The Russian invasion of Ukraine entered its third week last week. Heavy fighting was reported in Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv, which were partially encircled by Russian troops (Unian, 16 March 2022). Russian forces also surrounded Kherson, Melitopol city in the Zaporizhia region, and Mariupol in the Donetsk region, effectively cutting Ukraine off from the Azov Sea and linking Russian-controlled territories in Donbas and Crimea by land (The Guardian, 3 March 2022).

Meanwhile, Russian forces continued to target civilians last week, deliberately shelling hospitals, kindergartens, and residential buildings, as well as firing at civilian evacuation routes from Mariupol, Volnovakha, and other cities (The Guardian, 8 March 2022). Heavy Russian shelling of Mariupol was reported throughout the week.

Timothy Lay

Timothy Lay is the Analysis Coordinator at ACLED. He holds an MA in International Relations (International Humanitarian Action) from Rijksuniversiteit Groningen and a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies with honors in Asian Studies from the University of Sydney. He previously managed the Africa desk at ACLED.

Adam Miller

Adam Miller is a Research Analyst at ACLED. He holds a BA in Political Science from Allegheny College and an MA in International Relations from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University. Adam’s research focuses on the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations in civil wars, cooperative security organizations, and US foreign policy.

Source: Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project