Operation Vivaldi thwarted Russia’s plans for Donetsk – ISW
Фото: Генштаб
This is stated in a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
Analysts estimate that Ukrainian forces have reached the Zherebets River, which has helped shorten the front line and organize defenses at more advantageous positions. Now, to resume the offensive in the Liman direction, Russian troops will have to cross the river again.
The operation also thwarted Russia’s plan to encircle Liman from the north and create conditions for encircling the Ukrainian defensive belt. Therefore, Russia will have to consider frontal attacks east of Slovyansk and Kramatorsk, where Ukrainian positions are well fortified.
According to ISW estimates, from September 1 to October 16, 2026, Russian troops lost control of 122 square kilometers of territory. However, since the beginning of the year, they have captured approximately 100 square kilometers.
Also, according to analysts, the 144th Motorized Rifle Division of the Russian Federation suffered significant losses during the operation, which complicates the restoration of the offensive capabilities of the Russian army in this direction.
ISW notes that Russia’s combat losses have been rising since the summer of 2026. According to estimates, over the past few months, the Russian army has lost over 40,000 soldiers killed and wounded.
As a reminder, the Third Army Corps previously reported the evacuation of five settlements during the third phase of Operation Vivaldi . At that time, the total area of territories returned to Ukrainian control amounted to 176 square kilometers.
At the end of September, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported on the progress of Ukrainian troops in the Liman sector of the Donetsk region as part of Operation Vivaldi . According to him, 10,660 Russian soldiers were killed and wounded in all active combat areas over the course of the week.
Incidentally, the Russian command is experiencing reserve shortages in the Liman sector and is forced to reduce the training time for troops before sending them to the front . Meanwhile, the Ukrainian military states that Operation Vivaldi is ongoing, and the situation for the enemy remains challenging.
It was previously reported that the Third Army Corps had uncovered details of the “Vivaldi” offensive in the northern Donetsk region. Ukrainian forces cleared 75 square kilometers of Russian forces and de-occupied another 10 square kilometers.
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