KYIV—Ukrainian forces liberated 277 square kilometers (106 square miles) in the eastern Donbas region during Operation Vivaldi, a counter-offensive aimed at repelling a Russian pincer movement threatening key cities still under Ukrainian control.
Kyiv reported inflicting heavy losses on Russian forces, claiming 8,000 Russian casualties in Operation Vivaldi alone and approximately 50,000 across the entire front line in September. Ukrainian officials said their own forces suffered few casualties.
The Institute for the Study of War noted that pro-Russian military bloggers acknowledged the Ukrainian advances and expressed concern about further Russian losses. The Russian Ministry of Defense did not publicly acknowledge the gains, instead reporting that its forces were repelling attacks in the Lyman region or improving tactical positions.
Ukrainian forces have become heavily dependent on drone technology for battlefield awareness. Phoenix, commander of the Revenge Brigade's Silver Trinity unit, said his soldiers face an average of 10 Russian drones daily. Commanders monitor front lines via live video feeds from hovering cameras in their bunkers.
In one encounter, a Ukrainian snare drone intercepted a Russian reconnaissance drone by dropping a net. Commanders warned soldiers that reconnaissance drones typically precede follow-up attacks by explosive-carrying drones.
Broadband connectivity across the battlefield is facilitated by Starshield, the military version of Elon Musk's Starlink satellite network. Ukraine said this week, as Operation Vivaldi concluded, that Starshield experienced unannounced restrictions limiting its capabilities. Musk and media reports indicated the order may have originated from the White House. While Ukrainian forces are not entirely dependent on Starshield, it remains vital for interceptor and mid-range strike drones.
The Ukrainian gains in Donbas contrast with recent Russian actions, which have involved extensive aerial bombardments across Ukraine. Russian air attacks this month have crippled energy infrastructure and killed numerous civilians nationwide.
