Ukraine fighting intensifies in Donetsk near Lyman

In the Donetsk region of Ukraine, fighting has intensified as Russian forces increase pressure across multiple fronts. Ukrainian forces are conducting localized counter-offensives, specifically through ‘Operation Vivaldi’ in the Lyman area, to slow Russian advances.

Lyman has become a critical flashpoint. Ukrainian troops are pushing toward the east bank of the Zherebets River, aiming to prevent Russia from securing the territory necessary to advance toward the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk defensive belt. While Russia maintains advantages in firepower and manpower, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) notes that the current pace of Russian movement may be insufficient to control the Donetsk fortress belt before winter. The conflict currently resembles a struggle of endurance, involving heavy use of UAVs and complex defensive lines.