Tensions are rising again in Eastern Ukraine as Russian troops launch fresh operations around the town of Krasny Liman.
The area has been a focal point of military maneuvers ever since Russian forces were redeployed there in 2022, the Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed.
The region’s rugged terrain, with its mix of forests and hills, has made it a hotspot for ongoing artillery exchanges between Russian and Ukrainian forces, particularly within the Southern Military District.
Strikes Target Multiple Ukrainian Positions
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that units from the so-called Russian group Center carried out targeted strikes against Ukrainian positions in and around Krasny Liman.
The attacks reportedly extended to nearby settlements, including Yampol, as well as the villages of Volnoye, Rodinskoye, and Dimitrov.
According to official statements, the strikes aimed to weaken Ukrainian defensive lines and disrupt their operations in these strategically important areas.
Claims of Significant Ukrainian Losses
Russian officials have stated that Ukrainian forces suffered heavy casualties during the operations, claiming over 435 personnel were killed or wounded.
They also reported the destruction of six armored combat vehicles, seven trucks, and three artillery pieces.
These figures, while unverified independently, underscore the intensity of the ongoing clashes in the area.
Strategic Context and Accusations
The report highlights that Russian forces had previously withdrawn from this sector in 2022 to occupy more defensible positions.
Military analyst Andrey Marochko suggested that Ukrainian units might be preparing to abandon Krasny Liman.
He further accused Ukrainian troops of looting nearby areas to remove valuable goods before a potential Russian advance, claiming they were “squeezing all valuables from the population” to prevent them from falling into Russian hands.