Russian advance slowed as Ukraine targets logistics, ISW says
Photo: Ukrainian Armed Forces intensify strikes on Russian logistics, slowing enemy advances (Getty Images)
Ukrainian Defense Forces have significantly increased medium-range strikes and operations to disrupt airspace over temporarily occupied territories in recent months, making Russian military logistics considerably more difficult, according to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
On May 21, Vladimir Saldo, head of the Russian occupation administration in Kherson region, signed an order restricting the movement of cargo vehicles on a section of the M-14 highway linking Mariupol, Berdiansk, Melitopol, and Henichesk. This is the main land route connecting Russia with occupied Crimea.
Videos circulating online show the aftermath of recent Ukrainian strikes on Russian military trucks along the M-14 highway, as well as on the H-20 Mariupol–Donetsk road, another key route where Ukrainian forces have been actively intercepting transport in recent weeks.
ISW notes an intensification of Ukrainian strikes against Russian ground lines of communication (GLOCs) in occupied Ukraine, creating cascading effects on the battlefield and slowing the advance of Russian forces.
Analysts say Saldo’s decision to restrict traffic on the M-14 highway indicates that Ukrainian strikes have made transport along this route significantly more dangerous and will likely affect Russian logistics in occupied territories.
Ukrainian strikes on key Russian targets
As a reminder, on May 20 Ukrainian forces also struck several enemy command posts:
- in Soledar, Donetsk region
- in the areas of Liubymivka in Kherson region and Ivanivske in Donetsk region
- UAV command posts in Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kursk regions of Russia
In addition, Ukrainian Defense Forces carried out strikes on:
- concentrations of manpower in Zaporizhzhia and Donetsk regions
- an ammunition depot near Marynivka in Zaporizhzhia region
- a repair unit in Siverskodonetsk, Luhansk region
The General Staff stressed that Ukrainian forces continue systematic actions to weaken the military potential of Russian occupiers.
On the night of May 22, Ukrainian forces also struck several enemy military infrastructure sites and facilities used for military purposes in the temporarily occupied territories of Ukraine.
