In recent months, Ukrainian defense forces have significantly escalated their medium-range strikes and airspace denial operations in temporarily occupied territories, complicating Russian military logistics.
On May 21, Vladimir Saldo, head of the occupation administration in Kherson Oblast, issued a decree restricting the movement of cargo trucks along the M-14 highway, a critical land route connecting Russia and occupied Crimea.
Videos circulating online depict the aftermath of a series of recent Ukrainian strikes targeting Russian military trucks along the M-14 highway, as well as on the H-20 route between Mariupol and Donetsk, where Ukrainian forces have been actively intercepting transport in recent weeks.
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports an increase in Ukrainian strikes against Russian ground lines of communication (GLOC) in occupied Ukraine, leading to cascading effects on the battlefield and hindering the advance of Russian troops.
Analysts note that Saldo’s decision to limit traffic on the M-14 indicates that Ukrainian strikes have made transportation along this route significantly more perilous, likely impacting Russian logistics in the occupied territories.
On May 20, Ukrainian forces also targeted several command points of the adversary:
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in Soledar, Donetsk Oblast;
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in the areas of Lyubymivka, Kherson Oblast, and Ivanivske, Donetsk Oblast;
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drone command points in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kursk Oblasts of Russia.
Additionally, the defense forces struck:
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concentrations of personnel in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk Oblasts;
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a munitions depot near Marynivka, Zaporizhzhia Oblast;
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a repair unit in Sievierodonetsk, Luhansk Oblast.
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The General Staff emphasized that Ukrainian forces continue systematic actions to weaken the military capabilities of Russian occupiers.
During the night of May 22, Ukrainian forces conducted a series of strikes on enemy military infrastructure and facilities used for military purposes in occupied territories.
Ukrainian forces have intensified their military operations against Russian logistics, particularly along key transport routes. Recent strikes have targeted essential command points and troop concentrations, indicating a strategic shift in the conflict.