??Operational information of the past 24h as of September 21, 2024 regarding the Russian invasion.

Ukraine Holds the Line: A Comprehensive Report on the Past 24 Hours of Military Engagement (September 21, 2024)

The past 24 hours have seen continued fierce fighting on multiple fronts in Ukraine, as the Ukrainian Armed Forces heroically defended against a wave of Russian assaults. Despite relentless pressure from airstrikes, artillery barrages, and ground assaults, Ukrainian defenders have successfully repelled numerous attacks across the front line, inflicting heavy losses on Russian forces. This report covers the key developments of the last day, providing a detailed overview of the ongoing military operations and the strategic significance of the latest clashes in the ongoing war.

Overview of the Last 24 Hours

As of 08:00 on September 21, 2024, the operational reports from the Ukrainian Armed Forces confirm 217 combat encounters in the last 24 hours alone. Russian forces have intensified their assault on Ukrainian positions, employing a combination of missile strikes, air raids, kamikaze drones, and artillery bombardments to weaken Ukrainian defenses before launching ground assaults.

Russia’s failure to secure significant territorial gains over the past few months has led to an escalation in the intensity of its offensive operations. Ukrainian military positions and civilian settlements have come under heavy attack, with Russian forces launching a staggering 5,300 artillery strikes, including 215 salvos from multiple rocket launch systems (MLRS). Additionally, Russian aircraft dropped 108 guided aerial bombs (КАБ) during 73 airstrikes, further underscoring Moscow’s desperation to make headway before winter sets in.

Despite the overwhelming firepower directed at them, Ukrainian forces have stood firm, holding their ground and delivering punishing counterattacks against Russian troop concentrations and critical military infrastructure. The resilience and tactical discipline displayed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces over the last day reflect not only their determination to defend their homeland but also the growing disarray within the Russian military.

Key Developments by Frontline

Kharkiv and Kupiansk Directions

In the Kharkiv direction, Russian forces launched three separate assaults near the towns of Vovchansk and Tykhe. These attacks were part of a broader Russian effort to break through Ukrainian defensive lines in this strategically vital region. The proximity of these towns to the Russian border makes them key targets for Moscow as it seeks to secure control over the northeastern corridor. However, Ukrainian defenders repelled all three attacks, inflicting heavy casualties on the Russian forces involved.

Further south, in the Kupiansk direction, Russian forces launched 19 separate attacks over the past day. Ukrainian units engaged in fierce combat near the villages of Stepova Novoselivka, Synkivka, Stelmakhivka, Kruhliakivka, and Loznaya. Despite the intensity of these assaults, Ukrainian troops successfully repelled all 19 attacks. The defense of Kupiansk remains critical for the overall stability of the eastern front, as control of this region would grant Russian forces a significant strategic advantage in their push toward the Dnipro River.

Lyman and Siversk Directions

The Lyman front has become one of the most hotly contested areas of the battlefield, with Russian forces launching 28 separate assaults over the past 24 hours. These attacks were concentrated around Makiyivka, Cherneshchyna, Nevske, and Torske, with additional assaults aimed at Druzhelyubivka and Novosadove. Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled 27 of these attacks, with one battle still ongoing at the time of the report.

The situation in the Siversk direction mirrored the intensity seen in Lyman, with Ukrainian troops engaged in eight separate clashes with Russian forces. The most significant fighting took place near Verkhnokamianske, Ivano-Dariivka, and Vyimka, where Russian forces launched concentrated ground assaults. However, Ukrainian defenders managed to repel these attacks, preserving their defensive lines and preventing any Russian breakthroughs.

Kramatorsk and Toretsk Directions

In the Kramatorsk direction, Russian occupiers launched a total of six assaults, targeting Ukrainian positions near Chasiv Yar, Ivanivske, and Bila Hora. These attacks were supported by Russian airpower, with jets conducting bombing runs to weaken Ukrainian defenses before ground units advanced. Ukrainian defenders skillfully countered these attacks, preventing the Russians from making any gains.

Meanwhile, in the Toretsk direction, the intensity of Russian operations increased significantly, with nine separate assaults launched against Ukrainian positions near Toretsk, Dachne, and Shcherbynivka. Russian forces relied heavily on bombing raids to support their ground troops, but Ukrainian soldiers stood firm, repelling each attack and maintaining control over key defensive positions. As of the last update, one battle was still ongoing near the outskirts of Shcherbynivka.

Pokrovske and Kurakhove Directions

The fighting in the Pokrovske direction remains some of the fiercest on the entire front. Ukrainian forces were engaged in 36 separate clashes with Russian troops, who concentrated their attacks on several key villages, including Zelene Pole, Mar'inka, Krasnyi Yar, Vozdvyzhenka, Novotoretsk, Myroliubivka, Hrodivka, Chervone, Selidove, and Novohrodovka. Despite the sheer number of attacks, Ukrainian defenders held their ground, repelling 30 of the 36 assaults. The heaviest fighting took place around Novohrodivka, where nine separate clashes occurred in a single day, reflecting the strategic importance of this region for both sides.

In the Kurakhove direction, Russian forces launched 52 assaults across a wide front, attempting to breach Ukrainian defenses in the areas surrounding Tsukurine, Zhelanne Pershe, Heorhiivka, Hirske, Dalian, Oleksandrivka, Katerynivka, and Kostyantynivka. Ukrainian forces successfully repelled 44 of these attacks, with eight battles still ongoing at the time of the report. The fighting was particularly intense near Heorhiivka, where Russian troops launched 21 separate assaults in a single day. Despite the relentless pressure, Ukrainian defenders continue to hold the line.

Vremivka, Hulyaipole, and Orikhiv Directions

The Vremivka direction saw heavy fighting over the last 24 hours, with Russian forces launching 12 separate assaults on Ukrainian positions near Vuhledar, Prechystivka, and Bohoyavlenka. These attacks were supported by Russian airstrikes, which aimed to soften Ukrainian positions before ground troops advanced. Despite this, Ukrainian forces successfully repelled 10 of the 12 assaults, with two battles still ongoing near Prechystivka and Bohoyavlenka.

In the Hulyaipole sector, the situation remained largely unchanged over the past day, with both sides maintaining their respective positions. However, Ukrainian defenders continued to repel minor Russian probes aimed at testing the strength of their defenses.

The Orikhiv direction also saw significant action, with six separate Russian assaults on Ukrainian positions near Mala Tokmachka, Lobkove, and Novodanilivka. Ukrainian defenders repelled all six attacks, maintaining control of these strategically important areas.

Dnipro and Zaporizhzhia Frontlines

On the Dnipro front, Russian forces launched three assaults in the island zone of the Dnipro delta. Ukrainian defenders successfully repelled each of these attacks, preventing the Russians from securing a foothold in this vital region. The defense of the Dnipro delta remains critical for Ukraine, as control of this area provides a strategic buffer for the central region of the country.

In the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukrainian forces continued to hold firm, successfully repelling multiple Russian attempts to breach their defensive lines. No significant ground was lost to the enemy in this sector, further underscoring the resilience of Ukrainian defenders.

Strategic Impact and Russian Setbacks

The ongoing battle for control of the key frontlines in Ukraine has taken a heavy toll on Russian forces. Despite their numerical advantage and continued use of heavy artillery and airpower, the Russian military has struggled to make significant territorial gains. Ukrainian forces have not only held their defensive positions but have also inflicted heavy losses on the invading forces.

A key factor contributing to Russia’s lack of progress is the growing disorganization within its military ranks. Reports from Russian-held regions indicate significant setbacks, including incidents of Russian aircraft accidentally bombing their own territory. In the Kursk region, Russian jets dropped 25 guided aerial bombs (КАБ) on civilian areas, underscoring the disarray and desperation within the Russian military as it grapples with mounting casualties and logistical challenges.

This internal dysfunction, coupled with Ukraine’s continued success in defending its territory, has shifted the momentum of the conflict in Ukraine’s favor. Ukrainian forces have proven to be highly adaptable, effectively integrating Western-supplied weaponry and utilizing homegrown innovations to counter Russian advances. Ukrainian artillery, in particular, has been devastatingly effective, delivering precision strikes on Russian command posts and troop concentrations.

The Role of Ukrainian Air and Artillery Forces

One of the most significant developments in the past 24 hours has been the effectiveness of Ukraine’s air and artillery forces in striking Russian positions. Ukrainian aviation and missile forces launched 26 strikes on Russian troop concentrations and equipment, targeting two command posts, three artillery systems, and two air defense units. These precision strikes have significantly degraded Russian logistics and command-and-control capabilities, making it more difficult for Moscow to coordinate its offensive operations.

Ukraine’s air defenses have also continued to perform admirably in the face of sustained Russian air and drone attacks. Over the past day, Ukrainian air defense systems successfully intercepted a significant number of Russian guided bombs and kamikaze drones aimed at critical infrastructure and military positions. By neutralizing these aerial threats, Ukrainian forces have managed to preserve key assets and fortifications, allowing them to maintain their defensive posture.

Conclusion: Ukraine’s Unwavering Resolve

As the conflict in Ukraine enters another crucial phase, the past 24 hours have once again demonstrated the remarkable resilience of Ukrainian defenders. Despite facing a well-equipped and numerically superior foe, Ukrainian soldiers have held the line across all major battlefronts, preventing Russian forces from achieving their strategic objectives.

The effectiveness of Ukraine’s air and artillery forces, combined with the tactical discipline of its ground troops, has created a formidable defense that has frustrated Russian attempts to break through. Meanwhile, the disarray and logistical challenges within the Russian military continue to undermine its offensive operations, leading to significant setbacks on multiple fronts.

As winter approaches, the coming weeks will be critical for both sides. Russian forces will likely intensify their efforts to secure key strategic locations before the onset of harsh weather conditions, while Ukrainian defenders will continue to focus on holding their ground and, where possible, launching counterattacks to push Russian forces back.

For Ukraine, the path forward remains clear: continued resistance, effective use of Western-supplied weapons, and a reliance on the courage and determination of its soldiers will be key to achieving victory. As the nation stands united in its fight for sovereignty, the international community’s support remains vital in ensuring Ukraine’s success.

Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!