The large Russian grouping in Lyman is "surrounded" and settlements around the town have been recaptured, says Serhiy Cherevatyi, a spokesman for Ukraine's forces in the east.
He told Ukrainian TV "our data shows that about 5,000-5,500 Russian troops were in Lyman”, but he said that number was lower now because of recent "active combat action" in which "many" Russian soldiers were killed or wounded.
Cherevatyi said all continuing breakthrough attempts by Russian troops had "failed".
He also spoke about the importance of Lyman, which, if conquered by Ukrainian troops, would allow them to advance on Kreminna and Severodonetsk, both of which are key Russian-held strongholds.
"It’s also very important psychologically, because – as President Zelensky said yesterday – Ukraine’s armed forces are beginning to dictate their will – and not just defend."
Yet the military operation "is not over yet," he concluded.
