Ukraine reclaims territory in Donbas, halting Russian encirclement push
Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi counteroffensive has reclaimed land and blocked Russian attempts to surround key cities.
Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi counteroffensive has clawed back territory in the northern Donbas. It blocked Russian efforts to surround the remaining Ukrainian-controlled cities there.
Russia has lost dozens of square miles during the campaign, according to Western analysts. In the southern Donbas, Ukraine reorganised its defence.
It prevented Russian forces from breaking through and surrounding major cities. Russian territorial gains across Ukraine have slowed markedly in 2026.
September marked Russia's worst month for net territorial gains since June 2023. Only slight net movement happened overall.
The strategy involved destroying Russian supply lines and eliminating elite drone pilots. It included clearing paths with robotic mine removal.
It included deploying armoured vehicles with reactive armour to repel drones. Ukraine says more than 5,000 Russian troops were killed in the operation.
- Dozens of square miles in northern Donbas
- Territory reclaimed
- September 2026 since June 2023
- Worst month for Russia
- More than 5,000 troops killed in operation
- Russian casualties claimed
- Donbas, eastern Ukraine
- Region
Why it mattersUkraine's ability to reclaim land contradicts Russian claims of inevitable victory. It shows that mechanised warfare remains possible even under heavy drone surveillance.
AustraliaAustralia has backed Ukraine's defence; any shift in the war's momentum affects global security and the international order Australia supports.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 3 h ago
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