The Russians are concentrating their forces for a new offensive in the Lyman area
The Russian army is amassing troops and equipment in the Lyman sector. ISW analysts believe this may indicate that Russia is preparing to intensify its offensive operations. At the same time, the Russians are targeting Ukrainian logistics and attempting to hinder crossings over the Oskil and Siverskyi Donets rivers.
Russian troops continue to strengthen their presence in the Lyman sector. According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW), the occupying forces are amassing personnel and equipment there, which may be linked to preparations for a new wave of offensive operations.
Analysts have noted not only the number of Russian troops but also the composition of the units that Moscow is deploying in the war against Ukraine. According to a representative of a Ukrainian brigade fighting in the Sloviansk sector, foreign recruits may now account for approximately 30% of Russian troops in that area.
These are primarily citizens of countries in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Russia is increasingly relying on foreign nationals to bolster its units. At the same time, the Ukrainian military official noted that even with this influx of personnel, Russian units remain inadequately trained.
In other words, an increase in troop numbers does not necessarily mean that the Russian army has a well-trained and coordinated force. Some of the recruits may lack adequate training and combat experience.
The Russians are trying to disrupt Ukrainian logistics
Another key focus of the Russian army’s operations has been strikes on Ukrainian logistics facilities. Russian troops are attacking, in particular, crossings over the Oskil and Siverskyi Donets rivers. These rivers are vital for the movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies to Ukrainian units.
The ISW believes that such strikes may be linked to Russia’s preparations to intensify its offensive in the Lyman direction. Lyman is located northeast of Sloviansk. Therefore, increased Russian military activity in this area could put additional pressure on Ukrainian defenses and logistics.
In such a situation, strikes on river crossings may have a practical goal—to make it more difficult to move reinforcements, equipment, and ammunition to Ukrainian units. At the same time, the ISW specifically mentions possible preparations for an intensified offensive. This does not mean that a large-scale offensive operation has already begun.
The situation in the Lyman sector remains dynamic. Russian troops continue to seek opportunities to advance, while Ukrainian units are trying to contain their pressure. Thus, several important developments are currently being observed simultaneously in this sector: Russia is building up its forces, bringing in new foreign troops, and striking at Ukrainian logistics. According to ISW analysts, all of this may be part of preparations to intensify offensive operations near Lyman. This is stated in the ISW report dated August 29.
Starting in the evening of August 29, Russian forces attacked Ukraine with 130 attack drones and two ballistic missiles. Air defense forces destroyed or suppressed 125 drones, but strikes were recorded at 13 locations.
Over the past 24 hours, 221 clashes occurred on the front lines between Ukrainian defenders and Russian troops. The Russians carried out the most attacks in the Kostiantynivka and Pokrovsk sectors—31 and 30, respectively.
