Zelensky praises troops after reclaiming 125 sq km in Lyman sector
President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade’s command post in the Lyman area, thanking soldiers for recapturing more than 125 square kilometres during Operation Vivaldi.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the command post of the 66th Separate Mechanized Brigade in the Lyman sector on Sept. 30, where he presented awards to soldiers and met brigade commanders. He thanked the troops for restoring over 125 square kilometres of territory previously held by Russian forces, a gain achieved in coordination with other units of the Third Army Corps as part of Operation Vivaldi.
"Thank you for protecting our state, sovereignty, and territorial integrity," Zelensky said.
During the meeting, the president discussed procurement needs, including the acquisition of pickup trucks for brigades, increased funding for drones, streamlined procurement processes, and expanded staffing. He also emphasized the importance of long-range artillery.
Brigadier-General Andrii Biletskyi, commander of the 3rd Army Corps, reported that Ukrainian forces liberated the villages of Ridkodub, Nove and Katerynivka in northern Donetsk Oblast, and restored full control over Karpivka and Novomykhailivka. He said the latest phase of Operation Vivaldi, described as its "third season," resulted in more than 2,000 Russian casualties and the capture of over 250 Russian soldiers.
The operation, launched in mid-September, follows earlier phases that announced the liberation of additional villages. According to the 3rd Corps, the advances have been facilitated by the suppression of Russian drone assets and logistics, as well as the innovative use of ground drones and other technology.