Synkivka

{{Short description|Village in Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2023}}

{{Distinguish|Senkivka}}

{{Infobox settlement

| name = Synkivka

| native_name = Синьківка

| settlement_type = Village

| image_skyline =

| image_flag =

| image_shield =

| subdivision_type = Country

| subdivision_name = {{UKR}}

| subdivision_type1 = Oblast

| subdivision_name1 = {{flag|Kharkiv Oblast}}

| subdivision_type2 = Raion

| subdivision_name2 = {{Flagicon image|Flag_of_Kupiansk_raion.png}} Kupiansk Raion

| government_type = {{ill|Petropavlivka rural hromada, Kharkiv Oblast|lt=Petropavlivka rural hromada|uk|Петропавлівська сільська рада (Куп'янський район)}}

| established_title = Founded

| established_date = 1872

| area_total_km2 = 1.245

| population_as_of = 2001 census

| population_total = 392

| population_density_km2 = auto

| population_note = Civilian population has been evacuated during the Russian invasion

| timezone = EET

| utc_offset = +2

| timezone_DST = EEST

| utc_offset_DST = +3

| postal_code_type = Postal code

| postal_code = 63722

| area_code = +380 5742

| coordinates = {{coord|49|45|47|N|37|42|20|E|scale:100000_region:UA|display=inline,title}}

| pushpin_map = Ukraine Kharkiv Oblast#Ukraine

| pushpin_label_position = Bottom

| elevation_m = 91

| blank_name_sec1 = KOATUU code

| blank_info_sec1 = 6323785503

| blank_name_sec2 = KATOTTH code

| blank_info_sec2 = UA63080130130078227{{cite web |title=Петропавлівська територіальна громада |trans-title=Petropavlivka rural hromada |url=https://decentralization.gov.ua/newgromada/4677?page=2 |publisher=Decentralisation in Ukraine |year=2022 |page=2 |access-date=16 December 2023 |language=uk}}

| module = {{Infobox mapframe |wikidata=yes |zoom=13 |frame-height=200 |stroke-width=1 |coord={{WikidataCoord|display=i}}}}

}}

Synkivka ({{langx|uk|Синьківка}}, {{langx|ru|Синьковка|Sinkovka}}) is a village in Kupiansk Raion, Kharkiv Oblast, Ukraine. During the first days of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the village was captured by Russian forces in their initial advance into the nation. After the successful 2022 Ukrainian eastern counteroffensive in September, however, the village returned to Ukrainian control.

On 16 February 2023, Russian forces reportedly entered the village Lyman Pershyi to the north, making Synkivka a frontline settlement. Since then, three local Russian offensives aimed at recapturing the village took place in August, November, and December 2023. Each of the assaults have been unsuccessful, however, consistent shelling has rendered the village void of civilians as of September 2023. In September 2024, Russia managed to recapture the village.

Geography

The village is separated {{cvt|3|km}} from the left bank of the Oskil river by a pine forest. The closest village to the settlement, Lyman Pershyi is located {{cvt|2|km}} upstream. The {{ill|Synkivka station|uk|Сеньківка (зупинний пункт)}} is located on the right of the village, connecting the village to the larger rail lines nearby.

History

{{recentism section|date=August 2024}}

According to the 2001 census, the village had a population of 392 people.{{Cite web |url= http://db.ukrcensus.gov.ua/MULT/Database/Census/databasetree_uk.asp |title=Офіційна сторінка Всеукраїнського перепису населення {{!}} Банк даних |trans-title=All-Ukrainian population census {{!}} Database |website=ukrcensus.gov.ua |language=uk |access-date=17 December 2023}}

On 12 June 2020; Decree No. 725-r of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine placed the village in the administration of the {{ill|Petropavlivka rural hromada, Kharkiv Oblast|lt=Petropavlivka rural hromada|uk|Петропавлівська сільська рада (Куп'янський район)}},{{cite report |title=Про визначення адміністративних центрів та затвердження територій територіальних громад Харківської області |trans-title=On the determination of administrative centers and approval of the territories of territorial communities of the Kharkiv region |url=https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/725-2020-%D1%80#n7 |publisher=Verkhovna Rada |location=Kyiv |date=12 June 2020 |access-date=12 May 2023 |language=uk}} and on 17 July became part of the redistricted Kupiansk Raion as a result of the administrative-territorial reform.{{cite report |title=Про утворення та ліквідацію районів |trans-title=About the formation and liquidation of districts |url=https://zakon.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/807-IX#Text |publisher=Verkhovna Rada |location=Kyiv |date=17 July 2020 |access-date=12 May 2023 |language=uk}}

= Russian invasion of Ukraine =

{{Further information|Russian occupation of Kharkiv Oblast|Battle of the Svatove–Kreminna line}}

At the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Synkivka was occupied by Russian forces during their initial advance into the nation. In September 2022, the village was retaken by Ukraine after their successful 2022 Kharkiv counteroffensive, which pushed Russian forces past the Oskil river in the area bordering the village.{{cite web |title=Ukrainian Push Slowed by Rain, River and Russian Holdouts |url=https://www.voanews.com/a/6761749.html |publisher=Voice of America |date=24 September 2022 |access-date=19 May 2023}} This advance was further supported by an update to DeepStateMap.Live on 20 November claiming the same thing.{{cite web |title=DeepStateMAP {{!}} Map of the war in Ukraine |url=https://deepstatemap.live/en#12/49.8041/37.5719 |publisher=DeepStateMap.Live |date=20 November 2022 |access-date=19 May 2023 |quote="The situation in Kyslivka, Pershyi Lyman, Hryanykivka and Synkivka has been clarified - they were released earlier."}}

The situation later changed after the Russian recapture of Lyman Pershyi on 16 February 2023, the result of which made the village a frontline settlement.{{cite web |last1=Hird |first1=Karolina |last2=Bailey |first2=Riley |last3=Mappes |first3=Grace |last4=Barros |first4=George |last5=Wolkov |first5=Nicole |last6=Kagan |first6=Frederick W. |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, February 16, 2023 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-16-2023 |publisher=Institute for the Study of War |date=16 February 2023 |access-date=9 June 2023 |quote="The Center for Defense Strategies also reported that Russian forces entered Lyman Pershyi" |archive-date=27 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230227020330/https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-february-16-2023 |url-status=live}}{{fv|date=September 2024}} In August, the first localized Russian offensive took place with the aim of recapturing the village.{{cite web |last1=Jackson |first1=Jon |title=Map Shows Russia Advance in Ukraine in Fight to Reclaim Lost Ground |url=https://www.newsweek.com/map-shows-russia-advance-ukraine-fight-reclaim-lost-ground-1818034 |publisher=Newsweek |date=7 August 2023 |access-date=16 December 2023 |quote="Ukrainian forces were unsuccessful with attacks on Russian forces near several villages in the area, including Synkivka"}}{{cite web |author=Annieli |title=Ukraine Invasion Day 542: continued offensive operations |url=https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/8/18/2188149/-Ukraine-Invasion-Day-542-continued-offensive-operations |publisher=Daily Kos |date=18 August 2023 |access-date=16 December 2023 |quote="The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Russian forces conducted unsuccessful offensive operations near Synkivka"}} The attacks would culminate on 20 August after a Russian post on Telegram announced their recapture of the village, providing video of a Russian convey supposedly driving through the village to support their claims.{{cite web |last1=Sumner |first1=Mark |title=Ukraine Update: Russia makes reported advance near Kupyansk as north continues to be a concern |url=https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2023/8/21/2188645/-Ukraine-Update-Russia-makes-reported-advance-near-Kupyansk-as-north-continues-to-be-a-concern |publisher=Daily Kos |date=21 August 2023 |access-date=16 December 2023}} The Ukrainian Armed Forces immediately dismissed the claims, and the following day, the footage of the Russian convoy was geolocated and debunked as being from Voronove, Luhansk Oblast in 2014. According to another Telegram post supported by previous Russian claims: the assaults on the village would end after Russian forces lost an estimated 150 infantry, "two T-72 tanks, three armored vehicles, a D-30 howitzer, a mortar, and a command and observation post."

Russian attacks{{cite web |title=War update: 64 military clashes on front, enemy attacks repelled in six sectors |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3775728-war-update-64-military-clashes-on-front-enemy-attacks-repelled-in-six-sectors.html |publisher=Ukrinform |date=18 October 2023 |access-date=16 December 2023 |quote="Ukrainian warriors repelled more than 10 enemy attacks near the Kharkiv region's Synkivka"}} and shelling{{cite web |last1=Voichuk |first1=Iryna |title=Russian troops strike village in Kharkiv Oblast with aerial bomb, killing two, injuring one |url=https://euromaidanpress.com/2023/10/15/russian-troops-strike-village-in-kharkiv-oblast-with-aerial-bomb-killing-two-injuring-one/ |publisher=Euromaidan Press |date=15 October 2023 |access-date=16 December 2023 |quote="Russian troops also shelled […] Synkivka"}} continued intermittently on the village in September and October, leading Ukraine to evacuate the final five residents from the village on 29 September 2023.{{cite web |title=All residents evacuated from Synkivka in Kharkiv region |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3767698-all-residents-evacuated-from-synkivka-in-kharkiv-region.html |publisher=Ukrinform |date=29 September 2023 |access-date=16 December 2023}}

From middle to late November, the second Russian localized assault on the village took place. Beginning with shelling, four Russian assaults took place on or near the village on 17 November.{{cite web |title=Fourteen settlements affected by Russian attacks in Kharkiv region |url=https://www.ukrinform.net/rubric-ato/3788438-fourteen-settlements-affected-by-russian-attacks-in-kharkiv-region.html |publisher=Ukrinform |date=18 November 2023 |access-date=16 December 2023}} On 26 November, head of public relations of the Ukrainian Ground Forces Volodymyr Fitio claimed that 758 artillery strikes had been carried out by Russian forces on or near the village during the assaults.{{cite web |last1=Herasimova |first1=Tetiana |title=Russians looking for slack in AFU defense on Kupiansk axis, they want to reach borders of village of Synkivka - AFU |url=https://ukranews.com/en/news/968961-russians-looking-for-slack-in-afu-defense-on-kupiansk-axis-they-want-to-reach-borders-of-village-of |publisher=Ukrainian News Agency |date=26 November 2023 |access-date=16 December 2023}} Fitio further claimed, though, that no strategic success was made by Russian forces during the assaults, and that they had lost a further 158 infantry and 39 pieces of military equipment in their attempts to recapture the village.

From middle to late December, a third localized Russian assault took place on the village. On 11 December, commander of the Ukrainian Ground Forces Oleksandr Syrskyi announced on Telegram that multiple Russian assault companies had been used in the past days to try to recapture the village, but that severe losses had forced them to call up reserves to continue the assaults.{{cite web |last1=Zubkova |first1=Daria |title=Russians trying to storm Synkivka in order to block Kupyansk in Kharkiv Region - Syrskyi |url=https://ukranews.com/en/news/971736-russians-trying-to-storm-synkivka-in-order-to-block-kupyansk-in-kharkiv-region-syrskyi |publisher=Ukrainian News Agency |date=11 December 2023 |access-date=16 December 2023}}{{cite web |last1=Pohorilov |first1=Stanislav |title=Russians storm Synkivka to block Kupiansk, sending in reserves – Ukrainian Ground Forces Commander |url=https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2023/12/11/7432544/ |publisher=Ukrainska Pravda |date=11 December 2023 |access-date=16 December 2023}} On 15 December, this claim was supported by combat footage of a Russian armored assault group consisting of at least nine armored vehicles with infantry on the outskirts of the village being attacked by Ukrainian forces, resulting in the loss of five of the Russian vehicles.{{cite web |title=The Armed Forces of Ukraine smashed an armored group of the invaders near the village of Synkivka |url=https://mil.in.ua/en/news/the-armed-forces-of-ukraine-smashed-an-armored-group-of-the-invaders-near-the-village-of-synkivka/ |website=mil.in.ua |publisher=Militarnyi |date=15 December 2023 |access-date=16 December 2023}} On 16 December, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces reported that a further 11 Russian assaults on the village had been repelled.{{cite web |last1=Bailey |first1=Riley |last2=Stepanenko |first2=Kateryna |last3=Harward |first3=Christina |last4=Evans |first4=Angelica |last5=Kagan |first5=Frederick W. |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, December 16, 2023 |url=https://understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-december-16-2023 |publisher=Institute for the Study of War |date=16 December 2023 |access-date=17 December 2023 |quote="The Ukrainian General Staff reported that Ukrainian forces repelled at least 11 Russian attacks near Synkivka"}}

Continued fighting in 2024 resulted in a Russian recapture of the village on 6 September 2024.{{Cite web |title=Russian Offensive Campaign Assessment, September 7, 2024 |last1=Harward |first1=Christina |last2=Evans |first2=Angelica |last3=Stepanenko |first3=Kateryna |last4=Gasparyan |first4=Davit |last5=Bailey|first5=Riley|work=Institute for the Study of War |date=7 September 2024 |access-date=7 September 2024 |url=https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/russian-offensive-campaign-assessment-september-7-2024|quote=Geolocated footage published on September 6 indicates that Russian forces recently advanced within southern Synkivka (northeast of Kupyansk) and seized the settlement.}}

See also

Nearby settlements

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References

{{Reflist}}

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{{Portal bar|Cities|Ukraine}}

Category:Populated places established in 1872

Category:Villages in Kupiansk Raion