Ukraine’s Third Phase of Operation Vivaldi Reclaims 51 Sq Km, Captures 250 Russian Troops

Key points

• The third phase of Operation Vivaldi resulted in the liberation of Nove, Ridkodub, Katerynivka, Karpivka, and Novomykhailivka.
• Ukrainian forces reported 2,000 Russian personnel losses and captured more than 250 soldiers during this specific phase.
• The total territory retaken since the operation’s start in May 2026 now stands at 176 square kilometers.
• Ukrainian troops used modified Soviet-era BTR-60 carriers converted into remotely operated strike systems to destroy Russian fortifications.
• President Zelenskyy confirmed that 10,660 Russian troops were neutralized across all fronts in the past week, highlighting the Lyman sector.

Background

Operation Vivaldi, announced on September 15, 2026, is a multi-stage counteroffensive in the northern Donetsk region near Lyman. Previous phases involved significant robotic deployment, including ground robots clearing 30 kilometers of minefields in two nights and heavy bomber drones deploying strike UGVs behind enemy lines. Earlier reports indicated the operation had reclaimed approximately 125 square kilometers by late September, with analysts noting it disrupted Russian plans to encircle the Donetsk Fortress Belt.

How outlets are covering it

United24 Media and Ukrainska Pravda both cite the Third Army Corps’ claim of 2,000 casualties and 250 prisoners in the third phase, emphasizing the tactical deception used to misdirect Russian counterattacks. Ukrinform provides a broader context, reporting that President Zelenskyy stated 10,660 Russian troops were neutralized across all sectors in the past week, not just in Vivaldi. While United24 highlights the specific use of modified BTR-60s as a breakthrough tactic, Ukrinform focuses on the overall weekly casualty figures and the recognition of the Third Army Corps and the 68th Airmobile Brigade by the president. All sources agree on the territorial gains but differ in scope, with Ukrinform aggregating losses from multiple fronts including Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka.

Why it matters

The success of Operation Vivaldi’s third phase demonstrates Ukraine’s ability to integrate new robotic and remote strike technologies to overcome entrenched Russian defenses. The significant prisoner count and casualty figures suggest a degradation of Russian morale and command structure in the Lyman sector. This progress may influence the broader strategic balance in the Donetsk region, potentially limiting Russian offensive capabilities in other sectors like Pokrovsk and Kostiantynivka.

What to watch

Ukrainian forces are expected to continue operations in the Lyman sector, potentially expanding the reclaimed territory. The success of the third phase may lead to further integration of remote strike systems and drone-deployed UGVs in other sectors. Russian forces may adjust their defensive strategies to counter the specific tactics used in Vivaldi, such as the use of modified armored vehicles and electronic warfare. President Zelenskyy and the Commander-in-Chief have identified further active steps, suggesting continued offensive pressure in the coming weeks.