The Third Army Corps of Ukraine reported a significant Russian offensive attempt on March 19, marking one of the largest efforts by Russian forces to breach defenses in the Lyman-Borivske region. The assault involved the 1st Tank and 20th Combined Arms Armies of Russia.
According to military sources, the enemy launched attacks across seven fronts within the corps’ area, deploying over 500 infantry soldiers, 28 armored vehicles, and more than 100 units of motorized equipment, including buggies and ATVs.
In a swift response, the Ukrainian units reportedly transformed the Russian advance into a major setback within just four hours. The Third Army Corps claimed that the enemy suffered significant losses, including 84 motor vehicles, 11 infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers, and 3 tanks. Additionally, they reported the destruction of a TOC “Sonechok” and five artillery pieces, along with over 160 enemy drones.
Brigadier General Andriy Biletsky, commander of the Third Army Corps, stated that his troops had anticipated this offensive. He noted, “For a month and a half, we observed signs of an impending attack. The Russians were intensifying strikes with guided aerial bombs on our crossings over the Oskil River, attempting to cut off our logistics. They began constructing their own pontoon bridges and clearing routes, which clearly indicated preparations for a large-scale mechanized assault.”
Biletsky emphasized that his forces were well-prepared for the assault, with defensive actions practiced across various fronts. Each brigade had its own plan to counter the attack, coordinated by the corps, which ultimately led to the disruption of strikes at all directions.
In related news, the Third Army Corps, in collaboration with the Second Corps of the National Guard of Ukraine “Charter,” is set to introduce new military training standards at multiple levels.
Ukrainian forces successfully repelled a large-scale Russian offensive in the Lyman-Borivske area, inflicting heavy losses on the attackers. The Third Army Corps had prepared extensively for this assault, leading to a swift and effective defense.