What does Russia gain after taking control of Ukraine’s important railway hub?

The Russian Defense Ministry announced that the Lyman railway hub was “completely liberated” from the nationalist Ukrainian forces by the Russian military and forces from the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic. Russia’s control of Lyman helps the Russian military consolidate its influence in this region. Thanks to the bridges of this town, Russian troops and equipment were able to cross the River Siverskiy Donets – the river that had hindered the Russian advance in the Donbass.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian officials have given mixed messages about the town’s situation. On May 27, Donetsk Governor Pavlo Kyrylenko said that the Russian army has controlled most of this town and is trying to advance towards Bakhmut – another city in this region. On May 28, Deputy Defense Minister Hanna Malyar again denied Russia’s assessment that Lyman had collapsed and said fighting was still ongoing.

The British Ministry of Defense assesses Russia’s attacks in this area “will give Moscow an advantage in the next phase of the Donbass battlefield, as it seeks to push deeper into key cities controlled by Ukraine.” in Donetsk.

In a video released on May 28, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the situation in the east was “very complicated”.

Russia is now strengthening its control over the cities of Sievierodonetsk and Lysychansk, Ukraine’s last strongholds in Lugansk.