President Zelensky Visits 3rd Army Corps: Honoring Soldiers and Unveiling Plans for the Next Phase of Operation Vivaldi

President Zelensky’s Visit to the 3rd Army Corps Command Post

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently toured the command center of the 3rd Army Corps, meeting with troops actively engaged in Operation Vivaldi. Corps commander Andriy Biletsky shared updates on the operation’s progress, outlined objectives for the upcoming fourth phase, and highlighted the deployment of ground robotic systems (GRSs). During the visit, President Zelensky awarded 20 soldiers with military honors and held discussions with commanders regarding financial support and artillery supply needs.

Achievements of Operation Vivaldi

Having completed three phases, Operation Vivaldi has successfully disrupted Russian forces’ attempts to penetrate the rear of the Sloviansk-Kramatorsk area. This forced the enemy to urgently redeploy reinforcements, weakening their positions across other fronts. Russian casualties during the operation have surpassed 5,000 killed and wounded, with 250 enemy combatants captured.

Ukraine has reclaimed 176 square kilometers of territory, including restored settlements such as:

• Novoselivka
• Oleksandrivka
• Yarova
• Drobysheve
• Karpivka
• Novomykhailivka
• Outskirts of Korovyi Yar

Additional liberated locations include Serednie, Shandryholove, Derylovo, Ridkodub, and Katerynivka. Ukrainian forces also seized a strategic enemy hub at the New bridgehead. The operation integrated advanced robotic ground complexes for sabotage missions, notably employing a tactic involving disposable grenade launchers mounted on kamikaze GRS vehicles. A new "Griffon" tactic was introduced, which involves deploying GRS units via heavy bombers. BTR-based kamikaze GRSs were used to destroy enemy strongpoints and disrupt command and communication nodes.

"Today, I have the honor to recognize and thank you for defending Ukraine, for safeguarding our independence and sovereignty. I also extend my gratitude to all your comrades here and those who remain immortalized in our memory. They are true heroes."

Volodymyr Zelensky

The meeting also covered financial support for troops and discussed the rotation of GRS operators during offensive operations.

President Zelensky additionally visited the Lyman sector, including the command post of the 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade named after Prince Mstyslav the Brave, which is also participating in Operation Vivaldi. There, he held a briefing with military leadership to assess unit needs.

The president’s engagement with frontline units amid Operation Vivaldi underscores the critical importance of backing and coordinating Ukraine’s armed forces during the ongoing conflict. The operation’s demonstrated success in degrading enemy forces and recapturing territory showcases the growing capabilities of the Ukrainian military. Addressing financial and logistical challenges remains essential to maintaining momentum and ensuring continued victories in future phases.

As the operation progresses, recent victories have further bolstered Ukrainian positions. Notably, Ukrainian forces have successfully liberated several key areas, including Shandryholove and Derylove, enhancing the strategic advantage in the ongoing conflict. These developments are crucial as they not only disrupt enemy lines but also pave the way for future operations.