Ukraine Reports Gains Near Lyman as Russian Assaults Face Resistance

Ukraine’s military reports significant progress in the Lyman direction, claiming that the fourth phase of Operation Vivaldi has retaken 277 square kilometers of territory. According to Ukrainian figures, the operation also inflicted more than 8,000 Russian casualties, captured 270 Russian soldiers, and destroyed or disabled approximately 3,800 pieces of military equipment. These figures have not been independently verified.

Ukrainian forces reportedly recaptured Zelena Dolyna, Lypove, and Kolodiazi, potentially disrupting Russian infiltration routes and complicating offensive plans toward Sloviansk, Borova, and Barvinkove. The reported gains are attributed to Ukraine’s Third Army Corps, led by Brigadier General Andrii Biletskyi.

Elsewhere in Donbas, Russian assaults toward Dobropillia have reportedly encountered strong resistance from Ukraine’s 20th Lubart Brigade, part of the 1st Azov Corps. Ukrainian battlefield footage is said to show the aftermath of unsuccessful attacks, although the full scale of Russian losses remains unclear.

The report also highlights the case of Russian signals officer Lev Stupnikov, who allegedly provided Ukrainian intelligence with information about Russian troop concentrations, positions, and planned operations. The extent of his reported cooperation and its direct impact on subsequent strikes would require independent confirmation.

Together, these accounts point to continued fighting and intelligence competition across the Donbas front. However, the reported territorial gains and casualty figures alone do not establish that Russia’s broader offensive has collapsed. The situation will depend on whether Ukraine can hold and expand its positions while Russia adapts its operational plans.