{
  "id": 9167160,
  "title": "Ukraine’s Donetsk counteroffensive wins not by force but by stealth: it gathers troops under Russian nose and seizes two villages before they react",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/22/ukraines-donetsk-counteroffensive-wins-not-by-force-but-by-stealth-it",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-22T17:30:59.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Euromaidan Press",
    "slug": "euromaidan-press",
    "url": "https://euromaidanpress.com/2026/09/22/ukraines-donetsk-counteroffensive-wins-not-by-force-but-by-stealth-it-gathers-troops-under-russian-nose-and-seizes-two-villages-before-they-react/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In a surprise move, Ukrainian forces launched an offensive against two Russian-controlled villages in Donetsk Oblast, and the Russians were caught off guard. Captain Akhmet of the 60th Mechanized Brigade explained that the key to their success was gathering troops covertly near Derylove and Drobysheve. By keeping their movements hidden and coordinating with neighboring units, Ukraine was able to catch the Russians by surprise when Operation Vivaldi began. The initial phase of the operation has cleared 75 square kilometers of Russian forces and liberated 10 square kilometers of territory. Ukrainian reconnaissance played a crucial role in setting up the attack by identifying key points to strike, such as Russian drone launch sites. By timing their assault perfectly, the Ukrainian troops were able to seize control of the villages without facing significant resistance. This tactic was part of a larger strategy to disrupt Russia's plan to encircle Donetsk cities.",
  "summary": "A 60th Brigade captain says a concealed buildup near Derylove and Drobysheve, and precisely timed strikes, let his units move in before Russia responded.",
  "key_points": [
    "Ukrainian forces launched surprise offensive against Russian-controlled villages in Donetsk.",
    "Covert troop movement and coordination enabled surprise attack.",
    "Ukrainian reconnaissance identified key strike points for successful village seizure."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}