Ukraine Reclaims Ground in Donbas, Thwarting Russian Push

Ukraine’s counteroffensive in northern Donbas, known as Operation Vivaldi, has thwarted Russian efforts to encircle the remaining Ukrainian-held cities, including Sloviansk and Kramatorsk. Western analysts say Russian forces have lost territory during the campaign, while independent battlefield assessments indicate September was Moscow’s worst month for net territorial gains since June 2023. Ukraine’s advances followed months of preparation and efforts to stabilize its defensive lines. Fighting remains intense in southern Donbas, where Russia continues assaults, but Ukrainian forces have so far prevented a major breakthrough.