As of March 22, Ukrainian military reports indicate a significant escalation in combat, with 54 engagements occurring since the start of the day. This uptick in hostilities reflects ongoing tensions between Ukrainian forces and Russian troops across various fronts.
According to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the northeastern regions, particularly the North-Slobozhansk and Kursk directions, experienced 66 instances of shelling targeting civilian areas and defensive positions. This included five strikes from multiple launch rocket systems, alongside one assault operation.
In the South-Slobozhansk direction, Russian forces launched four attacks aimed at the settlements of Starytsia, Vovchansky Khutory, Zybyn, and Okhrimivka, with one assault still in progress. The Kupiansk direction saw two attempts by Russian troops to improve their positions near Borivska Andriivka and Novoplatonivka.
Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled three Russian advances in the Lyman direction, specifically near Shiykivka, Serednie, and Dibrova. The General Staff noted that in the Pokrovsk direction, Russian forces made 21 attempts to displace defenders from their positions in areas including Bilitske, Rodynske, Myrnohrad, Hryshyne, Pokrovsk, Shevchenko, Kotlyne, Udachny, and Novomykolaivka, with one attack ongoing.
In the Hulyaipole direction, nine assaults were reported against Ukrainian positions in the regions of Solodke, Hulyaipole, and Myrne, with one of these actions still underway. Additionally, aerial strikes were conducted by Russian forces in the areas of Vozdvizhivka, Novoselivka, Kopani, Hulyaipole, Dolynka, Vysokyi Ters, and Tersyanka. In the Orikhiv direction, Russian troops executed airstrikes targeting the vicinity of Komyshuvakha, as well as areas of Bilhenke and Krynychne, reportedly using missiles.
Earlier this week, Ruslan Habinet, commander of the 5th Separate Heavy Mechanized Brigade, which operates in the Pokrovsk direction, stated in an interview that Ukrainian forces continue to maintain control over certain sections of Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad in Donetsk. He emphasized that the presence of Ukrainian troops in parts of Pokrovsk and surrounding areas hinders Russian advances, particularly towards the highway leading to Pavlohrad in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. This positioning is seen as critical for future operations by Ukrainian forces.
On March 19, General Oleksandr Syrskyi, the Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, highlighted plans by Russia to recruit an additional 409,000 military personnel by 2026. He noted that with improving weather conditions, an increase in Russian military activity has been observed on the frontlines.
On March 16, Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov claimed successes for Russian forces in the Kostiantynivka and Lyman directions, asserting that they control significant portions of Kostiantynivka and Lyman. However, Ukrainian military sources disputed this, stating that there are no Russian troops present in the city of Lyman in Donetsk Oblast.
The U.S. Institute for the Study of War commented on Gerasimov’s statements, suggesting that he continues to exaggerate Russian battlefield achievements to create a misleading impression of imminent collapse along the front lines throughout Ukraine.
Recent reports from the Ukrainian military detail a surge in combat activity, with multiple fronts experiencing intensified engagements. The ongoing conflict highlights the strategic maneuvers of both Ukrainian and Russian forces amidst claims of territorial control and military recruitment efforts.