Zelensky: Ukrainian forces retake 176 km² in Donetsk 'Vivaldi' operation
Zelensky travelled to the front, awarded soldiers and said the operation stabilised the sector near Sloviansk and Kramatorsk.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited the front line and said Kyiv’s forces have retaken ground in Donetsk as part of a recent offensive.
“Ukrainian forces have regained control over a total of 176 square kilometres of territory as part of the 'Vivaldi' operation on the Lyman axis in Donetsk region,” Zelensky said, describing the gains as a reversal of recent Russian positions.
Zelensky, who went to the field to meet soldiers, presented decorations to Ukrainian service members for their role in the operation.
He said the operation prevented an attempt by Russian forces to break through to the rear of Ukrainian defensive lines near Sloviansk and Kramatorsk, and that the situation along that sector of the front has been stabilised.
Strategic note
Sloviansk and Kramatorsk are part of a key Ukrainian defensive zone in the Donbas; Zelensky reiterated that the counter‑offensive on the Lyman direction has contributed to holding that line. The Russian invasion began on 24 February 2022.
Photo: press material from the event
