UKRAINE: THE SITUATION 573 - SEPTEMBER 17, 2023

The Ukrainian Armed Forces liberated Klischtschiwka south of Bakhmut on September 17 and continue their successful offensive operations towards Bakhmut.

Geolocated material released on September 17 shows Ukrainian forces raising flags in Klischtschiwka (7 km southwest of Bakhmut). Ukrainian Armed Forces Group East spokesperson Captain Ilja Yevlash later confirmed that Ukraine had liberated Klischtschiwka, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky congratulated the Ukrainian 80th Airborne Brigade, 5th Assault Brigade, 95th Air Assault Brigade, and the "Lyut" Assault Brigade of the National Police for their efforts. Additional geolocated footage released on September 16 shows Ukrainian forces occupying positions east of Orikhovo-Vasylivka (10 km northwest of Bakhmut).

The liberation of Klischtschiwka and continued tactical gains by Ukraine northwest of Bakhmut are strategically significant tactical gains, as they allow Ukrainian forces to tie up a significant portion of Russian Airborne Forces (VDV) in the Bakhmut area, as discussed by Daniel Mealie of ISW in the September 17, 2023 special edition.

The full Russian Offensive Update 573 is available directly from UNDERSTANDING WAR.

UNDERSTANDING WAR