Ukrainian troops have made significant advances in the Donetsk region by effectively using deception and silence about their movements. A Ukrainian commander has confirmed this success in their counteroffensive. Reports had started emerging about Ukraine’s progress against Russian forces north of Lyman in the Donetsk Oblast. However, Kyiv only recently confirmed these achievements.
With Operation Vivaldi, Ukraine has successfully prevented Russia from surrounding the ‘Fortress Belt.’ This region is a line of heavily fortified cities serving as a key element of Ukraine’s defense in eastern Donbas. Major Maksym Zhorin, deputy commander of Ukraine’s 3rd Army Corps, emphasized the importance of keeping silent about military operations. This strategy helped counter Russian attempts to capture the area.
“Operational security and silence offer strategic advantages, especially in a war dominated by intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance,” explained military analyst Giorgi Revishvili.
Brigadier General Andrii Biletskyi, in charge of Ukraine’s 3rd Army Corps, revealed that Russia had planned for their northern and southern attacks to converge in Barvinkove, Kharkiv Oblast. However, this plan was thwarted by Ukrainian forces. Their success largely hinges on maintaining strategic surprise and disrupting Russian intelligence, said Zhorin.
Operation Vivaldi’s Tactics
Part of Ukraine’s strategy involved the use of a ‘protective drone’ system, which utilized electronic warfare to neutralize approximately 20,000 Russian drones. This system significantly hindered Russian forces’ ability to assess Ukrainian positions accurately. Similar tactics were employed during the Oleksandrivka counteroffensive in the spring.
Maintaining silence about troop movements and limiting public discussions were critical in ensuring ongoing Russian confusion. According to Revishvili, such steps create a flawed understanding of battlefield conditions for Russian forces.
There is also a contrasting culture within Russian forces, where misinformation is used to gain favor with superiors, Revishvili added.
Ukraine’s Drone Superiority
On Thursday, the Ukrainian 3rd Army Corps reported that their intermediate-range strikes in Luhansk disrupted Russian fuel supplies. This also limited Russia’s ability to deploy drones effectively, giving Ukraine a significant advantage. Ukraine’s precision in planning has disrupted Russian operations, particularly in suppressing firing positions and drone systems, according to Revishvili.
The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War noted that both Ukrainian and Russian forces are experimenting with adding mechanized maneuvers to break away from stalemate tactics. However, Ukrainian efforts appear more successful. Revishvili observed, “This operation highlights the ongoing viability of maneuver warfare with careful planning and execution, even in environments with high drone activity.”
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