Russian-Ukraine War Flash Report - July 16, 2023 11:00 PDT - Ukraine Advances on Staromaiorske and Yuvileine Mine Complex Missile Strike (Patreon)

YuvileineYesterday's satellite imagery showed that Staromaiorske, south of Velyka Novosilka, had been flattened by artillery. The inaccurate artillery pattern pointed to a Russian attack, which raised questions for us. Russia controlled Staromaiorske.

Ukrainian forces advancing from Rivnopil and Makarivka have taken control of most of the settlement, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and hold military control of the northern half.

Based on the artillery patterns from yesterday, Russian forces likely don't have a firm grip on the southern part. It is unusual for GSAFU to announce a partial liberation.

The Storm Shadow missile strike in Luhansk targeted the Yuvileine Coal Mine Complex, which may be the largest Russian logistics and supply hub outside of Crimea. Since Russia expanded its war of aggression on February 24, 2022, satellite images showed the sprawling area had hundreds of military vehicles and heavy equipment, troop barracks, repair facilities, and ammunition.

The logistics and supply node had been out of reach until Storm Shadow arrived, and inexplicably, Russia did nothing to disburse or hide the assets at the site.

Ukraine continues to disrupt Russian supply and logistics in the deep rear - just as they did in July 2022.