Ukrainian Forces Launch Counteroffensive in Northern Donetsk, Liberating Multiple Settlements

Operation Vivaldi: Ukrainian Military Advances in Northern Donetsk

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: As part of Operation Vivaldi, Ukrainian troops have initiated a counteroffensive in the northern part of Donetsk region. Units from the Third Army Corps successfully eliminated Russian infiltration points across a 75 km² area and reclaimed an additional 10 km² of territory. Conducted under strict information blackout, these operations enhanced the effectiveness of Ukrainian maneuvers. The campaign dealt significant blows to the combat capabilities of Russia’s 20th and 25th armies, resulting in the liberation of several key settlements.

Settlements Freed and Enemy Casualties

The following settlements were retaken during Operation Vivaldi:

• Novoselivka
• Oleksandrivka
• Yarova
• Outskirts of Korovyi Yar
• Srednie

Russian forces have suffered approximately 1,500 casualties in this phase. Ukrainian drone units have actively targeted enemy supply routes, forcing Russia to shift fuel and lubricant deliveries to the Voronezh region. Throughout the operation, over 12,000 enemy drones, armored vehicles, artillery pieces, and transport vehicles were destroyed.

Numerous Ukrainian Armed Forces units took part in the offensive, including:

• 60th Separate Mechanized Brigade (OMBr)
• 125th Separate Naval Infantry Brigade (OVMBr)
• 3rd Separate Assault Brigade battalion-tactical group
• 3rd Separate Reconnaissance Battalion (ORB)
• 25th Corps of the Operational Tactical Brigade (OPTB)
• 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade (OMBr)
• 85th Tank Battalion of the 8th Special Forces Regiment
• Artan special unit of the Defense Intelligence Directorate (ГУР МО)
• 10th Mobile Border Detachment "DOZOR"

“Drones, robotic systems, and motivated infantry – this sums up the first phase of ‘Vivaldi’. Stay tuned for further updates from the Third Corps,” stated Andriy Biletsky.

The initial stage of the operation combined the use of unmanned aerial vehicles, robotic technology, and infantry forces. In August 2026, Ukrainian troops also liberated 2 km² of forested terrain near Kupiansk in Kharkiv region. Fighting continues in Dnipropetrovsk region, where some settlements have been partially freed, though the Dachne area remains under occupation. Occupying forces were pushed back from Novopavlivka, Novogeorgiivka, Novomykolaivka, Novohryhorivka, Zaporizke, and Pryvilne.

By September 5, 2026, Ukrainian forces have made gains along multiple sectors of the front in Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk regions, successfully halting several Russian offensive attempts.

“Operating under information silence, our units cleared enemy infiltration points over 75 km² and fully deoccupied an additional 10 km²,” emphasized Andriy Biletsky while reviewing the operation’s outcomes.

Operation Vivaldi highlights a renewed wave of Ukrainian counteroffensive efforts on select frontlines, potentially altering the broader conflict dynamics in the area. The strategic integration of drone technology and coordinated actions between various Ukrainian military units underline the army’s growing capability to secure territory and maintain operational security. Maintaining information blackout has proven crucial in preserving the element of surprise in modern warfare.

As the Ukrainian forces continue their strategic advances in the Donetsk region, recent reports indicate significant progress in other areas as well. For a comprehensive overview of the confirmed gains made by Ukrainian troops in the Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk regions, check out the latest updates that highlight the evolving dynamics of the conflict.