Another year has been difficult for Ukraine. There were both successes and failures. WomanEL reminds you of some important events that took place in Ukraine in 2023.
ContentBattle for SoledarDestruction of the Russian column near VugledarUndermining the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric power stationUnlocking the Black SeaCounter-offensive of the Armed Forces of UkraineBridgehead on the left bank of the Dnieper
Battle for Soledar
The battle for Soledar has lasted since the summer of 2022. In January 2023, the Russian army intensified its assault on the city, trying to weaken the left flank of the Ukrainian defense in Bakhmut. Capturing the city is also important for controlling the routes connecting Soledar with Bakhmut and Slavyansk. The city was even attacked by the Wagner PPK, and most of it was destroyed by artillery. On January 25, the General Staff announced the retreat of the Ukrainian military from Soledar.
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Destruction of the Russian column near Vugledar
The Russian army, trying to restore its positions after the defeats, was destroyed at Vugledar. The Ukrainian Armed Forces destroyed enemy tank columns in the most populated area in February. Attempts by Russian troops, mainly the marines of the Pacific Fleet, to break into the city ended under fire from the Ukrainian Armed Forces and minefields.
Detonation of the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric station
On June 6, Russian troops blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station in the Kherson region. This led to widespread flooding of areas and interruption of electricity, irrigation and water supplies. The enemy's crime led to an environmental disaster. The destruction of the hydroelectric power plant resulted in many deaths and approximately $14 billion in damage. Most likely, the Russians mined the hydroelectric power station to try to stop the counter-offensive of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
One of the villages in the Kherson region after the destruction of the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station. Source: radiotrek.rv.ua
Unblocking the Black Sea
Russia blocked Ukrainian territorial waters in the Black Sea ahead of an invasion in 2022. Russian missiles and drones have struck ports and ships, halting maritime exports. The agreement with Turkey unblocked the sea route, but the Russian threat was present. Ukraine has resumed maritime exports thanks to drone strikes on Russian ships and fleet headquarters in Sevastopol. Many Russian ships were withdrawn from Crimea, thus resuming maritime exports. President of Ukraine Zelensky noted that the total dominance of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea has ended.
AFU Counter-Offensive
In the summer, Ukrainian troops launched a counteroffensive in the southern and eastern directions, liberating about 250 square meters. km of territory and ten settlements. The goal was to reach Melitopol in Zaporozhye and break the land corridor to Crimea. The operation was plagued by minefields, Russian defenses, and dispersal of efforts. President Zelensky expressed satisfaction with the persistent Ukrainian Armed Forces, although the desired results were not achieved.
Bridgehead on the left bank of the Dnieper
In October, Ukrainian troops crossed the Dnieper near Kherson, pushing the Russians back from several positions on the left bank of the river, in particular in the Poima area and the northern outskirts of Peschanivka. Analysts believe that Ukrainian forces control key positions, cutting off the Oleshki-Novaya Kakhovka road. The main goal of the operation is to identify the logistics routes of the Russians and fire at their artillery. Regular attacks lead to losses for the Russian Federation and force them to overturn forces from other directions.
The editors of WomanEL congratulate you on the upcoming New Year 2024! We wish peace and speedy victory to Ukraine!
