Battle of Orikhiv (2022-present)
# Battle of Orikhiv (2022-present)

The battle of Orikhiv is an ongoing military engagement between Russian and Ukrainian forces that began on 8 March as part of the southern Ukraine campaign of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

## Background

In the first days of the invasion, Russian forces were able to make major gains in the south, capturing many towns, including the cities of Melitopol, Berdiansk and Enerhodar. Ukrainian forces were only able to regroup in the towns of Orikhiv and Huliaipole.

## Battle

### Russian offensive (March 2022 - April 2022)

On March 8 2022, Russian forces approached the town and occupied it, but were forced to abandon it. After that, Orikhiv and villages around it were subjected to strong artillery and aerial attacks, but Russian forces still weren't able to capture it.

### Shelling (May 2022 - December 2022)

On May 7, Ukrainian sources claimed that Russians shelled hospital in the city. After that came numerous reports of Russian shelling taking heavy tool on the city, destroying its gymnasium and administrative building on May 21. On 25 October, deputy mayor of the city claimed 70% of it has been destroyed.

### Renewed offensive (January 2023 - May 2023)

On January 20, Russian sources claimed their forces captured several villages around the town, including Lobkove, Maly Shcherbaky, Shcherbaky, Novoandriivka, Novodanylivka, Mala Tokhmachka and Bilohirya. Despite that, these claims were considered unverified and Ukrainians presented countering claims. On March 27 released geolocated footage indicated Russian forces captured Piatykhatky prior to the date. On April 4, it was revealed Russian forces captured Kamianske up to the Yanchorak river and on April 5 Nesterianka, everything prior the date.

### Ukrainian counteroffensive (June 2023 - present)

In the light of the counteroffensive, Ukrainian forces launched attacks in the Orikhiv direction. On June 8, Ukrainian forces went offensive south of Mala Tokmacha, but Russian sources claimed they repelled the attack and recaptured lost positions. On the next day, Ukrainian forces advanced into Lobkove and towards Robotyne. On June 10, Ukrainian forces fully liberated Lobkove and advanced towards Piatykhatky. They also advanced towards Novopokrovka. Piatykhatky was liberated the next day.

