Third Army Corps Liberates Drobyshheve and Expands Donetsk Control by 40 Square Kilometers

Second Phase of Operation 'Vivaldi' Successfully Concluded

According to ХВИЛЯ: The Third Army Corps has completed the second phase of the offensive Operation 'Vivaldi' in northern Donetsk, liberating the villages of Shandryholove, Derylove, and securing full control over Drobyshheve. Over the course of two campaign seasons, Ukrainian forces have reclaimed 125 square kilometers of territory, including 50 square kilometers that were previously occupied. The recent phase alone added an additional 40 square kilometers to the controlled area.

During this stage, Ukrainian troops inflicted significant losses on Russian forces, eliminating over 800 soldiers, contributing to an overall Russian casualty count exceeding 3,000. The operation’s success was driven by coordinated efforts from several key military units, including:

• 60th Separate Mechanized Brigade
• 125th Separate Mechanized Brigade
• 3rd Separate Assault Brigade’s Battalion Tactical Group
• 21st Separate Special Purpose Anti-Aircraft Battalion KRAKEN
• 3rd Separate Reconnaissance Battalion
• 25th Separate Artillery Unit of the Corps

The Strategic Impact of Reclaiming Shandryholove

Brigadier General Andriy Biletsky highlighted the critical importance of liberating Shandryholove, describing it as a pivotal point for both Ukrainian and Russian forces.

“Many ask about our casualties. I assure you we minimize them by every means possible. During assaults, UAVs and loitering munitions always lead the infantry. The Third Army Corps was the first worldwide to deploy ground robotic systems by air. Our heavy bombers deliver loitering munitions-kamikaze drones-more than 10 kilometers deep behind enemy lines,” he explained.

Artillery and drones played vital roles in targeting command centers, communication hubs, supply routes, river crossings, and enemy reserves. The Corps also degraded the offensive capabilities of Russia’s 20th, 25th Combined Arms Armies, and the 1st Tank Army. Meanwhile, air defense and electronic warfare units established a protective shield over the battlefield, effectively neutralizing Russian drone threats.

While the second season of Operation 'Vivaldi' has ended, the campaign itself continues.

“The second season of Operation 'Vivaldi' is complete, but the operation is ongoing,” Brigadier General Biletsky emphasized.

This phase’s conclusion underscores Ukraine’s persistent efforts to regain control of territories previously occupied by Russian forces. Liberating villages like Shandryholove carries significant strategic weight, potentially altering the dynamics of combat in the region. Continued Ukrainian advances are expected to weaken Russian offensive strength and enhance Ukraine’s frontline positions.

The recent successes of the Third Army Corps are part of a broader strategy that has seen significant territorial gains in Donetsk. In a related development, Ukrainian forces have also achieved remarkable victories by dismantling Russian positions and reclaiming 75 square kilometers during Operation 'Vivaldi'. These operations highlight the ongoing efforts to strengthen Ukrainian control in the region amidst the conflict.