Battle Near Lyman: Have Ukrainian Defenders Managed to Stabilize the Front?
The northern frontlines of Donetsk region continue to witness intense fighting between Ukrainian forces and Russian invaders.
According to the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW), Russian troops recently advanced toward Lyman, pushing into the central part of the village of Shandrigolove.
This development occurs amid cautious Ukrainian statements about stabilizing the situation, although the overall situation remains tense.
Geolocation videos published on September 18 verify that Russian forces moved several hundred meters into the outskirts near Lyman, particularly toward Shandrigolove, raising concerns among military analysts and officials.
Meanwhile, Russian Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov claimed almost complete capture of Zarechne, but these statements lack independent confirmation.
Reports from Russian sources also suggest they seized Yampil, although Ukrainian authorities have yet to confirm this.
During an evening briefing, Ukrainian Army Deputy Commander of the 3rd Army Corps, Colonel Maksym Zhorin, stated that Ukrainian troops managed to halt the enemy’s advance and stabilized the front by transferring additional forces to the area.
He emphasized that while the situation remains challenging, control over the region is gradually being restored.
The Ukrainian General Staff reports that in the past day, Russian forces launched 12 attacks in the Koloedzi area and targeted positions in Shyikovka, Shandrigolove, Stavky, and Zarechne.
President Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian forces liberated several settlements in Donetsk, including Dobropillia and Pokrovsk, and aim to clear nine more settlements of Russian presence.
Despite ongoing defense efforts, the situation continues to be tense, with daily battles for every piece of Ukrainian land.