Ukrainian Forces Liberate Shandryholove and Derylove, Secure Control of Drobysheve in Vivaldi Operation

Advancement in the Second Phase of the Vivaldi Counteroffensive

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: During the second phase of the Ukrainian counteroffensive known as Operation Vivaldi in northern Donetsk region, Ukrainian troops successfully reclaimed the villages of Shandryholove and Derylove, while also gaining control over the settlement of Drobysheve. According to Andriy Biletsky, commander of the Third Army Corps, the operation resulted in recapturing 125 square kilometers of territory, including 50 square kilometers that were fully liberated from occupation.

Throughout both phases of Operation Vivaldi, Russian forces have suffered over 3,000 casualties, with approximately 800 soldiers lost during this recent offensive. The Third Army Corps is actively engaging Russian 20th, 25th, and 1st Tank Armies. Ukrainian forces are leveraging advanced technologies such as drones, cutting-edge ground-to-ground missiles (GML), and robotic ground units. Heavy bombers deliver kamikaze GML drones over 10 kilometers behind enemy lines, while artillery and UAV systems target enemy command centers, communications, logistics hubs, river crossings, and reserves.

Strategic Gains and Tactical Innovations

Before infantry advances, drones and GML systems lead the assault, disrupting enemy defenses. As emphasized by Andriy Biletsky,

"The Third Army Corps is the first worldwide to deploy robotic ground complexes via airborne insertion."

Enhanced air defense and electronic warfare measures have established a protective shield over the combat zone, complicating enemy efforts to anticipate Ukrainian tactics.

"Blinded by our defenses, the enemy failed to uncover our operational plans while our units secured newly liberated positions,"

the Third Army Corps reported.

The success of the second phase of Operation Vivaldi was driven by the efforts of the following units:

• 60th Separate Mechanized Brigade
• 125th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade
• Battalion tactical groups of the 3rd Separate Assault Brigade
• 21st Separate Special Purpose Regiment KRAKEN
• 3rd Separate Reserve Battalion
• 25th Separate Territorial Defense Regiment
• Attached forces: 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade, 85th Tactical Group of the 8th Special Forces Regiment, GUR MO special unit 'Artan', and the 10th Mobile Border Detachment 'Dozor'

Operation Vivaldi marks a crucial milestone in Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to restore sovereignty over territories previously under Russian occupation. In the first phase alone, Ukrainian forces cleared 75 square kilometers. Verification by the Ukrainian analytical project DeepState has confirmed the liberation of Shandryholove and Derylove, alongside military advances near these locations. OSINT analysts and military bloggers have also reported the elimination of the Russian salient north of Lyman and the recapture of dozens of square kilometers.

The recent Ukrainian offensive in Donetsk signals a shift in frontline dynamics and an intensification of military action amid the prolonged conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Regaining control over these areas is a significant step towards reclaiming occupied regions, which could influence the trajectory of the war and strengthen Ukraine’s position in future negotiations. The developments during Operation Vivaldi also highlight the growing impact of new technologies, especially drones, in modern warfare.

As Ukrainian forces continue to make significant advancements in the northern Donetsk region, the recent liberation of Shandryholove and Derylove highlights the ongoing progress of the Vivaldi operation. This strategic maneuver not only secures vital territory but also showcases the effectiveness of modern military tactics and technologies employed by the Ukrainian military.