Ukraine Retakes 51 Sq Km in Third Phase of Operation Vivaldi, With Russia Losing 2,000 Troops and 250 Captured
Ukrainian forces have seized the operational initiative along the front line through Operation Vivaldi, a secret counteroffensive launched by the 3rd Army Corps in May 2026. The multi-month operation aimed to strengthen defensive positions in the Lyman and Sviatohirsk sectors while disrupting Russian plans to encircle key strongholds in Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Kyiv holds its strongest frontline position in some time, having recaptured more territory than Moscow seized since autumn through operations that included unconventional tunnel warfare tactics.
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- ✓ Operation Vivaldi was launched in May 2026 by Ukraine's 3rd Army Corps as a secret counteroffensive.
- ✓ President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian forces are retaking territory through a series of offensives, including an operation where troops used gas pipelines to outflank Russian positions.
- ✓ The counteroffensive aimed to strengthen defensive positions in the Lyman and Sviatohirsk sectors and disrupt Russian plans to encircle Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
- ✓ Ukrainian forces have recaptured more territory than Russia seized since autumn, achieving Ukraine's biggest military success of 2026.
What changed
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and military sources publicly detailed the previously unannounced Operation Vivaldi counteroffensive and its tactical use of underground gas pipelines.
Live updates
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Ukraine Retakes Ground in Operation Vivaldi Counteroffensive
Ukrainian forces have seized the operational initiative along the front line through Operation Vivaldi, a secret counteroffensive launched by the 3rd Army Corps in May 2026. The multi-month operation aimed to strengthen defensive positions in the Lyman and Sviatohirsk sectors while disrupting Russian plans to encircle key strongholds in Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Kyiv holds its strongest frontline position in some time, having recaptured more territory than Moscow seized since autumn through operations that included unconventional tunnel warfare tactics.
Why it matters
Operation Vivaldi marks Ukraine's first meaningful territorial gains since 2024, leveraging recent military reforms to push back Russian forces in the eastern Donbas region. The offensive operations have broken Russian attack plans and forced adaptations in frontline combat following months of heavy fighting. Kyiv must now defend the newly recovered land against ongoing Russian attacks.
What is confirmed
- Operation Vivaldi was launched in May 2026 by Ukraine's 3rd Army Corps as a secret counteroffensive.
- President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukrainian forces are retaking territory through a series of offensives, including an operation where troops used gas pipelines to outflank Russian positions.
- The counteroffensive aimed to strengthen defensive positions in the Lyman and Sviatohirsk sectors and disrupt Russian plans to encircle Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
- Ukrainian forces have recaptured more territory than Russia seized since autumn, achieving Ukraine's biggest military success of 2026.
Still unconfirmed
- Russian troops previously attempted to use underground gas pipelines to bypass Ukrainian lines before Ukrainian Defense Forces refined the tactic.
What to watch next
- Further official casualty and territorial metrics from Ukraine's Defense Forces
- Russian military command responses to the 3rd Army Corps advances around Kramatorsk and Sloviansk
- Developments regarding the defense of newly recovered land in the Donbas region
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (19)
- apnews.com — Russia-Ukraine war
- en.wikipedia.org — Russo-Ukrainian war - Wikipedia
- liveuamap.com — Ukraine Interactive map - Ukraine Latest news on live map -...
- newsukraine.rbc.ua — Operation Vivaldi - Ukraine defeats Russia’s 144th Motor ...
- russiaanalyzed.substack.com — Ukraine’s Biggest Military Success of 2026
- kyivindependent.com — How Ukraine outmaneuvered Russian troops in Operation Vivaldi
- www.dowjones.com — Ukraine will need to defend recovered land - Dow Jones
- united24media.com — Russia Keeps Attacking, but Ukraine Has Liberated More ...
- thegeopost.com — Ukraine reveals details of secret operation "Vivaldi"
- www.independent.co.uk — How Ukraine liberated more territory than Russia captured so ...
- en.h.ua — Ukraine says “Vivaldi” operation disrupted Russian plans near ...
- www.yahoo.com — How Ukraine’s Operation Vivaldi pushed back Russian ... - Yahoo
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Ukraine Advances in Donetsk as Operation Vivaldi Continues
Ukrainian forces secured further territorial gains in the eastern Donetsk region this week under the ongoing Operation Vivaldi counteroffensive. These advances occurred while Russian drone and missile strikes persisted against population centers and infrastructure, and as US support showed signs of wavering following comments from Donald Trump. Although Russian offensive operations across the Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia fronts made no verified territorial gains according to assessments, relations between Kyiv and Washington face growing friction amid the shifting political dynamic.
Why it matters
The Operation Vivaldi counteroffensive represents a major ground push by Kyiv in the Donetsk sector of the Donbas. However, the battlefield successes unfold against a tense diplomatic backdrop as political backing from the United States faces new hurdles. Observers continue to monitor how these shifting international political alignments could influence the sustainability of ongoing military operations.
What is confirmed
- Ukraine reported further battlefield gains this week as the country's Operation Vivaldi counteroffensive in eastern Ukraine's Donetsk region continues.
- ISW's October 14 assessment found Russian offensive operations in Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Zaporizhzhia made no confirmed territorial gains.
Still unconfirmed
- Russia's drone and missile attacks on Ukraine's population and infrastructure continue to dominate coverage of the conflict.
What to watch next
- Further assessments from the Institute for the Study of Operations regarding Russian front-line progress
- Developments in US political support and relations involving President Trump
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (5)
- asiatimes.com — Operation Vivaldi: Ukrainian gain on a drone-filled battlefield
- www.atlanticcouncil.org — Ukraine reports more battlefield gains as Putin’s invasion ...
- united24media.com — Russia Keeps Attacking Ukraine’s Frontline but Has No ...
- www.aljazeera.com — Ukraine pushes Russian forces back as US support wavers
- www.bbc.co.uk — Inside Ukrainian offensive pushing Russia back - with ... - BBC
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Ukraine Concludes Operation Vivaldi with 277 Square Kilometers Retaken
Ukraine has completed the four-phase Operation Vivaldi in the Donetsk region, reclaiming 277 square kilometers of territory and 16 settlements. The operation disrupted Russian plans to encircle Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. Total Russian casualties reached 8,000 troops, with three Russian armies weakened. The final phase alone saw the liberation of 101 square kilometers and three villages. Ukrainian forces utilized drone swarms and specialized commandos to isolate and eliminate Russian defenses throughout the campaign.
Why it matters
The offensive took place along the Lyman axis in the Donetsk region starting in mid-September. It follows a period where Russia saw its lowest net territorial gains since June 2023. The operation focused on securing bridgeheads and neutralizing Russian encirclement threats.
What is confirmed
- Operation Vivaldi liberated 277 square kilometers and 16 settlements in Donetsk.
- The Ukrainian military launched the counteroffensive near Lyman in mid-September.
- The operation concluded after four phases.
- Total Russian losses from the operation reached 8,000 troops.
- The fourth phase of the operation reclaimed 101 square kilometers and three villages.
Still unconfirmed
- The Institute for the Study of War assesses that advances north of Lyman exceeded officially reported figures.
- Ukraine used explosive-laden Trojan armored personnel carriers to capture a key bridgehead.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the current status of Russian encirclement attempts around Sloviansk and Kramatorsk
- Official casualty reports from the Russian Ministry of Defense regarding the Lyman axis
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (9)
- ukrainetoday.org — Ukrainian Forces' Bold Gains in Operation 'Vivaldi' Explained
- united24media.com — Ukraine Smashes Russia’s Encirclement Plans, Retakes 277 Km² ...
- www.kyivpost.com — Ukraine’s Operation Vivaldi Gains Terrain, Kremlin Retreats ...
- uk.news.yahoo.com — Operation Vivaldi: success of Ukraine’s counteroffensive ...
- ukrmedia.news — Operation «Vivaldi»: The Ukrainian Armed Forces have recaptured a further three villages and 101 km²
- thegaze.media — Ukraine Liberates 51 Sq. Km in Third Phase of Vivaldi Operation
- www.newsweek.com — Ukraine claims major battlefield gains in "Operation Vivaldi"
- united24media.com — Ukraine’s Operation Vivaldi Ends: 277 km² Retaken, 8,000 ...
- www.dagens.com — 3,000 fresh Russian losses as fourth season of Operation ...
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Ukraine Retakes 51 Sq Km in Donetsk During Operation Vivaldi
Ukrainian forces reclaimed 51 square kilometers in the Donetsk region during the third stage of Operation Vivaldi in the Lyman sector. The 3rd Army Corps liberated Nove, Ridkodub, and Katerynivka, capturing a key bridgehead using robotic systems, drones, and explosive-laden Trojan armored personnel carriers. The offensive inflicted 2,000 Russian casualties and resulted in more than 250 captured soldiers. Finnish battlefield analysts report that Russia recorded its worst month for net territorial gains since June 2023 due to the counteroffensive.
Why it matters
Operation Vivaldi is holding back the Russian offensive in the Donbas and forcing Russian troops to retreat from settlements they once firmly held. Finnish analysts note that Russia barely expanded its seized territories in September. While experts view the integration of robotic systems as a shift in frontline warfare, it remains an operational push rather than a decisive strategic breakthrough.
What is confirmed
- Ukrainian forces reclaimed 51 square kilometers in the Donetsk region during the third stage of Operation Vivaldi.
- The 3rd Army Corps liberated Nove, Ridkodub, and Katerynivka and captured a key bridgehead.
- The offensive resulted in 2,000 Russian casualties and more than 250 captured Russian soldiers.
- Russia recorded its worst month for net territorial gains since June 2023, according to Finnish battlefield analysts.
Still unconfirmed
- Russian officials claimed their forces control Lyman, though Ukrainian infantry on the ground state otherwise.
What to watch next
- Whether Ukrainian forces can sustain the advance using robotic systems in subsequent phases of Operation Vivaldi
- Further assessments from battlefield analysts on Russian net territorial gains
confidence 95%Sources used for this update (5)
- www.kyivpost.com — Ukraine’s Vivaldi Counteroffensive Derails Russia’s Donbas ...
- kyivindependent.com — Inside Operation Vivaldi, Ukraine’s push to recapture Donetsk ...
- www.garoweonline.com — Somaliland Says Ready to Send Troops to Gaza if Trump, Netanyahu Request
- www.aljazeera.com — Ukraine pushes Russia back in Donetsk as military, civilian ...
- unn.ua — Ukraine recaptures land in Donbas, hindering Russia’s ...
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Ukraine's 3rd Army Corps Retakes 51 Sq Km in Operation Vivaldi Phase Three
Ukrainian forces reclaimed 51 square kilometers in the Donetsk region during the third stage of Operation Vivaldi. The 3rd Army Corps liberated the settlements of Nove, Ridkodub, and Katerynivka, while capturing a key bridgehead. The offensive resulted in 2,000 Russian casualties and the capture of more than 250 Russian soldiers. Ukraine achieved these gains using robotic systems, including drones and explosive-laden Trojan armored personnel carriers, alongside jamming and fuel strikes to secure ground near Lyman. Experts state the operation demonstrates a shift in frontline warfare via robotic integration rather than a decisive breakthrough.
Why it matters
The operation took place on the eastern Donbas front near Lyman. It highlights Ukraine's increasing reliance on unmanned ground vehicles and drones to overcome Russian defenses. The success of these tactics suggests a change in how territory is recaptured in the region.
What is confirmed
- Ukraine's 3rd Army Corps liberated Nove, Ridkodub, and Katerynivka in Donetsk Oblast.
- The third stage of Operation Vivaldi resulted in the reclamation of 51 sq km.
- More than 250 Russian troops were taken prisoner during the operation.
- Ukraine utilized unmanned ground vehicles, drones, and kamikaze vehicles to retake territory.
- The operation took place on the eastern Donbas front near Lyman.
Still unconfirmed
- Russian forces suffered 2,000 casualties during this stage of the operation.
- Ukraine used jamming and fuel strikes to retake ground in secret.
What to watch next
- Confirmation of the long-term strategic value of the seized bridgehead
- Further reports on Russian counter-attacks in the Lyman sector
- Deployment of similar robotic tactics in other sectors of the front
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (14)
- kyivindependent.com — The Kyiv Independent — News from Ukraine, Eastern Europe
- www.bbc.com — Ukraine War | Latest News & Updates| BBC News
- newsukraine.rbc.ua — Ukraine News today - Latest news & Video | RBC-Ukraine
- www.aljazeera.com — Ukraine | Ukraine | Today's latest from Al Jazeera
- www.ukrinform.net — Ukrinform - Ukrainian National News Agency
- en.wikipedia.org — Ukraine - Wikipedia
- www.kyivpost.com — Get the Latest Ukraine News Today - Kyiv Post
- united24media.com — Operation Vivaldi: Ukraine Liberates 51 km², Takes 250 ...
- www.cnn.com — Ukraine says it forced 250 Russian soldiers to surrender in ... -...
- www.pravda.com.ua — Ukraine liberates three more villages in Lyman ...
- www.cnbc.com — Ukraine robot offensive exposes a vulnerability in Putin’s ...
- biz.heraldcorp.com — WORLDRobots lead the way as Ukraine recaptures large swaths of territory - The Herald Business
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Ukraine Retakes 51 Sq Km in Third Phase of Operation Vivaldi
Ukrainian forces have advanced 51 square kilometers in the Donetsk region during the third phase of Operation Vivaldi, according to announcements by the 3rd Army Corps. The offensive resulted in the liberation of three settlements, including Nove, Ridkodub, and Katerynivka. Russian forces suffered 2,000 casualties during this stage of the operation, and over 250 soldiers were taken prisoner. Ukrainian troops utilized tactics including kamikaze armored vehicles during the engagement on the key eastern battlefield.
Why it matters
Operation Vivaldi represents a newly reported Ukrainian military offensive in the eastern sector. The 3rd Army Corps announced the latest territorial gains and prisoner captures following intensive combat operations. The operation demonstrates ongoing counteroffensive capabilities in the Donetsk region.
What is confirmed
- Ukraine retook 51 square kilometers during the third phase of Operation Vivaldi in the Donetsk region.
- Russia lost 2,000 troops and 250 soldiers were captured during the operation.
- The villages of Nove, Ridkodub, and Katerynivka were liberated.
- 3rd Army Corps commander Andrii Biletskyi announced the casualties and prisoner figures.
What to watch next
- Further announcements from the 3rd Army Corps regarding subsequent phases of Operation Vivaldi
- Visual confirmation or official military reports on further territorial changes in the Donetsk region
confidence 90%Sources used for this update (9)
- UNITED24 Media — Ukraine Retakes 51 Sq Km in Third Phase of Operation Vivaldi, With Russia Losing 2,000 Troops and 250 Captured
- pravda.com.ua — Operation Vivaldi: Ukraine attacks Russian troops with kamikaze armoured vehicles and capture over 250 soldiers – photos, video
- Reuters — Ukrainian forces advance in key eastern battlefield, senior commander says
- The Kyiv Independent — Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi liberates 3 more settlements, inflicts 2,000 Russian losses, 3rd Army Corps announces
- ukrinform.net — Biletsky: 3rd Army Corps liberates Nove, Ridkodub and Katerynivka in Operation “Vivaldi”
- united24media.com — Ukraine Retakes 51 Sq Km in Third Phase of Operation Vivaldi, With Russia Losing 2,000 Troops and 250 Cap....
- kyivindependent.com — Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi liberates 3 more settlements ...
- nypost.com — New Ukraine offensive Operation Vivaldi recaptures several ...
- www.pravda.com.ua — Ukraine says Russia loses 2,000 troops in third stage of ...
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