Russian troops prepare an offensive near Lyman despite counterattacks by Ukraine's Armed Forces

Russian troops are concentrating personnel and equipment in the Sloviansk direction and are likely preparing for more active offensive operations.

This is stated in the latest analytical review by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW). According to experts, on August 28 and 29 Russian forces continued attacks in the Sloviansk, Kupiansk, Borova and Kostiantynivka directions, but achieved no confirmed successes. Moreover, the advance of Russian Federation troops in the areas of Kostiantynivka and Druzhkivka was halted by counterattacks from the Ukrainian side.

At the same time, the Armed Forces of Ukraine are conducting active counterattacking operations in several sectors of the front. Geolocated footage from August 28 and 29 confirms the advance of Ukrainian forces in the area of Dorozhnie southeast of Dobropillia, as well as the presence of the Ukrainian Armed Forces west and south of Novyi Donbas.

ISW analysts also cast doubt on the statements of the Russian Ministry of Defense. In particular, the institute's data do not confirm the Russian side's claims about the capture of the villages of Khrapivshchyna and Nova Sich in the Sumy region, as well as Novoandriivka in the Donetsk region.