The Battle for Liman: A Detailed Update on the Ukrainian Counteroffensive

Christian Baghai
3 min readMay 22, 2024

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The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has seen numerous strategic shifts and intense battles, particularly in the Liman direction. Recently, the Ukrainian forces have been fiercely countering Russian assaults east of the Zherebets River, marking significant developments on this front. This blog post delves into the latest updates, the strategic maneuvers by both sides, and the implications for the broader conflict.

Ukrainian Counteroffensive and Russian Reorganization

In the Liman direction, Russian forces initially attempted to eliminate the Ukrainian bridgehead east of the Zherebets River. Despite these efforts, Ukrainian troops have managed to not only hold their ground but also gain new positions through relentless drone strikes and artillery barrages. The latest reports indicate that Russian forces had exhausted their combat capabilities in costly attempts to cross the river and attack Liman, forcing them into a period of reorganization.

During this period, Ukrainian forces took advantage of the disorganized Russian troops, launching counterattacks and reclaiming numerous positions in the tree lines. The disorganization of Russian forces meant they could not mount an effective counterattack, thus conceding these tactical gains to the Ukrainians.

Russian Strategy and Assaults

Recognizing the futility of their previous attacks, Russian commanders devised a new strategy aimed at collapsing the Ukrainian bridgehead on the eastern bank of the river. This plan involved large infantry attacks towards Terny and Yampolivka to divert Ukrainian defenses, followed by a mechanized assault on Torske. Success in Torske would have cut off a major supply line for Ukrainian forces in the north, posing a significant threat to their defensive operations.

However, this plan did not go as intended. Despite launching numerous assaults, including a mechanized attack involving 10 armored vehicles and substantial infantry, the Russian forces faced fierce Ukrainian resistance. Ukrainian artillery crews, equipped with new supplies of shells from US military aid, effectively neutralized these assaults. Artillery and anti-tank mines created chokepoints that devastated the Russian armored columns, leading to significant losses.

The Role of Drones and Artillery

Ukrainian forces have harnessed drone technology to effectively counter Russian advances. Drone operators strategically target Russian infantry in forests and tree lines, employing drone-dropped grenades to inflict maximum losses. This innovative approach has significantly lightened the workload for Ukrainian infantry, allowing them to maintain their defensive positions more effectively.

Furthermore, the recent influx of artillery shells has been a game-changer for Ukrainian forces. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized that, for the first time in the conflict, no Ukrainian brigades reported a shortage of artillery shells. This robust supply has empowered Ukrainian forces to launch extensive artillery barrages, significantly bolstering their defensive and offensive capabilities.

Tactical Outcomes and Future Implications

The two-pronged Russian operation ultimately failed. In the northern theater, Ukrainian forces successfully held their positions, utilizing drone-dropped grenades to reclaim lost ground. In the southern theater, Russian attempts to evade Ukrainian drones using electronic warfare systems were thwarted by overwhelming artillery fire. These developments underscore the evolving nature of the conflict, where both artillery and drone capabilities play crucial roles.

The increased artillery capabilities promise a new phase in the war. Ukrainian forces can now more effectively counter Russian offensive operations by combining the firepower of artillery and drones. This strategic shift could potentially lead to more significant Ukrainian advances and a sustained ability to repel Russian assaults.

Conclusion

The battle for Liman remains a critical front in the Russo-Ukrainian War. The resilience and adaptability of Ukrainian forces, bolstered by new artillery supplies and effective drone tactics, have allowed them to withstand and counter Russian offensives. As the conflict continues, these dynamics will likely shape the future course of the war, with both sides adapting their strategies in response to the ever-changing battlefield conditions.

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Christian Baghai
Christian Baghai

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