Russia's military invasion of Ukraine continues.
Russian and Ukrainian forces are fighting in various parts of Ukraine, and many civilians have fled the country. We will update the situation in Ukraine from time to time on the 23rd (Japan time), including the status of the fighting and diplomacy of the countries concerned.
(There is a 6-hour time difference between Japan and Ukraine and Moscow, Russia)
One of the focal points is the battle around the southern Dnipro River
Some believe that the Ukrainian army has launched a large-scale operation across the Dnipro River in the southern Kherson Oblast in the eastern coastal areas occupied by the Russians, advancing troops to some settlements.
The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed in an announcement on the 22nd that it had blocked the movement of Ukrainian troops trying to cross the river, and it seems that fierce fighting is continuing, and one of the focal points is the fate of the offensive and defense in this area near Crimea in southern Ukraine, which Russia unilaterally annexed.
Shinji Hyodo, Research Secretary at the National Institute for Defense Studies of the Ministry of Defense, pointed out that "the aim is to disperse the forces of the Russian army from the southern Zaporozhye region, which is the center of the reversal offensive, and it seems that the Russian side is taking it seriously to some extent," and expressed the view that the Ukrainian military's operations will continue in the future.
Meanwhile, in the eastern Donetsk Oblast, Russian forces appear to be intensifying their offensive around the Ukrainian stronghold of Avdiivka, but the US think tank "Institute of War" has pointed out that there may be heavy losses in Russian personnel and equipment.
The British Ministry of Defense also said on the 22nd, "According to the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the casualties of Russian troops in the battle in Avdiivka increased by 90%," indicating that the Russian army is willing to lose troops and repeatedly attack.