Completion of the Third Phase in the 'Vivaldi' Offensive
The Third Army Corps has successfully wrapped up the third phase of the 'Vivaldi' offensive, liberating the settlements of Nove, Ridkodub, and Katerynivka, while fully regaining control over Karpivka and Novomyhailivka. This phase alone reclaimed 51 square kilometers of Ukrainian territory, contributing to a total of 176 square kilometers regained since the operation began.
Key Achievements and Tactical Approaches
The primary objective during this phase was the capture of Nove. Brigadier General Andriy Biletsky, commander of the Third Army Corps, emphasized the pivotal nature of this stage for the overall campaign.
“Control over the heights surrounding Nove determined who would hold the initiative on the battlefield.” – Andriy Biletsky
The main assault efforts were led by units from the Third Assault Brigade, while the Third Border Detachment secured Ridkodub and established new defensive lines.
Deceptive tactics played a crucial role in the operation’s success, misleading enemy forces and causing them to waste reserves in futile counterattacks along the Shandryholove–Zelena Dolyna axis.
“Our strategic deception convinced the enemy that our primary strike would come from the Shandryholove–Zelena Dolyna direction, prompting them to recklessly expend their reserves in counterattacks there.” – Andriy Biletsky
The adversary suffered heavy losses exceeding 2,000 personnel during this phase, with over 250 Russian soldiers captured. Notably, modified Soviet-era BTR-60 armored personnel carriers, repurposed as ground-based robotic kamikaze units, were instrumental in accomplishing mission goals.
The successful conclusion of this third phase reinforces the effectiveness of Ukrainian military operations. Earlier stages of the 'Vivaldi' operation included the liberation of Shandryholove and Derylove, which laid the groundwork for this advance.
This progress highlights the steady momentum of Ukrainian forces on the front lines. Skillful tactical maneuvers combined with effective deception allowed Ukrainian troops not only to reclaim strategically important settlements but also to inflict significant damage on enemy forces. These developments underscore the necessity of maintaining offensive pressure and adapting strategies in response to evolving battlefield conditions.
As the Third Army Corps continues to make significant strides in the 'Vivaldi' offensive, earlier achievements in the Northern Donetsk region have laid the groundwork for these recent successes. The recent liberations in Northern Donetsk highlight the strategic importance of coordinated military efforts, showcasing how previous operations have effectively shaped the current battlefield dynamics.