Zelensky reports "positive" developments near Lyman, but says operation not yet complete

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, speaking during an online briefing with journalists, thanked Ukrainian troops and said positive developments are unfolding in the direction of Lyman in Donetsk region, as well as elsewhere along the front. He cautioned that he would speak carefully about the situation until the operation is fully completed.

Zelensky declined to provide further details, saying that discussion of the next strategic objective would only follow once the current one is accomplished. He emphasized his intention to remain cautious in public statements about the ongoing fighting.

Recent gains in the region

The president's remarks follow a series of reported advances in northern Donetsk region. On September 15, Ukraine's 3rd Army Corps announced that as part of counteroffensive operations, its forces had cleared 75 square kilometers of territory and liberated an additional 10 square kilometers in the northern part of Donetsk region.

On September 20, the same corps reported that, within the offensive operation codenamed "Vivaldi," it had liberated the villages of Shandryholove and Deryilove in Donetsk region and established full control over the settlement of Drobysheve.

Reinforcement of Ukrainian forces

Earlier, on August 26, Zelensky announced that Ukrainian positions in Donetsk region would be reinforced by two renewed troop formations, to be led by Denys Prokopenko and Andriy Biletsky. The reinforcement is part of broader efforts to strengthen Ukraine's defensive lines in a region that has seen intense fighting in recent months.