Ukrainian forces stopped five Russian attacks and prevented advances near the settlements of Lyman, Zarichne, and Dibrova on the Lyman front.

On the Lyman front, Ukrainian forces stopped five Russian attacks and prevented the Russians from advancing near the settlements of Lyman, Zarichne and Dibrova.

As of Saturday morning, Oct. 17, Ukrainian forces maintain established defensive positions inside Kostiantynivka where active fighting continues, while Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka remains uncontested by occupying forces.

Kovalov also rejected Russian reports claiming the capture of Kostiantynivka and Oleksiievo-Druzhkivka.

The 1st Presidential National Guard Brigade 'Bureviy' stated that Zolotyi Kolydets, Novotroitske, and Petrivka remain under Ukrainian control and that Russian claims of capture are false.

The brigade explained that Russian forces use small infantry groups to plant flags and record video to create the illusion of territorial capture.

The Russian military is resorting to the tactic of infiltrating small infantry groups into settlements... such groups are being detected and eliminated by our military.