Ukrainian counter-offensive operations in the eastern Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions are currently advancing, according to Iltalehti's military expert Emil Kastehelmi during this week's Situation Studio. The Ukrainian military is reportedly making gains from the west to the east, improving their positions slightly, as reported by the AFP news agency based on data from the Institute for the Study of War. This marks the fastest advancement of Ukrainian troops since the major counter-offensive launched in June 2023.

Kastehelmi explains that the success of these advances can be attributed to multiple factors, including the significant concentration of attack troops by Ukraine in these regions which allows for more effective offensive operations. Additionally, the Russian forces in the area are reportedly experiencing a weak military presence, which adds to Ukraine's operational edge. Despite rumors circulating on social media suggesting that Ukraine is heavily damaging entire units of the Russian army, Kastehelmi clarifies that these claims do not reflect the current reality on the ground.

The current Ukrainian counter-offensive appears to be one of the most successful in recent times, and if it continues on this trajectory, it could lead to substantial shifts in territorial control in the ongoing conflict. The situation remains dynamic, and further developments are likely as both sides adapt to the evolving battlefield conditions.