Ukrainian special operations forces engaged a Russian position near Lyman, deploying a vehicle-mounted M2 Browning heavy machine gun in a forested area. Turret-cam footage released from the mission shows the gunner firing .50-caliber incendiary rounds, with tracer fire illuminating the impacts on nearby trees and terrain.

While social media posts initially claimed that the assault involved troops on horseback, analysis of the footage shows no evidence of mounted operations, with the engagement conducted entirely from vehicles. The visual record highlights the accuracy and destructive power of heavy machine gun fire in close-forest combat scenarios.

Observers note that the use of incendiary ammunition is intended to maximize psychological and material impact on the target, marking a precise, high-intensity strike typical of Ukrainian special operations tactics. The footage underscores the growing sophistication of Ukraine’s SOF units in targeting Russian positions under challenging terrain conditions.

The release of the video also serves as a strategic communication tool, demonstrating operational capability and boosting morale while signaling to Russian forces that Ukrainian units maintain flexibility, precision, and firepower in contested areas around Lyman.