A Month of War - 1st May to 31st May

Ukraine secured kharkiv and liberated Davydiv Brid. Russia captured Popasna and Lyman.

So, here was the situation on May 1st, with Russia occupying large parts of the east and the south. The red is occupied territory, the pink is Russian forward operations areas, so Russia doesn’t fully occupy it, but they are in the region in large numbers. We will have a closer look here, at the north and east. And now, to the South, as these two areas have seen a bit of a change this month.

Now we will look at the overall map of the 31st. As we can see, there have been some changes. Looking closer to the east and north. First of all, Ukraine has made some important gains around Kharkiv, pushing the Russian forces further back and further securing this major city. Many sources are reporting the Battle of Kharkiv as being over and as a victory for Ukraine. And their northern counteroffensive is slowly further securing the city.

To the East, Russia has made gains. Popasna was the major gain for Russia after over a month’s of fighting. This is a key strategic town, and has allowed Russia to establish more dominance over the region. Russia also captured Lyman, with Ukrainian forces pulling back over the Siverskyi Donets river.

To the South, Ukraine has made some gains. Capturing a few small villages in a counteroffensive, including the strategic town of Davydiv Brid. The Russian offensives from May 1st have been halted and Ukraine is pushing back. Notably, Snihurivka is a focus for Ukrainian offenses, a kay town which will bring them closer to Kherson.