Russian forces are attempting to seize control of Lyman in order to use the city as a base for a further offensive toward the Sloviansk–Kramatorsk urban area.
This was stated on television by Viktor Trehubov, spokesperson for the Joint Forces Task Force, according to Ukrinform.
"The Russians want to enter Lyman and establish a foothold there. Their goal is to take direct control of the town itself, not just the surrounding area, and use it as a base for further offensive operations southward toward the Sloviansk–Kramatorsk agglomeration. Even a look at the map makes it clear that this is a necessity for them," Trehubov said.
He noted that in recent months Russian forces have been looking for alternative routes that would bypass the need to control Lyman, for example by advancing through Rai-Oleksandrivka. However, he emphasized that without control of Lyman, any attempt to enter Sloviansk would be highly risky and logistically difficult, which is why Russian forces are determined to capture the city.
At the same time, Trehubov stressed that despite these efforts, Russian troops have so far been unable to establish themselves inside the town, although they have reportedly reached its eastern outskirts.
