From euronews · Serguei Doubine · · 50s
Ukraine Foils Russia's Donbas Encirclement
Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi disrupts Russia's plan to encircle Donbas territory.
In brief
Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi disrupts Russia's plan to encircle Donbas territory. Ukraine's counter-offensive halted Russia's encirclement of Donbas by destroying key northern positions. Originally reported by euronews.
Ukraine's Counter-Offensive
Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi dismantled Russia's northern pincer movement targeting the Donbas fortress belt.
Territory Gained
Ukraine liberated 176 square kilometres of territory during Operation Vivaldi's first three phases.
Zelenskyy's Figure
President Zelenskyy reported Ukraine gained between 125 and 140 square kilometres by 3 October.
ISW Analysis
ISW found Ukraine's counter-offensive may have been more successful than official figures indicate.
Russian Retreat
Russia retreated 175.18 square kilometres in September, including areas temporarily penetrated but not held.
Putin's Claim
Putin claimed Russia occupied 89% of Donetsk region, but ISW says no more than 81%.
The takeaway
Ukraine's counter-offensive halted Russia's encirclement of Donbas by destroying key northern positions.
