The Third Army Corps liberated Nove, Ridkodub and Katerynivka and restored control over Karpivka and Novomykhailivka during the latest stage of Operation Vivaldi.
“Russian losses amounted to 2,000 personnel, while more than 250 Russian troops were captured. This marked the end of the third season of Vivaldi, which proved decisive for the entire operation. We regained another 51 km² of Ukrainian territory, bringing the total liberated since the start of the offensive operations to 176 km²,” the Corps press service reported on Telegram.
The Corps said that the main objective was the settlement of Nove, a key Russian hub on the bridgehead.
“Whoever controls the heights around this settlement holds the initiative on the bridgehead. The Russians were convinced that the main direction of our attack was Shandryholove–Zelena Dolyna. This forced them to senselessly burn through their reserves in counterattacks in that sector. The Russians missed the real strike, which was focused on capturing Nove,” said Third Army Corps commander Andrii Biletskyi.
To break through Russian defences, the Third Army Corps used its own innovation: Soviet BTR-60 armoured personnel carriers converted into robotic kamikaze vehicles. They were used to destroy the strongest Russian fortifications.
“Russian troops surrendered in entire units, together with officers, pilots and artillerymen,” the statement said.
According to the Corps, soldiers of the Third Assault Brigade played a key role in the third stage of Operation Vivaldi, demonstrating high morale and professionalism.
The 3rd Border Guard Detachment, named after Hero of Ukraine Colonel Yevhenii Pikus, restored full control over Ridkodub and quickly established defensive positions along the new lines. The 10th Mobile Border Guard Detachment DOZOR also took an active part in the assault operations.
