Ukrainian forces crush Russian breakthrough attempt across seven directions
Photo: Russian forces throw hundreds of troops and armored vehicles into assault (Getty Images)
Russian forces launched simultaneous attacks on seven axes in the Lyman direction, according to Brigadier of the Third Army Corps, General Andriy Biletskyi.
The enemy deployed more than 500 infantry troops, 28 armored vehicles, and over 100 light transport units — including motorcycles, buggies, and ATVs. Forces from two armies — the 1st Tank Army and the 20th Combined Arms Army — were involved in the operation.
Russian troops attempted to break through simultaneously across all seven directions within the Third Corps’ area of responsibility. The military also released footage showing the attack being repelled.
Ukrainian forces crush Russian breakthrough attempt across seven directions pic.twitter.com/75VGFH0Z8q
— RBC-Ukraine (@NewsUkraineRBC) March 21, 2026
Brigadier General Andriy Biletskyi said Russian forces had been preparing for the offensive for 1.5 months.
“Russians intensified strikes with guided aerial bombs on our crossings over the Oskil River, trying to cut logistics. They began setting up their own pontoon crossings and clearing routes,” he said.
“We were preparing: defensive actions were planned across different sectors, and each brigade had its own response plan. The corps coordinated these efforts — and as a result, the attacks were repelled in all directions,” he added.
Russian losses in four hours
Within four hours of fighting, Ukrainian units destroyed:
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84 units of light transport
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11 infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers
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3 tanks
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a thermobaric system TOS Solntsepyok
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5 artillery systems
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more than 160 drones
Total Russian personnel losses over the day reached 405 troops, including 288 killed and the rest wounded.
Russian forces failed to capture a single settlement or position. The destruction of remaining enemy troops in the engagement zone is ongoing.
It should be recalled that due to changing weather conditions, Russia has intensified pressure along the front line, with daily clashes exceeding 200. However, over three days, Russian losses amounted to about 4,840 troops.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian forces also damaged a Russian A-50 reconnaissance aircraft, which was undergoing maintenance and likely awaiting modernization.
