UKRAINE: THE SITUATION 31 - 21 MARCH 2022

The Russian forces did not conduct any offensive operations northwest of Kyiv and continued to strengthen their defensive positions. They also did not carry out any offensive operations in the northeast of Ukraine and were unable to solve logistical problems. In the past 24 hours, Russian and proxy forces conducted several unsuccessful attacks in the Donetsk and Luhansk areas.

The Russian forces continued to make slow but steady progress in Mariupol, shelling civilian infrastructure in the process.

Russia continues to employ inferior reserves, including combat support elements and units with low readiness from the Eastern Military District, to replace losses in front-line units.

The Ukrainian General Staff warns that Russia is seeking a provocation to involve Belarus in the war, but a Belarusian offensive in western Ukraine is unlikely.

The complete Russian Offensive Update 31 is available directly from UNDERSTANDING WAR.

UNDERSTANDING WAR online