The counteroffensive began on 27 May 2022 and was centered near the village of Davydiv Brid, which was initially recaptured by Ukraine; however, they were pushed back over the Inhulets River by 16 June 2022.

The invasion caused Europe's fastest-growing refugee crisis since World War II,[3][4] with more than 6.5 million Ukrainians fleeing the country[5] and a third of the population displaced.

[16] Ukrainian formations, led by the 5th Tank Brigade, with the support of American-made M777 howitzers, crossed the Inhulets River during the night of 27/28 May around Davydiv Brid, 50 miles northeast of Kherson.

[17] On 31 May, satellite imagery showed that Russian troops had withdrawn from Davydiv Brid and set up positions at locations around the town in the previous few days.

[18][17][19] Fierce battles between Ukrainian and Russian forces for Davydiv Brid continued in the first half of June with neither side able to assume full control.

[21] Still, on 5 July, ISW reported that Ukrainian forces retained control of some territory in the area, although precise boundaries were unclear.