Robotic ground vehicles and surprise: Inside Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi
Operation Vivaldi in Donetsk region enters a new phase (photo: ab3army)
Ukraine's 3rd Army Corps reported the results of the second season of Operation Vivaldi in the Donetsk region on September 20. The troops also finally revealed the secret behind their success.
As of September 20, Ukrainian forces continue offensive operations. They have retaken control of the settlements of Shandryholove, Derylove, and Drobysheve.
The corps said it did not take the settlements in direct assaults, but through a flanking maneuver from north to south using ravines and gullies.
According to the military, the element of surprise behind the maneuver allowed them to advance rapidly.
Вони не знали, що ми вже наступаємо: за лаштунками другого сезону «Вівальді»!
— Третій армійський корпус (@ab3army) September 20, 2026
Третій армійський корпус здійснив обхідний маневр, вперше у світі десантував наземних роботів у тил ворога, а ще осліпив російські дрони.
Чому росіяни не змогли вчасно виявити штурмові групи й… pic.twitter.com/7MVPZ4EZKI
The corps said it had liberated another 40 square kilometers of territory. This brings the total area of Ukrainian land retaken since the start of the operation to more than 125 square kilometers.
At the same time, Ukrainian forces worked to isolate the battlefield. In particular, they destroyed crossings over the Chornyi Zherebets River and struck command posts and ammunition depots, making it harder for the Russian troops to move reserves and maintain communications.
The corps also provided details on using ground robotic systems. According to the military, the 3rd Army Corps began this season by deploying ground robots behind enemy lines. Heavy bombers from the 3rd Assault Brigade dropped ground-based kamikaze robotic platforms there.
The military also said effective air defense and electronic warfare operations helped suppress Russian drones. Troops said this prevented Russians from detecting the Ukrainian offensive plan in time.
The corps said Russian forces suffered more than 3,000 personnel casualties over the two seasons of the operation.
The 3rd Army Corps also said its units are holding back forces from three Russian armies every day. In addition, the military said the operation prevented Russians from transferring significant forces to the Kupiansk front.
As reported, on the morning of September 20, 3rd Army Corps commander Brigadier General Andrii Biletskyi announced the first results of the second phase of Operation Vivaldi.
The media also reported that Ukrainian forces drove Russian troops out of the settlement of Serednie in the Donetsk region without suffering any losses.
