. The Russian offensive is still on. The Ukrainians are waiting for hundreds of armored vehicles and long-range artillery. Their offensive is coming. But for now they’re just grinding down the Russian offensive. Spoiling attacks where you force them to react is just part of that.… Read more »

Food for thought

Last time when I told you that the Russian army is threatening to encircle and capture the crem de la crem of the Ukrainian army you refused to comment it because it hasn’t happened yet and “it’s silly” to comment on such a thing. Today you are saying about the hundreds of vehicles and artillery that WILL come and the offensive that WILL start! Isn’t that silly?

cwDeici

If it goes well and the Russian murderer rapist units in the area prove weak they’ll probably whittle down the countryside to draw Russian forces southwest while readying for an attack on Kherson.

XPOINT

Ukraine pinned the country’s future to the West, and EU pinned security issues to the US. Russia used a war to tell them what the consequences would be. A little late, but EU has finally found the need for a strong EUFOR. Without a strong military, Russia is your enemy, and with the army as a backing, they can share a peaceful Europe with Russia. Is it ironic?

Artur

The whole game is about who controls Eastern Europe. IMHO the only way for Europe to have peace would be if the West and Russia are both militarily strong and for Eastern Europe (or the region of what is East of Germany) to remain neutral.

Noelle

“neutral” Central/Eastern Europe means “subordinated to Russia”. “Finlandisation” at best, vassalisation (or outright annexation) as more in line with Russian imaginations and desire.”Been there, lived in that”.

Artur

Can you explain to me why “neutral” Central/Eastern Europe means “subordinated to Russia”? Last time I checked things didn’t turn out as bad for Finland while it remained neutral. A strong West would then keep Russia in check to not undermine the neutrality of such a region and vice versa. Europeans have had enough wars and suffering because of not wanting to settle for a compromise. Another big war would simply mean the extinction of… Read more »

Tristan

Last time I checked, Finland no longer wants to remain neutral, since no one can trust Putin anymore. Strange thing that, when you presented “the only way for Europe to have peace”, you didn’t simply consider to have a strong, united Europe that would keep Russia in check. Putin bullies isolated (and preferably weak) countries, but he has not the strength to risk a war with NATO. Anyway, after the war in Ukraine, he may… Read more »

XPOINT

Finally someone dared to stand up and explain what I was talking about. Europeans are always repeating their history, paying the price for their hubris. First they had power, then they called themselves civilization, then they used alliances to expand their power, then there was an imbalance of power, then war happened, then festered, and then rebuilt. Constantly going back and forth. This is the case in every country, including Russia. This is very strange,… Read more »

Noelle

If you ask an actual Fin he or she will tell you a very different story. The Russian political imagination works around geographically defined ‘spheres of influence and security’. It’s XIX century idea (‘island empire’, ‘heartland’ etc.) you can find a lot of this nonsense called ‘geopolitics’ on YT. Since atomic era it simply put has no sense anymore (if you are a nuclear power, nobody will directly attack you, so you do not need… Read more »

Artur

Finns have gone through back and forth periods between being open and reluctant to join NATO. Even considering technological advancement, Geography still remains one of the main factors to determine the outcome of a war. Look at how even today how hard it is to do a river-crossing, the same as it was for centuries. Also regarding the nukes, geography matters. While methods of delivering nuclear heads are advancing, so are the methods to defend… Read more »

XPOINT

Westerners always believe they are right, others should listen to them, obey the rules they make, and they are on the right side of history. they accuse others of being outdated, and invent all kinds of concepts to slander their opponents. when they said “the Russia is trapped in some framework ” , they deliberately ignore the Monroe Doctrine, Cuba and Venezuela. They don’t know that others don’t believe what they said, and they can’t… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by XPOINT
Meha

There are no words or quotes from thinkers to justify what Russia is doing (the true reason for the attack on Ukraine will soon be shown and that is the damn expansion of Russia’s territory)

Nean D.

As opposed to Putin, a wise man carefully navigating intricacies of world order and trying to usher peace and prosperity.

While bumping into the ignorant West, it’s only logical to invade sovereign country, slaughter and subjugate its citizens, against settled borders and agreements. Because, who’s to say Russia needs to “obey the rules they make”?

Noelle

well, the point is – with the NATO on the western border Russia had the best security position it ever had. The ‘NATO surrounding’ is not the problem of security per se. NATO (or any functional alliance) drastically reduce Russia’s options for Western expansion in the classical (invasion, annexations etc.) sense, and which is even more important: “Westerners at the gates” are mortal enemies for Putin’s cleptocracy. Because “God forbid” Russians would get the wrong… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Noelle
XPOINT

Whether they will learn from history is hard to be optimistic. The next one to teach them a lesson is likely to be Turkey.

Henry Whitworth

It’s not 1960. There is no “upper hand” to be had in a nuclear exchange between East and West. There may not have been back then either but there certainly isn’t with today’s weaponry. You’re kidding yourself if you think anyone is going to defend themselves if that kicks off.

XPOINT

So I said they don’t know and can’t understand.So I assert that there must be a next lesson, until they understand they can’t do whatever they want on this earth.

Meha

What are you talking about, justifying the actions of one world bully in another internationally recognized country only for the reason that you have peace. Can you tell me when Europe or NATO alliance in history had enough military forces to attack Russia, smart people are long ago explained why no one will ever attack Russia, but at the same time it is used by Russia, which continuously takes the territories of neighboring countries. And… Read more »

XPOINT

If there is no result in the confrontation at the diplomatic level, then the two sides can only meet on the battlefield. On the contrary, I very much hope that the military of Western countries will go directly to the battlefield and prove that they are really for their values, that they are really helping Ukraine and not taking advantage of it.. But you see they found a really good excuse. They always leave people… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by XPOINT
Marcus Jonas

Generally we have had WORLD peace since the end of world war 2. In more recent years nations that part of that slav block wnet thier own way they didnt want to be tied down by Russia they want a better life for thier people generally for the most part those that have taken to the democratic life style are prospering as Ukraine was before 2014 when Russian back seperatist decided they didnt want to… Read more »

rock

to Artur Neutral does not exist. Neutrality needs neighbors who will respect it. Russia respects no one and nothing. After World War II, some of our politicians – for a very short time – thought our country could be a bridge between East and West. Neutral. The result – 40 years of vassalage by Russia, the total destruction of industry, agriculture and morality. When we then had the choice of whether we wanted to continue… Read more »

Smithy

I guess there won’t be peace in Europe, then. What you call “Eastern Europe” is generally even more committed to the West (due to former experience of Russian brutality) than Western Europe is.

Wouldn’t be anything new, though. Europe has been a war-soaked continent for millenia, so we are used to it.

Henry Whitworth

The whole game is for Eastern Europeans to control Eastern Europe instead of the Kremlin. There is a new thing emerging here and a lot of people can’t see it because they’re so stuck in the old framing. Free democracies of Eastern Europe are supporting Ukraine against Russia and they’re doing it with the weight of Western economies behind them. Putin just sped up the thing he was trying to prevent. Ukraine will be one… Read more »

Noelle

the “game” for the Eastern/Central Europeans is to be subjects not objects – that’s why the idea of EU is so attractive – it’s not just about the money. And even if we follow the imperial thinking (small countries must align themselves to the nearest empire with the best offer and lowest maintenance cost) the problem with Russia’s offer is is that, that Russia has nothing to offer (corruption, poverty, cleptocratic authocracy, “we” already have… Read more »

Zakhar

Ukraine is one of the most corrupt states in the world, with a terrible demographic situation, a dying population, a strong outflow of population to more prosperous countries.
Ukraine for 30 years of independence has not even been able to reach the level of GDP in 1990. Even before the war, it was the poorest state in Europe.

Mr.X

Corruption ? Terrible demographic situation ? Dying population ? Etc etc

You just described Russia. And Putin’s madness has just excelerated this bad development.

Fjose Smørhatt

Why not Eastern Europe even controlling Russia? Russians seem to not get it yet, but they are clearly fighting a superior enemy in Ukraine. Maybe this is even a sort of evolutionary struggle, where Russians are weeding themselves out of existence and history, and the DNA of kulaks and cossacks are winning (DNA studies show that Ukranians are more similar to Poles than Russians). Russians are motivated by hubris, stemming from a false view of… Read more »

Zakhar

Cossacks are Russians. There are Siberian Cossacks, Yenisei, Ural, Kuban, Terek Cossacks are originally serving people who guarded the borders and outskirts of Russia, Ukraine was one of the many suburbs of Russia. 30 years of independence of Ukraine put everything in its place, Ukraine turned out to be the poorest state in Europe. In Ukraine, GDP per capita is now more than 2 times lower than in Russia, while in Soviet times there was… Read more »

kuzlich

If you read a little bit of history, it is clear that the Kozaks appeared in the 16th century on the territory of modern central and southern Ukraine. And their spread throughout Russia is due to the fact that the USSR liked to have fun with the resettlement of peoples.  There is no need to make propaganda speeches to us, Ukrainians lived normally, even with their GDP (which does not include 85% of oil and… Read more »

Zakhar

What does the USSR have to do with it? Cossack troops were on the territory of the Russian Empire long before the USSR and not only on the territory of modern Ukraine. The Cossacks were a whole estate in the Russian Empire. And oil revenues are not even close to 85% of the Russian budget. About toilets and washing machines – this is a clear example of what nonsense Ukrainian propaganda broadcasts

Needle

The Russians near Popasna were making slow progress and it seemed difficult to encirclement the Ukrainian army. But Russian forces had begun storming Sievierodonetsk, and the city’s bridge to the south had been cut. The Ukrainians should have to use pontoons and boats to transport supplies to Sievierodonetsk. Despite America’s pledge of more than $40 billion in aid to Ukraine, there are no American-made fighter jets, helicopters or tanks on the battlefield. This doesn’t seem very logical. The most… Read more »

Henry Whitworth

You realize that Lend-Lease isn’t like an ATM machine, right? Biden signs it and weapons just squirt out onto Ukrainian battlefields in the hands of Ukrainians trained in their use. The funding for Lend Lease is meant to be used over months to keep a steady flow of weapons going in through the summer. It’s just getting started and has barely begun to impact what is happening at the front. It’s a different war entirely… Read more »

Andrej Uroš

That makes sense, because if the weapons would be sent all at once then their location where they are stored would pose as an easier target for Russian airforce to bomb. Spreading the shipments over months is the better decision.

XPOINT

Can you not run after the fall of the Donbass? Tell everyone about your new counter-offensive plan in this comment.

Last edited 2 years ago by XPOINT
Tony

Funny that for trolls like you Sievierodonetsk is the whole of Donbas while it is only the tip of the Donbas salient. Last I checked the breakthrough near Popasna has been turned into a killzone by Ukrainians and its progress completely halted, nothing comes out og Izium now, and for all intent and purpose Kramatorsk and Sloviansk are saved, Bakhmut is still defended and on the verge of salvation as well, and Lysischansk wasn’t evacuated… Read more »

XPOINT

all of you said are right, and as you sai they win win win every day.
let us wait until the fall, let us see how you will explain at that time.

Henry Whitworth

Will they still pay you if Putin falls?

ugotricrold

Ukraine will win no matter what I believe they have the strength to finish off the Russians.

cwDeici

XPoint, who said earleir that western (he means ‘other’, cue the vote in the UN with a handful of votes in their favor) people always believe they are right, is probably confused by the fact that unlike himself and his fellow mass murderer rapists, most people in the world think murder and rape are bad. XPoint is a terrible human being who would murder and rape his enemies and then lie about them to make… Read more »

Splinty

Not to mention training the UA on their use, maintenance, logistics, and employment.

cwDeici

Agreed, but there hasn’t been enough movement on Abrams, Apaches and F-16s. I doubt Ukraine will ever get fighter jets until after this war.

Henry Whitworth

No surprise that the prophets of Ukrainian doom were wrong again. Ukraine, deciding to fight a defensive battle to attrite Russian forces before giving ground, know exactly what they’re doing. There are hundreds of American armored vehicles on ships in the Atlantic right now. Their offensive firepower is coming. They’re doing exactly what they need to be doing right now.

Last edited 2 years ago by Henry Whitworth
Andrej Uroš

I like you enthusiasm. It’s good to be positive and root for your side, but it’s also wise to be realistic with expectations.

DavidC

Whatever, with the rail systems out, how you gonna get this heavy weapons to the front? How will you keep them supplied? The hundreds if not thousands of heavy weapons the Ukraine army had at the start of the war have been destroyed and their crews are dead. How you going to train new personal on the new heavy weapons.

Dolgan

How they do since 3 month? For example m777 and their logistic arrive on popsana frontline without problem. The rail system is ok. Just ponctual difficulties . For russian (dont ask why …), ukrainian logistic never be a priority in this war. Its one of the reason of their difficulties. They do it, excuse them. They dont know its impossible. Because they still have soldier experimented, Because à lot of country help them (today probably… Read more »

NXP

The hundreds if not thousands of heavy weapons is supplied on daily basis to Ukraine through Poland, Romania and Slovakia on wheels. Ukrainians have been trained and going through extensive training right now and all over the Europe. Time is playing to Ukrainian advantage.

cwDeici

You’re wrong, the Ukrainians have lost several thousand soldiers, as their stats can actually be trusted, the Russians, who have been lying from the start, have had leaks from their media that show their casualty losses are about 85% of what the Ukrainians claim, so about 26k now. The Ukrainian army has grown since the start of the war and improved in quality, whereas the Russian army has maintained roughly the same size (but moving… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by cwDeici