Russia-Ukraine SITREP Summary for 09 SEP 2023 23:59*

For almost 19 months of war, it was a quiet day. There were two areas with noteworthy activity.

Klishchiivka Operational Area

Multiple Russian accounts, including those that refuse to admit any failures until it is completely undeniable, are reporting that Russian forces withdrew from Andriivka and are now east of the railroad grade. Ukrainian forces are consolidating their gains and continue to advance along the train tracks south toward Kurdyumivka. The Chechen Akhmat 54th Brigade was being pushed up to Andriivka, and Colonel General Ramzan Kadyrov had released videos over the last month of fake fighting in the area. It is very likely the claims made by the Russian 83rd Brigade that Akhmat abandoned their positions are true.

Fighting continued in the northeast corner of Klishchiivka, with Russia using human wave attacks to try and break the Ukrainian defensive lines. Russian casualties are reportedly very heavy, with no gain beyond holding off a Ukrainian liberation for a few more days. With Andriivka taken and Ukraine advancing north and south along the railroad grade, Russia won't be able to hold these last positions. The reports of a collapse of the Russian defense at Kurdyumivka are untrue. 

Andriivka may be just a spec on the map, but it was a keystone of the defense of Kurdyumivka and Klishchiivka. If Chechen Akhmat did withdraw, they likely cost Russia this operational area.

Orikhiv Operational Area

Ukrainian forces are consolidating gains as they move forward, anticipating Russian counterattacks and digging into their own defenses. Russia has their previously held defensive lines dialed in for artillery, so Ukrainian forces only use them temporarily until they create their own. This is slowing the advanced but preserving troops and equipment.

East of Novoprokopivka, Ukrainian forces have consolidated their positions, advancing deeper into the Russian defensive lines. 

Fighting remains intense.

Other Notes

Fighting continued in the usual places near Avdiivka and in Marinka and east of Novojeohrivka with no notable changes.

Russian launched drones at Kyiv, with debris landing in several areas, causing localized fires but no significant damages.

NATO is sending clear signals that they will increase their presence in the Western Black Sea.

For picking a weekend to go on a special vehicle operation for Dr. Mrs. Malcontent - it was a good pick (so far).