Russian Forces Halted on the Outskirts of Kyiv
On March 20, 2022, Ukrainian Defense Forces halted the advance of Russian troops on the approaches to Kyiv and launched tactical counterattacks. This day is considered decisive in the battle for the village of Moshchun, where Ukrainian units, including the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade and special forces, pushed Russian airborne units back across the Irpin River. As a result, on the 25th day of the invasion, the 64-kilometer-long column of Russian military equipment from Belarus ceased to exist as a cohesive force. This successful defense marked a critical failure in Russia's initial war plan to swiftly seize the Ukrainian capital.
British intelligence, in a report dated March 20, confirmed the halt of the offensive northeast of Kyiv. Humanitarian corridors also operated that day, evacuating thousands of people from Bucha and the Brovary district. However, residential areas of Irpin and the private sector around Makariv came under shelling during these events. On the night of March 20-21, Ukraine rejected a Russian Federation ultimatum to surrender Mariupol. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted that Russia's initial campaign to capture Kyiv had failed.
Frontline Stabilization
Stabilizing the frontline along the Irpin River created the foundation for the eventual liberation of the Kyiv region. Following the air assault on Hostomel Airport, Russian troops advanced on Kyiv from Belarus through the Chornobyl zone, taking control of Chornobyl, Ivankiv, Dymer, Borodianka, and approaching Bucha. Ukrainian forces blew up bridges over the Irpin River, severely complicating the enemy's progress.
According to available information, on March 5, units of Russia's 76th Guards Air Assault Division and 98th Guards Airborne Division were directed to force a crossing of the Irpin River near Moshchun. A mass assault on Moshchun began on March 11, but Ukrainian troops held their ground. General Oleksandr Syrskyi noted:
“Moshchun was the gateway to Kyiv. If they had broken through there, they would have reached Obolon. Our guys held their positions to the last. The fate of the capital was decided there.” - General Oleksandr Syrskyi
As a result, on March 21, the Armed Forces of Ukraine fully liberated the village of Moshchun, a crucial milestone in the defense of the capital.
The events of March 20, 2022, proved pivotal for the defense of Kyiv and underscored the effectiveness of Ukrainian resistance against the Russian invasion. Halting the Russian advance on the capital's outskirts not only stabilized the frontline but also opened new opportunities for counteroffensives. In the context of the severe humanitarian crisis triggered by the conflict, the importance of evacuation efforts and international support became starkly clear, as thousands were able to reach safety and receive aid.
The successful defense of Kyiv not only marked a turning point in the battle but also set the stage for ongoing confrontations across various sectors. As Ukrainian forces continue to repel significant Russian assaults, the situation remains fluid. For a detailed analysis of how Ukrainian troops are managing to fend off attacks across multiple frontline areas, you can explore this in-depth report.