Ukraine Reports Gains Near Lyman as Russian Offensive Faces Resistance Around Dobropillia

Ukraine’s Third Army Corps says it has completed the fourth phase of Operation Vivaldi, a counteroffensive in the Lyman direction aimed at disrupting Russian advances across the Donbas. According to Ukrainian military figures, the operation recovered approximately 277 square kilometres of territory, caused more than 8,000 Russian casualties, captured 270 Russian soldiers, and destroyed or disabled around 3,800 pieces of military equipment. These figures have not been independently verified.

Ukrainian forces reportedly retook Zelena Dolyna, Lypove, and Kolodiazi, disrupting Russian infiltration routes and complicating Moscow’s plans for further advances toward Sloviansk, Borova, and Barvinkove. The reported gains could affect Russia’s ability to maintain pressure along this section of the eastern front.

Meanwhile, Russian assaults toward Dobropillia have encountered continued Ukrainian resistance. Ukraine’s 20th Lubart Brigade, part of the 1st Azov Corps, has reportedly defended its positions against repeated attacks, with battlefield footage illustrating the destruction left by unsuccessful assault operations.

The update also highlights the case of Russian signals officer Lieutenant Lev Stupnikov, who reportedly provided Ukrainian intelligence with information about troop concentrations, military positions, and planned operations. His alleged cooperation has been linked to Ukrainian strikes against Russian forces, although the claimed casualties and operational impact require independent confirmation.

Together, these developments highlight the importance of intelligence, logistics, and sustained defensive operations in determining the course of the Donbas campaign. Whether Ukraine can maintain its reported gains remains a key question as fighting continues.