UKRAINE: THE SITUATION 547 - AUGUST 22, 2023

The Ukrainian Armed Forces continued to advance in and around Robotyne in the western part of Zaporizhzhia Oblast on August 22, despite signs that Russian forces likely have a limited presence in the settlement.

Geolocated footage released on August 21 and 22 shows Ukrainian forces advancing in the southeast of Robotyne and to the east of the settlement near Novopokrovka (13 km southeast of Orikhiv). On August 22, the Ukrainian 47th Mechanized Brigade released a video showing their personnel successfully evacuating civilians from Robotyne accompanied by Ukrainian journalists. The 47th Mechanized Brigade stated that their personnel broke through Russian defense lines with multiple squads near Robotyne and entered the settlement.

The evacuations and the presence of Ukrainian journalists suggest that the areas of Robotyne are relatively safe, as Russian positions in the settlement itself and in the surrounding area are weakened. The claim by Russian maximalists that Ukrainian forces only hold positions on the northern edge of the settlement is questionable in light of the footage and reports from the 47th Brigade. Most Russian milbloggers continue to acknowledge that Ukrainian forces hold positions in large parts of northern Robotyne and that Russian forces likely mainly control positions on the southern edge of the settlement at present.

The full Russian Offensive Update 547 is available directly from UNDERSTANDING WAR.

UNDERSTANDING WAR