Zelensky visits Lyman sector, says Operation Vivaldi reclaimed 125 square kilometers

Key Points:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade in the Lyman sector on September 30 to award soldiers and discuss operational needs, including procurement of vehicles, drones, and long-range artillery.
• Zelensky praised the troops for reclaiming over 125 square kilometers of territory from Russian forces as part of Operation Vivaldi, emphasizing the protection of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
• The 3rd Army Corps, under Brigadier-General Andrii Biletskyi, announced the liberation of three villages in northern Donetsk Oblast—Ridkodub, Nove, and Katerynivka—restoring full control over Karpivka and Novomykhailivka.
• Operation Vivaldi has inflicted significant losses on Russian forces, including over 2,000 casualties and more than 250 prisoners, marking a rare offensive success for Ukraine despite disadvantages in manpower and drone control.
• The success of the operation is attributed to suppressing Russian drone capabilities and logistics, alongside innovative use of technology such as ground drones to overcome challenges on the battlefield.