‘Precious Kilometers’: Zelensky Visits Lyman Front After Recent Gains

President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Ukrainian troops in the Lyman sector of the Donetsk region, where he held a coordination meeting with corps, brigade, and battalion commanders, discussing battlefield priorities ranging from drones and artillery to logistics and troop compensation. The visit comes as Ukrainian forces continue operations in the area.JOIN US ON TELEGRAMFollow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official. Zelensky held the meeting at the command post of the 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade, named after Prince Mstyslav the Brave, according to the Office of the President. He was accompanied by Defense Minister Yevhen Khmara, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) Mykhailo Drapaty, and Commander of the Air Assault Forces Oleh Apostol. The brigade has participated in the liberation of Novoselivka, Oleksandrivka, Yarova, Serednie, Shandryholove, and the area around Koroviy Yar, according to the presidential office. Brigade Commander Rostyslav Sylivakin briefed Zelensky on the unit’s current and planned missions and outlined its operational needs. Drones, artillery, and frontline procurement During his meeting with commanders, Zelensky said they discussed defense procurement at the brigade level, with particular attention to pickup trucks, as well as strengthening the Unmanned Systems Forces (USF) and increasing funding for drones. The discussions also covered streamlining procurement procedures, expanding staffing, and replenishing and training personnel.“There is a need for long-range artillery. We coordinated on this issue with the military,” Zelensky said. Other Topics of Interest Russia Aims to Cripple Kyiv Before Winter, Fuel Political Unrest Ukrainian officials warn of a campaign combining missile and drone strikes, sabotage and disinformation, with attacks expected to peak in November. The president also said commanders would prepare proposals concerning compensation for troops serving on the front line.Separate discussions with corps commanders focused on the situation on the eastern and southern fronts, the development of drone and anti-drone technologies, and new methods of warfare.The commanders also discussed the return of service members who had gone absent without leave (AWOL), the recruitment of foreign volunteers, and logistics.Zelensky said the issues raised at the military command level should be considered at a meeting of the Staff of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief.“We are working to ensure our troops have greater capabilities to defend our positions,” he said.Operation Vivaldi and gains around LymanThe 66th Brigade has been involved in Operation Vivaldi alongside other units of the 3rd Army Corps, according to the presidential office.The operation resulted in Ukrainian forces clearing Russian infiltrating troops from approximately 75 square kilometers (29 square miles) and, through subsequent joint efforts, returning more than 125 square kilometers (48 square miles) to Ukrainian control.The reclaimed area includes Novoselivka, Oleksandrivka, Yarova, Serednie, Shandryholove, and territory around Koroviy Yar.During the visit, Zelensky congratulated the troops ahead of the Feast of the Intercession and the Day of Defenders of Ukraine and thanked them for defending the country.He presented state awards to 16 service members, including the Order “For Courage” of the second and third classes.Those attending the meeting also observed a nationwide moment of silence in memory of fallen Ukrainian defenders.“Please take care of yourselves. Because the Kharkiv direction is very important. Izium, Kharkiv – how many events were there here, how many important operations and how many such expensive kilometers of our land were restored by your forces, the forces of your brothers,” Zelensky said. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization, reporting since 1995. Its international reach – 97% of readers are outside of Ukraine – make it truly Ukraine’s global voice.