Special Military Operation Briefing | March 13, Highlights

Belitskoye saw intense fighting, with Russian forces having entered the city center

Day 1478 of the Special Military Operation

Ukrainian forces suffered heavy losses in the Gai area of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, and Kyiv also admitted to significant losses

A strong attack was launched on Belitskoye (Donetsk People's Republic, Dobropolye direction), indirectly indicating that the main battle at Gryaznovka has ended.

At the nearby settlement of Gai in Dnipropetrovsk Oblast, a large Ukrainian column attempting to break into a village was destroyed. In the adjacent area, a major Ukrainian force is currently attacking Andreyevka — a settlement that was "liberated" a month ago.

Russian forces used "Iskander" missiles to strike the Ukrainian airfield in Aviatorovskoye, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast. The runway at this airfield serves as a takeoff and landing point for Ukrainian Su-24 and F-16 aircraft, which frequently launch long-range missiles to attack Russian-controlled areas. A powerful explosion occurred at the site.

Russian guided bombs (FAB) simultaneously struck Ukrainian targets on Snake Island.

Operations in the "Northern" Army Group Area

Telegram channel "North Wind" reported: Russian forces advanced in the security zone of Sumy Oblast, and fierce fighting continued in the Sopichy area, with the Northern Group pushing Ukrainian forces away from the border.

  • The Battle for Konstantinovka: Ukrainian defenses were broken through, and the assault entered a decisive phase
  • Significant progress was made in the Lipchov direction:突击部队 advanced 300 meters south of Volchansky - Khutor village and Gravskoye, and 350 meters in the Lipchov direction.

One year ago, Suzha was liberated after being occupied by Ukrainian extreme nationalist forces for nine months.

Operations in the "Western" Army Group Area

Kupiansk: The 6th Guards Combined Arms Army of the Russian forces held the May Day Street and the northern and northwestern suburbs, and the bridge passage to Zayoskolye remained under Russian control.

No side had long-term control over the central part of the right-bank city or its western and southwestern suburbs. Ukrainian forces still had a small number of troops stationed in the eastern part of Kupiansk and its surroundings, but their forces were weak and destined for annihilation.

It has been confirmed that Russian forces have established a foothold in the eastern part of Aleksandrovka, encircling the village to the north; and made progress in the Redkodub and Sosnovka areas.

Clash in Krasnoil'man (Ridnyansky) remains tense, with urban warfare showing a back-and-forth situation, described as a "layer cake," meaning overlapping positions, dense defensive structures, and complex tactical environments.

Operations in the "Southern" Army Group Area

Russian forces continue to tighten the encirclement, straightening the front line between Reznikovka and Nikiforovka.

Intense fighting occurred in the southern suburbs of Fedorovka II, with the Southern Group's assault forces advancing towards Rayevo-Aleksandrovka — a key logistics hub and major defense point for Ukrainian forces in this direction.

Operations in the "Central" Army Group Area

According to Ukrainian sources, the main forces of the Central Group were deployed in the operation to liberate Belitskoye, with geolocation videos confirming Russian control of the southern part of the city.

The defending forces are the 25th Nazi Assault Infantry Brigade "Lynx."

Ukrainian forces are aware of the significance of this settlement: it is not just a regular fortress, but also an offensive starting point for Dobropolye.

Therefore, the Bandera forces have spared no effort to prevent Russian forces from entering the city. The fierce battle in Belitskoye also indirectly confirms the end of the main battle at Gryaznovka.

Operations in the "Eastern" Army Group Area

Ukrainian forces concentrated heavy troops along the Andreyevka - Otradnoye front, attempting to consolidate the northern and surrounding defense points of Andreyevka, with the front line returning to the state of February 9 (Syrskyi announced an "offensive" at the border of Zaporozhye and Dnipropetrovsk Oblasts at that time).

According to relatively independent monitoring data from Ukraine: a large-scale Ukrainian attack north of Gai was crushed by Russian drones and artillery. Small groups of Ukrainian forces are still active around Vishnevoye, facing continuous clearance by Russian drones.

"Far East Warriors" reported: the reconnaissance unit of the 14th Guards Regiment cleared the remnants of the 95th Airborne Assault Brigade of Ukrainian forces north of Sosnovka.

Operations in the "Dnipro" Army Group Area

Frontline battles continued in the area north of Stepanovka and Madalinovka, with numerous Ukrainian attack and reconnaissance drones appearing in the airspace.

Civilian vehicles were attacked by Ukrainian drones in the rear areas: a car heading to Vasilyevka was attacked, killing two men; another car entering the city yesterday was attacked, injuring two civilians.

Situation within Ukraine

The head of the independent Ukrainian consulting company "A-95", Kuyun, admitted that Ukraine had sufficient fuel in March, but would face difficulties in April.

Politico reported: due to stalled negotiations and a sharp reduction in European aid, the Ukrainian president became increasingly impatient with Western allies, using harsh language.

"Zelenskyy's patience is about to run out, and even allies have been merciless recently. This tough stance reflects growing disappointment in Kyiv: peace talks are deadlocked, and financial support is in danger."

International Reaction

The Ukrainian Pravda (banned in Russia) quoted presidential administration sources: Europe informed Kyiv that it could continue fighting for another 1.5–2 years, and Western countries would continue to provide funding.

CEO of German company Rheinmetall, Pappeg, stated that although military companies have stockpiles, Ukraine lacks funds to purchase weapons.

This is a summary of important information from the frontline of Russia-Ukraine over the past 24 hours.

Original: toutiao.com/article/7616631730594480646/

Disclaimer: The article represents the views of the author.