Ukrainian forces launched Operation “Vivaldi” in Donetsk and claim to have retaken 85 square kilometers

Ukrainian forces launched the offensive operation “Vivaldi” on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, in the north of the Donetsk region, where they claim to have liberated 85 square kilometers of territory. The announcement was made by Brigadier General Andrii Biletskyi, commander of the Ukrainian troops in the area.

According to him, the 3rd Corps of the Ukrainian army recaptured 75 square kilometers, driving out Russian infiltration groups, and took control of another 10 square kilometers. Ukrainian troops reportedly liberated three villages and part of a fourth settlement, while the village of Serednie is said to be entirely under Kyiv’s control. The operation is taking place north of the “fortress belt” formed by Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, strategic cities for the region’s defense.

Biletskyi says that the offensive has affected Russian military logistics.

Donetsk remains Moscow’s main territorial objective. Although Russia’s advance has slowed this year, its troops continue to apply pressure in the south and around the city of Kostiantynivka. Kyiv claims to have previously recaptured more than 700 square kilometers in the southeast.