The Ukrainian Defence Forces continued their offensive in the Lyman sector and liberated Nove, Ridkodub and Katerynivka. During the third phase of Operation «Vivaldi», Ukrainian forces recaptured a further 51 km² of territory, whilst over 250 Russian soldiers were taken prisoner. The Third Army Corps reported on the results of the operation.
- Nove, Ridkodub and Katerynivka have been liberated.
- A further 51 km² have been brought back under Ukrainian control.
- More than 250 Russian soldiers have been taken prisoner.
- Control has also been regained over Karpivka and Novomykhailivka.
- Since the start of the operation, 176 km² have already been recaptured.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces have extended their control in the Lyman sector
The Third Army Corps has announced the completion of the third phase offensive operation «Vivaldi»in the north of the Donetsk region.".
The Ukrainian military have fully liberated Nove, Ridkodub and Katerynivka, and also regained control of Karpivka and Novomykhailivka. During this stage alone, the following areas were returned to Ukrainian control 51 km² of territory.
In total, since the start of the offensive operations as part of «Vivaldi», the Defence Forces have recaptured 176 km² of Ukrainian land. Earlier in the operation, Seredne, Shandryholove and Derylove were liberated, and control over Drobyshev was fully restored.
The key objective became Novoye
Commander of the Third Army Corps, Brigadier General Andrii Biletskyi He described Nove as a key stronghold for Russian forces in this bridgehead. The surrounding high ground allows them to control the terrain and influences the parties’ ability to conduct further combat operations.
According to Biletsky, the Russian command had been expecting the main Ukrainian offensive along the Shandryholove–Zelena Dolyna axis and had been redeploying reserves there. The Defence Forces, however, focused their main offensive on Novoye.
To break through Russian defences, the Ukrainian military used, amongst other things, converted BTR-60s as remotely controlled kamikaze vehicles. These were directed towards the enemy’s most heavily fortified positions.
More than 250 Russian soldiers have been taken prisoner
One of the most significant outcomes of the operation was the number of prisoners taken. According to 3rd Army Corps, during the third stage More than 250 Russian soldiers have been taken prisoner by Ukraine. The ministry stated that, in some cases, Russian units had laid down their arms in their entirety — including officers, pilots and artillerymen.
In other words, this does not refer to a single group of 250 soldiers who surrendered at the same time, but to the total number of prisoners taken during that phase of the operation. At the same time, military sources confirm instances where entire units have surrendered.
According to the Corps’ estimates, the total losses suffered by Russian forces during this phase amounted to more than 2,000 military personnel, including those killed and wounded. This is the Ukrainian side’s estimate, which cannot be independently verified in the context of hostilities.
What is currently happening in the Lyman sector
Fighting is continuing in the area. As of the morning of 28 September, Ukrainian forces were repelling Russian attacks near Zarichne, Lyman and Dibrova.
At the same time, reports suggest that the Defence Forces have already launched a separate offensive directly on Zarichne and Tors’ke, have not yet been officially confirmed. It is therefore too early to say whether fighting for these settlements has begun as part of the current Ukrainian advance.
On the eve of the presidential election Volodymyr Zelenskyy He also spoke of the «significant gains» made by Ukrainian forces in the Lyman sector and the continuation of Operation «Vivaldi».
