UKRAINE: THE SITUATION 541 - AUGUST 16, 2023

The Ukrainian armed forces continued their counterattacks on at least three front lines on August 16, advancing in the west of Zaporizhia region and on the border between Donetsk and Zaporizhia regions, liberating the village of Urozhaine among others.

The Ukrainian General Staff reports that the Ukrainian armed forces are continuing their offensive operations towards Bakhmut, Berdyansk (border area of Zaporizhia-Donetsk region), and Melitopol (western Zaporizhia region). Geographical observations released on August 16 indicate that the Ukrainian armed forces have advanced northeast of Robotyne (10 km south of Orikhiv) in the western Zaporizhia region, likely making further progress in the surrounding areas due to Ukrainian activities in the forested areas northeast of the settlement that have been ongoing for weeks.

Ukrainian officials report that Ukrainian armed forces liberated Urozhaine (9 km south of Velyka Novosilka) in the border area between Zaporizhia and Donetsk regions, and the Ukrainian 35th Marine Infantry Brigade released footage showing the Ukrainian flag being raised in the center of the settlement. Ukrainian reports of the liberation of Urozhaine are consistent with previous statements by Ukrainian officials regarding the liberation of other settlements in this area and with recent reports of Russian forces withdrawing from this area. Russian reports of Ukrainian attacks further south and east of the settlement suggest that Ukrainian armed forces likely control the majority of the settlement.

The full Russian Offensive Update 541 is available directly from UNDERSTANDING WAR.

UNDERSTANDING WAR