Battle of Mykolaiv

Mykolaiv's Kulbakyne military airbase, the headquarters of the 299th Tactical Aviation Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Force, was bombarded by Russian jets at approximately 05:00 on 24 February, as part of the initial Russian strikes on Ukrainian military bases in the early hours of the invasion.{{cite web|url=https://azh.kz/ru/news/view/83163|title=Война в Украине. Что происходит|lang=ru|access-date=2022-02-26|publisher=Ак Жайжык}}{{cite web|url=https://mk.depo.ua/rus/nikolaev/u-mikolaevi-rozbombili-viyskoviy-aerodrom-kulbabkino-202202241428198|title=В Николаеве разбомбили военный аэродром Кульбакино|author=Генадий Олейников|access-date=2024-03-04|date=2022-02-24|lang=ru}} The bombing caused a large fire, but according to a spokesman for the brigade, there were no deaths or injuries.{{cite web|title=В Николаеве разбомбили военный аэродром в Кульбакино|url=https://novosti-n.org/news/V-Nykolaeve-razbombyly-voennij-aerodrom-v-Kulbakyno-235398|access-date=2024-03-04|date=2022-02-24|lang=ru|author=Николай Федоров}}{{cite web|url=https://suspilne.media/210083-u-mikolaevi-prolunali-vibuhi/|access-date=2024-03-11|date=2022-02-24|lang=uk|author=Денис Бобков|website=Suspilne|title=У Миколаєві пролунали вибухи}}

Dmytro Marchenko, who commanded the defense of the city, said that on 25 February there were no checkpoints, trenches, or patrols in Mykolaiv. Residents were in a state of panic regarding Russian troop movements in nearby Kherson, and a lack of communication among security forces led to friendly fire incidents.{{cite web|title=Генерал Марченко розповів, як вдалося захистити Миколаїв: «Мені 8 разів давали команду підірвати Варварівський міст»|url=https://nikvesti.com/ua/news/public/248649|first1=Юлія|last1=Ткач|date=2022-05-23|access-date=2024-02-22}} Units of the 79th Air Assault Brigade and 36th Marine Brigade, both headquartered in Mykolaiv, had only been ordered to prepare to defend their military bases but not the city itself.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/russian/features-64706630|date=22 February 2023|access-date=1 August 2024|lang=ru|website=BBC News Russian|first1=Абдужалил|last1=Абдурасулов|first2=Анна|last2=Цыба|title=Битва за Антоновский мост и победа ВСУ под Николаевом. Как и почему Украина пропустила армию РФ из Крыма в феврале 2022 года}}

File:Varvarovskiy Bridge-1.JPG River]]

According to Marchenko, the Russian command sought to surround Mykolaiv in a manner similar to the siege of Mariupol. Over the course of the battle, he reportedly refused eight orders to blow up the Varvarivskyi Bridge over the Southern Bug River, which would have caused the city to become totally encircled.

On 25 February, Russian helicopters attempted to land in the city, leading to a battle with Ukrainian fighters. Vitaliy Kim, the governor of Mykolaiv Oblast, ordered residents not to leave their homes.{{cite web |last= |first= |date=25 February 2022 |title=Миколаїв готується до оборони: розвели міст через річку, а людей просять не виходити |url=https://tsn.ua/ukrayina/mikolayiv-gotuyetsya-do-oboroni-rozveli-mist-cherez-richku-a-lyudey-prosyat-ne-vihoditi-1988419.html |access-date=26 February 2022 |website=TSN |publisher=Televiziyna Sluzhba Novyn |language=uk |quote= |archive-date=25 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220225174009/https://tsn.ua/ukrayina/mikolayiv-gotuyetsya-do-oboroni-rozveli-mist-cherez-richku-a-lyudey-prosyat-ne-vihoditi-1988419.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.unian.ua/war/v-mikolayevi-sproba-visadki-rosiyskih-desantnikiv-yshov-biy-video-novini-vtorgnennya-rosiji-v-ukrajinu-11718331.html|access-date=2024-03-11|date=2022-02-25|lang=uk|website=UNIAN|title=В Миколаєві відбулася спроба висадки російських десантників, йшов бій (відео)|author=Анастасія Печенюк}} By the evening, Kim said the situation had "calmed down". The next day, the Territorial Defense Forces captured several Russian saboteurs who had been hiding in the basement of a residential building.{{cite web|url=https://glavcom.ua/news/u-mikolajevi-teroborona-zatrimala-rosiyskih-diversantiv--825233.html|title=У Миколаєві тероборона затримала російських диверсантів|access-date=2024-03-11|date=2022-02-26|lang=uk|author=Владислава Прищак|website=Главком}}

During the afternoon hours of 26 February, a column of 12 Russian tanks began approaching Mykolaiv from the direction of Kakhovka.{{cite web |last= |first= |date=26 February 2022 |title=Миколаїв готується до кругової оборони: до міста прориваються 12 танків |url=https://24tv.ua/mikolayiv-gotuyetsya-do-krugovoyi-oboroni-do-mista-prorivayutsya_n1880448 |access-date=26 February 2022 |website=24tv |publisher=24-Канал |language=uk |quote= |archive-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226122345/https://24tv.ua/mikolayiv-gotuyetsya-do-krugovoyi-oboroni-do-mista-prorivayutsya_n1880448 |url-status=live }} Kim stated that the city had five hours to prepare for encirclement and urged citizens to prepare barricades and volunteers to defend the city.{{cite web |last=Mazurenko |first=Alona |date=26 February 2022 |title=Миколаїв готується до кругової оборони: пруть ворожі танки |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2022/02/26/7326123/ |access-date=26 February 2022 |website=24tv |publisher=24-Канал |language=uk |quote= |archive-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226114606/https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2022/02/26/7326123/ |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last= |first= |date=26 February 2022 |title=Russian invasion update: Mykolaiv preparing for all-round defense, tanks break through from Kakhovka |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3413803-russian-invasion-update-mykolaiv-preparing-for-allround-defense-tanks-break-through-from-kakhovka.html |access-date=26 February 2022 |website=Ukrinform |language= |quote= |archive-date=27 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227033632/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3413803-russian-invasion-update-mykolaiv-preparing-for-allround-defense-tanks-break-through-from-kakhovka.html |url-status=live }} Artillery and other arms had also been prepared.{{cite web |last=Kornilov |first=Mikhailo |date=26 February 2022 |title=Миколаїв готується до кругової оборони |url=https://telegraf.com.ua/ukr/ukraina/2022-02-26/5697645-nikolaev-gotovitsya-k-krugovoy-oborone |access-date=26 February 2022 |website=Telegraf |language=uk |quote= |archive-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226122941/https://telegraf.com.ua/ukr/ukraina/2022-02-26/5697645-nikolaev-gotovitsya-k-krugovoy-oborone |url-status=live }}

Russian tanks entered Mykolaiv around 17:00 on 26 February, with explosions heard in all parts of the city.{{cite web |url=http://www.niknews.mk.ua/uk/2022/02/26/v-prigorode-nikolaeva-idet-tankovyj-boj/ |title=У передмісті Миколаєва йде танковий бій |language=uk |last= |first= |date=26 February 2022 |website=Niknews |publisher= |access-date=26 February 2022 |quote= |archive-date=27 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227030937/http://www.niknews.mk.ua/uk/2022/02/26/v-prigorode-nikolaeva-idet-tankovyj-boj/ |url-status=live }} Russian soldiers, termed "little green men" by locals, were filmed moving through the city's {{ill|northern micro-district|uk|Північний (Миколаїв)}} in armored vehicles.{{cite web|url=https://novosti-n.org/news/Poyavylos-vydeo-kak-na-Severnom-v-Nykolaeve-strelyayut-zelenie-chelovechky--235668|access-date=2024-03-11|date=2022-02-26|lang=ru|website=Николаев N|title=Появилось видео, как на Северном в Николаеве стреляют «зеленые человечки»}}

Heavy shooting was audible in the city center. Combat took place near a shopping mall and the Mykolaiv Zoo.{{cite web |last=Kniazhik |first=Oksana |date=26 February 2022 |title=Бои за Николаев: в городе слышны выстрелы, объявлен сбор медиков |url=https://24tv.ua/ru/boi-za-nikolaev-gorode-slyshny-vystrely-objavlen-sbor-medikov_n1880868 |access-date=26 February 2022 |website=24tv |publisher=24-Канал |language=uk |quote= |archive-date=27 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227032301/https://24tv.ua/ru/boi-za-nikolaev-gorode-slyshny-vystrely-objavlen-sbor-medikov_n1880868 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://fakty.com.ua/ua/ukraine/suspilstvo/20220226-u-pryvatnomu-sektori-mykolayeva-strilba-z-avtomativ-chuty-vybuhy/|access-date=2024-03-11|date=2022-02-26|lang=uk|author=Марія Степанюк|website=Fakty|title=У приватному секторі Миколаєва стрільба з автоматів, чути вибухи

}} A column of tanks was seen moving through {{ill|Tsentralny Avenue|uk|Центральний проспект (Миколаїв)}} and {{ill|Sadova Street|uk|Садова вулиця (Миколаїв)}} in the direction of {{ill|Nikolska Street|uk|Нікольська вулиця (Миколаїв)}}. Shooting was also heard in the {{ill|Korabel'nyy Raion|uk|Корабельний район (Миколаїв)}}, and the Kulbakino Air Base was shelled.{{cite web |url=https://vn.mk.ua/v-nikolaev-zahodili-rossijskie-tanki-chto-izvestno/ |title=В Николаев заходили российские танки: что известно |language=uk |last= |first= |date=26 February 2022 |website=VN |publisher={{ill|Vechernyy Nikolaev|uk|Вечерний Николаев}} |access-date=26 February 2022 |quote= |archive-date=27 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227034445/https://vn.mk.ua/v-nikolaev-zahodili-rossijskie-tanki-chto-izvestno/ |url-status=live }}

By 21:00, Kim and mayor Oleksandr Senkevych announced that Russian forces had left the city after being repelled by the Territorial Defense Forces, who were awaiting reinforcements from the Ukrainian military.{{cite web |url=https://glavcom.ua/country/incidents/u-mikolajevi-teroborona-dala-biy-rosiyskim-tankam-825333.html |title=У Миколаєві тероборона дала бій російським танкам |language=uk |last=Kushnerik |first=Tetyana |date=26 February 2022 |website=Glavkom |publisher=ГЛАВКОМ |access-date=26 February 2022 |quote= |archive-date=27 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227034442/https://glavcom.ua/country/incidents/u-mikolajevi-teroborona-dala-biy-rosiyskim-tankam-825333.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Poliakovska |first=Tanya |date=26 February 2022 |title=Танки пройшли через Миколаїв зі стріляниною – ОДА |url=https://www.unian.ua/war/tanki-proyshli-cherez-mikolajiv-zi-strilyaninoyu-oda-novini-donbasu-11719732.html |access-date=26 February 2022 |website=Unian |publisher=Ukrainian Independent Information Agency |language=uk |quote= |archive-date=27 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227032414/https://www.unian.ua/war/tanki-proyshli-cherez-mikolajiv-zi-strilyaninoyu-oda-novini-donbasu-11719732.html |url-status=live }} Kim said Russian tanks had withdrawn in the direction of Kherson, towards the village of Luch. Policemen seized weapons from an abandoned Russian armored personnel carrier.{{cite web |url=https://tsn.ua/ukrayina/mikolayiv-zalishayetsya-pid-kontrolem-ukrayini-1990018.html |title=Миколаїв залишається під контролем України |language=uk |last= |first= |date=26 February 2022 |website=TSN |publisher=Televiziyna Sluzhba Novyn |access-date=26 February 2022 |quote= |url-status=live |archive-date=26 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220226220720/https://tsn.ua/ukrayina/mikolayiv-zalishayetsya-pid-kontrolem-ukrayini-1990018.html }}

In the aftermath, some Russian soldiers were captured, and the city center was extensively damaged.{{Cite tweet |user=GoncharenkoUa |number=1497851093962870784 |title=Mykolaiv's center after the night battle. Welcome to hell.}}{{cite web |url=https://t.me/insiderUKR/22262 |title=Инсайдер Украина Новости Война |language=uk |last= |first= |date=27 February 2022 |website=Telegram (via Twitter link) |publisher=Insider Ukraine |access-date=26 February 2022 |quote= |url-status=live |archive-date=27 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227093825/https://t.me/insiderUKR/22262 }} The next day, the Russian military bombarded Mykolaiv International Airport,{{cite web|url=https://suspilne.media/211970-rosijski-vijska-obstrilali-aeroport-u-mikolaevi/|access-date=2024-03-09|date=2022-02-27|author=Денис Бобков|title=Російські війська обстріляли аеропорт у Миколаєві|lang=uk|website=Suspilne}} and Senkevych said that a Russian column from Crimea was moving through Kherson Oblast in the direction of Mykolaiv. The mayor also announced that bridges in the city had been mined and would be detonated in the case of a Russian breakthrough.{{cite web|lang=uk|access-date=2024-03-09|date=2022-02-27|title=Отримали повідомлення, що в напрямку Миколаєва рухається колона російської техніки – міський голова|author=Дар'я Свистуха|url=https://suspilne.media/211769-u-napramku-mikolaeva-ruhaetsa-kolonna-rosijskoi-tehniki-miskij-golova-senkevic/|website=Suspilne}}

On 28 February, Russian troops advanced from Kherson towards Mykolaiv, reaching the city's outskirts and launching an assault at 11:00 a.m. local time.{{Cite web |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/28/ukraine-reports-dozens-killed-in-kharkiv-rocket-strikes |title=Several killed as Russian rockets pound Ukraine's Kharkiv |access-date=3 March 2022 |archive-date=28 February 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228220554/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2022/2/28/ukraine-reports-dozens-killed-in-kharkiv-rocket-strikes |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-28-2022|title=RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE CAMPAIGN ASSESSMENT, FEBRUARY 28, 2022|date=28 February 2022|work=Institute for the Study of War|access-date=3 March 2022|archive-date=2 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220302030758/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-28-2022|url-status=live}}

There was a lull in fighting on 1 March, with no airstrikes or artillery bombardment recorded the previous night. A column of Russian military vehicles left the environs of Mykolaiv, moving back in the direction of Kherson. Some bridges had been destroyed by the Ukrainian military. Sienkevych said it was unknown when the city would come under attack again, but defensive preparations were necessary.{{cite web|url=https://suspilne.media/212442-sostij-den-vtorgnenna-rf-situacia-u-mikolaevi/|lang=uk|website=Suspilne|access-date=2024-03-09|date=2022-03-01|title=Шостий день вторгнення РФ: ситуація у Миколаєві|author=Дар'я Свистуха}}

File:Destroyed residential buildings in Mykolaiv.jpg

File:Bomb disposal in Mykolaiv, 9 March 2022 (07) cropped.jpg in Mykolaiv, 9 March]]

{{further information|Battle of Voznesensk}}

On 1 March, according to Ukrainian officials, a Russian column near the city of Bashtanka, north of Mykolaiv, was defeated by Ukrainian forces. According to a video taken of the engagement, 800 wheeled vehicles were destroyed, including D-30A howitzers, BTR-80 APCs, Pantsir missile system vehicles and ammunition supply trucks. The Ukrainians had also detained 28 Russian soldiers who had taken part in "hostilities" in Bashtanka.{{cite news |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2022/03/2/7327383/ |title=У Миколаєві висадився ворожий десант. Людей просять покинути вулиці |language=uk |last=Mazurenko |first=Alona |date=2 March 2022 |newspaper=Українська Правда |publisher=Ukrainska Pravda |access-date=2 March 2022 |quote= |url-status=live |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306141155/https://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2022/03/2/7327383/ }}{{cite web |url=https://tsn.ua/video/video-novini/miskiy-golova-mikolayeva-rozpoviv-pro-situaciyu-v-misti.html |title=Міський голова Миколаєва розповів про ситуацію в місті |language=uk |last= |first= |date=2 March 2022 |website=TSN |publisher=Televiziyna Sluzhba Novyn |access-date=2 March 2022 |quote= |url-status=live |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306024923/https://tsn.ua/video/video-novini/miskiy-golova-mikolayeva-rozpoviv-pro-situaciyu-v-misti.html }}[https://suspilne.media/mykolaiv/212773-na-mikolaivsini-zsu-ta-miscevi-ziteli-rozbili-kolonu-rosijskih-vijsk/ На Миколаївщині ЗСУ та місцеві жителі розбили колону російських військ][https://nenow.in/world/russian-military-convoy-destroyed-by-ukrainian-forces-bashtanka.html 800 vehicles strong Russian military convoy ‘destroyed’ by Ukrainian forces in Bashtanka][https://suspilne.media/mykolaiv/213121-na-mikolaivsini-pisla-boiv-u-bastanskomu-rajoni-zatrimali-28-vijskovih-rf/ На Миколаївщині після боїв у Баштанському районі затримали 28 військових РФ]

On 2 March, another Russian column was defeated at the city of Voznesensk, northwest of Mykolaiv, by Ukrainian regular army troops, members of the Territorial Defense force, and local volunteers.{{cite news | url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-russia-voznesensk-town-battle-11647444734 | title=A Ukrainian Town Deals Russia One of the War's Most Decisive Routs | language=English | last=Trofimov | first=Yaroslav | date=16 March 2022 | publisher=Wall Street Journal | access-date=16 March 2022 | location=VOZNESENSK, Ukraine | archive-date=24 March 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324034324/https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukraine-russia-voznesensk-town-battle-11647444734 | url-status=live }}

On 2 March, as Russian forces continued to attempt to encircle Mykolaiv, Kim announced that Russian paratroopers had landed in {{ill|Balovne|uk|Баловне}}, in the northwestern outskirts of the city; he also reported fighting at {{ill|Kalynivka, Mykolaiv Oblast|lt=Kalynivka|uk|Калинівка (Воскресенська селищна громада)}} to the city's east, where Ukrainian artillery had destroyed a bridge to prevent a Russian advance. The Russians later withdrew from Kalynivka in the direction of Bashtanka.{{cite web|title=Николаев и Херсон под ударом. Угроза гуманитарной катастрофы на юге Украины|lang=ru|url=https://ru.krymr.com/a/nikolayev-i-kherson-v-okruzhenii-gumanitarnaya-katastrofa-na-yuge-ukrainy/31733881.html|access-date=2024-03-04|date=2022-03-03|first1=Дмитрий|last1=Евчин|first2=Игорь|last2=Токарь|first3=Анжелика|last3=Руденко|website=Крым.Реалии}}{{cite web|title=Повітряна тривога. Біля Миколаєва відбувалася висадка російського десанту|lang=uk|access-date=2024-03-11|date=2022-03-02|website=Suspilne|url=https://suspilne.media/212862-povitrana-trivoga-bila-mikolaeva-vidbuvalasa-visadka-rosijskogo-desantu/}} Mayor Sienkevych said Mykolaiv was preparing for urban combat, and called on "everyone who could hold a weapon" to join in the city's defense.

File:Russian tank trapped after Ukrainians demolished a bridge.jpg tank trapped on a bridge demolished by the Ukrainians in Kalynivka, Mykolaiv Oblast, 2 March]]

On 3 March, the Ukrainian military claimed that the Russian landing party in Balovne, which it said consisted of airborne troops of Russia's 10th Special Forces Brigade had been "destroyed".{{cite web|website=Ukrainian Pravda|access-date=4 February 2025|date=3 March 2022|first=Olha|last=Hlushchenko|title=MoD report: Russian landing party neutralised near Balovne|url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2022/03/3/7327666/}}

The Ukrainian Navy scuttled their only frigate and the flagship of the Ukrainian Navy, Hetman Sahaidachny, in the port of Mykolaiv on or before 3 March. On that day, a photo was published showing the frigate partially sunk in port. On 4 March, the Ukrainian Defence Minister confirmed that Hetman Sahaidachny had been scuttled to prevent its capture by the Russian forces.{{cite news |title=Hetman Sahaidachny frigate, being under repair, flooded not to get to enemy – Reznikov |url=https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/806837.html |access-date=4 March 2022 |publisher=Interfax Ukraine |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306141720/https://en.interfax.com.ua/news/general/806837.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Michael |title=Ukraine scuttles its flagship frigate as Russians close in |newspaper=The Times |url=https://www.thetimes.com/world/russia-ukraine-war/article/ukraine-scuttles-its-flagship-frigate-as-the-russians-close-in-wtd07bbqp |access-date=4 March 2022 |date=4 March 2022 |issn=0140-0460 |archive-date=5 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305160513/https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/ukraine-scuttles-its-flagship-frigate-as-the-russians-close-in-wtd07bbqp |url-status=live }}

According to Dmytro Marchenko, one of the key battles during the defense of Mykolaiv took place on 4 March. Hundreds of Russian tanks moved towards the city from three directions: Stanislav to the south, Posad-Pokrovske to the southeast, and from the north, down the highway connecting Mykolaiv and Kropyvnytskyi. Two Russian BTRs entered the Kulbakynskyi airfield, which Marchenko recognized as a feint designed to draw out Ukrainian reserves and artillery. He sent police forces to recapture the airfield while focusing the artillery on the main Russian force, thus breaking up the attack.

Kim later announced that Russian troops were driven out of the city but were counterattacking. Ukrainian soldiers recaptured Kulbakino Air Base.{{cite news |title=Ukrainian defenders repelled attack on Mykolaiv city, fighting continues on outskirts |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3420336-ukrainian-defenders-repelled-attack-on-mykolaiv-city-fighting-continues-on-outskirts.html |access-date=4 March 2022 |publisher=Ukrinform |date=4 March 2022 |archive-date=4 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220304220004/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3420336-ukrainian-defenders-repelled-attack-on-mykolaiv-city-fighting-continues-on-outskirts.html |url-status=live }} Mayor Oleksandr Senkevich said that Russian troops were attacking the city from the north, east and south. Ukrainian troops held a single swing bridge spanning the Southern Buh, the easiest route for Russian forces to reach the port of Odesa.{{Cite news |last=Schwirtz |first=Michael |date=2022-03-04 |title=In a surrounded Ukrainian city, residents vow to fight to the end. |language=en-US |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/03/04/world/russia-ukraine |access-date=2022-03-04 |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=6 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306014254/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2022/03/04/world/russia-ukraine |url-status=live }} Russian forces were later forced to retreat back beyond the city limits,{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/07/world/europe/mykolaiv-ukraine-russia-battle.html|title=Ukrainian forces have repelled another Russian assault on Mykolaiv, officials say.|author=Michael Schwirtz|work=The New York Times|date=March 7, 2022|access-date=March 7, 2022|archive-date=9 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309090548/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/07/world/europe/mykolaiv-ukraine-russia-battle.html|url-status=live}} pushed out of the city outskirts by Ukrainian troops led by Dmytro Marchenko.{{Cite news |date=2022-08-26 |title=General Marchenko: 'Mykolaiv was to be next city to fall, but Russia terribly failed' |language=en |url=https://kyivindependent.com/general-marchenko-mykolaiv-was-to-be-next-city-to-fall-but-russia-terribly-failed/ |access-date=2023-08-01}} Marchenko received the Ukrainian Order for Courage for his role in defending the city.

On 5 March, Kim said that Russian tanks were approaching the city in the direction of Kulbakyne airfield. Some hours later, he announced that Ukrainian fighters had captured Russian vehicles. He also claimed that Russian forces bombarded Ukrainian positions three times with Smerch rocket launchers, injuring three soldiers. The Ukrainians responded with their own salvo, reportedly killing 70 Russian soldiers and wounding 300.{{Cite web |date=2022-03-05 |title=Николаев. Оккупанты ударили "Смерчем", ВСУ в ответ убили 70 российских военных – ОГА |url=https://news.liga.net/politics/news/nikolaev-okkupanty-udarili-smerchem-vsu-v-otvet-ubili-70-rossiyskih-voennyh-oga |access-date=2022-06-13 |website=LIGA |language=ru |archive-date=5 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220305190711/https://news.liga.net/politics/news/nikolaev-okkupanty-udarili-smerchem-vsu-v-otvet-ubili-70-rossiyskih-voennyh-oga |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://suspilne.media/214072-u-mikolaevi-v-bik-kulbakinskogo-aeroportu-ruhautsa-rosijski-tanki-golova-ova/|lang=uk|date=2022-03-05|access-date=2024-03-11|title=У Миколаєві в напрямку Кульбакинського аеропорту рухаються російські танки — голова ОВА|website=Suspilne}}

On 7 March, ten Ukrainian soldiers were killed and dozens of others were wounded in a Russian airstrike on the barracks of the 79th Air Assault Brigade at 05:15.{{cite web|url=https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/03/14/russia-odesa-mykolaiv-ukraine/|title=Russia's Road to Odesa Runs Through Mykolaiv|author=Stefanie Glinski|work=Foreign Policy|date=14 March 2022|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=14 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314204811/https://foreignpolicy.com/2022/03/14/russia-odesa-mykolaiv-ukraine/|url-status=live}} Kim later stated that Ukrainian forces had recaptured Mykolaiv International Airport and civilians could now leave the city.{{Cite news |date=2022-03-07 |title=Ukrainian forces have retaken Mykolayiv regional airport, says governor |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/ukrainian-forces-have-retaken-mykolayiv-regional-airport-says-governor-2022-03-07/ |access-date=2022-03-07 |archive-date=10 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220310014744/https://www.reuters.com/world/ukrainian-forces-have-retaken-mykolayiv-regional-airport-says-governor-2022-03-07/ |url-status=live }} At 05:00 Russian troops began shelling the city and a Kalibr cruise missile hit a military barracks, killing eight soldiers and wounding 19, while another eight were missing. Heavy clashes took place to the east of the city and a tank battle broke out at the airport. The shelling stopped around the evening, with Ukrainian forces declaring they had repelled the Russian assault.

On 8 March, a Russian battalion tactical group unsuccessfully attempted offensive operations towards {{ill|Ternivka district|uk|Тернівка (Миколаїв)}} in Mykolaiv and was driven back to Russian "force concentration areas" near {{ill|Kapustyne|uk|Капустине}}, Balovne, and {{ill|Novomatviyivske|uk|Новоматвіївське}}.{{Cite web |last1=Kagan |first1=Frederick W. |last2=Barros |first2=George |last3=Stepanenko |first3=Kateryna |date=March 8, 2022 |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 8 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-march-8 |access-date=February 27, 2023}}

Kim claimed on 11 March that Ukrainian forces had pushed Russian troops back to the east by {{convert|15|-|20|km|mi|0}} and had also surrounded some units who were negotiating for a surrender. He said that the Russian force that attacked the city was relatively weak, but warned that a stronger one could easily capture the city. The head doctor of a local hospital, Oleksandr Dimyanov, said that 250 Ukrainian soldiers and civilians had been wounded during the battle, of whom 12 died.{{Cite news |date=2022-03-12 |title=Battle for Mykolaiv: 'We are winning this fight, but not this war' |author=Andrew Harding |work=BBC |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60711659 |access-date=2022-03-12 |archive-date=14 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314042754/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60711659 |url-status=live }}

Russian forces still controlled villages {{convert|20|km|mi}} away, with only the Southern Bug River keeping the city from being encircled. Senkevich told The Guardian that civilians were being evacuated through the road leading to Odesa, and about 250,000 had been evacuated.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/mar/14/mykolaiv-awaiting-siege-ukrainians-war-russia|title=In Mykolaiv, a city awaiting a siege, it's clear that all Ukrainians are now people of war|author=Nataliya Gumenyuk|date=14 March 2022|work=The Guardian|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=23 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220323142657/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2022/mar/14/mykolaiv-awaiting-siege-ukrainians-war-russia|url-status=live}} On 12 March, fighting took place in the villages of {{ill|Buzke|uk|Бузьке (Миколаївський район)}}, {{ill|Sukhyi Yelanets|uk|Сухий Єланець}} and {{ill|Huriivka|uk|Гур'ївка}}.{{cite web|title="Нова Одеса відрізана від Миколаєва" — міський голова Олександр Поляков|first=Ігор|last=Горбатенко|website=Suspilne|lang=uk|access-date=20 January 2025|date=12 March 2022|url=https://suspilne.media/mykolaiv/216735-nova-odesa-vidrizana-vid-mikolaeva-miskij-golova-oleksandr-polakov/}}

Civilians stacked tires on city streets in the battle, and burned them using Molotov cocktails to slow down Russian troops if they entered the city, so Ukrainian troops could target their tanks.{{cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-war-buses-hurtle-along-mykolaivs-deserted-streets-on-the-only-safe-route-out-of-the-city-12566434|title=Ukraine war: Buses hurtle along Mykolaiv's deserted streets on the only safe route out of the city|author=Nick Martin|date=15 March 2022|work=Sky News|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=16 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316195753/https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-war-buses-hurtle-along-mykolaivs-deserted-streets-on-the-only-safe-route-out-of-the-city-12566434|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/15/briefing/russia-ukraine-war-mykolaiv-default.html|title=Scenes from the Resistance|author=Carole Landry|date=15 March 2022|work=The New York Times|access-date=16 March 2022|archive-date=18 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220318062309/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/15/briefing/russia-ukraine-war-mykolaiv-default.html|url-status=live}} Kim meanwhile organized the defenses and motivated people through videos he posted on social media. Sgt. Ruslan Khoda, who commanded the Ukrainian forces defending the airport, stated that Russian troops seemed to be mounting probing attacks to test vulnerabilities in their defenses and they were often preceded by surveillance drones. Maj. Gen. Dmytro Marchenko, who was leading the city's defense, stated that Ukrainian forces were trying to break the morale of Russian troops by repeatedly shelling them.

Units of Ukraine's 28th Mechanized Brigade went on the offensive south of the city on 12 March, when they captured the villages of {{ill|Prybuzke|uk|Прибузьке (Галицинівська сільська громада)}} and Ukrainka. The brigade took Luch, Posad-Pokrovske, and {{ill|Stepova Dolyna|uk|Степова Долина}} by 14-15 March.{{cite web|url=https://nikvesti.com/ru/news/public/268265|title=«Силы были 10 к 1», — разведчик рассказал, как ВСУ удалось удержать оборону на границе Николаевщины и Херсонщины|lang=ru|date=2023-04-19|access-date=2024-05-10|first=Юлія|last=Ткач|website=НикВести}} Meanwhile, units of Ukraine's 59th Motorized Brigade recaptured Shevchenkove, {{ill|Kotliareve|uk|Котляреве}}, {{ill|Zelenyi Hai, Mykolaiv Oblast|lt=Zelenyi Hai|uk|Зелений Гай (Шевченківська сільська громада)}}, {{ill|Olenivka, Mykolaiv Oblast|lt=Olenivka|uk|Оленівка (Миколаївський район)}}, and {{ill|Kostiantynivka, Mykolaiv Oblast|lt=Kostiantynivka|uk|Костянтинівка (Первомайська селищна громада)}} east of Mykolaiv.{{cite web|url=https://nikvesti.com/ru/news/public/250430|title=23-летний Герой Украины рассказал, как защищали Херсон в первые часы вторжения России|first=Юлія|last=Ткач|lang=ru|website=НикВести|date=2022-06-20|access-date=2024-05-10}}

The road between Mykolaiv and Nova Odesa returned to Ukrainian control on 14 March,{{cite web|url=https://24tv.ua/ru/trassa-nikolaev-novaja-odessa-pod-kontrolem-vsu_n1905419|lang=ru|title=Трасса Николаев – Новая Одесса под контролем ВСУ|author=Максим Гема|date=2022-03-14|access-date=2024-03-14|website=24 Kanal}} and on 15 March, Kim claimed that Ukrainian forces had pushed back Russian forces from the city center. Yuri Biryukov, an associate of Major General Dmitry Marchenko, commander of the Nikolaev defense forces, claimed on 15 March their troops had killed 200 Russians and had taken "trophy heaps of weapons and ammunition".{{Cite news |date=2022-03-15 |title=Russian forces have been pushed back slightly from Ukraine's Mykolayiv city, says governor |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-forces-have-been-pushed-back-slightly-ukraines-mykolayiv-city-says-2022-03-15/ |access-date=2022-04-08 |archive-date=15 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220315101519/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-forces-have-been-pushed-back-slightly-ukraines-mykolayiv-city-says-2022-03-15/ |url-status=live }} On the same date, Russian forces were also said to have been pushed out of areas on the border between Mykolaiv Oblast and Kherson Oblast, which was expected to result in a reduction of shelling on the city.{{cite web|url=https://nikvesti.com/ua/news/politics/243640|access-date=2024-02-23|date=2022-03-15|author=Олег Деренюга|website=НикВести|title=«В Николаеве теперь будет тише», — Бирюков рассказал, что ВСУ оттеснили россиян дальше от города}} On 18 March, Ukrainian forces reportedly broke through Russian lines at Mykolaiv, pushing them back into Kherson Oblast.{{Cite news |last=Journal |first=Yaroslav Trofimov {{!}} Photographs by Manu Brabo for The Wall Street |date=2022-03-18 |title=Ukrainian Counteroffensive Near Mykolaiv Relieves Strategic Port City |language=en-US |work=Wall Street Journal |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukrainian-counteroffensive-near-mykolaiv-relieves-strategic-port-city-11647605489 |access-date=2022-04-08 |issn=0099-9660 |archive-date=30 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220330120400/https://www.wsj.com/articles/ukrainian-counteroffensive-near-mykolaiv-relieves-strategic-port-city-11647605489 |url-status=live }}

File:Mykolaiv Regional State Administration after Russian shelling, 30.03.2022 (02).jpg on 29 March]]

{{anchor|Ukrainian military base missile attack}}

On 18 March, two Russian Kalibr missiles, fired from either nearby Kherson or Crimea, struck a Ukrainian army barracks of the 36th Separate Marine Brigade (headquartered in Mykolaiv), used to train local soldiers, located in the northern suburbs of Mykolaiv.{{Cite web |title=Russian Rocket Attack Turns Ukrainian Marine Base to Rubble, Killing Dozens |url=https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-rocket-attack-turns-ukrainian-marine-base-to-rubble-killing-dozens/ar-AAVgqNA |access-date=2022-03-20 |website=MSN |language=en-US |archive-date=21 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220321131104/https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/russian-rocket-attack-turns-ukrainian-marine-base-to-rubble-killing-dozens/ar-AAVgqNA |url-status=live }} The attack occurred during the night, while the soldiers were asleep in their bunks. Not enough time was available to sound the alarm, as the missiles were fired from too close, from the vicinity of Kherson.{{Cite news |date=2022-03-19 |title=Ukraine conflict: Scores feared dead after Russia attack on Mykolaiv barracks |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60807636 |access-date=2022-03-19 |archive-date=19 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319210354/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60807636 |url-status=live }} The Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws reported that the city morgue and the Ukrainian army stated that at least 80 Ukrainian soldiers were killed, and their bodies recovered.{{cite web|url=https://www.hln.be/buitenland/onze-oorlogsjournalist-robin-ramaekers-na-bombardement-in-mykolaiv-een-van-de-zwaarste-klappen-voor-het-oekraiense-leger-tot-nu-toe~ad87d69b/|title=Onze oorlogsjournalist Robin Ramaekers na bombardement in Mykolaiv: "Een van de zwaarste klappen voor het Oekraïense leger tot nu toe"|date=18 March 2022|work=Het Laatste Nieuws|language=Flemish|access-date=19 March 2022|archive-date=24 March 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220324150814/https://myprivacy.dpgmedia.be/consent?siteKey=Uqxf9TXhjmaG4pbQ&callbackUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hln.be%2Fprivacy-gate%2Faccept-tcf2%3FredirectUri%3D%252Fbuitenland%252Fonze-oorlogsjournalist-robin-ramaekers-na-bombardement-in-mykolaiv-een-van-de-zwaarste-klappen-voor-het-oekraiense-leger-tot-nu-toe~ad87d69b%252F|url-status=live}} However, the BBC reported that out of the 200 soldiers in the barracks, only one man was pulled from out of the rubble 30 hours after the attack. Two years after the attack, Ukrainian media updated the toll to 110 killed servicemen and 100 wounded.{{cite web|url=https://novynarnia.com/2024/03/18/dva-roky-tomu-rf-vdaryla/|title=Два роки тому РФ ударила по казармах миколаївських морпіхів: побратими вшановують|date=18 March 2024|language=Ukrainian}}

On 19 March, the Ukrainian General Staff claimed to have killed 200 "DPR mobilized soldiers" over the past two days, and that others had become "demoralized" and refused to fight.{{Cite web |last=Середа |first=Катерина |title=В боях на николаевском направлении убито более 200 мобилизованных из ДНР, которых РФ бросила на пушечное мясо, – Генштаб |url=https://nikvesti.com/news/incidents/244074 |access-date=2022-06-13 |website=nikvesti.com |date=19 March 2022 |archive-date=19 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319233720/https://nikvesti.com/news/incidents/244074 |url-status=live }}

27 March was the first full day that Mykolaiv was not shelled.{{cite web|url=https://dumskaya.net/news/pribuzke-bashtanka-i-nikolaev-162157/|title=«Пох…й танки, мы с Баштанки!» и гимн второго взвода: что происходит на линии фронта в Николаевской и Херсонской областях|lang=ru|date=2022-03-29|access-date=2024-03-13|website=Думська}} On 8 April, Kim claimed that "practically no" Russian forces remained in the Mykolaiv region, except for in Snihurivka and a few villages in the southern part of the oblast.{{Cite web |title=Practically no invaders left in Mykolayiv region – head of administration |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3451811-practically-no-invaders-left-in-mykolayiv-region-head-of-administration.html |access-date=2022-04-08 |website=Ukrinform |date=8 April 2022 |language=en |archive-date=8 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220408045033/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3451811-practically-no-invaders-left-in-mykolayiv-region-head-of-administration.html |url-status=live }}

{{further information|Mykolaiv strikes (2022–present)}}

File:Mykolaiv after rocket strike on 29 June 2022 (10).jpg

File:Admiral Makarov National University of Shipbuilding after Russian shelling, 2022-07-15 (04).jpg shelled on 15 July]]

File:Petro Mohyla Black Sea State University after Russian shelling on 19 August 2022 (1).jpg shelled in August]]

File:Tanks with sunflower oil in Mykolaiv after Russian drone attack, 2022-10-16 (03).webp

Zelenskyy named Mykolaiv a Hero City of Ukraine on 24 March, in recognition of its resistance to Russian attacks.{{cite web|url=https://suspilne.media/221342-prezident-zelenskij-prisvoiv-mikolaevu-zvanna-misto-geroj/|access-date=2024-03-08|date=2022-03-25|title=Президент Зеленський присвоїв Миколаєву звання "Місто-герой"

|author=Дар'я Свистуха|lang=uk|website=Suspilne}}

However, as of 16 April, Russian forces continued shelling the city.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-five-killed-shelling-city-mykolaiv-2022-04-15/|title=Ukraine says five killed in shelling in city of Mykolaiv|website=reuters.com|date=16 April 2022|access-date=17 April 2022|archive-date=15 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220415174218/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-says-five-killed-shelling-city-mykolaiv-2022-04-15/|url-status=live}} Cruise missile attacks also continued, although the city remained in Ukrainian control.{{cite web |url=https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-04-17-22#h_84ae2a5ede60f97ce31c9cf311277926 |title=People in Mykolaiv forced to use water from the river because of damaged pipeline |website=CNN |date=17 April 2022 |access-date=28 November 2022 |archive-date=28 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128041336/https://edition.cnn.com/europe/live-news/ukraine-russia-putin-news-04-17-22/h_84ae2a5ede60f97ce31c9cf311277926 |url-status=live }}

On 12 April, the city lost its main water supply as a result of damage to the pipeline bringing fresh water from the Dnieper. Subsequently the people in Mykolaiv were forced to rely on water from rivers and streams as well as donations from neighboring towns and cities. The head of Mykolaiv regional military administration Vitalii Kim promised to get the water supply back to half capacity in the following days using wells, water purification equipment and desalination plants. A month later, water supply from Southern Bug was established, but this water is brackish, dirty and isn't suitable for drinking or cooking.{{cite news |url=https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/novyny-pryazovya-mykolayiv-obstrili-senkevych/31911643.html |title="Ситуація дуже погана. Щодня щось прилітає, хтось гине". Мер Миколаєва про життя міста під обстрілами |newspaper=Радіо Свобода |date=2022-06-24 |language=uk |publisher=Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716134024/https://www.radiosvoboda.org/a/novyny-pryazovya-mykolayiv-obstrili-senkevych/31911643.html |archivedate=2022-07-16 |url-status=live |last1=Приазов'я |first1=Новини }} According to a BBC investigation, Russian forces deliberately broke the pipeline with explosive charge. The exiled governor of the Kherson region at that time, Dmytro Butrii, told the BBC that the Russian occupation forces did not allow a repair team to access it.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63383605 |title=Russia accused of sabotaging Ukraine water pipe to Mykolaiv |date=2022-10-25 |publisher=BBC |access-date=28 November 2022 |archive-date=28 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221128041336/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-63383605 |url-status=live }}

On 5 May, the Russian Defence Ministry claimed that its missiles destroyed a large ammunition depot in Mykolaiv.{{Cite news |date=2022-05-05 |title=Russia killed over 600 Ukrainian fighters in artillery strikes - defence ministry |language=en |work=Reuters |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-killed-over-600-ukrainian-fighters-artillery-strikes-defence-ministry-2022-05-05/ |access-date=2022-06-10 |archive-date=6 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220506192142/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russia-killed-over-600-ukrainian-fighters-artillery-strikes-defence-ministry-2022-05-05/ |url-status=live }}

On 22 June, Ukrainian authorities reported that Russian forces launched seven missiles at Mykolaiv.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/seven-russian-missiles-hit-ukrainian-city-mykolaiv-regional-governor-2022-06-22/|title=Russian missiles hit Ukrainian city of Mykolaiv, one killed|website=reuters.com|date=22 June 2022|access-date=23 June 2022|archive-date=22 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622125317/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/seven-russian-missiles-hit-ukrainian-city-mykolaiv-regional-governor-2022-06-22/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3512486-massive-russian-strike-on-mykolaiv-as-seven-missiles-launched.html|title=Massive Russian strike on Mykolaiv - seven missiles launched|website=ukrinform.net|date=22 June 2022|access-date=23 June 2022|archive-date=22 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622101803/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3512486-massive-russian-strike-on-mykolaiv-as-seven-missiles-launched.html|url-status=live}} According to the Russian Defence Ministry, the strike conducted by the Russian Aerospace Forces killed up to 500 servicemen of the 59th Motorized Brigade located in the Okean shipbuilding plant and destroyed a fuel terminal in the city.{{cite web|url=https://www.vedomosti.ru/politics/news/2022/06/22/927876-minoboroni-soobschilo-ob-udare-po-zavodu-okean|title=Минобороны сообщило об ударе по заводу "Океан" в Николаеве|website=vedomosti.ru|date=22 June 2022|access-date=23 June 2022|archive-date=22 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220622104933/https://www.vedomosti.ru/politics/news/2022/06/22/927876-minoboroni-soobschilo-ob-udare-po-zavodu-okean|url-status=live}}

The relentless attacks ended in November as the front line was pushed back in the course of the 2022 Kherson counteroffensive.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-calls-faster-weapons-supplies-russia-presses-eastern-offensive-2023-01-30/|title=Biden says no F-16s for Ukraine as Russia claims gains|first1=Tom|last1=Balmforth|first2=Nandita|last2=Bose|work=Reuters|date=2023-01-31|access-date=2023-01-31|archive-date=30 January 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230130225540/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-calls-faster-weapons-supplies-russia-presses-eastern-offensive-2023-01-30/|url-status=live}}

Olha Dierugina, the director of the forensic institute of Mykolaiv, told Agence France-Presse that their morgue had received 120 bodies during the battle, including 80 soldiers and 30 civilians. Some of the dead also included Russian soldiers.{{Cite news |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/international/in-a-mykolaiv-morgue-corpses-pile-up-in-the-snow-1090423.html |title=In a Mykolaiv morgue, corpses pile up in the snow |date=11 March 2022 |work=Agence France-Presse |publisher=Deccan Herald |access-date=16 March 2022 |archive-date=13 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313011425/https://www.deccanherald.com/international/in-a-mykolaiv-morgue-corpses-pile-up-in-the-snow-1090423.html |url-status=live }}

A cancer hospital and an eye clinic were bombed on 12 March. On 13 March, Kim stated that a gas turbine factory had been bombed by the Russians. He later said that nine people had been killed in the attack.{{Cite news |date=2022-03-13 |title=Nine Killed by Bombing in Southern City of Mykolaiv: Regional Governor |work=Agence France-Presse |publisher=The Moscow Times |url=https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2022/03/13/nine-killed-by-bombing-in-southern-city-of-mykolaiv-regional-governor-a76897 |access-date=2022-03-13 }}

According to a report by The New York Times on 16 March, 132 bodies were housed at the city's morgue.{{Cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/15/world/europe/ukraine-mykolaiv-russia-war.html |title='I'm Not Scared of Anything': Death and Defiance in a Besieged Ukrainian City |date=16 March 2022 |author=Michael Schwirtz |work=The New York Times |access-date=16 March 2022 |archive-date=22 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220322002624/https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/15/world/europe/ukraine-mykolaiv-russia-war.html |url-status=live }}

On 29 March, a Russian missile strike had hit the regional administration's headquarters in Mykolaiv. 37 people had been killed{{cite news |url=https://www.5.ua/regiony/staly-vidomi-imena-zahyblykh-vid-raketnoho-udaru-po-mykolaivskii-ova-povnyi-spysok-273584.html |title=Стали відомі імена загиблих від ракетного удару по Миколаївській ОВА – повний список |language=uk |publisher=5 Kanal |date=2022-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220405235927/https://www.5.ua/regiony/staly-vidomi-imena-zahyblykh-vid-raketnoho-udaru-po-mykolaivskii-ova-povnyi-spysok-273584.html |archive-date=2022-04-05 |url-status=live }} ([https://www.facebook.com/mykoda/posts/345176760977477 The primary source] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220710153843/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fmykoda%2Fposts%2F345176760977477 |date=10 July 2022 }}) and at least 33 injured.{{cite web |title=12 people killed in Russian airstrike on government building in Mykolaiv |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3443337-12-people-killed-in-russian-airstrike-on-government-building-in-mykolaiv.html |access-date=2022-03-29 |website=www.ukrinform.net |date=29 March 2022 |language=en |archive-date=29 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329221546/https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3443337-12-people-killed-in-russian-airstrike-on-government-building-in-mykolaiv.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-rocket-blasts-hole-mykolaiv-administration-building-southern-ukraine-2022-03-29/ |title=Twelve killed in Ukraine's Mykolaiv as rocket blasts hole in regional HQ |date=2022-03-29 |publisher=Reuters |author=Thomas N. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220329123948/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/russian-rocket-blasts-hole-mykolaiv-administration-building-southern-ukraine-2022-03-29/ |archive-date=2022-03-29|url-status=live}}

{{Portal|Ukraine}}

• Battle of Kherson
• Mykolaiv cluster bombing
• Russian occupation of Mykolaiv Oblast
• Pavel Filatyev, former Russian soldier who participated in the battle

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{{2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine}}

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Category:March 2022 in Ukraine

Category:February 2022 in Ukraine

Category:Use of cluster munition during the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Mykolaiv

Mykolaiv

Category:History of Mykolaiv

Category:April 2022 in Ukraine

Category:Mykolaiv Oblast in the Russian invasion of Ukraine