As Ukrainian forces closed in, the Russian military abandoned the city rapidly, leaving behind the bodies of fallen comrades in the streets.
In October 2022, Russian forces suffered a significant defeat in the strategic rail hub of , Ukraine, following an encirclement by Ukrainian troops. The retreat was characterized by chaotic scenes and heavy casualties as Russian units attempted to flee along the only remaining escape route. The "Road of Death" Retreat As Ukrainian forces closed in, the Russian military
: The British Defense Ministry reported that retreating Russian forces "probably experienced heavy casualties" while withdrawing along the Kreminna-Torske road , the only remaining path under Russian hands at the time. The "Road of Death" Retreat : The British
: Reporters from The Washington Post and The Guardian observed the aftermath of this "chaotic and bloody" withdrawal, describing roads littered with destroyed Russian convoys and dead soldiers. Strategic Impact As Ukrainian forces closed in
The liberation of Lyman was a major turning point in the 2022 Kharkiv counteroffensive: Retreating Russians leave their comrades' bodies behind