420 km² liberated as the true size of Ukrainian advances becomes clear

In the Liman sector, the Ukrainian counteroffensive codenamed Operation Vivaldi demonstrated the acute operational vulnerability of deep, unanchored light-infantry infiltrations lacking hardened crossing points across the Zherebets River. This operational fragility was severely magnified by Russian command discrepancies, where false frontline reports of captured settlements drove forward elements into an unsustainable 27-kilometer overextension. Leveraging Liman as a fortified operational pivot, Ukrainian forces utilized persistent FPV and bomber drone strikes to systematically sever tenuous pontoon bridges and light supply corridors. Tactical counter-envelopments were reinforced by the combat integration of unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs) for internal bunker demolitions, heavy fire support, and forward logistical sustainment. By fragmenting the extended salient into isolated attrition pockets and securing pivotal hubs like Nove, the operation dismantled the northern offensive axis and reclaimed approximately 420 square kilometers. As Ukrainian forces reposition along the Zherebets River to initiate subsequent offensive phases, this dynamic underscores that light-infantry infiltration cannot achieve strategic depth against combined drone interdiction and decisive flank exploitation.

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