The Ukrainian 3rd Army Corps announced on 29 September the completion of the 3rd phase of Operation Vivaldi: the reflection of 5 towns in the Donetsk Oblast, the recovery of 51 sq km and the captivity of over 250 Russians. If the command's records are confirmed, it's a crucial success in the hazing direction and a blow to the Russian force on Donbas.
Five towns returned to control Ukraine
The commander of the 3rd Army Corps, Gen. Andrij Biłecki, reported the recovery of Karpiwa, Nowymychaylivka, Nowy, Ridkoduba and Kateryniwka. They all lie in the Donetsk region, on an episode crucial for fighting in the area of Lyman and Swiatohirsk. According to the Ukrainian Communication, the 3rd phase of the operation brought 51 sq mi of recovered land, with a full balance of 176 sq mi of Vivaldi operations.
These figures come from the Ukrainian side. The Russian Ministry of Defence did not confirm the failure of the designated towns. In terms of information war, this remark is important, although the list of names and a detailed description of the actions show that Kiev wants to paper a local change of situation on the front. Success is of peculiar importance in an area where Kramatorsk remains under strong force from Russian troops.
Maneuver under fresh confused Russian command
The main nonsubjective of the 3rd phase was the village of Nowe, considered by Ukrainian command as an crucial point of Russian defence. Biłecki claims that the Russians expected an impact on the direction of Shandryholowe and Zelena Dolyn. There they diverted reserves and took counterattacks, while a major blow fell on New.
Ukrainians were to usage modified BTR-60 transporters as unmanned impact vehicles. The activities were besides attended by units of the State Border Service, including troops that took over Ridkodub and prepared defenses in fresh positions. This is an example of war realism: old equipment gained fresh use, and success brought a combination of reconnaissance, maneuvering and saving the lives of its own soldiers.
Over 250 captives and caution against failure balance
According to General Biłecki, the Russian casualties in the battles reached 2,000 people and more than 250 military men were taken prisoner. The prisoners are to include officers, drone operators and artillerymen. The commander besides maintains that on parts of the sections the full Russian groups laid down their weapons. The reported number of losses does not mean only the fallen and has not been independently verified.
Taking so many prisoners is practical. It weakens Russian subdivisions, provides information about their organization and increases the resources of people who may be covered by future exchanges. However, there is no reason to announce a breakthrough throughout the war. 5 towns and 51 sq km are local success on a immense front.
Polish business requires failure of Russian pressure
For Poland, the consequence of this operation is not a distant curiosity. Each Russian unit bound and weakened in Ukraine has a lower capacity to exert force on NATO's east flank states. Last Russian strikes at the Polish border They remind us that the distance between the front and our safety is small.
Support for defence capabilities Ukraine is so in the Polish interest, but it must be conducted soberly: with cost control, with the protection of its own stocks and without giving Kiev the right to specify Polish policy. National realism is not about sentimentalism. It lies in recognizing that imperial Russia remains a threat, and its failures on Donbas increase the safety of the Republic.
Source: Interia Events
Source: Interia Events
