Borodin said the corps recognized the operation as an offensive with a significant mechanized component and had readied its defenses.
“The enemy attacked on almost seven axes along our corps’ line of responsibility,” he said.
“On those axes were tanks, BMPs, and infantry moving on buggies, ATVs, and motorcycles. It was an attempt at a sudden breakthrough of our positions to pierce the front line. It was prepared for a long time, at least by the level of troop and equipment readiness and the drone component, it was not one week, maybe a month of preparation.”
He said signs that the preparations included mine clearance and the construction of pontoon bridges. Borodin added that for months Russian forces had also tried to infiltrate in small groups, plant Russian flags and publicize the footage, and he suggested Moscow’s commanders demanded tangible results, which led to the mechanized assault.
“But it looked more like desperation than a thoroughly planned attempt,” he added.
On March 21, the Third Army Corps reported that on
March 19, on the Lyman–Borivsk direction, Russian forces made the largest
breakthrough attempt in that sector since fighting began. The corps said the
attack involved more than 500 infantry, 28 armored vehicles, and more than 100
motorized vehicles.