Ukraine’s Innovative Use of APCs in Donetsk

Ukraine’s military has transformed armored personnel carriers (APCs) into improvised explosive devices to break enemy lines in the Donetsk oblast, a key strategic area. Brigadier General Andriy Biletsky, commanding the Third Army Corps, has confirmed this initiative.

Strategic Breakthroughs

The innovative approach utilizes Soviet BTR-60s converted into robotic kamikaze complexes. This tactic has facilitated progress for Kyiv’s forces in the Lyman sector during their counteroffensive. This operation, known as Operation Vivaldi, has leveraged unmanned vehicles and drones to prevent Russian forces from capturing Ukraine’s critical fortified cities in the Donbas region.

The Third Army Corps executed a feint from Shandryholove towards Zelena Dolyna, diverting the Russian focus and enabling a strategic strike on Nove. This successful operation forced Russian forces to waste resources, while the real attack focused on capturing Nove.

Role of BTR-60s

Biletsky highlighted the role of BTR-60 APCs in these operations. First developed in the 1950s for troop transport, these vehicles have been repurposed into vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs). This adaptation has enabled Ukrainian forces to breach robust Russian fortifications and compel entire Russian subunits, including officers, pilots, and artillerymen, to surrender.

Operation Vivaldi’s Success

Throughout the third phase of Operation Vivaldi, Ukrainian forces have regained 19 square miles, contributing to a total of 67 square miles recaptured during the entire operation. Analysts attribute Ukraine’s success to the element of surprise, achieved through stringent operational security and counter-drone measures disrupting Russian situational awareness.

Deputy Commander Major Maksym Zhorin noted that a “protective drone” system of electronic warfare maintained secrecy of Ukrainian advancements.

Controversy on Russian Front

Despite the success, Russian military bloggers have largely ignored Operation Vivaldi’s achievements, maintaining Moscow’s forces have retained positions. They claim Ukraine hasn’t cut off the Russian salient north of Lyman. Ukrainian observer Yuriy Butusov reports that pro-Moscow channels distribute misleading footage to hide Russian losses. However, some Russian voices criticize Moscow’s defense ministry for not recognizing the operation or the accurate frontline positions.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reports Ukrainian forces have control over both Nove and Shandryholove, with Russian forces significantly displaced.