Ukraine reclaims territory in Donbas during Lyman offensive

Ukrainian forces have reportedly made significant territorial gains in the northern Donbas region through a strategic operation known as ‘Operation Vivaldi’. Conducted primarily by the Third Corps, the offensive has focused on the Lyman area to disrupt Russian attempts to encircle the cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.

Andrii Biletskyi, commander of the Third Ukrainian Army, stated that the first phase of the operation was successful, with Ukrainian forces reclaiming between 75 and 200 square kilometers of territory, including areas such as Novoselivka, Oleksandrivka, and Yarova. The operation was characterized by a high degree of secrecy, with much of the progress only becoming public through military bloggers and subsequent official statements.

The counteroffensive has reportedly forced Russian units, specifically from the 20th and 25th armies, to retreat toward the Zherebets River. This movement has mitigated the pressure on Ukrainian defensive lines protecting the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk axis. Reports indicate significant Russian losses, including personnel and military equipment, while the success of the operation has hindered Moscow's previous claims of advancing toward key eastern Ukrainian urban centers.