Ukraine Reports Territorial Gains During Third Phase of Operation Vivaldi on the Lyman Front

Ukraine’s 3rd Army Corps has reportedly advanced during the third phase of Operation Vivaldi on the Lyman front, with claims of significant territorial gains and Russian personnel losses. According to the supplied account, Ukrainian assault brigades liberated approximately 176 square kilometers, including the strategically important settlement of Nove.

The operation reportedly combined conventional infantry assaults with deception tactics designed to confuse Russian forces about Ukraine’s intended direction of attack. Another notable element was the use of unmanned ground vehicles, including kamikaze robots, to support operations and target enemy positions. These systems illustrate Ukraine’s continued experimentation with robotic platforms to reduce risks to personnel and increase pressure on fortified positions.

The account also claims that more than 250 Russian soldiers were captured and approximately 2,000 others were rendered combat-ineffective. These figures, along with the reported territorial gains, require independent verification before the full scale of the operation can be established.

If confirmed, the advances could put additional pressure on Russian defensive positions and supply routes around Lyman, an important area in the northern Donetsk region. The reported operation also highlights the growing role of battlefield deception, coordinated assault units, and ground robotics in Ukraine’s effort to regain territory. The longer-term significance will depend on whether Ukrainian forces can consolidate their positions and maintain control of the areas reportedly captured.