Brigade Commander Kyrylo Veres on Operation Vivaldi, Frontline Challenges, and Emerging Technologies

Outcomes of Operation Vivaldi

According to Radiotrek — Світ: Kyrylo Veres, commander of the 20th Separate Brigade of Unmanned Systems 'K-2', shared key insights in a widely viewed dual-channel interview that quickly reached nearly one million views in a single day. He highlighted Operation Vivaldi as one of the most successful military campaigns in recent years, with his brigade confirmed to have eliminated close to two thousand enemy combatants. Despite these achievements, Veres urged caution in publicly sharing operational details, noting that premature media exposure alerted adversaries and hindered the potential for even greater success before winter conditions set in.

"Stop revealing our plans and unachieved successes," Veres stressed.

A decorated Hero of Ukraine, Veres has been fighting on the frontlines since 2014. He emphasized the formidable capabilities of the Russian military-industrial complex, which benefits from a strong scientific and engineering base, producing more missiles monthly than all NATO countries combined. Russia's advantage lies primarily in its sheer volume and scale rather than technological breakthroughs on the battlefield. Veres also noted the critical role of Starlink in supporting Ukrainian forces and warned of the looming threat posed by Russia's planned satellite constellation, 'Rassvet'.

"If 'Rassvet' is launched, it won't just be a sunset for us-it will be a major problem," he warned.

Discussing his brigade's current status, Veres referred to data from the 'Delta' system showing that only 20–30 drone units out of 450 registered are responsible for 80% of confirmed enemy kills. The 'K-2' brigade maintains a steady flow of personnel thanks to low casualty rates and a stringent selection process, accepting only one volunteer out of every 15–20 candidates. At 37 years old, Veres plans to serve until age 40, emphasizing his top priority is preserving the lives of his soldiers.

"I honestly don’t understand what a personnel shortage means-I’m not losing men. Our losses are very low," he stated.

Veres also addressed the ethical standards within his command, noting that soldiers are dismissed for offenses such as driving under the influence, drug use, or attempts to evade service. He underscored the necessity of strict discipline and protecting troops’ lives, advocating for discreet, effective operations rather than publicizing every success.

"Money prefers silence, and in some cases, so does war. Unfortunately, we tend to do the opposite," Veres concluded, urging greater caution in communication.

The Strategic Role of Drone Technology

The achievements of Operation Vivaldi underscore the pivotal role that drone technology plays in modern warfare. Veres’ call for discretion reflects a broader trend toward safeguarding military intelligence, which can significantly influence the course of ongoing conflicts. Given the escalating threat from Russia’s military-industrial sector, international technological support-such as that provided by Starlink-may prove critical in maintaining the effectiveness and resilience of Ukrainian forces on the front lines.