“The Third Army Corps liberated Novе, Ridkodub, and Katerynivka, and also restored control over Karpivka and Novomykhailivka. Enemy losses amounted to 2,000 people, and more than 250 russians were taken prisoner. This marked the completion of the third stage of Operation Vivaldi, which proved to be a turning point for the entire operation. We have reclaimed another 51 km² of Ukrainian land, bringing the total since the start of offensive operations to 176 km²”, - the Third Army Corps reports.
According to the report, the main objective of the third stage of Vivaldi was Nove — a key enemy stronghold on the bridgehead.
“Whoever controls the heights around this settlement holds the initiative on the bridgehead”, - said Biletskyi, commander of the Third Army Corps.
“The enemy was convinced that the main direction of the attack was Shandryholove–Zelena Dolyna. This led it to pointlessly burn through its reserves in counterattacks precisely in that direction. The russians slept through the actual strike, which was focused on capturing Nove”, - Biletskyi said.
To break through the enemy’s defenses, the Third Army Corps used its own invention — Soviet BTR-60 armored personnel carriers converted into kamikaze robotic systems. They were used to blow up the enemy’s strongest fortifications.
“The russians surrendered in entire units, along with officers, pilots, and artillerymen. The soldiers of the Third Assault Brigade played a key role in the third stage of Vivaldi, demonstrating high morale and professionalism”, - the military said.
The 3rd Border Guard Detachment named after Hero of Ukraine Colonel Yevhen Pikus restored full control over Ridkodub and quickly organized defenses along the new lines. The 10th Mobile Border Guard Detachment DOZOR took an active part in the assault operations.