Ukrainian forces have regained more territory from Russian troops in northern Donetsk, according to a senior military commander, as Kyiv seeks to disrupt Moscow’s offensive against key eastern strongholds.
Brigadier-General Andrii Biletskyi, commander of Ukraine’s Third Army Corps, said Ukrainian forces had regained control of 51 square kilometres during the latest phase of their operation in the region. He has overseen operations there since last month.
Biletskyi said the wider operation, known as “Vivaldi”, has now brought 176 square kilometres under Ukrainian control. He added that Ukrainian forces had liberated three settlements — Nove, Ridkodub and Katerynivka — while restoring control over Karpivka and Novomykhailivka.
The Institute for the Study of War has previously assessed that Operation Vivaldi disrupted Russia’s efforts to encircle Ukrainian positions forming part of the Donetsk region’s “fortress belt”.
Russia’s territorial advances have slowed this year, although its forces continue to press toward key cities from the south while seeking to deepen their positions around Kostiantynivka.
Donetsk has remained one of the main areas of intense fighting since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Kyiv continues to hold part of the region, while Moscow has sought control of the entire territory.
Negotiations aimed at ending the war have stalled, although the United States has continued efforts to encourage the sides to resume talks.
The latest reported gains in northern Donetsk add to Ukraine’s recent battlefield advances as Kyiv seeks to disrupt Russian operations along the eastern front.
Ojo Triumph
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