Ukraine's Vivaldi offensive gains momentum as forces reclaim more territory in Donetsk region
Photo: Andrii Biletskyi, commander of the Third Army Corps (Ukrinform_NurPhoto_via)
The Ukrainian Armed Forces’ offensive operation in the Donetsk region, called Vivaldi, is gaining momentum. A total of 125 square kilometers of territory have already been returned under Ukrainian control, according to Third Army Corps commander Brigadier General Andrii Biletskyi.
"Vivaldi is ongoing and gaining momentum. The Third Corps liberated Shandryholove and Derylove and established full control over Drobysheve,” Biletskyi said.
According to him, during the first and second seasons of the Vivaldi offensive operation, the Third Army Corps and attached units have already returned 125 square kilometers of territory under Ukrainian control, of which 50 square kilometers have been deoccupied.
Another 800 enemy soldiers were killed. The total losses of the Russian army during both seasons exceed 3,000 troops.
The corps continues to wear down the offensive potential of three Russian armies at once — the 20th, 25th, and 1st tank armies.
“During assault operations, drones and ground robotic systems always move ahead of the infantry. The Third Army Corps was the first in the world to begin deploying ground robotic systems by air. Our heavy bombers deliver kamikaze ground robotic systems more than 10 kilometers behind enemy lines,” Biletskyi said.
He added that artillery and unmanned systems struck enemy command posts, communications hubs, logistics, crossings, and reserves. Air defense and electronic warfare created a protective dome over the combat area. Blinded, the enemy was unable to uncover the operation’s plan, while Ukrainian units consolidated their positions on the liberated lines.
“The music of Vivaldi continues. And the next news is coming soon,” the corps commander said.
Operation “Vivaldi”
The Third Army Corps launched the Vivaldi offensive operation in the north of the Donetsk region.
Over the course of a week, the Defense Forces made new advances, clearing and liberating settlements.
Ukrainian troops drove Russian forces out of the settlement of Serednie without losses, completely clearing it and taking the settlement under control.
The Defense Forces liberated an area larger than Zhytomyr. During the fighting, Ukrainian troops eliminated concealed enemy forces and established a bridgehead for a further offensive in the region.
