Ukraine Invation: Russian troops withdraw from Lyman as Ukrainian forces ramp up offensive

Russia’s defense ministry says its troops have withdrawn from the key stronghold of Lyman, which is located in the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk.

The ministry made the announcement on Saturday. That was one day after President Vladimir Putin unilaterally annexed four eastern and southern Ukrainian regions, including Donetsk.

The ministry said that its troops were moved to more advantageous areas. It cited the threat that they could be encircled by Ukrainian forces as a reason.

Lyman has served as a key railway and transportation hub in Donetsk for Russia’s forces since they seized the city in May. The forces have also used it as a base from which to advance on other areas in the Donbas region.

Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military said on Saturday that its troops are closing in on the center of Lyman.

The Ukrainians are expected to retake the city now that Russia’s forces have left it.

The Ukrainian troops are also expected to ramp up their counteroffensive in an effort to try to recapture other Russian strongholds in Donetsk and neighboring Luhansk.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has emphasized that his country will keep up its counteroffensive to win back territories.

Analysts say Russian President Vladimir Putin will now find it more difficult to achieve his goal, which is to take full control of the Donbas region.