Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi Phase Three Reclaims 51 Sq Km, Captures 250 Russian Troops
Ukraine's Third Army Corps completed the third phase of Operation Vivaldi, reclaiming 51 square kilometers in the Donetsk region. The offensive captured over 250 Russian prisoners and inflicted approximately 2,000 casualties, utilizing deceptive tactics and unmanned ground vehicles to breach Russian defenses near the key settlement of Nove.
Key points
- Ukrainian forces recaptured the villages of Ridkodub, Nove, and Katerynivka, while restoring full control over Karpivka and Novomykhailivka.
- The operation resulted in the capture of more than 250 Russian soldiers, including officers, pilots, and artillerymen, who may be exchanged for Ukrainian POWs.
- Ukraine utilized modified Soviet-era BTR-60 armored vehicles converted into kamikaze robots and unmanned ground vehicles to breach fortified positions.
- Russian forces were deceived into counterattacking the wrong axis, allowing Ukrainian troops to seize the strategic high ground around Nove.
- The third phase added 51 square kilometers to the total 176 square kilometers reclaimed during Operation Vivaldi since its inception in May 2026.
Background
Operation Vivaldi, named after Antonio Vivaldi's Four Seasons, began in May 2026 as a phased counter-assault in the Donetsk region. Previous phases had already reclaimed significant territory, with the second phase recovering 50 square kilometers. The operation aims to disrupt Russian plans to encircle the fortress belt cities, particularly Lyman, and has been a key component of Ukraine's broader strategy to regain initiative on the eastern front.
How outlets are covering it
The New York Post and UNITED24 Media both emphasize the tactical deception used by Ukrainian forces, highlighting how a special unit created a false picture of the battlefield to mislead Russian commanders. POLITICO focuses on the strategic implications for Western allies, noting that the success undermines Russia's theory of inevitable victory in the Donbas. The Kremlin dismissed the gains as a smokescreen, claiming only minor infiltrations occurred, while Ukrainian officials stressed the importance of the operation in demonstrating that Russian advances are not unstoppable.
Why it matters
The success of Operation Vivaldi demonstrates Ukraine's ability to adapt and innovate in warfare, using technology and deception to achieve significant territorial gains. It also provides a diplomatic signal to the Trump administration and other Western allies that continued support for Ukraine is yielding results, countering Russian narratives of inevitable victory. The capture of prisoners offers potential leverage for future exchanges, while the disruption of Russian plans in the Donbas could alter the strategic balance of the conflict.
What to watch
Ukraine's Third Army Corps has indicated that Operation Vivaldi will continue with a fourth phase. The focus will likely remain on consolidating gains in the Donetsk region and further disrupting Russian offensive plans. The captured Russian prisoners may be used in prisoner exchanges, and Ukraine will continue to leverage its battlefield successes in diplomatic negotiations with Western allies.
- New Ukraine offensive Operation Vivaldi recaptures several towns — and takes out 2,000 Russian troops nypost.com
- Ukrainian forces advance in key eastern battlefield, senior commander says Reuters
- Single Photo Exposes Putin’s Ultimate Battlefield Humiliation The Daily Beast
- Operation Vivaldi, Phase Three: Russia Fell for Ukraine’s Battlefield Bluff, Lost 2,000 Troops and Key Bridgehead UNITED24 Media
- Ukraine regains territory and captures POWs in frontline push politico.eu
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