Ukrainian military officials have firmly rejected claims made by Russian General Valery Gerasimov that Russian forces have seized more than half of Lyman, a city in the Donetsk region. Rostyslav Yashchishyn, head of communications for the 63rd Separate Mechanized Brigade of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, stated on March 17 that no Russian troops are present in Lyman.
Yashchishyn described Gerasimov’s statements as misleading and suggested they reflect disinformation, stating, “They have not captured even a quarter or a tenth of Lyman; in fact, they are not there at all.” He emphasized that any Russian forces approaching Lyman are being effectively neutralized.
The situation in Lyman remains dire for civilians, according to Yashchishyn, who noted, “It is genuinely frightening for civilians to be there right now, and we are doing everything we can to evacuate them due to the drone threat.” He highlighted the challenges posed by drone warfare in the area.
When asked if Lyman could be considered a ‘gray zone’—an area where control is contested—Yashchishyn acknowledged that Russian forces might reach the outskirts but emphasized the effectiveness of Ukrainian aerial reconnaissance and drone operations. He remarked on the significant number of Russian casualties in recent months, attributing this to targeted operations against both personnel and military equipment.
On March 16, Gerasimov had reported Russian advances in the regions of Kostiantynivka and Lyman, claiming that Russian troops were controlling substantial portions of these areas. However, the Ukrainian General Staff reported on March 17 that Ukrainian forces successfully repelled four attempts by Russian troops to advance toward Lyman and the nearby village of Drobysheve.
Ukrainian military officials have dismissed Russian claims of territorial gains in Lyman, asserting that no Russian troops are present. The situation for civilians remains precarious, with ongoing efforts to evacuate them amid drone threats.