??Operational information of the past 24h as of 20 October, 2024 regarding the Russian invasion.

Ukraine’s Defiance Amidst Unrelenting Russian Assaults: A 48-Hour Battlefield Report

In the past 48 hours, the war in Ukraine has escalated dramatically, with Russian forces mounting some of their most intense offensives yet across multiple fronts. Despite the overwhelming barrage of missiles, airstrikes, and artillery fire, the Ukrainian Armed Forces continue to defy the odds, defending their positions with a fierce resolve. This period, marked by over 200 separate combat engagements, has once again demonstrated the resilience and determination of Ukraine’s military as they face an adversary intent on breaching their lines at any cost.

A Brutal Campaign Intensifies: 20th October 2024

The situation on October 20th reached a boiling point as Russian forces unleashed a relentless wave of assaults on Ukrainian positions. Over 164 distinct engagements were reported across multiple sectors, and Russian troops ramped up their offensive by launching four missile strikes and 81 air raids, dropping a staggering 155 precision-guided bombs (КАБs). Additionally, they fired over 3500 artillery shells and conducted 91 rocket attacks using multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). This display of raw firepower was aimed at breaking Ukrainian defenses and pushing forward into key strategic locations.

Despite the intensity of this onslaught, Ukrainian forces held their ground. The Kharkiv front witnessed fierce fighting with eight significant clashes reported near the towns of Vovchansk and Starytsia. The Russian forces were met with stiff resistance, and despite their best efforts, they were unable to make any meaningful progress.

On the Kupyansk front, the number of assaults increased to 16, with Ukrainian defenders repelling multiple Russian attempts to break through near Kucherivka, Kolisnykivka, Kruglyakivka, and Lozova. Russian forces sought to gain control over this strategic corridor, but the resilience of Ukraine’s troops denied them any breakthrough.

Further south, on the Lyman front, Russian troops launched 11 concerted attacks, aiming to encircle Ukrainian positions near Novomykhailivka, Hrekivka, Terny, and Serebryanka. Each offensive was met with strong countermeasures by Ukrainian forces, who not only managed to hold their ground but also inflicted significant casualties on the advancing Russian troops.

The Kramatorsk front saw heavy combat with three key engagements near Andriyivka, Predtechyne, and Stupochky. Russian forces employed airstrikes to weaken Ukrainian positions, but these efforts were in vain as Ukrainian soldiers repelled each assault.

In the Toretsk sector, four major attacks were launched by Russian forces in their attempts to capture Torestsk, Shcherbynivka, and advance towards Oleksandro-Shultyne. However, despite the use of overwhelming firepower and aviation support, Ukrainian troops continued to hold the line, denying Russian forces any meaningful territorial gains.

The Pokrovske front became one of the fiercest battlegrounds in recent days, as Russian forces carried out 27 aggressive offensives. Supported by aviation strikes, they sought to push Ukrainian units back from their defensive positions near Myrolyubivka, Promin, and Selydove. However, Ukrainian defenders proved their mettle, successfully repelling each attack. The heaviest concentration of Russian efforts was focused on Selydove, but even here, they were unable to break through Ukrainian defenses.

The Kuraikhivska Axis: A Stubborn Line Holds

Perhaps the most intense fighting occurred on the Kuraikhivska axis, where Russian forces launched 60 coordinated assaults, with Ukrainian positions near Zoryane, Novodmytrivka, and Hyrnyk becoming the focal points. Despite the sheer volume of attacks, the Ukrainian Armed Forces held firm, frustrating Russian attempts to capture key positions. Russian ground troops, supported by tanks and heavy artillery, tried to overwhelm Ukrainian defenders, but each assault was met with fierce resistance, preventing the enemy from achieving its objectives.

On the Vremivka front, Ukrainian forces successfully repelled six major assaults, inflicting heavy casualties on the Russian troops trying to break through near Novoukrainka and Bohoyavlenka. The Orikhiv sector saw two additional assaults as Russian forces attempted to breach Ukrainian defenses near Mala Tokmachka. Despite sustained pressure, Ukrainian defenders not only held their positions but managed to prevent the Russians from gaining any ground.

In the Dniprovskyi sector, intense fighting continued as Ukrainian forces engaged in six combat engagements in the delta of the Dnipro River. Russian forces, seeking to establish control over strategic river crossings and access points, were met with stiff resistance, and all six of their attacks were repelled with heavy losses.

19th October 2024: The Onslaught Continues

The day before, October 19th, saw an equally ferocious battlefront, with over 138 combat engagements recorded across all axes. Russian forces launched two missile strikes and 57 air raids, dropping a total of 97 КАБs. More concerning was their deployment of over 600 kamikaze drones and more than 3000 artillery shells aimed at Ukrainian positions.

On the Kharkiv front, Russian troops continued their assaults, launching six attacks near Starytsia and Vovchansk. However, each attempt to break Ukrainian defenses was repelled, demonstrating the fortitude of Ukraine’s frontline units.

The Kupyansk front saw a similar intensity, with 16 Russian assaults repelled by Ukrainian forces near Kucherivka, Kolisnykivka, Kruglyakivka, and Lozova. In each engagement, Russian troops suffered heavy casualties as they tried to push through Ukrainian lines.

In the Lyman sector, ten Russian offensives targeted key positions near Novomykhailivka, Hrekivka, Terny, and Serebryanka. Ukrainian forces, bolstered by artillery support, repelled each attack, inflicting significant damage on the advancing Russian units.

Meanwhile, on the Kramatorsk front, three separate assaults by Russian forces were neutralized, with Ukrainian forces preventing any further Russian advances near Andriyivka, Predtechyne, and Stupochky.

The Toretsk sector saw continued fighting, with four Russian offensives repelled near Toretsk, Shcherbynivka, and the area surrounding Oleksandro-Shultyne. Despite the intensity of these attacks, Ukrainian forces maintained control of their defensive positions.

A Call to Action

As these relentless waves of Russian assaults continue to pour across Ukrainian defenses, the need for increased Western support becomes even more critical. The intensity of the fighting has shown that Ukraine’s defenders, while resolute, are stretched thin across multiple fronts. Despite holding their ground with commendable tenacity, Ukrainian forces face an enemy that continues to bring overwhelming firepower and numbers to bear.

The international community must not waver in its support for Ukraine. It is clear that the flow of weapons, ammunition, and financial aid has been pivotal in Ukraine’s ability to resist Russian aggression thus far. However, as the war grinds on, these supplies must not only continue but be significantly increased to ensure Ukraine's ability to defend its territory and protect its people.

The West must provide Ukraine with the advanced military capabilities it needs, including long-range precision weapons, modern air defense systems, and expanded intelligence support. Every day that passes without increased aid risks prolonging the conflict and increasing the number of lives lost. Now more than ever, Ukraine needs the international community to stand united in defense of the principles of freedom and sovereignty.

Defending Freedom on the Global Stage

Ukraine's fight is not just for its own survival, but for the preservation of democracy, human rights, and the international order. The brave Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines are fighting not only for their country but for a world where might does not make right, and where nations are free to determine their own futures.

It is incumbent upon Western nations to recognize the gravity of the situation and to step up their support. Every shipment of arms, every diplomatic initiative, and every show of solidarity strengthens Ukraine’s resolve and brings the world closer to an eventual peace.

In unity, we will prevail. Slava Ukraini!