Russia-Ukraine Flash Report - 3/22/22 11:45 PDT
Added 2022-03-22 19:03:06 +0000 UTCUpdate on the Ukrainian offensive - this is what we know.
On 3/17 Ukraine secured the area south of Lyutizh after the March 16-17 counteroffensive
Also on 3/17 Ukraine forces pushed Russian troops back from Irpin, with the city contested
Also on 3/17 Ukraine forces pushed on the edges of Hostomel, forcing troops in the city as well as Bucha to dig in to stationary positions over the weekend
On 3/20 Ukrainian forces moved into Makariv and secured the center of town on 3/21. As of 3/22 the town is taking light artillery fire from the north, so we would label the town contested, but Ukraine has the initiative.
On March 20-21, Ukrainian forces took the town of Moshchun, northeast of Hostomel. They have firm control of the town.
There is significant fighting in Irpin, Hostomel and Borodyanka.
Borodyanka is the key to the offensive and is under control of Chechen forces. Putting this on a map, it is clearer how the pocket of troops in Irpin, Bucha, and Hostomel are cut off from supply routes.
If the Chechen forces in Borodyanka can hold off the offensive, Russian troops would have a potential route to retreat back to, or gain resupply for the far northwest.
It is estimated there are 20,000 Russian and Chechen troops in the pocket.
The units outlined on the map are not representative of troop strength. They only demonstrate the forces involved. The rifles indicate regular and mobile infantry units. Artillery pieces are representative of towed and static assets.
