Ukrainian Counteroffensive Intensifies in Donetsk, Forcing Russian Troop Withdrawal

Russian forces continue to retreat in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region. Kremlin-backed Telegram channel Rybar reported on Wednesday that Russian troops are losing villages south of the city of Lyman. Russian forces had been attempting to capture Lyman to use as a base for large-scale assaults on the cities of Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, both considered key strongholds in Ukraine’s encircled eastern region. During this year’s Ukrainian counteroffensive operation named ‘Operation Vivaldi,’ Ukrainian forces have regained control over 175 square kilometers (67 square miles) of territory around Lyman previously held by Russia.

Rybar noted, ‘The enemy is using gains in the Lyman area to expand attacks eastward toward Sloviansk. Rather than launching further advances, Russian troops are being forced to allocate resources to defend and reassert control over previously captured positions.’ A significant clash appears imminent near the village of Kryva Luka, located east of Sloviansk. Situated on elevated ground along the right bank of the Siverskyi Donets River, Kryva Luka remains under Russian control, from where additional Ukrainian counterattacks may be launched eastward. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told Reuters that while Operation Vivaldi has been successful, the campaign is not yet complete.

According to Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, September saw unprecedented attacks with air defense systems targeting supply routes delivering ammunition and fuel to Russian troops, striking targets over 50 kilometers away. Ukrainian army figures released Wednesday indicate that since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022, approximately 1,545,950 Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded. The Ukrainian General Staff described the area as a crucial hub for receiving, storing, and mixing various types of fuel.