Ukraine’s forces warn of Russian infiltration attempts in Lyman amid extensive gray zone
Illustrative photo: Ukraine’s Armed Forces control the situation in Lyman (Getty Images)
In the Lyman direction, Russian forces are attempting to bypass Ukrainian positions and push directly into the city. The situation is being complicated by large areas of combat uncertainty and the active use of drones, states Viktor Trehubov, head of the communications department of the Joint Forces Group.
"The Russian army continues attempts to infiltrate Lyman while simultaneously trying to bypass Ukrainian positions around the city," Viktor Trehubov said.
According to him, both sides on the Lyman direction are facing serious logistical challenges. This is due to large areas of the so-called gray zone and the active use of drones, which significantly complicates troop movements and supply operations.
"There are logistics problems on the Lyman direction for both sides. There is a large gray zone there, much larger than it appears on the map. With drones actively penetrating the area, any logistical operation becomes a separate challenge," Trehubov noted.
He added that Russian forces are simultaneously trying to bypass Lyman and enter the settlement directly, using various pressure tactics.
According to the Ukrainian assessment, the enemy is particularly interested in breaking through from the northern flank toward the Sloviansk–Kramatorsk agglomeration, which is why this stretch of the front remains under constant pressure.
"Everything is being used here. They are very interested in gaining access from the northern side to the Sloviansk–Kramatorsk agglomeration, so this direction is constantly tense for them. But again, they are taking heavy losses there and facing a decisive rebuff," Trehubov emphasized, noting that Russian units are suffering significant casualties.
Earlier, Trehubov reported that Russian intentions for January had become known. The Russian army plans to bypass Vovchansk and advance toward Lyman.
He also said that Russian forces have increased pressure in the Kupiansk area, but their attempts to infiltrate the city directly have failed. The Defense Forces fully control the situation and are thwarting enemy infiltration efforts.
Meanwhile, Oleksandr Pivnenko, Commander of the National Guard of Ukraine, spoke about the situation in Pokrovsk. He stressed that Ukrainian forces are building up units for counterassault operations, although weather conditions are significantly complicating combat actions.
At the same time, Ukrainian units retain control over the northern part of Pokrovsk and are holding back the enemy on the approaches to Myrnohrad.
