Ukrainian forces thwarted a large-scale Russian offensive along the Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Luhansk fronts while simultaneously targeting an oil refinery in Saratov.
Russian Offensive Repelled
Russian forces launched an offensive on Thursday, March 19th, across seven directions of the front line bordering the Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions.
Ukrainian forces reported repelling the attack, inflicting significant losses in personnel and equipment on the Russian side. Two Russian armies – the 1st Tank Army and the 20th Combined Arms Army – were involved in the assault.
Details of the Assault
Russia attacked with a force exceeding 500 infantry soldiers, utilizing 28 armored vehicles, over 100 motorcycles, buggies, and ATVs. Ukrainian forces characterized the Russian advance as a “major failure” within four hours.
Ukraine claims to have destroyed approximately 100 pieces of Russian equipment, including Solntsepyok heavy flamethrower systems, 11 armored vehicles, and three tanks, as well as over 160 drones.
Ukrainian Preparations and Response
Ukrainian forces had been observing preparations for the offensive for a month and a half, noting intensified Russian bombing raids targeting crossings over the Oskil River and the construction of pontoon bridges.
The Third Army Corps, commanded by Brigadier General Andriy Biletsky, coordinated defensive actions, with each brigade having its own plan to counter the attack. General Biletsky reported over 400 Russian casualties, including 288 killed.
Strike on Saratov Oil Refinery
On Saturday, March 21st, the Ukrainian General Staff announced a strike on the Saratov Oil Refinery in southwestern Russia. The facility supplied fuel to the Russian military.
The strike targeted facilities processing crude oil and storing petroleum, with damage reported to a secondary oil refining unit and a storage tank. The refinery has a processing capacity of 4.8 million tons per year (2023 data).
Ukrainian forces stated they will continue targeting critical infrastructure within Russia until the end of the armed aggression.