Ukrainian brigade commander describes fighting in forests near Lyman

Russian forces are attempting to infiltrate Ukrainian defensive positions in the forested terrain near Lyman, where the 53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade, named after Prince Volodymyr Monomakh, is holding its ground. Brigade commander Ihor Mykhailenko, known by the call sign Cherkas, described the forested area as a challenging battlefield during a recent interview with Radio NV.

While Operation Vivaldi on the Lyman front was a significant success for Ukrainian forces, Mykhailenko noted that its impact on the enemy along the 53rd Brigade's specific section of the front was limited. He confirmed that Russian forces continue to push through the forests, maintaining their efforts and attempting to keep up the pace.

The enemy has not abandoned its attempts to advance through the forests, the brigade commander said. When the enemy has enough personnel, it sends groups of five to seven soldiers to move 5, 10, or 15 kilometers through the forested areas. When manpower capacity declines, these groups are reduced to two or three soldiers, sometimes even a single soldier, covering the same distance. Ukrainian troops eliminate these infiltrators using unmanned systems, small-arms fire, and other means.

Mykhailenko also highlighted that Ukrainian mid-range strikes are less effective in forested areas than in open terrain, creating additional challenges when confronting Russian forces. These strikes target command posts, operational groups in rear areas, logistics, enemy concentration areas, and training grounds, with the overall objective of disrupting the enemy's logistical movement.

The 53rd Separate Mechanized Brigade's task in this situation is to detect and strike the enemy wherever they operate. The current status quo is that the enemy prevents Ukrainian troops from moving freely, while the brigade strives to prevent the enemy from moving freely by striking everything they encounter.

Despite the challenges posed by the forested terrain, Mykhailenko emphasized that the enemy continues to operate according to its plans. They will either have to assault Lyman head-on or try again to build up their efforts elsewhere. The enemy has not abandoned its plans and remains at the same positions along the same axes, with orders to advance coming from higher command.

Consequently, the enemy will continue sending more forces toward Lyman, but with different starting positions, making it harder for them to launch an advance.