[Discussion] Ukraine Retakes 400 Sq Km, 8 Settlements in Southern Offensive

Ukrainian Forces Reclaim 400 Square Kilometers in Southern Operations

Ukrainian forces have regained control of approximately 400 square kilometers (154 square miles) of territory and retaken eight settlements from Russian occupation since the end of January 2026, according to Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi. The update was provided on Feb. 23 following his visit to Ukraine’s Southern operational zone.

Syrskyi stated that Airborne Forces, along with adjacent units, led the operations in the Oleksandrivka direction. The area lies at the intersection of Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts, a strategically significant junction along the southern front.

Operations in the Oleksandrivka Direction

The reclaimed territory forms part of ongoing Ukrainian efforts to stabilize and push back Russian positions in the south. Syrskyi described the situation as “complicated,” noting that Russian forces continue to apply pressure despite Ukrainian advances.

According to the commander, Russian troops are employing artillery, drones, armored vehicles, and small assault groups attempting infiltration. The continued use of combined arms tactics indicates sustained Russian resistance in the sector, even as Ukrainian units report territorial gains.

Presidential Statement on Southern Advances

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Feb. 22 said Ukrainian forces had liberated 300 square kilometers (116 square miles) during a southern counteroffensive. While he confirmed progress along the southern front line, Zelensky did not specify the exact sector or timeframe of the operation referenced in his remarks.

The figures cited by Zelensky and Syrskyi suggest ongoing offensive activity across multiple segments of the southern theater, though officials have not provided a detailed breakdown of settlement names or operational timelines.

Broader Context of the 2025–2026 Campaign

Russia launched a renewed ground offensive in 2025, concentrating the bulk of its forces in eastern Donetsk Oblast. As part of that campaign, Moscow intensified operations in Zaporizhzhia Oblast and advanced into the southern portion of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.

In September 2025, Zelensky reported that Ukrainian counteroffensive actions had recaptured 160 square kilometers (60 square miles) in Donetsk Oblast and an additional 170 square kilometers (65 square miles) elsewhere along the front. Specific locations for those gains were not disclosed.

Diplomatic Pressures Amid Battlefield Developments

The latest battlefield updates come as Kyiv faces increasing diplomatic pressure from the United States to consider withdrawing troops from certain Ukrainian-controlled territories as part of a potential agreement with Russia aimed at ending the war.

Ukrainian officials have not publicly detailed their response to these proposals. The reported territorial gains in the south underscore Kyiv’s continued military engagement as discussions over a possible settlement remain unresolved.

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