How Zelensky’s new commander is tearing through Russian lines | Battle Plans Exposed

The Sun

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Video Summary

Operation Vivaldi is a "sea change" in Ukrainian military tactics, shifting from Soviet-era "meat wave" assaults to innovative maneuverism empowered by junior commanders and advanced technology. Under the new leadership of General Drapati, the Ukrainian Third Army Corps is integrating UAVs, ground robots, and a flexible command structure that allows commanders to adapt to battlefield conditions.

This new approach contrasts sharply with outdated Russian military doctrine, which struggles to coordinate across formations and relies on rigid, top-down orders. While Russia resorts to attacking civilian targets to demoralize Ukraine, Ukrainian forces are reclaiming territory, inflicting significant casualties, and capturing prisoners. President Zelenskyy's direct engagement with troops on the front lines highlights a leadership style focused on operational needs and ground reality, unlike Putin's isolated command.

Short Highlights

Operation Vivaldi's Tactical Revolution:
- Replaced Soviet "meat wave" attacks with UAVs, ground robots, and innovation.
- Introduced "maneuverism" empowering junior commanders to take initiative.
- Exploits Russian inter-formation boundaries and poor coordination.
Russian Military's Struggles:
- Relies on outdated Soviet-era tactics and rigid command structures.
- Struggles to coordinate across different commands.
- Resorts to attacking civilian targets to break Ukrainian will.
Leadership Contrast:
- Zelenskyy engages directly with troops on the front lines.
- Putin remains isolated, relying on manipulated reports.
Technological Integration:
- UAVs and ground robots provide air and ground support.
- Robots are used for logistics, recovery, and disrupting rear areas.
Human Element Remains Crucial:
- Urban combat and close-quarters battle still rely on infantry skills.
Operation Vivaldi's Successes:
- Reclaimed 176 square kilometers of land.
- Inflicted over 5,000 Russian casualties.
- Captured 250 prisoners.

Key Details

Operation Vivaldi's New Command [0:00]

General Drapati has taken over, replacing the old Soviet-era General Sierski.
Drapati is implementing new tactics, moving away from "meat wave" attacks.
The focus is now on UAVs, ground robots, and innovation.

"And that is being combined with a change of tactics from fairly fixed defensive positions that you would have recognised during the Cold War."

Maneuverism and Junior Commander Initiative [1:05]

General Drapati has introduced "maneuverism" into the Ukrainian Third Army Corps.
Junior commanders are empowered to take initiative by being given objectives and the freedom to execute them.
This contrasts with the old Soviet method of giving orders village by village, halting troops if a specific objective isn't met.

"But what General Drapati has got is he has brought in manoeuvrism into the Ukrainian Third Army Corps, part of the Azov formations that are out there."

Exploiting Russian Weaknesses [3:03]

Ukrainian forces are exploiting boundaries between Russian formations, recognizing poor Russian inter-command communication and coordination.
The Ukrainians likely attacked through the north, securing their left flank due to the Russians' inability to coordinate a threat from that area.
Russia's response has been to attack civilian targets in Kyiv and other cities, attempting to break Ukrainian morale.

"Now, the Russian boundaries are almost certainly between, you know, the Donetsk oblast and the Lushank oblast."

Zelenskyy's Frontline Leadership [6:06]

President Zelenskyy visited the Lyman sector to meet troops from the 66th Separate Mechanised Brigade and the 3rd Army Corps.
He presented medals and discussed operational needs like drones and uncrewed ground systems.
Zelenskyy praised the progress of Operation Vivaldi, which has reclaimed significant territory and inflicted heavy casualties on Russian forces.

"Standing in a frontline command post, Zelenskyy presented medals and held direct discussions with commanders over operational needs, specifically drones, long-range artillery and uncrewed ground systems."