Russia’s war on Ukraine. Daily Snapshot. 15.06.2023
- 16.06.2023
- Опубліковано: CDS
- Категорія: DailyBrief
Snapshot of the day:
General, humanitarian:
- A “trial” was held in Russia for the captured “Azov” members, including eight women.
- 37 settlements in Kherson Oblast remain flooded, including 20 located in the territory controlled by Ukraine.
- According to Greenpeace, Russia’s destruction of the Kakhovka Dam may result in the release of chemicals, oil, and gasoline into residential, agricultural, industrial, and commercial areas.
- During the night, the Russian forces launched four cruise missiles Kh-101/Kh-555. One of them was shot down, while the rest hit industrial facilities in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. The Air Force successfully downed all 20 “Shahed” drones, along with a reconnaissance drone, launched by the Russians during the night.
Military:
- The Defense Forces have continued their advance on three fronts in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
- The number of combat clashes has almost doubled.
- The enemy’s “South” grouping command failed to halt the breakthrough of their defense in sectors held by the 394th and 71st motorized rifle regiments. The “South” grouping command has intensified its efforts along the defensive line from Novozlatopillia to Shevchenkove.
- The Russian military command perceives the offensive of the Defense Forces in the Pryiutne and Volodyne areas as a threat to the stability of their defense near Staromlynivka.
- The level of combat activity in the Bakhmut area has slightly decreased due to the rotation of enemy forces.
- Possible operation situation developments:
- By advancing from Staromlynivka towards Kamyanka, the Defense Forces will reach the enemy’s main defensive line and target all enemy objects on the coast of the Azov Sea.
- The Defense Forces’ actions and strikes in unexpected directions will force the enemy command to deploy additional reserves PRIOR to the deployment of the Defense Forces’ main striking formations.
International:
- The Ramstein meeting resulted in commitments to provide Ukraine with hundreds of short and medium-range air defense missiles and associated systems, tanks, munitions, long-term assistance pledges, and progress on Ukrainian pilot training.
- The European Parliament approved a resolution calling on NATO to accept Ukraine into the Alliance after the war is over, condemning in the strongest possible terms the destruction by Russia of the Kakhovka dam and calling for a comprehensive and adequate E.U. recovery package for Ukraine.
- The Australian government will terminate a new Russian Embassy lease for security reasons, resulting in Moscow’s accusation of Aussies of being “Russophobic.”
- The Czech President called on Western governments to monitor Russians abroad, for during the war, the “security measures related to Russian nationals should be stricter than in normal times.”
POWs
The so-called trial of 22 “Azov members,” who were captured during the occupation of Mariupol, has begun in Rostov. They are accused of “being involved in a terrorist organization and participating in actions aimed at overthrowing Russian authority in the Donetsk region.” They face sentences ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment. These “accusations” were brought against 24 “Azov members,” but earlier two of them were exchanged for Russian prisoners of war, according to the AP publication. Among the “defendants” are eight women who worked as cooks in the Azov Battalion.
The Commissioner for Human Rights of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Dmytro Lubinets, stated that “for Russia, this is just another show trial for their own satisfaction, but for Ukraine and the world, it is confirmation that Russia continues to turn Ukrainian heroes into criminals.””These individuals have behind them the defense of Ukrainian Mariupol, saved civilian lives, defended Azovstal, endured nights and days under Russian shelling of all types of weapons, and experienced enemy captivity.”
Humanitarian, healthcare:
During the 15 months since the start of the full-scale invasion, the Russian AF have damaged or destroyed 1,554 medical facilities in Ukraine. According to the Ministry of Health press service, Russian projectiles have damaged 1,370 medical facilities, while another 184 facilities have been completely destroyed. The medical infrastructure of Kharkiv, Kherson, Donetsk, Mykolaiv, and Kyiv Oblasts has suffered the greatest losses. As of June 2023, 301 medical facilities have been already fully restored, and another 332 facilities have been partially restored.
Consequences of the Kakhovka dam destruction
As a result of the Russian forces’ destruction of the Kakhovka HPP, 37 settlements remain flooded, including 20 located in the territory controlled by Ukraine, reported Minister of Internal Affairs Igor Klymenko. 68 motor pumps are operating in Kherson Oblast. Nearly 60,000 tons of water have been pumped out of 245 buildings and basements in Kherson. Additionally, demining teams are working in the flooded areas.
More than 3,700 reports of property damage have been received from residents of Kherson Oblast, with over 760 claims submitted by residents of the left-bank part of the Oblast. The epidemiological situation is under control.
A total of 2,782 people have been evacuated, including 309 children. According to Ukrinform, the State Emergency Service reported. Psychological assistance has been provided to 391 people. Today, rescuers delivered 13 metric tons of water and over 3,000 kilograms of food and essential supplies to the affected citizens.
Ihor Klymenko reported that an oil leak from the destroyed Kakhovka HPP machine room is currently moving towards the Black Sea.
According to Greenpeace, Russia’s destruction of the Kakhovka Dam may result in the release of chemicals, oil, and gasoline into residential, agricultural, industrial, and commercial areas. According to Greenpeace’s satellite data research, 32 facilities were flooded, including oil refineries, gas stations, thermal power plants, and various warehouses. The report stated that in the initial days of the disaster, at least 150 tons of motor oil leaked into the water, based on preliminary information. Even a small amount of chemicals can contaminate the soil and water bodies, making access to clean water difficult for many people. The flooding of industrial areas can lead to significant pollution as the chemicals are carried downstream, contaminating the Black Sea and coastal areas. Greenpeace emphasizes that the consequences for aquatic organisms in the Kakhovka Reservoir and the Dnipro River will be enormous. It will harm the habitats of fish, birds, amphibians, and other animals, as well as pollute their living environments.
Russian attacks
During the night, the Russian forces launched four cruise missiles Kh-101/Kh-555. One of them was intercepted, while the rest hit industrial facilities in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, according to the Air Force. The Air Force successfully downed all 20 “Shahed” drones, along with a reconnaissance drone, launched by the Russians during the night.
- According to the head of the Dnipropetrovsk Regional Military Administration, Serhiy Lysak, the Russian occupiers targeted two industrial enterprises in Kryvyi Rih. There is significant damage to production facilities. Gas pipelines were damaged. A tire repair shop and a bus were destroyed, and one person was injured. In addition, five “Shahed” drones were shot down over the region.
- Two more “Shahed” drones were destroyed over the Kharkiv district, as reported by the head of the Kharkiv Regional Military Administration, Oleh Synehubov. There were no impacts in Kharkiv city or the Kharkiv Oblast during the night.
- During the night, the Russian forces attacked the Odesa Oblast using Iranian Shahed-136/131 combat drones. The air defense systems destroyed 13 UAVs.
Overall, on June 14, the Russian forces launched attacks on 10 regions of Ukraine.
- In Chernihiv Oblast, one person was killed; two houses were damaged.
- In Sumy Oblast, one person was injured; multi-story and private residential buildings, vehicles, and a shop were damaged.
- During the past day, the Russian military launched 80 strikes on 17 towns and villages in Zaporizhzhia Oblast. The destruction of 23 civilian buildings has been recorded. A 58-year-old woman was killed during the shelling in Preobrazhenka.
- During the past day, the enemy conducted 98 shelling of Luhansk Oblast, firing 467 projectiles.
- In Donetsk Oblast, the Russian attacks resulted in damage to 89 residential buildings, power transmission lines, a gas pipeline, 5 vehicles, the “Enerhomashspetsstal” plant, and a church. There are casualties and injuries.
- Ochakiv in Mykolaiv Oblast was subjected to artillery shelling. Residential buildings and utility structures were damaged.
- The aggressors conducted 40 shelling attacks on Kherson Oblast over the past day, firing 192 projectiles, including three artillery shelling attacks (11 projectiles) targeting the city of Kherson. The Russian forces targeted areas in 25 towns and villages. Two people died due to Russian shelling in the Kherson Oblast on June 15th.
Operational situation (previous day)
General conclusion:
- The Defense Forces have continued their advance on three fronts in Zaporizhzhia Oblast.
- The number of combat clashes has almost doubled.
- The enemy’s “South” grouping command was unable to contain the breakthrough of their defense in the sectors held by the 394th motorized rifle regiment (the 127th Motorized Rifle Division) and the 71st motorized rifle regiment (the 42nd Motorized Rifle Division) of the 58th Army.
- The “South” grouping command has intensified its efforts along the defensive line from Novozlatopillia to Shevchenkove, aiming to reinforce the defense, retake positions lost since June 4th, and counter the offensive of the Defense Forces.
- Operational-tactical reserves (127th Motorized Rifle Division, 37th and 60th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigades, 5th Separate Tank Brigade) have been transferred from the “East” grouping to the Berdyansk direction.
- The advance of the Defense Forces in the areas of Pryiutne and Volodyne is seen by the Russian military command as a threat to the stability of their defense near Staromlynivka.
- The intensity of combat operations in the Bakhmut area has somewhat decreased due to the rotation of enemy forces (regular forces are replacing PMCs).
Change in the line of contact (LoC):
- There were 49 combat clashes on various fronts.
- On the Lyman direction, the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensive actions in Vesele and Rozdolivka areas and unsuccessfully attempted to advance near Bilohorivka.
- On the Bakhmut direction, the enemy conducted unsuccessful offensive actions near Yahidne, Berkhivka, Orikhovo-Vasylivka, and Ivanivske.
- The Defense Forces advanced on the flanks of Bakhmut up to a distance of 500 meters. They counterattacked in the areas of Andriivka and Klishchiivka, as well as in the Yahidne and Rozdolivka areas.
- On the Avdiivka direction, units of the enemy’s 136th separate motorized rifle brigade of the 1st Army Corps made unsuccessful attempts to advance towards Avdiivka.
- On the Maryinka direction, Ukrainian forces repelled all enemy attacks near Maryinka, but units of the enemy’s 150th motorized rifle division of the 8th Army are gradually advancing towards western Maryinka.
- On the Zaporizhzhya direction, the Defense Forces have successfully driven the enemy out of Makarivka; battles are ongoing in its outskirts. The Defense Forces’ units have made unsuccessful attempts to attack the southwestern outskirts of Orikhove and are currently conducting search and strike operations in that area. Combat engagements are occurring near Novodanylivka and Novopokrovka. The 53rd separate mechanized brigade has launched attacks on enemy artillery and ammunition depots in the area of Staromlynivka – Yevhenivka – Novopetrykivka.
- Russian forces have deployed reserves south of Velyka Novosilka and made unsuccessful counterattacks to the south and southwest of Makarivka.
- On the flanks of their grouping in the Berdyansk direction, the enemy is deploying units of the 336th separate marine brigade of the Baltic Fleet in the Volodyne area and the 40th separate marine brigade of the Pacific Fleet in the Novomayorske area.
- The command of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Navy has doubled the number of combat dolphins from 3-4 to approximately 6-7 for the defense of the military naval base in Sevastopol. The frequency of patrols by these marine mammals has been increased.
Change in enemy disposition:
- Units of the 98th Airborne Division of the Russian Airborne Forces continue to operate near Kreminna.
Escalation indicators:
- The enemy has deployed 27 helicopters, including 5 Ka-52, 9 Mi-8 or Mi-24, and 13 Ka-29, to the Berdyansk airfield.
Possible operation situation developments:
- The Defense Forces will continue the offensive in the directions of Polohy – Berdyansk, Velyka Novosilka – Berdyansk, Orikhiv – Melitopol, and with a part of the forces – towards Tokmak.
- By advancing from Staromlynivka towards Kamyanka, the Defense Forces will reach the enemy’s main defensive line and will be able to target all enemy objects on the Azov Sea coast with their long-range weapons.
- The active actions of the Defense Forces and their strikes in unexpected directions will compel the enemy’s command to deploy additional reserves even PRIOR to the deployment of the Defense Forces’ main striking formations.
Azov-Black Sea Maritime Operational Area:
- As of June 15th, there were 6 enemy ships in the sea. They were patrolling the areas near the Crimean Bridge and the coast of the Taman Peninsula. Among them are two missile carriers, a frigate and a corvette, carrying 16 “Kalibr” missiles.
- The enemy’s aviation continues flights over the sea from the Crimean airfields of Belbek, Saki, Dzhankoy, and Hvardiyske. Eight fighter aircraft from the airfields of Saki and Belbek were involved in controlling the surface and air situation in the northwestern part of the Black Sea: four Su-27/30 (Belbek), two Su-24MR, and two MiG-29 UK (Saki).
- Control of the air situation and management of operational-tactical aviation over the Azov Sea were carried out by A-50U Airborne Early Warning and Control aircraft, Il-22 relay aircraft, and Il-22PP jamming aircraft.
Russian operational losses from 24.02.22 to 15.06.23
Personnel – almost 217,910 people (+580);
Tanks – 3,955 (+12);
Armored combat vehicles – 7,667 (+14);
Artillery systems – 3,793 (+10);
Multiple rocket launchers (MLRS) – 604 (+1);
Anti-aircraft warfare systems – 364 (0);
Vehicles and fuel tanks – 6,506 (+24);
Aircraft – 314 (0);
Helicopters – 301 (+1);
UAV operational and tactical level – 3,333 (+9);
Intercepted cruise missiles – 1,199 (+3);
Boats/ships – 18 (0).
International diplomatic aspect
“Make no mistake, we will stand with Ukraine for the long haul,” U.S. Defense Secretary reiterated at the 13 meeting of Ukraine Defense Consulting Group, also known as Ramstein. Denmark, the Netherlands, the U.K., and the U.S. are partnering to deliver “hundreds of short and medium range air defense missiles and associated systems required to protect Ukraine’s critical national infrastructure and further ensure the success of counter-offensive operations in coming months.”
Denmark announced a $2.6 billion assistance package throughout 2024. Norway and Germany have also announced their multiyear assistance packages. Denmark and Norway will supply Ukraine with additional 10,500 artillery shells. Germany and Poland informed the Group about their Leopard MBTs sustaining efforts, which Canada joined to support. Denmark and the Netherlands are leading a fighter jet coalition’s training initiative.
“We heard good news from our Swedish partners that we will have the opportunity to test, just test their capabilities,” Ukraine’s Defense Minister likely meant Gripen, a multirole fighter aircraft produced by Saab. Denmark and the Netherlands have signed contracts to purchase fourteen Leopard 2 MBTS from the Rheinmetall that might be delivered to Ukraine at the beginning of the next year. Oleksii Reznikov expressed his appreciation to the Estonian and Luxembourgian colleagues for supporting an idea of an I.T. coalition.
The European Parliament approved (425 ayes and 38 nays) a resolution calling on NATO to accept Ukraine into the Alliance after the war is over. The E.P. “underlined that the peace brought by Ukraine’s victory must be secured by integrating Ukraine into the E.U. and NATO,” whereas “stable and independent Ukraine is vital for the stability of the Euro-Atlantic area and crucial for fostering European and global peace and stability, and upholding the principles of democracy and international law.” The E.P. also “condemned in the strongest possible terms the destruction by Russia of the Kakhovka dam on 6 June 2023, which brought about extensive flooding, caused an environmental disaster and ecocide in Ukraine and constitutes a war crime.” The European Parliament called for a comprehensive and adequate E.U. recovery package for Ukraine, which should focus on the country’s immediate, medium- and long-term relief, reconstruction, and recovery.
The Australian PM announced the decision to terminate a lease of a new Russian Embassy, “The government has received very clear security advice as to the risk presented by a new Russian presence so close to Parliament House.”
In response, Putin’s spokesperson once again used passive-aggressive rhetoric, “Regrettably, Australia is diligently continuing to move in the wake of the authors of the Russophobic hysteria happening now in the countries of the collective West. Australia is trying to be an excellent student among these nations.”
Moscow has been using diplomatic premises for espionage as well as diplomatic cover for its spies ever since the Cold War.
“All Russians living in Western countries should be monitored much more than in the past because they are citizens of a nation that leads an aggressive war… That’s simply the cost of war,” the Czech President said. Petr Pavel rightly believes that “when there is an ongoing war, the security measures related to Russian nationals should be stricter than in normal times.”
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