Vivaldi operation near Lyman: soldier reveals the hardest part of the fighting
Ukrainian forces in the "Vivaldi" operation cleared roughly 85 square kilometers of territory near Lyman; a soldier who took part says the toughest challenge was crossing open ground under fire from well-positioned Russian defenders.
Ukraine's armed forces carried out a military operation codenamed "Vivaldi" that cleared approximately 85 square kilometers of territory near Lyman. A soldier who fought in the operation has shared an account of its course and the challenges faced.
The hardest part
According to the soldier, the most difficult aspect of the operation was crossing open, unprotected terrain. Well-positioned Russian defenders spotted Ukrainian assault groups the moment they moved across open ground and engaged them from a distance. This tactic allowed Russian forces to open fire from a safe range, significantly hindering the advance of Ukrainian troops.
The soldier's account offers insight into the challenges Ukrainian forces face when attempting to reclaim territory along the front line. Crossing exposed terrain under enemy fire is described as one of the most dangerous tasks assault groups encounter during combat.
As a result of the operation, Ukrainian forces achieved territorial gains in the area around Lyman, though the process carries significant risk for soldiers who must move through open areas within range of well-observed and entrenched Russian defensive positions.
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