UKRAINE: THE SITUATION 102 - June 1, 2022

The Ukrainian counteroffensive in the Kherson Oblast has drawn the attention of Russian forces in the region, and the Russians are working to secure the vital supply line threatened by the Ukrainians on the ground. Ukrainian forces conducted a series of organized counterattacks on settlements on the eastern bank of the Ihulets River, which are located in close proximity to an important highway that supplies Russian forces further north. In response, the Russians destroyed the bridges that the Ukrainians had used in one of these counterattacks, as well as additional bridges over the river, to hold their line against expected further Ukrainian counterattacks. Ukrainian forces are likely still close enough to the highway to disrupt its use as the main supply route, potentially undermining the Russians' ability to defend against Ukrainian counterattacks from the north.

Russian forces are reportedly gradually advancing north of Sloviansk, but likely have not yet been able to take control of the road to Sloviansk.

Russian forces are attempting to advance on Lysychansk from the south and west to avoid having to cross the Siverskyi Donets River from Severodonetsk, but have had limited success so far.

North of Avdiivka, Russian troops have made further progress.

The complete Russian Offensive Update 101 is available directly from UNDERSTANDING WAR.

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