Ukraine Re‑Establishes Control Over Lyman and Two Villages as Russian Lines Falter in Donetsk
Ukrainian forces have officially re‑established control over the city of Lyman and the villages of Dibrova and Pyskunivka in Donetsk Oblast, amid reports that Russian forces are suffering a localized collapse in the Lyman and Slovyansk directions.
Ukrainian forces have retaken a cluster of settlements in Donetsk Oblast after months of fighting, in what observers describe as a local breakdown of Russian lines.
Ukraine has officially re‑established control over the city of Lyman in the Lyman direction of Donetsk Oblast, Kramatorsk District. The third battle for Lyman lasted around 10 months, and at one point the city was more than 50% contested.
Ukrainian units have also regained control of Dibrova, in the same Lyman direction, and Pyskunivka, in the Slovyansk direction. Dibrova had a pre‑war population of about 329 and a land area of roughly 2.95 km². Pyskunivka’s pre‑war population was about 174, on around 1.10 km² of territory. The fighting for Dibrova lasted approximately 10 months, and for Pyskunivka about 2 months and 25 days.
Separate reporting says Russian forces are currently suffering a localized collapse in the Lyman and Slovyansk directions, with major Ukrainian advances recorded over the last week. The recapture of these settlements fits that picture of Russian units under heavy pressure in this sector.
For residents of Lyman, Dibrova and Pyskunivka, the change in control ends direct Russian military presence but follows long periods of shelling, occupation and disrupted services. Many will now face the slow work of clearing damage and restoring basic functions.
On the battlefield, these gains alter the geometry of the front in northern Donetsk. Control of Lyman and neighboring villages gives Ukraine a stronger position for defense and potential future operations, while forcing Russian commanders to stabilize new lines or consider further withdrawals.
The developments make this sector one to watch for signs of whether Russia can quickly re‑establish a coherent defense, or whether Ukrainian forces can turn a localized collapse into a broader push.
Sources
- OSINT