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2022 Kherson counteroffensive#Preceding Russian offensive in the south

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+#REDIRECT [[2022 Kherson counteroffensive#Preceding Russian offensive in the south]]
-{{merge to|2022 Ukrainian southern counteroffensive|discuss=Talk:2022 Ukrainian southern counteroffensive#Semi-protected edit request on 1 September 2022|date=September 2022}}
-{{Short description|Battle in the 2022 invasion of Ukraine}}
+{{Redirect category shell|
-{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}
+{{R from merge}}
-{{Infobox military conflict
+{{R from subtopic}}
-| conflict          = Mykolaiv offensive (August 2022)
-| partof            = the [[southern Ukraine offensive]] of the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]]
-| image             = Petro Mohyla Black Sea State University after Russian shelling on 19 August 2022 (1).jpg
-| caption           = [[Petro Mohyla Black Sea State University]] shelled in August
-| date              = 20 August 2022 – present<br>({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=8|day1=20|year1=2022|month2=|day2=|year2=}})
-| place             = [[Mykolaiv Oblast]], [[Ukraine]]
-| territory         =
-| result            = Ongoing
-| combatant1        = {{flag|Russia}}
-| combatant2        = {{flag|Ukraine}}
-| commander1        = {{ubl|{{flagdeco|Russia}} Aleksandr Zhuravlov|{{flagdeco|Russia}} Andrey Ivanaev|{{flagdeco|Russia}} [[Aleksandr Dvornikov]]|{{flagdeco|Russia}} Sergey Dronov}}
-| commander2        = {{ubl|{{flagdeco|Ukraine}} Dmitry Marchenko<ref name="proud">{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/06/world/europe/ukraine-beats-russia-mykolaiv.html |title=Proud Band of Ukrainian Troops Holds Russian Assault at Bay – for Now |work=The New York Times |last=Schwirtz |first=Michael |date=6 March 2022 |access-date=9 March 2022 |archive-date=9 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309083045/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/06/world/europe/ukraine-beats-russia-mykolaiv.html |url-status=live }}</ref>|{{flagdeco|Ukraine}} Oleksandr Vinogradov<ref name="proud" />|{{flagdeco|Ukraine}} Sviatoslav Stetsenko<ref name="proud" />|{{flagdeco|Ukraine}} [[Vitaliy Kim]]<ref name="proud" /><ref name="morning">{{cite news |title=As result of morning shelling of Mykolaiv, eight servicemen killed, eight missing – local authorities |url=https://interfax.com.ua/news/general/809109.html |access-date=9 March 2022 |work=interfax-Ukraine |date=7 March 2022 |archive-date=9 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309031140/https://interfax.com.ua/news/general/809109.html |url-status=live }}</ref><br>{{flagdeco|Ukraine}} Ruslan Khoda|{{flagdeco|Ukraine}} Yaroslav Chepurnoi}}
-| units1            = {{armed forces|Russia}}
-* {{navy|Russia}}
-* {{flagicon image|Flag of the Russian Airborne Troops.svg}} [[Russian Airborne Forces]]<ref name="proud" />
-** [[7th Guards Mountain Air Assault Division]]
-* {{flagicon|Russia|air force}} [[Russian Aerospace Forces]]
-* {{army|Russia}}
-| units2            = {{armed forces|Ukraine}}
-*[[59th Motorized Brigade (Ukraine)|59th Motorized Brigade]]<ref name="proud" />
-*[[79th Air Assault Brigade (Ukraine)|79th Air Assault Brigade]]<ref name="morning" />
-{{navy|Ukraine}}
-*[[36th Separate Marine Brigade]]
-[[Irregular military|Irregular civilian volunteers (militia)]]<ref name="proud" />
-| casualties1       = '''Per Ukraine:'''<br>Unknown
-| casualties2       = '''Per Ukraine:'''<br>Unknown
-| casualties3       = Unknown
-| campaignbox       = {{Campaignbox 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine}}
 }}
-The '''Mykolaiv offensive (August 2022)''' is a military offensive that started on the night of 20 August 2022 as part of the [[southern Ukraine offensive]] during the [[2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine]]. It began about five months after Russian forces had been pushed out of the towns of [[Mykolaiv]] and [[Voznesensk]] in mid-March. By April 2022, almost all villages surrounding Mykolaiv were under Ukrainian control. In July, Ukrainian forces attempted to start a [[2022 Ukrainian summer counteroffensive|counteroffensive]] in the south with a heavy bombardment campaign. The attacks severely damaged the [[Antonivskyi Bridge]] and reached as far south as [[Crimea]], but by mid August, they had failed to kickstart a major counteroffensive. After both sides claimed their opponent had been shelling the [[Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant]] in [[Enerhodar]], Russian troops launched their own offensive in [[Mykolaiv Oblast]]. As of 24 August, the Russians had only captured the village of [[Blahodatne, Mykolaiv Raion|Blahodatne]].<ref>[criticalthreats.org/analysis/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-20 Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 20]</ref> On 29 August, Ukrainian officials announced that they had begun their counteroffensive, though Russian forces denied they had made any gains.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Reuters |date=2022-08-29 |title=Ukraine says long-anticipated southern offensive has begun |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/ukraine-says-long-anticipated-southern-offensive-has-begun-2022-08-29/ |access-date=2022-08-29}}</ref><ref name=":0" />
-== Prelude ==
-{{Main|Southern Ukraine campaign|Battle of Kherson|Battle of Mykolaiv}}
-{{Further|Battle of Voznesensk|Battle of Davydiv Brid|Attack on Nova Kakhovka|2022 Novofedorivka explosions}}
-[[File:Mykolaiv after rocket strike on 29 June 2022 (10).jpg|thumb|The house shelled on 29 June]]
-On 24 February, Russian forces took control of the [[North Crimean Canal]], allowing Crimea to obtain water from the [[Dnieper]], previously cut off since 2014.<ref>{{cite news |title=Russian forces unblock water flow for canal to annexed Crimea, Moscow says |first1=Alexander |last1=Marrow |first2=Andrey |last2=Ostroukh |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-forces-unblock-water-flow-canal-annexed-crimea-moscow-says-2022-02-24/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220301/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-forces-unblock-water-flow-canal-annexed-crimea-moscow-says-2022-02-24/ |archive-date=1 March 2022 |work=[[Reuters]] |date=24 February 2022}}</ref> Another Russian force advanced north from Crimea, with the Russian [[22nd Army Corps (Russian Federation)|22nd Army Corps]] approaching the [[Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant]] on 26 February.<ref name="National Post">{{cite news |date=26 February 2022 |title=Ukraine official says Russian troops approaching Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant |work=[[National Post]] |url=https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/ukraine-official-says-russian-troops-approaching-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-plant |access-date=28 February 2022}}</ref><ref name="afr.com">{{cite web |date=28 February 2022 |title=The Russians paused the invasion, but aren't losing |url=https://www.afr.com/policy/foreign-affairs/the-russians-have-paused-the-invasion-but-aren-t-losing-20220228-p5a09f |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228023541/https://www.afr.com/policy/foreign-affairs/the-russians-have-paused-the-invasion-but-aren-t-losing-20220228-p5a09f |archive-date=28 February 2022 |access-date=28 February 2022 |website=[[Australian Financial Review]]}}</ref> On 28 February, they began a [[siege of Enerhodar|siege at Enerhodar]] in an attempt to take control of the nuclear power plant.<ref name="news.com.au">{{cite news |date=4 March 2022 |title=Ukraine nuclear plant on fire after Russia shelling |newspaper=[[News.com.au]] |url=https://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/ukraine-pounded-and-exodus-mounts-as-russia-seizes-key-city/news-story/4c2bd269029008ba09ab2cab3a5a32b7 |access-date=4 March 2022 |archive-date=4 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304103303/https://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/ukraine-pounded-and-exodus-mounts-as-russia-seizes-key-city/news-story/4c2bd269029008ba09ab2cab3a5a32b7 |url-status=live }}</ref> A fire began at the plant during the battle.<ref name="businessinsider.com.au">{{cite web |date=3 March 2022 |title=Russian forces attacking Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine, per multiple reports |url=https://www.businessinsider.com.au/russian-forces-attacking-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-ukraine-ap-2022-3 |access-date=4 March 2022 |website=[[Business Insider]] Australia |archive-date=4 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304042146/https://www.businessinsider.com.au/russian-forces-attacking-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-ukraine-ap-2022-3 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[International Atomic Energy Agency]] (IAEA) subsequently said that essential equipment was undamaged.<ref name="ABC News">{{cite news |date=3 March 2022 |title=Russian forces strike Ukraine from multiple fronts, including at power plant |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-04/latest-on-where-fighting-is-happening-in-ukraine/100881052 |access-date=4 March 2022 |archive-date=3 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303232755/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-03-04/latest-on-where-fighting-is-happening-in-ukraine/100881052 |url-status=live }}</ref> By 4 March, the nuclear power plant fell under Russian control. Despite the fires, the power plant recorded no radiation leaks.<ref name="abcnews.go.com">{{cite news |date=4 March 2022 |title=Russian troops take Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant |work=[[ABC News]] |url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/russia-attacks-ukraine-nuclear-plant-invasion-advances-83245801 |access-date=4 March 2022 |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306021907/https://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory/russia-attacks-ukraine-nuclear-plant-invasion-advances-83245801 |url-status=live }}</ref> A third Russian attack group from Crimea moved northwest, where they captured bridges over the Dnieper.<ref>{{cite news|title=Ukraine loses control over crossing to Kherson |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3412906-ukraine-loses-control-over-crossing-to-kherson.html |access-date=25 February 2022 |agency=[[Ukrinform]] |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225155031/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3412906-ukraine-loses-control-over-crossing-to-kherson.html |url-status=live}}</ref>
-=== Battle of Kherson ===
-On 2 March, Russian troops won the [[battle of Kherson]] and captured [[Kherson]], the first major Ukrainian city to fall to Russian forces in the invasion.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Schwirtz |first1=Michael |last2=Pérez-Peña |first2=Richard |date=2 March 2022 |title=First Ukraine City Falls as Russia Strikes More Civilian Targets |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/02/world/europe/kherson-ukraine-russia.html |url-status=live |url-access=limited |access-date=3 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220303000108/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/02/world/europe/kherson-ukraine-russia.html |archive-date=3 March 2022}}</ref>
-=== Battle of Mykolaiv ===
-After [[Battle of Kherson|capturing]] [[Kherson]], Russian forces advanced west towards the city of [[Mykolaiv]]. While Russian forces [[Battle of Mykolaiv|attacked Mykolaiv]], a Russian column detached and pushed north, engaging Ukrainian forces twice at the small city of [[Voznesensk]]. The majority [[Russian-speaking citizens of Ukraine|Russian-speaking]] city was considered strategically significant to Russian forces due to having a bridge across the [[Southern Bug]] river and its proximity to the [[South Ukraine Nuclear Power Plant]]. Russian troops moved on [[Mykolaiv]] and [[Battle of Mykolaiv|attacked the city two days later]], but were repulsed by Ukrainian forces by April.<ref>{{cite news |title=Ukrainian defenders repelled attack on Mykolaiv city, fighting continues on outskirts |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3420336-ukrainian-defenders-repelled-attack-on-mykolaiv-city-fighting-continues-on-outskirts.html |access-date=4 March 2022 |agency=[[Ukrinform]] |date=4 March 2022 |archive-date=4 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304220004/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3420336-ukrainian-defenders-repelled-attack-on-mykolaiv-city-fighting-continues-on-outskirts.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The following day, Russian forces captured Voznesnesk; Ukrainian forces recaptured the city three days later on 13 March.<ref name="3days">[https://www.france24.com/en/video/20220314-voznesensk-resists-russian-takeover-city-occupied-3-days-now-freed-preparing-to-defend Voznesensk resists Russian takeover: City occupied 3 days, now freed & preparing to defend], France 24.</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 10 |url= https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-10 |work= Institute for the Study of War |date= 10 March 2022|access-date= 17 March 2022}}</ref> On 15 March, head of the Mykolaiv Regional Military Administration [[Vitaliy Kim|Vitaly Kim]] claimed that Ukrainian forces had pushed back Russian forces from the city center and restored the security situation.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Reuters |date=2022-03-15 |title=Russian forces have been pushed back slightly from Ukraine's Mykolayiv city, says governor |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-forces-have-been-pushed-back-slightly-ukraines-mykolayiv-city-says-2022-03-15/ |access-date=2022-04-08}}</ref>
-On 18 March, Ukrainian forces reportedly broke through Russian lines around Mykolaiv, pushing them back into [[Kherson Raion|Kherson raion]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Journal |first=Yaroslav Trofimov {{!}} Photographs by Manu Brabo for The Wall Street |date=2022-03-18 |title=Ukrainian Counteroffensive Near Mykolaiv Relieves Strategic Port City |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukrainian-counteroffensive-near-mykolaiv-relieves-strategic-port-city-11647605489 |access-date=2022-04-08 |issn=0099-9660}}</ref>
-On 18 March, two Russian [[3M-54 Kalibr|Kalibr]] missiles, fired from either nearby [[Kherson]] or Crimea, struck a Ukrainian army barracks of the [[36th Separate Marine Brigade]] (headquartered in Mykolaiv), used to train local soldiers, located in the northern suburbs of Mykolaiv.<ref name="Marines">{{Cite web |title=Russian Rocket Attack Turns Ukrainian Marine Base to Rubble, Killing Dozens |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-rocket-attack-turns-ukrainian-marine-base-to-rubble-killing-dozens/ar-AAVgqNA |access-date=2022-03-20 |website=MSN |language=en-US}}</ref> The attack occurred during the night, while the soldiers were asleep in their bunks. Not enough time was available to sound the alarm, as the missiles were fired from too close, from the vicinity of Kherson.<ref name="Missile">{{Cite news |date=2022-03-19 |title=Ukraine conflict: Scores feared dead after Russia attack on Mykolaiv barracks |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60807636 |access-date=2022-03-19}}</ref> Belgian newspaper ''[[Het Laatste Nieuws]]'' reported that the city morgue and the Ukrainian army stated that at least 80 Ukrainian soldiers were killed, and their bodies were recovered.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hln.be/buitenland/onze-oorlogsjournalist-robin-ramaekers-na-bombardement-in-mykolaiv-een-van-de-zwaarste-klappen-voor-het-oekraiense-leger-tot-nu-toe~ad87d69b/|title=Onze oorlogsjournalist Robin Ramaekers na bombardement in Mykolaiv: "Een van de zwaarste klappen voor het Oekraïense leger tot nu toe"|date=18 March 2022|work=Het Laatste Nieuws|language=Flemish}}</ref>
-On 8 April, Ukraine claimed that "virtually no" Russian forces remained in the Mykolaiv region.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Practically no invaders left in Mykolayiv region – head of administration |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3451811-practically-no-invaders-left-in-mykolayiv-region-head-of-administration.html |access-date=2022-04-08 |website=www.ukrinform.net |language=en}}</ref>
-=== Bombing of Mykolaiv (April — July) ===
-From 16 April, Russian forces continued shelling the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-five-killed-shelling-city-mykolaiv-2022-04-15/|title=Ukraine says five killed in shelling in city of Mykolaiv|website=reuters.com|date=16 April 2022}}</ref>
-In mid April, the city lost its main water supply as a result of damage to the pipeline bringing fresh water from the [[Dnipro]]. Subsequently the people in Mykolaiv were forced to rely on water from rivers and streams as well as donations from neighbouring towns and cities. Kim promised to get the water supply back to half capacity in the following days using wells, water purification equipment, and desalination plants. Shelling and cruise missile attacks continued, although the city remained in Ukrainian control.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-04-17-22/index.html |title= People in Mykolaiv forced to use water from the river because of damaged pipeline |website=CNN |date=17 April 2022}}</ref>
-On 5 May, the Russian Defence Ministry claimed that its missiles destroyed a large ammunition depot in Mykolaiv.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Reuters |date=2022-05-05 |title=Russia killed over 600 Ukrainian fighters in artillery strikes - defence ministry |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-killed-over-600-ukrainian-fighters-artillery-strikes-defence-ministry-2022-05-05/ |access-date=2022-06-10}}</ref>
-On 22 June, Ukrainian authorities reported that Russian forces launched seven missiles at Mykolaiv.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/seven-russian-missiles-hit-ukrainian-city-mykolaiv-regional-governor-2022-06-22/|title=Russian missiles hit Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv, one killed|website=reuters.com|date=22 June 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3512486-massive-russian-strike-on-mykolaiv-as-seven-missiles-launched.html|title=Massive Russian strike on Mykolaiv - seven missiles launched|website=ukrinform.net|date=22 June 2022}}</ref> According to the Russian Defence Ministry, the strike, conducted by the Russian Aerospace Forces, killed up to 500 servicemen of the [[59th Motorized Brigade (Ukraine)|59th Motorized Brigade]] located in the [[Okean Shipyard|Okean shipbuilding plant]] and destroyed a fuel terminal in the city.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vedomosti.ru/politics/news/2022/06/22/927876-minoboroni-soobschilo-ob-udare-po-zavodu-okean|title=Минобороны сообщило об ударе по заводу "Океан" в Николаеве|website=vedomosti.ru|date=22 June 2022}}</ref>
-On 28 June, shelling damaged [[Tsentralnyi Stadion (Mykolaiv)|Central City Stadium]] and an abandoned military base.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/06/28/7355120/ |title=8 Russian missiles strike Mykolaiv, hitting stadium and military base |date=2022-06-28 |publisher=[[Ukrainska Pravda]]}}</ref> On 29 June, Russian rocket strike hit a 5-story residential building,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/06/29/7355291/ |title=Mykolaiv: Russia hits apartment building, killing civilians |date=2022-06-29 |publisher=[[Ukrainska Pravda]]}}</ref> killing at least 8 people and injuring 6.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/07/1/7355712/ |title=Mykolaiv missile strike: death toll rises to 8 |date=2022-07-01 |publisher=[[Ukrainska Pravda]]}}</ref>
-On 15 July, two largest universities of the city were struck by missiles: [[Admiral Makarov National University of Shipbuilding]] and Mykolaiv National University.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2022/07/15/russia-ukraine-war-putin-news-live-updates/ |title=Two universities in Mykolaiv hit by missiles; Russian forces advance on Siversk |date=2022-07-15 |newspaper=The Washington Post |archiveurl=https://archive.ph/PBe5a |archivedate=2022-07-15 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/15/world/europe/russian-hammers-mykolaiv-again-hitting-two-universities-in-the-southern-city.html |title=Russia hammers Mykolaiv again, hitting two universities in the southern city |date=2022-07-15 |work=The New York Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://p.dw.com/p/4EBGK |title=Удар по Миколаєву: значні руйнування двох університетів, четверо постраждалих |date=2022-07-15 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |author=Завгородня І. |archiveurl=https://archive.ph/OjrNO |archivedate=2022-07-21 |url-status=live |language=uk}}</ref>
-On 29 July, five people were killed and seven were injured at a bus stop in Mykolaiv after Russians shelled the city.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Presse |first=AFP-Agence France |title=Russian Strikes Kill 5 At Bus Stop In South Ukraine: Governor |url=https://www.barrons.com/news/russian-strikes-kill-4-at-bus-stop-in-south-ukraine-governor-01659082507 |access-date=2022-07-30 |website=www.barrons.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Another strike on July 30 killed [[Oleksiy Vadaturskyi]], the owner of Ukrainian agricultural company [[Nibulon]], along with his wife.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2022-07-31 |title=Oleksiy Vadatursky: Ukraine grain tycoon killed in Russian shelling of Mykolaiv |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-62367356 |access-date=2022-08-02}}</ref>
-On 17 August, two missiles hit [[Petro Mohyla Black Sea State University]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/08/17/7363598/ |title=Mykolaiv shelling: two rockets hit university |date=2022-08-17 |publisher=[[Ukrainska Pravda]]}}</ref> Two days later, it was shelled with two more [[S-300 missile system|S-300]] missiles.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://nikvesti.com/news/incidents/254312 |title=Росіяни повторно вдарили по миколаївській Могилянці |date=2022-08-19 |publisher=НикВести |language=uk}}</ref>
-=== Ukrainian counteroffensive and Attacks on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant ===
-The [[Institute for the Study of War]] stated that the [[Armed Forces of Ukraine]] were likely to be either preparing to launch or to have already launched the counteroffensive in Kherson Oblast {{as of|2022|07|23|lc= yes}},<ref>[https://www.criticalthreats.org/analysis/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-july-23 Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, July 23]</ref> with presidential advisor [[Oleksiy Arestovych]] officially confirming the start of the operation on 27 July.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Otte |first1=Jedidajah |last2=Belam |first2=Martin |last3=Lock |first3=Samantha |date=28 Jul 2022 |title=Russia-Ukraine war: 75,000 Russians killed or injured so far, says US – as it happened |work=[[The Guardian]] |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/jul/28/russia-ukraine-war-live-news-kyiv-region-hit-by-rocket-attack-governor-says-fight-to-liberate-kherson-has-begun-ukraine-claims |access-date=28 July 2022 |archive-date=28 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220728042336/https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2022/jul/28/russia-ukraine-war-live-news-kyiv-region-hit-by-rocket-attack-governor-says-fight-to-liberate-kherson-has-begun-ukraine-claims |url-status=live }}</ref> A different (unnamed) Ukrainian official claimed that the counteroffensive only began on 10 August after [[2022 Novofedorivka explosions|explosions at a Russian airbase in Crimea]].<ref name="politico1">{{cite web |date=2022-08-10 |title=Ukraine's long-awaited southern counteroffensive begins with a bang in Crimea |url=https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-long-anticipate-southern-counteroffensive-begin-bang-crimea/ |access-date=2022-08-15 |website=POLITICO |language=en-US |archive-date=14 August 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220814033855/https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-long-anticipate-southern-counteroffensive-begin-bang-crimea/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Experts later claimed that an offensive to recapture Russian-occupied territories in the south was "increasingly unlikely" and questioned whether Ukraine was actually preparing for its counteroffensive; some observers opined that Kyiv may never have intended to launch a major counteroffensive.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Beardsworth |first=James |date=2022-08-18 |title=Ukrainian Southern Counteroffensive 'Unlikely' as Russia Bolsters Forces |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/08/18/ukrainian-southern-counteroffensive-unlikely-as-russia-bolsters-forces-a78604 |access-date=2022-08-19 |website=The Moscow Times |language=en}}</ref>
-On 12 July, Serhiy Bratchuk, the Ukrainian spokesman for the Odessa region, claims that Ukrainian forces have killed the chief of staff for the 22nd Army Corps, Major General Artyom Nasbulin, during a strike near Kherson by a [[HIMARS]] rocket. Ukraine also claims the death of some five Colonels in the same strike. Russian forces confirmed the strike but did not confirm the death of the officers claimed by Ukraine. They claimed that the Ukrainian rocket hit a warehouse that contained chemicals which then exploded. Serhiy Bratchuk wrote on Telegram: "After a strike by HIMARS on the headquarters in the Kherson region, Major General [Artyom] Nasbulin, the head of the 22nd Army Corps of the Russian Armed Forces (military unit 73954, Simferopol), was killed. Colonel Kens, whose death we announced yesterday, died there as well. And apart from him, the commander of the [[20th Guards Motor Rifle Division|20th motorized rifle division]] (military unit 22220, Volgograd) Colonel Andrei Gorobyets, the head of the operational department of the headquarters of the 20th MRD, Colonel Koval, the head of artillery of the 20th MRD, Colonel Gordeev. In total more than 150 died, including 5 officers".<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/himars-rocket-strike-kills-russian-major-general-and-up-to-a-dozen-officers/ar-AAZv67M| title=Himars rocket strike kills Russian major general and up to a dozen officers| website=msn.com| author1=Roland Oliphant, James Kilner| date=13 July 2022| access-date=13 July 2022| archive-date=25 July 2022| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220725194842/https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/himars-rocket-strike-kills-russian-major-general-and-up-to-a-dozen-officers/ar-AAZv67M| url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.thedailybeast.com/another-general-killed-as-russian-leak-admits-big-shot-fucking-command-was-obliterated|title= Another General Killed as Russian Leak Admits 'Big Shot Fucking Command' Was Obliterated|website= thedailybeast.com|author1= Allison Quinn|date= 12 July 2022|access-date= 13 July 2022|archive-date= 15 July 2022|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220715085834/https://www.thedailybeast.com/another-general-killed-as-russian-leak-admits-big-shot-fucking-command-was-obliterated|url-status= live}}</ref>
-Ukrainian presidential advisor [[Oleksiy Arestovych]] claimed on 1 August that Russia had gathered "30 [[battalion tactical group]]s" on the southern front for an 6 August offensive towards [[Kryvyi Rih]] and [[Mykolaiv]]; this claim was not independently verified at the time.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://odessa-journal.com/arestovich-the-invaders-gathered-about-30-btgs-in-the-south-for-an-attack-on-kryvyi-rih-and-mykolaiv/|work=Odessa Journal|date=2 August 2022|title=Arestovich: The invaders gathered about 30 BTGs in the south for an attack on Kryvyi Rih and Mykolaiv|access-date=2 August 2022|archive-date=1 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220801214425/https://odessa-journal.com/arestovich-the-invaders-gathered-about-30-btgs-in-the-south-for-an-attack-on-kryvyi-rih-and-mykolaiv/|url-status=live}}</ref> Russian equipment was seen reinforcing the [[Russian occupation of Zaporizhzhia Oblast|Zaporizhzhia]] front.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://news.yahoo.com/movement-russian-equipment-towards-zaporizhzhia-144128189.html|work=Yahoo News|title=Movement of Russian equipment towards Zaporizhzhia recorded in Mariupol|date=1 August 2022|access-date=2 August 2022|archive-date=2 August 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220802123717/https://news.yahoo.com/movement-russian-equipment-towards-zaporizhzhia-144128189.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
-== Battle ==
-On 20 August, Ukrainian sources admitted that Russian forces had advanced and made gains in the towns of [[Blahodatne, Mykolaiv Raion|Blahodatne]] and Vasylky in Mykolaiv Oblast.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://kyivindependent.com/uncategorized/general-staff-russia-continues-to-advance-in-several-directions|title=General Staff: Russia continues to advance in several directions|work=Kyiv Independent|date=20 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/08/22/7364254/|title=Russia makes gains near Blahodatne – General Staff report|work=Pravda UA|date=21 August 2022}}</ref> On August 22, Russian forces achieved some success east of the city of [[Mykolaiv]] and in northwestern [[Kherson Oblast]], driving Ukrainian forces 36 km from the front line to the north and 28 km deep into the territory of [[Mykolaiv Oblast]] with two objectives, to force a westward direction towards the city Mykolaiv or in a northerly direction towards the [[Dnipropetrovsk Oblast]] with the intention of capturing the city of [[Kryvyi Rih]], which hosts a strong Ukrainian troop concentration, and from where a [[2022 Ukrainian summer counteroffensive|counter-offensive]] on [[Kherson]], [[Melitopol]], [[Enerhodar]], [[Berdiansk|Berdyansk]] and [[Crimea]] is planned. On the same day, Russian forces took control of Blahodatne (referred to by the Russian Ministry of Defense as Komsomolsky) about 45 km east of the town of Mykolaiv and a 12 square kilometer zone of control.<ref>[criticalthreats.org/analysis/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-22 Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 22]</ref>
-On August 23, the Russian Ministry of Defense announced that Russian forces had advanced northwest of Aleksandrovka, approximately 38 km west of the city of Kherson, and had reached the administrative border of Kherson-Mykolaiv Oblast. Ukrainian troops retaliated with artillery strikes on the site of the Russian [[247th Guards Air Assault Regiment|247th Airborne Regiment]] of the [[7th Guards Mountain Air Assault Division|7th Guards Air Assault Division]] and the ammunition depot in [[Chornobaivka]]. The same day, Russian forces continued air and artillery strikes on Dnipropetrovsk, Kryvyi Rih, and Mykolaiv with [[BM-27 Uragan|Uragan]] rockets.<ref>[criticalthreats.org/analysis/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-23 Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 23]</ref>
-From 24 to 25 August, the Russian forces continued their attacks but made no further progress.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-24 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 24 |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=24 August 2022|access-date=25 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-25 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 25 |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=25 August 2022|access-date=27 August 2022}}</ref> On 27 August, Russian and Ukrainian forces clashed at Potomkyne in northwestern Kherson Oblast; both sides claimed that they had repelled an attack. Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine continued to conduct air strikes in the area, with Ukraine's Southern Operational Command claiming successful hits on two bridges and two Russian [[battalion tactical group]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-august-27 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, August 27 |work=Institute for the Study of War |date=27 August 2022|access-date=29 August 2022}}</ref>
-=== Ukrainian counteroffensive ===
-{{Further|2022 Ukrainian Southern Counteroffensive}}
-On 29 August, Ukrainian forces declared that they had launched a new offensive and claimed to have captured territory in Kherson Oblast,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/ukraine-says-long-anticipated-southern-offensive-has-begun-2022-08-29/ |title=Ukraine says long-anticipated southern offensive has begun |work=Reuters |date=29 August 2022|access-date=29 August 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.kyivpost.com/russias-war/ukrainian-counteroffensive-underway-in-kherson-region.html |title=Ukrainian Counteroffensive Underway in Kherson Region |work=Kyiv Post |date=29 August 2022|access-date=29 August 2022}}</ref> while Russian representatives denounced these claims as false.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title=Во временной администрации опровергли данные о наступлении ВСУ на Херсон |url=https://www.rbc.ru/rbcfreenews/630cb91e9a79477ecd669065 |access-date=2022-08-29 |website=РБК |language=ru}}</ref>
-== See also ==
-{{Portal|War|Ukraine}}
-* [[Battle of Kherson]]
-* [[Battle of Mykolaiv]]
-* [[Battle of Voznesensk (2022)]]
-{{clear}}
-== References ==
-{{reflist}}
-{{2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine}}
-[[Category:Mykolaiv|Mykolaiv]]
-[[Category:August 2022 events in Ukraine]]
-[[Category:Use of cluster munition during the Russian invasion of Ukraine]]