Russian Forces Intensify Assault on Lyman and Sloviansk in Donbas
Russian forces continue daily assaults on the Donbas towns of Lyman and Sloviansk, employing drones and artillery to break Ukrainian defenses. Lyman, briefly occupied in 2022 before a Ukrainian counteroffensive recaptured it, now faces renewed attacks. The town's infrastructure is devastated: residential blocks are shelled, basements lack power and water, and a web of discarded fiber-optic cables used for drone control now entangles the area, posing risks to both drones and birds. The Ukrainian defensive line, described as a 'fortress belt,' is under extreme pressure as Russian troops aim to seize Lyman following the capture of Kostiantynivka. The report, based on a visit to the front, details the grim conditions where drones dominate combat and soldiers are scarce.
Key facts
- Russian forces are daily assaulting Lyman and Sloviansk in Donbas.
- Lyman was briefly occupied in 2022 before being recaptured by Ukraine.
- The town's buildings are covered in discarded fiber-optic cables used for drone control.
- Drones and artillery have devastated residential blocks, leaving basements without power or water.
- Russian troops recently captured Kostiantynivka and are now targeting Lyman.
- The Ukrainian defensive line is called a 'fortress belt' and is under severe strain.
- Drones dominate combat in the area, with few soldiers on the ground.
- Birds are nesting in the cable tangles, and drones risk getting caught.
Entities
Institutions
- Der Freitag
- The Guardian
Locations
- Ukraine
- Donbas
- Lyman
- Sloviansk
- Kostiantynivka