Lyman Left in Ruins Following Russian Retreat

Footage taken in the Donetsk Oblast city of Lyman on Wednesday, October 5, shows heavily damaged buildings and rusting military vehicles stacked in makeshift depots.

Russian forces retreated from Lyman, a strategically important city, after a Ukrainian counter-offensive nearly encircled it, Russian state media reported, citing defense officials.

The withdrawal came just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the annexation of Donetsk and three other partially occupied Ukrainian oblasts.

Footage taken by Sergio Olmos and compiled by Storyful offers a glimpse of conditions faced by residents who remained in the city. People can be seen gathering to receive supplies. Other clips explore debris-strewn structures. Credit: Sergio Olmos via Storyful

Video transcript

[BACKGROUND CHATTER]

- Russian jet fighter.

[INAUDIBLE] is for children. [INAUDIBLE]. Their son or their daughter now there is nothing.

[INAUDIBLE].

This is the book of [NON-ENGLISH] called "Crusades," the main symbol of Russian-- Ukrainian counteroffensive, sorry.

Everything was [? leaked ?] after Russian forces-- and maybe [INAUDIBLE].

- Do you think they were using this building as--

[BACKGROUND CHATTER]

- All clear.

- It's Russian jet fighter.