Russia’s approach has relied on sustained pressure, drones disrupting supplies and infantry infiltration rather than deep advances or frontal assaults, ISW said. The institute assessed that the fortified belt’s size, adapting Ukrainian defenses and Russia’s failure to consolidate infiltrations have limited the strategy’s success. Ukrainian reinforcements and defensive improvements could also inhibit Russian attacks beyond the Lyman sector.
Ukraine’s 3rd Army Corps reported on Sept. 28 that Vivaldi’s third phase had recovered another 51 square kilometers, bringing the operation’s total to 176 square kilometers, and captured more than 250 Russian troops. The corps said it diverted Russian reserves toward a feint before striking Nove, a Russian hub, and used Soviet BTR-60 armored personnel carriers converted into remotely controlled explosive vehicles to breach fortifications.