Ukrainian Forces Break Russian Lines Near Lyman, Eliminate Entire Regiment

Ukraine’s Defense Forces have stabilized the front line and improved their tactical position along the Lyman axis following joint assault operations with the country’s military intelligence, the Third Army Corps said on December 18.

The operation was conducted in coordination with Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), whose special unit “Artan”, formed in 2022, has been active in the area.

According to the Third Army Corps, the coordinated actions resulted in the elimination of an entire Russian army regiment and the capture of a significant number of enemy personnel.

“Over the course of this cooperation, a regiment of the Russian army has been eliminated, and a large number of occupiers have been taken prisoner,” the corps said in a statement.

Ukrainian commanders said the operation deprived Russian forces of the ability to maneuver and created conditions for further operational decisions on the Lyman front.

“Together with HUR, we have achieved an operational and tactical result on the Lyman axis,” said Major General Andriy Biletskyi, commander of the Third Army Corps.

In a separate statement, Biletskyi emphasized the continuity of cooperation between Ukrainian units.

“This continues a tradition dating back to the liberation of Moshchun and the helicopter breakthrough to Mariupol—standing shoulder to shoulder in brotherhood. I am grateful for the exemplary cooperation,” he said.

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The commander of the HUR special unit Artan, Viktor Torkotiuk, credited frontline troops and junior commanders for the success of the operation.

“Above all, this is the merit of the fighters and combat commanders who find solutions to any task,” Torkotiuk said.

Ukrainian officials did not disclose additional operational details but said the results significantly strengthened Ukraine’s position in the Lyman sector.

Earlier, reports emerged that Russia expanded its military presence to approximately 710,000 troops for a strategic offensive against Ukraine.

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