Inside Ukraine's secret counteroffensive in heavily fortified Donbas

Inside Ukraine's covert counteroffensive in the heavily fortified Donbas region, soldiers faced a variety of treacherous challenges. Oleksandr, a Ukrainian soldier, narrowly survived crossing a mine-strewn field and a river under the watchful eyes of Russian artillery. Despite the risks, he participated in Operation Vivaldi, a top-secret counteroffensive in the Lyman sector of Donetsk Oblast.

The operation aimed to improve defensive positions in the Donbas, which is crucial for holding onto the remaining Ukrainian-held strongholds in the region before winter sets in. As of October 14, the operation had liberated 277 square kilometers of land and 16 villages. However, advancing through the region was no easy feat. Soldiers had to contend with dense minefields, rivers to cross, and the ever-present threat of Russian drones and artillery.

Battalion Commander Sergii Galchenko recounted how the first group of soldiers that attempted to cross the river barely made it, while subsequent groups were forced to retreat due to mine explosions. The enemy seemed oblivious to their movements, which allowed the Ukrainian forces to proceed. To overcome the logistical challenges posed by destroyed wooden bridges and constant surveillance, soldiers created makeshift crossings using wood and logs.

Galchenko emphasized the importance of keeping moving to stay alive, as staying in one place would make them easy targets for Russian drones and artillery. The Lyman counteroffensive, as of October 2026, aimed to liberate 277 square kilometers of land and 16 villages, proving that on today's drone-saturated and stalemate-prone front line, Ukraine's infantry can still advance in significant numbers.