A Unique Operation

Operation "Vivaldi" allowed Ukraine to seize the initiative.

Ukraine has demonstrated that it can outperform Russia in one area, even while remaining vulnerable in others (in countering jet-powered drones—NV). And that a well-organized corps, reinforced with drones, ground robots, and experienced leadership, can reclaim its territory from Russian forces that had held the initiative for most of the year.

The 3rd Army Corps of the Armed Forces of Ukraine released media materials that clearly demonstrate that the counteroffensive north of Lyman has evolved from a tactical success into an operational breakthrough…

The corps now claims that as a result of Operation “Vivaldi,” approximately 125 square kilometers have been liberated (as of September 28, the figure was already 176 square kilometers—NV), and that more than 3,000 Russian servicemen were killed or wounded, including 800 during the second phase. These figures have not yet been confirmed by independent sources.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) assessed the second phase of “Vivaldi” as a demonstration of a limited tactical mechanized maneuver supported by UAVs and ground-based robotic systems (GRS). As of September 25, the ISW noted that the Ukrainian advance north of Lyman continues, prompting waves of disinformation from Russia.

These victories not only liberate Ukrainian territory from Russian occupation—they provide a powerful morale boost to Ukrainians on the eve of a harsh and cold winter, and most importantly, they clearly demonstrate that an offensive maneuver in eastern Ukraine is entirely possible.

The return of the offensive maneuver is more important than the size of the liberated territory

As reported by The Kyiv Independent, the elite Russian drone unit “Rubicon” will be withdrawn from this area after suffering heavy losses. This is an important signal that helps us understand how drone operations might be conducted in the future and what role they will play in preparing for and supporting ground offensives.

The 3rd Army Corps also revealed details this week regarding three key areas of integration for unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) into ground operations as part of the ongoing “Vivaldi” operation.

First, the corps explained how heavy strike drones were repurposed as carriers capable of delivering unmanned ground vehicles to the flanks and rear of Russian positions to jam enemy drones as part of the fight for intelligence superiority.

Second, key details were published regarding the use of UGVs to support infantry operations and carry out logistical tasks.

Third, the 3rd Corps released footage of combat operations involving engineering robotics systems, showing ground drones clearing passages through minefields — clearly demonstrating their integration into the system of offensive operations.

The deputy commander of the 3rd Corps [Igalev Levin] revealed some details regarding the planning and execution of the counteroffensive. This is a large-scale experiment taking place in real time, serving simultaneously as a testing ground for integrating ground unmanned vehicles into traditional ground forces, as well as for the development of new tactical and operational methods that allow us to move beyond defensive and positional models of warfare.

I think all Western military leaders are closely monitoring these developments—at least, I very much hope so.

While debates continue over how far Ukrainian forces have advanced into Russian-occupied territory, Meduza “has found no visual evidence” that Ukrainian units have reached or crossed the Cherny Zherebets River.

That said, the 3rd Corps’ offensive is far from the only theater of operations worthy of attention. Ukraine and Russia are concentrating their forces further south, where Russian troops are advancing toward Druzhkivka, Dobropillya, and Orekhov.

Operation “Vivaldi” allowed Ukraine to seize the initiative on one section of the front. It is clear that much more is happening in this war right now—we will likely only learn about some of these events over time. However, Russia continues its slow advance, albeit with minimal territorial gains, in other sectors of eastern and southern Ukraine.

At the same time, it remains unclear whether Ukraine has sufficient manpower to build up offensive momentum in the coming months of this year and in 2027, and to conduct operations of comparable scale simultaneously on several sections of the front.

Mick Ryan, New Voice

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