Ukraine's Operation Vivaldi Retakes 277 sq km in Donbas as Starlink Curbs Raise Concern

Ukrainian forces have concluded Operation Vivaldi, a counter-offensive near Lyman in the eastern Donbas region that, according to Kyiv, has liberated 277 sq km (106 square miles). The operation stopped a Russian pincer movement that threatened to encircle the cities of the Fortress Belt still under Ukrainian control. Its name reflects four stages, or seasons, like the Italian composer's violin concerto.

Losses and Russia's response

Ukraine claims 8,000 Russian casualties in Vivaldi alone and close to 50,000 along the front in September, with few losses of its own. No Russian official has publicly acknowledged the gains; the defence ministry speaks only of "repelling attacks" near Lyman or "improving the tactical position". The Institute for the Study of War, a US research group, reported that pro-Russian military bloggers had acknowledged the advances.

Meanwhile, Russia has spent this month striking Ukraine from the air, damaging its energy infrastructure and killing scores of civilians.

Drones and communications

In a command bunker visited by the BBC, commanders watching a live stream saw a Russian reconnaissance drone appear and had a Ukrainian drone bring it down with a net. Phoenix, commandant of the Silver Trinity unit of the Revenge Brigade, says his men face about 10 Russian drones on an average day. Robots and drones led the assault and, for the first time, remote-controlled explosive vehicles were dropped behind Russian lines; 250 Russian soldiers surrendered. Commanders say the year-long campaign has freed 16 settlements.

The network relies on Starshield, the military version of Elon Musk's Starlink. This week Ukraine said restrictions had been placed on it without warning. Musk and media reports suggest the order may have come from the White House. Ukraine is not wholly dependent on the system, but it is important for interceptor and mid-range strike drones.

People and relations with Washington

In Karpivka, occupied since April, troops found one remaining resident, 61-year-old Volodymyr Zamota, who says he survived eight months in total isolation. It is still too risky for residents to return.

Kyiv–Washington relations are at an all-time low: President Volodymyr Zelensky said he felt "betrayed" by Donald Trump, who said he was "not a fan" of Zelensky.