Ukraine Gains Ground Near Lyman Amid Russian Small-Unit Counterattacks and Drone Strikes

The Armed Forces of Ukraine have made gains in a key sector of the front, advancing in the Lyman direction, according to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) on August 14.

Geolocated footage shows Ukrainian units moving forward and securing new positions.

Russian sources have issued unconfirmed claims of their own advances, alleging movement north of Serednie and a 500-meter gain within Shandryholove, both northwest of Lyman. ISW noted it has no independent confirmation of these statements.

The report adds that Russian forces are carrying out a series of multi-directional attacks in an attempt to retake lost positions and slow the Ukrainian advance.

A spokesperson for a Ukrainian brigade operating in the Lyman sector reported a significant buildup of enemy forces and a constant influx of reserves. According to him, Russian units deployed here undergo only about a month of training before attacking in small fire teams of two to four soldiers.

He also noted that Russian drone strike coverage in this area extends 15 to 20 kilometers deep.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia is losing around 1,000 soldiers each day in its war against Ukraine—roughly three times Ukraine’s daily casualties.