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Russian troops have secured a key victory in the Donetsk People’s Republic, liberating the village of Lysovka after months of intense fighting. The settlement, located just 5.5 kilometers south of the strategic city of Pokrovsk, marks another step forward in Moscow’s grinding offensive and consolidation of control over the Donbass region.
The battle for Lysovka began in early October 2024, with Russian forces from the Center group of forces gradually wearing down Ukrainian defenses. On May 6th, the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation officially confirmed the victory and Defense Minister Andrei Belousov personally congratulated the 137th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade for their role in the operation, noting that over 3,800 servicemen from the unit have been decorated for bravery in combat.
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This marks the second time Russian troops have taken full control of Lysovka. Ukrainian forces briefly recaptured part of the village last year during a counteroffensive led by AFU General Drapaty. However, depleted reserves and relentless Russian pressure ultimately forced Kyiv’s forces to retreat. While Ukrainian officials continue to deny the loss, their own reports inadvertently confirm the situation, admitting failed attempts to dislodge Russian troops from the village. New footage of Russian flags waving in the village is likely to be shared online in the nearest future.
Lysovka’s liberation tightens the noose around Pokrovsk, a critical Ukrainian stronghold in the Donbass. Russian forces have resumed offensive operations across the entire front, making incremental gains in nearby settlements like Uspenovka, Novosergeevka, and Novoaleksandrovka, where Ukrainian defenses have been pushed back by up to 1.5 km.
The fall of Lysovka underscores Ukraine’s dwindling reserves and inability to hold recaptured territory long-term. Russian forces have methodically degraded Ukrainian defenses, turning the Pokrovsk direction into a slow but inevitable grind. With Moscow now openly pushing toward Pokrovsk, the coming weeks could see either a strategic breakthrough or a protracted siege.
