Ukraine reveals details of secret operation "Vivaldi"

Ukrainian forces have revealed details of the secret operation "Vivaldi", a counter-offensive that lasted several months and during which, according to the Ukrainian military, 277 square kilometers of territory and 16 settlements in the Donetsk region were liberated.

The operation was conducted under the command of the Third Corps of the Ukrainian Army, with the aim of improving defensive positions and hindering the advance of Russian forces in the east of the country.

According to Ukrainian media reports, the offensive began in the spring and involved fierce fighting in mined areas, difficult river crossings, and constant attacks by Russian drones.

One of the main objectives was to take the village of Shandriholove, where it took Ukrainian troops more than a month to secure control.

Ukrainian commanders said the success of the operation depended on covert infantry movements, the use of drones and the isolation of Russian positions.

Soldiers advanced through forest belts and penetrated behind enemy lines, aiming to cut off supplies and retreat routes.

However, the operation was carried out with great risks. Minefields, artillery and FPV drones caused casualties and made it difficult to evacuate the wounded.

According to one of the commanders, landmines were the main cause of injuries in the units involved in the offensive.

At the same time, Ukrainian drones hit Russian logistical targets up to 200 kilometers behind the front line, including ammunition depots, repair bases, and fuel facilities.

According to Ukrainian commanders, these attacks weakened the supply of Russian troops with ammunition and equipment.

The Third Army Corps claims that the Russian side suffered around 8000 casualties during the operation and that more than 250 Russian soldiers were taken prisoner.

These figures have not been independently verified and the full breakdown between those killed and injured is not clear.

Ukrainian commander Andriy Biletsky announced the completion of the fourth phase of the operation, hinting that military actions will continue.

According to him, the operation has shown that infantry advancement remains possible even on a battlefield where drones play a decisive role.

Despite the claimed results, Ukrainian commanders expect the pace of fighting to change with the arrival of winter.

They emphasize that the goal remains to maintain the positions gained and continue operations to liberate Ukrainian territory.