Operation Vivaldi: the four seasons
Ukraine has launched a major offensive in the northern Donbas known as Operation Vivaldi, reversing recent gains by Russia. Despite manpower disadvantages, Kyiv has utilized surprise, operational security, and new battlefield tactics near Lyman to recapture territory. The ongoing counteroffensive has broken the northern jaw of the Russian pincer in the region, catching Moscow forces off guard and challenging previous expectations of battlefield limitations.
Listen to Live Briefing
Real-time synthesized voice briefing · Live Feeds Desk
- ✓ Ukraine has quietly launched one of its biggest offensives of the year in the northern Donbas, dubbed Operation Vivaldi.
- ✓ Kyiv has retaken 176 square kilometres, captured 250 Russian troops and killed a further 5,000 soldiers.
- ✓ Ukraine's advance near Lyman demonstrates the use of drones, ground robots and electronic warfare.
What changed
Operation Vivaldi has broken the northern jaw of the Russian pincer and secured territorial gains in the northern Donbas.
Live updates
-
Ukraine Advances in Operation Vivaldi
Ukraine has launched a major offensive in the northern Donbas known as Operation Vivaldi, reversing recent gains by Russia. Despite manpower disadvantages, Kyiv has utilized surprise, operational security, and new battlefield tactics near Lyman to recapture territory. The ongoing counteroffensive has broken the northern jaw of the Russian pincer in the region, catching Moscow forces off guard and challenging previous expectations of battlefield limitations.
Why it matters
The months-long counteroffensive highlights a tactical shift on the transparent battlefield of 2026. By integrating new tactical approaches, Ukrainian forces have managed to push back against Russian advances that previously pressured the capital and eastern sectors.
What is confirmed
- Ukraine has quietly launched one of its biggest offensives of the year in the northern Donbas, dubbed Operation Vivaldi.
- Kyiv has retaken 176 square kilometres, captured 250 Russian troops and killed a further 5,000 soldiers.
- Ukraine's advance near Lyman demonstrates the use of drones, ground robots and electronic warfare.
What to watch next
- Further ground advances by Ukrainian forces near Lyman and the northern Donbas
- Russian military response to the Operation Vivaldi offensive
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (16)
- www.forcesnews.com — Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi breaks the northern jaw of Russia ...
- Comment is Freed — Operation Vivaldi: the four seasons
- Kyiv Post — Ukraine News Today: Breaking Updates & Live Coverage - October 5, 2026 from Kyiv Post
- TCU 360 — What We’re Reading: Russia intensifies attacks on Kyiv, U.S. forces leave Iraq and more
- Forbes — Tuesday, September 29. Russia’s War On Ukraine: News And Information From Ukraine
- ACLED — Ukraine war situation update | 12 – 18 September 2026
- samf.substack.com — Operation Vivaldi: the four seasons - by Lawrence Freedman
- tvpworld.com — Ukraine’s Vivaldi may have cracked the drone war’s biggest ...
- www.koreatimes.co.kr — Han Soo-jin's Vivaldi perspective rooted in seaside souvenirs of Isle of Man
- www.iamexpat.nl — Vivaldi Four Seasons concerts in the Netherlands
- www.tickadoo.com — Rome: Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons Concert by I Virtuosi dell’opera di Roma | Rome Opera & Concerts | t....
- www.tickadoo.com — Music Society Vienna (Musikverein): Vivaldi's Four Seasons & Mozart Concert | Mozart &in Musikverein Vien....
Community Sentiment: How do you assess this situation?
Voice your perspective · Real-time aggregated sentiment from the Live Feeds community