On March 19, Ukrainian forces successfully thwarted a significant offensive by Russian troops in the Lyman-Borivske direction, according to a statement from the Third Army Corps released on March 21.
The Russian military deployed units from the 1st Tank Army and the 20th Combined Arms Army, launching simultaneous attacks across seven fronts within the corps’ area of operations. This involved over 500 infantry soldiers and the use of 28 armored vehicles, more than 100 motor vehicles, as well as ATVs and quads. The prepared units of the Third Corps converted what was intended to be a rapid breakthrough into a substantial failure for the Russian forces within just four hours.
According to the Third Corps, the Russian military suffered significant losses, including 84 motor vehicles, 11 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) and armored personnel carriers (APCs), and three tanks. Additionally, they reported damage to a TOS-1A system and five artillery pieces, along with the destruction of over 160 drones. The Russian side has not officially commented on these losses.
Brigadier General Andriy Biletsky noted that signs of an impending offensive had been observed for a month and a half, with an increase in Russian strikes on Ukrainian supply routes across the Oskil River. He indicated that the establishment of Russian pontoon crossings and the clearing of routes were clear indicators of preparations for a large-scale mechanized assault.
The Third Corps emphasized that Russian forces failed to capture any settlements or positions during this attempt.
The U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on March 21 that Russian troops are increasingly conducting mechanized attacks at the front, likely as part of enhanced preparations for a spring-summer offensive in 2026. The ISW noted a rise in the frequency of these mechanized assaults across various front lines since March 17, suggesting that the ground phase of Russia’s spring-summer campaign is imminent, if it has not already begun.
Ukrainian Armed Forces Commander Oleksandr Syrskyi stated on March 19 that Russia plans to recruit an additional 409,000 military personnel in 2026, and with improving weather conditions, an uptick in enemy activity on the front lines has been observed.
Ukrainian forces successfully repelled a major Russian offensive attempt in the Lyman-Borivske area, inflicting significant losses on Russian troops. The situation reflects ongoing military preparations by both sides as the conflict continues.